Motor Network Reorganization Induced in Chronic Stroke Patients with the Use of a Contralesionally-Controlled Brain Computer Interface

Upper extremity weakness in chronic stroke remains a problem not fully addressed by current therapies. Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) engaging the unaffected hemisphere are promising therapy that entering clinical application, but mechanism underlying recovery is well understood. We used resting state functional MRI to assess impact contralesionally driven EEG BCI had on motor system organization. Patients therapeutic for 12 weeks at home. acquired resting-state fMRI scans and function data before after period. Changes connectivity (FC) strength between network regions of interest (ROIs) topographic extent FC specific ROIs were analyzed. Most patients achieved clinically significant improvement. Motor decreased following therapy. correlated with reductions across entire network. These findings suggest BCI-mediated interventions may reverse pathologic strengthening dysfunctional interactions.