The feasibility of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure rehabilitation-induced changes in upper limb movement related to motor learning interventions in chronic stroke

Mohammadi, Valiollah (2025) The feasibility of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure rehabilitation-induced changes in upper limb movement related to motor learning interventions in chronic stroke. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Background: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers a non-invasive approach to monitoring rehabilitation-induced brain activity changes following motor learning interventions in stroke patients. This study aimed to explore the extent of brain activity and motor performance changes resulting from such interventions. Methods: Seven participants with chronic stroke (63.6 ± 7.5 years old; six males, one female) underwent a ten-day intervention consisting of aerobic exercise priming combined with task-specific motor practice using the Kinesiological Instrument for Normal and Altered Reaching Movements (KINARM) End-Point robotic system. Motor performance was evaluated using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and brain activity was measured with fNIRS, focusing on key Regions of Interest (ROIs) such as the motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and prefrontal cortex. Results: Clinical tests such as the WMFT showed moderate improvements in upper limb recovery, but these changes were not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Similarly, overall fNIRS analysis revealed that changes in brain activity before and after the intervention were not statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, significant changes were observed in certain ROIs regarding Oxyhemoglobin (HbO) concentrations and time-to-peak values in specific cases. Conclusion: Although motor performance improvements were modest and not statistically significant, fNIRS detected significant changes in brain activity in certain brain areas before and after the intervention. These findings highlight the potential of fNIRS as a biomarker for rehabilitation-induced neuroplasticity and offer insights for enhancing stroke recovery interventions.

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