Correlation between the ERD in grasp/open tasks of BCIs and hand function of stroke patients: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background and aims Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are emerging as a promising tool for upper limb recovery after stroke, and motor tasks are an essential part of BCIs for patient training and control of rehabilitative/assistive BCIs. However, the correlation between brain activation with different levels of motor impairment and motor tasks in BCIs is still not so clear. Thus, we aim to compare the brain activation of different levels of motor impairment in performing the hand grasping and opening tasks in BCIs. Methods We instructed stroke patients to perform motor attempts (MA) to grasp and open the affected hand for 30 trials, respectively. During this period, they underwent EEG acquisition and BCIs accuracy recordings. They also received detailed history records and behavioral scale assessments (the Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper limb, FMA-UE). Results The FMA-UE was negatively correlated with the event-related desynchronization (ERD) of the affected hemisphere during open MA (R = − 0.423, P = 0.009) but not with grasp MA (R = − 0.058, P = 0.733). Then we divided the stroke patients into group 1 (Brunnstrom recovery stages between I to II, n = 19) and group 2 (Brunnstrom recovery stages between III to VI, n = 23). No difference during the grasping task (t = 0.091, P = 0.928), but a significant difference during the open task (t = 2.156, P = 0.037) was found between the two groups on the affected hemisphere. No significant difference was found in the unaffected hemisphere. Conclusions The study indicated that brain activation is positively correlated with the hand function of stroke in open-hand tasks. In the grasping task, the patients in the different groups have a similar brain response, while in the open task, mildly injured patients have more brain activation in open the hand than the poor hand function patients.

Brain–Computer Interfaces for Upper Limb Motor Recovery after Stroke: Current Status and Development Prospects (Review)

“…Despite the extensive evidence base and the availability of ready-made BCI technologies, there are currently some limitations to their widespread use in post-stroke rehabilitation, and further research and development is underway [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37].…”

Correction: Correlation between the ERD in grasp/open tasks of BCIs and hand function of stroke patients: a cross‑sectional study

“…Following publication of the original article [ 1 ], in Table 1 of this article, the data in the headed “ P values” were inserted wrongly. So, the correct table will be shown as below:…”