Rapid Effects of BCI-Based Attention Training on Functional Brain Connectivity in Poststroke Patients: A Pilot Resting-State fMRI Study

Abstract

The prevalence of stroke-induced cognitive impairment is high. Effective approaches to the treatment of these cognitive impairments after stroke remain a serious and perhaps underestimated challenge. A BCI-based task-focused training that results in repetitive recruitment of the normal motor or cognitive circuits may strengthen stroke-affected neuronal connectivity, leading to functional improvements. In the present controlled study, we attempted to evaluate the modulation of neuronal circuits under the influence of 10 days of training in a P3-based BCI speller in subacute ischemic stroke patients.

Keywords

• BCI
• neurorehabilitation
• cognitive training
• stroke
• attention
• functional connectivity