Effects of motor imagery-based brain-computer interface-controlled electrical stimulation on lower limb function in hemiplegic patients in the acute phase of stroke: a randomized controlled study.

Background: Lower limb motor dysfunction is one of the most serious consequences of stroke; however, there is insufficient evidence for optimal rehabilitation strategies. Improving lower limb motor function through effective rehabilitation strategies is a top priority for stroke patients. Neuroplasticity is a key factor in the recovery of motor function. The extent to which neuroplasticity-based rehabilitation therapy using brain-computer interface (BCI) is effective in treating lower limb motor dysfunction in acute ischemic stroke patients has not been extensively investigated. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of BCI rehabilitation on lower limb motor dysfunction in individuals with acute ischemic stroke by evaluating motor function, walking ability, and daily living activities. Methods: This study was conducted in a randomized controlled trial, involving 64 patients with acute ischemic stroke who experienced lower limb motor dysfunction. All patients were divided into two groups, with 32 patients assigned to the control group was given conventional rehabilitation once a day for 70 min, 5 times a week for 2 weeks, and the experimental group ( Results: After 20 sessions of treatment, both groups improved in motor function, walking function, and activities of daily living, and the improvements in FMA-LE scores ( Conclusion: Conventional rehabilitation therapy combined with BCI rehabilitation therapy can improve the lower limb motor function of hemiplegic patients with stroke, enhance the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living, and promote the improvement of walking function, this is an effective rehabilitation policy to promote recovery from lower extremity motor function disorders.