New approaches to recovery after stroke

Abstract

After a stroke, several mechanisms of neural plasticity can be activated, which may lead to significant recovery. Rehabilitation therapies aim to restore surviving tissue over time and reorganize neural connections. With more patients surviving stroke with varying degrees of neurological impairment, new technologies have emerged as a promising option for better functional outcomes. This review explores restorative therapies based on brain-computer interfaces, robot-assisted and virtual reality, brain stimulation, and cell therapies. Brain-computer interfaces allow for the translation of brain signals into motor patterns. Robot-assisted and virtual reality therapies provide interactive interfaces that simulate real-life situations and physical support to compensate for lost motor function. Brain stimulation can modify the electrical activity of neurons in the affected cortex. Cell therapy may promote regeneration in damaged brain tissue. Taken together, these new approaches could substantially benefit specific deficits such as arm-motor control and cognitive impairment after stroke, and even the chronic phase of recovery, where traditional rehabilitation methods may be limited, and the window for repair is narrow.

Application of emerging technologies in ischemic stroke: from clinical study to basic research

“…Brain-computer interface (BCI) represents a direct communication channel between the brain and external devices, which can convert brain signals into computational commands to control external devices. It can be used to restore motor function in limbs after stroke and thus has promising clinical significance for patients ( 96 ). BCI-based systems have been broadly classified as invasive and non-invasive systems based on the methods used to measure brain activity.…”

Guest Editorial Special Section on Functional Recovery and Brain Plasticity

“…Together, these properties lead to changes in the structure and connectivity of networks in the brain over time, resulting in relearning and thus functional recovery [24] . Brain plasticity can be modulated by rehabilitative intervention after an acute event or during the phases of the disease [29] .…”

Robot- and Technology-Boosting Neuroplasticity-Dependent Motor-Cognitive Functional Recovery: Looking towards the Future of Neurorehabilitation

“…Conventional rehabilitation usually allows a small proportion of patients suffering from neurological disabilities to completely recover independent walking or functional grasping, and other activities of daily living [1]. For these reasons, an increasing number of research studies and randomized clinical trials are pursuing the use of new robots and technologies to improve the efficacy of rehabilitation [2][3][4][5][6]. They have become more usable and widespread every year, thanks to new principles of neuroscience translated into clinical practice through technological innovations.…”