Brain Activation During Different Modes of Motor Acquisition in Individuals with Stroke: A Functional Near-Infrared Study

Yan Ci Liu, Ruo Yi Li
Purpose:

This study investigated the brain activation during different motor acquisition modes, including ME, MI, AO, MVF and DME.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study recruited 31 people with stroke from 07/2023 to 11/2023. Participants performed functional forward reaching with their affected upper extremity across five motor modes. Brain activation was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) targeting bilateral primary motor cortex (M1), supplementary motor area (SMA) and premotor cortex (PMC). Lateralization index (LI) of M1 was also calculated to assess brain activation lateralization.

Results:

Results revealed that the five motor tasks exerted distinct brain activation patterns. Both ME and DME exhibited similar activation pattern which showed significant activation in bilateral M1, SMA and PMC. MI evoked significant activation in contralateral M1. AO showed generally less activation which only found significant activation in contralateral SMA. During MVF, extensive activation in bilateral M1 and SMA was found.

The lateralization index of the five tasks in the M1 area were positive, indicating contralateral hemispheric dominance. The LI results showed a trend that ME and DME had similar pattern, MI induced more unilateral activation, while MVF tends to present bilateral brain activation.

Conclusion(s):

MI, AO and MVF facilitate motor brain area in distinct patterns. The motor imagery task showed stronger recruitment in motor areas, while the observation strategy simulated less brain activation but remains a viable option for early intervention to reinforce correct action patterns. Mirror visual feedback is recommended to induce higher, more widespread bilateral brain activation. Both ME and DME task elicited similar bilaterally brain activation in stroke subjects.

Implications:

MI, AO and MVF have unique characteristic in training, and all are srecommended for post-stroke rehabilitation. Their application should be tailored to the individual’s capacity, stage of recovery, and specific training goals.

Funding acknowledgements:
The study was supported by National Science and Technology Council. (approval number 202304108RINC)
Keywords:
Stroke rehabilitation
fNIRS
Brain activation
Primary topic:
Neurology: stroke
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
This study involves human participants and received ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of National Taiwan University Hospital.
Provide the ethics approval number:
Ethics approval number 202304108RINC
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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