EXPLORING POST-STROKE MUSCLE SPASTICITY AND MOTOR CORTEX REMODELING

Abstract

Post-stroke muscle spasticity and motor dysfunction remain significant barriers to functional recovery and quality of life among stroke survivors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a technology-integrated neurorehabilitation program on muscle spasticity, motor performance, and cortical remodeling over a 12-week intervention period. A total of 60 post-stroke patients with upper limb spasticity were enrolled in a longitudinal, mixed-methods study combining robotic-assisted therapy, virtual reality training, and task-specific exercises. Studies involved the MAS, FMA-UE and WMFT for measuring nerve activity and TMS and fMRI for evaluating brain electrical activity.  An exploration of what patients felt and did during rehabilitation was carried out through qualitative interviews. There was a statistically important rise in FMA-UE (30-55 points), better times on the WMFT (60 seconds turned into 30) and considerable decrease in MAS scores (dropped from 3.0 to 1.8).  Besides, by assessing these neurophysiological indicators, we noted that M1 was becoming more active (z-scores rose from 1.0 to 2.0) and that the stimulus intensity required for motor function dropped (from 65% to 52%), showing that the brain was becoming more active and flexible.  There was a strong negative connection between a decrease in spasticity and improved muscle function (r = -0.76).  Patients used interactive rehabilitation technology well, developed increased motivation and reported high satisfaction. Overall, the study was successful in proving that recent neurotechnologies play a key role in helping stroke patients rewire their cortex and improve their actions.  This shows that regimens focused on neuroplasticity support the independence of stroke patients.