Effects of motor imagery-based brain-computer interface-controlled electrical stimulation on lower limb function in hemiplegic patients in the acute phase of stroke: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundLower limb motor dysfunction is one of the most serious consequences of stroke; however, there is insufficient evidence for optimal rehabilitation strategies. Improving lower limb motor function through effective rehabilitation strategies is a top priority for stroke patients. Neuroplasticity is a key factor in the recovery of motor function. The extent to which neuroplasticity-based rehabilitation therapy using brain-computer interface (BCI) is effective in treating lower limb motor dysfunction in acute ischemic stroke patients has not been extensively investigated.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the impact of BCI rehabilitation on lower limb motor dysfunction in individuals with acute ischemic stroke by evaluating motor function, walking ability, and daily living activities.MethodsThis study was conducted in a randomized controlled trial, involving 64 patients with acute ischemic stroke who experienced lower limb motor dysfunction. All patients were divided into two groups, with 32 patients assigned to the control group was given conventional rehabilitation once a day for 70 min, 5 times a week for 2 weeks, and the experimental group (n = 32) was given BCI rehabilitation on top of the conventional rehabilitation for 1 h a day, 30 min of therapy in the morning and an additional 30 min in the afternoon, for a total of 20 sessions over a two-week period. The primary outcome was lower extremity motor function, which was assessed using the lower extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Rating Scale (FMA-LE), and the secondary endpoints were the Functional Ambulation Scale (FAC), and the Modified Barthel index (MBI).ResultsAfter 20 sessions of treatment, both groups improved in motor function, walking function, and activities of daily living, and the improvements in FMA-LE scores (p