9. Brain network modulation following motor imagery BCI-assisted training after stroke. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pichiorri, F.; Petti, M.; Morone, G.; Molinari, M.; Astolfi, L.; Cincotti, F.; Inghilleri, M.; Mattia, D.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 126:Issue 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: e3
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2014.10.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="ab005"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <p id="sp005">To evaluate the influence of Motor Imagery (MI) training assisted via Brain Computer Interface (BCI) on brain network organization in subacute stroke patients. We analyzed EEG-derived brain networks estimated before and after two training strategies (with and without BCI support); correlations between connectivity indices and clinical improvement were performed. Twenty-eight subacute stroke patients were enrolled and assigned to two groups: 14 patients underwent a one-month motor imagery (MI) training supported by a sensorimotor–based BCI (BCI group) while 14 underwent a similar MI training without BCI support (CTRL group). Before and after training we recorded EEG from 61 positions during 5 min of rest. Effective connectivity was computed by means of Partial Directed Coherence. Paired sample <italic>t</italic>-tests and Pearson's Correlation were employed to analyze data (significance was defined by <italic>p</italic> < .05). Reinforcement of Interhemispheric Connections were observed in both groups (<italic>p</italic> < .05), with a different between-group behavior with respect to EEG frequency bands (beta/gamma and theta/alpha frequency bands for the BCI and CTRL group, respectively). Increased ipsilesional connectivity correlated with clinical improvement as measured by the Fugl-Mayer scale in the BCI group only (<italic>R</italic> = 0.568, <italic>p</italic> = 0.034). Overall findings indicate that MI training supported via BCI induces a reinforcement of interhemispheric connections related to sensorimotor rhythms; brain connectivity is a promising neurophysiological marker for BCI training efficacy in stroke rehabilitation. This work was partially supported by the European ICT Programme Project FP7-224631 and by the project "Brain Computer Interface-Driven Rehabilitation After Stroke: An Add-On Intervention For Hand Motor Recovery" (RF-2010-2319611) founded by the Italian Ministry of Healthcare.</p> </sec> </abstract>