Brain-computer interface training for motor recovery after stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Motor dysfunction is a highly prevalent and disabling consequence of stroke. Brain-computer interface (BCI) training has emerged as a promising neurorehabilitative strategy that utilises closed-loop feedback to promote targeted neural plasticity and motor recovery. However, current clinical evidence remains fragmented.

To assess the effects of brain-computer interface training for motor recovery in people after stroke.

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group's Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, 11 other databases, trial registries, reference lists, and Google Scholar up to 27 October 2025, without language or time restrictions.

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults with stroke and motor dysfunction. We compared BCI training versus conventional rehabilitation, sham-BCI, or other active non-BCI interventions.

Critical outcomes were motor function (upper and lower extremity), activities of daily living (ADL), and adverse events. Important outcomes included measures of balance, muscle strength, spasticity, and neurological function.

Four review authors independently assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB 1) tool.

We pooled data using random-effects models, calculating risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs). We calculated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman (HKSJ) method. We calculated 95% prediction intervals when at least five studies were available. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic and evidence certainty was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

We included 43 RCTs involving a total of 1628 participants. The trials were conducted in 11 countries across hospital, rehabilitation unit, or outpatient-clinic settings. The trials primarily recruited participants with both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, mostly in the subacute and chronic phases. The interventions predominantly utilised EEG-based motor imagery - BCI combined with robotic systems, functional electrical stimulation, or neurofeedback.

Most studies were at low risk of bias for incomplete outcome data and blinding of assessors, but at high or unclear risk for participant blinding and allocation concealment. Overall, the certainty of evidence was low to very low, downgraded primarily for these risk of bias concerns, severe imprecision (due to small sample sizes), and potential publication bias. BCI training versus conventional therapy BCI training may slightly improve upper extremity motor function (MD 4.67, 95% CI 2.25 to 7.09; 10 studies, 611 participants; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether BCI training improves ADL due to very low-certainty evidence. It may result in little to no difference in lower extremity motor function (MD 2.62, 95% CI 2.17 to 3.07; 1 study, 64 participants; low-certainty evidence) and the risk of adverse events (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.69; 7 studies, 624 participants; low-certainty evidence). BCI training may result in little to no difference in upper extremity spasticity compared to conventional therapy (MD -0.04, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.16; 1 study, 296 participants; low-certainty evidence). No studies reported information on balance, muscle strength, and neurological function for this comparison. BCI training versus active controls It is uncertain whether BCI training improves upper extremity motor function (SMD 0.58, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.92; 14 studies, 331 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and ADL (MD 8.52, 95% CI 1.76 to 15.29; 5 studies, 163 participants; very low-certainty evidence). It may result in little to no difference in lower extremity motor function (MD 2.46, 95% CI 0.71 to 4.21; 4 studies, 130 participants; low-certainty evidence). Furthermore, it is uncertain whether it affects adverse events (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.23 to 2.32; 9 studies, 234 participants; very low-certainty evidence). BCI training may improve balance (MD 3.25, 95% CI 1.07 to 5.43; 6 studies, 165 participants; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether it improves neurological function or muscle strength due to very low-certainty evidence. It may result in little to no difference in spasticity (low-certainty evidence). BCI training versus sham-BCI training The evidence is uncertain about the effect of BCI training on upper extremity motor function (SMD 0.22, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.52; 9 studies, 279 participants; low-certainty evidence), lower extremity motor function (MD 0.55, 95% CI -5.88 to 6.97; 3 studies, 106 participants; low-certainty evidence), and ADL (MD 6.64, 95% CI -9.95 to 23.23; 1 study, 28 participants; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether BCI training increases the risk of adverse events compared to sham-BCI training (RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.32 to 5.72; 7 studies, 205 participants; very low-certainty evidence). BCI training may result in little to no difference in balance (MD 1.28, 95% CI -0.16 to 2.72; 1 study, 28 participants; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether it improves muscle strength on the wrist extensor (MD 0.70, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.08; 2 studies, 51 participants), spasticity (SMD 0.30, 95% CI -1.00 to 1.61; 3 studies, 82 participants), and neurological function (MD 2.60, 95% CI -3.35 to 8.55; 1 study, 27 participants), all based on very low-certainty evidence.

Compared with conventional therapy, BCI training may slightly improve upper extremity motor function, with little to no difference in lower extremity function. ADL effects are very uncertain. Compared with active controls, it may improve balance, with little to no difference in lower extremity function. Effects on upper extremity function and ADL are very uncertain. Compared with sham-BCI, BCI training may result in little to no difference in motor function or ADL. Regarding adverse events, it may result in little to no difference versus conventional therapy, but remains uncertain across other comparisons. The certainty of the evidence ranged from low to very low across all comparisons. These findings were primarily limited by high risk of bias, small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and possible publication bias. Future larger, adequately powered, and methodologically rigorous RCTs, particularly those utilising sham-BCI controls and standardised outcome measures, are needed to determine the specific therapeutic benefits of BCI training and to adequately assess potential harms.

This Cochrane Review had no dedicated funding.

Protocol (2022) DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015065.