Differential Relationship between Microstructural Integrity in White Matter Tracts and Motor Recovery following Stroke Based on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Genotype.

Objective: The relationship between white matter integrity and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor () genotype and its effects on motor recovery after stroke are poorly understood. We investigated the values of fractional anisotropy (FA) in the corticospinal tract (CST), the intrahemispheric connection from the primary motor cortex to the ventral premotor cortex (M1PMv), and the interhemispheric connection via the corpus callosum (CC) in patients with the genotype from the acute to the subacute phase after stroke.

Methods: The Fugl-Meyer assessment, upper extremity (FMA-UE), and tract-related FA were assessed at 2 weeks (T1) and 3 months (T2) after stroke using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Neurotechnologies as tools for cognitive rehabilitation in stroke patients.

Introduction: Cognitive impairments are one of the most common remaining symptoms after a stroke. The use of neurotechnologies to enhance cognitive performance is a rapidly emerging field with encouraging results.

Areas Covered: Here, the authors empirically review the respective literature and critically discuss the technologies that are currently most often used for cognitive enhancement in stroke patients, which are computerized cognitive training, virtual reality, noninvasive brain stimulation and brain-computer interfaces.

Cerebellar transcranial alternating current stimulation in the gamma range applied during the acquisition of a novel motor skill.

The development of novel strategies to augment motor training success is of great interest for healthy persons and neurological patients. A promising approach is the combination of training with transcranial electric stimulation. However, limited reproducibility and varying effect sizes make further protocol optimization necessary.

The role of the inferior parietal lobule in writer's cramp.

Humans have a distinguishing ability for fine motor control that is subserved by a highly evolved cortico-motor neuronal network. The acquisition of a particular motor skill involves a long series of practice movements, trial and error, adjustment and refinement. At the cortical level, this acquisition begins in the parieto-temporal sensory regions and is subsequently consolidated and stratified in the premotor-motor cortex.

Probing regional cortical excitability via input-output properties using transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography coupling.

The modular organization of the cortex refers to subsets of highly interconnected nodes, sharing specific cytoarchitectural and dynamical properties. These properties condition the level of excitability of local pools of neurons. In this study, we described TMS evoked potentials (TEP) input-output properties to provide new insights into regional cortical excitability.

Gamified Motor Training With Tangible Robots in Older Adults: A Feasibility Study and Comparison With the Young.

An increasing lifespan and the resulting change in our expectations of later life stages are dependent on a good health state. This emphasizes the importance of the development of strategies to further strengthen healthy aging. One important aspect of good health in later life stages is sustained skilled motor function.

Advanced Neurotechnologies for the Restoration of Motor Function.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability. Advanced technological solutions ("neurotechnologies") exploiting robotic systems and electrodes that stimulate the nervous system can increase the efficacy of stroke rehabilitation. Recent studies on these approaches have shown promising results.

Evidence-based guidelines on the therapeutic use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): An update (2014-2018).

A group of European experts reappraised the guidelines on the therapeutic efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) previously published in 2014 [Lefaucheur et al., Clin Neurophysiol 2014;125:2150-206]. These updated recommendations take into account all rTMS publications, including data prior to 2014, as well as currently reviewed literature until the end of 2018.

Wearable technology in stroke rehabilitation: towards improved diagnosis and treatment of upper-limb motor impairment.

Stroke is one of the main causes of long-term disability worldwide, placing a large burden on individuals and society. Rehabilitation after stroke consists of an iterative process involving assessments and specialized training, aspects often constrained by limited resources of healthcare centers. Wearable technology has the potential to objectively assess and monitor patients inside and outside clinical environments, enabling a more detailed evaluation of the impairment and allowing the individualization of rehabilitation therapies.

Neurotechnology-aided interventions for upper limb motor rehabilitation in severe chronic stroke.

Upper limb motor deficits in severe stroke survivors often remain unresolved over extended time periods. Novel neurotechnologies have the potential to significantly support upper limb motor restoration in severely impaired stroke individuals. Here, we review recent controlled clinical studies and reviews focusing on the mechanisms of action and effectiveness of single and combined technology-aided interventions for upper limb motor rehabilitation after stroke, including robotics, muscular electrical stimulation, brain stimulation and brain computer/machine interfaces.

Consensus Paper: Experimental Neurostimulation of the Cerebellum.

The cerebellum is best known for its role in controlling motor behaviors. However, recent work supports the view that it also influences non-motor behaviors. The contribution of the cerebellum towards different brain functions is underscored by its involvement in a diverse and increasing number of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions including ataxia, dystonia, essential tremor, Parkinson's disease (PD), epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia.

Brain networks and their relevance for stroke rehabilitation.

Stroke has long been regarded as focal disease with circumscribed damage leading to neurological deficits. However, advances in methods for assessing the human brain and in statistics have enabled new tools for the examination of the consequences of stroke on brain structure and function. Thereby, it has become evident that stroke has impact on the entire brain and its network properties and can therefore be considered as a network disease.

Non-invasive brain stimulation to enhance cognitive rehabilitation after stroke.

Stroke is a main cause for long-term disability. Stroke symptoms cover various domains, e.g.

Restoring Motor Functions After Stroke: Multiple Approaches and Opportunities.

More than 1.5 million people suffer a stroke in Europe per year and more than 70% of stroke survivors experience limited functional recovery of their upper limb, resulting in diminished quality of life. Therefore, interventions to address upper-limb impairment are a priority for stroke survivors and clinicians.

Non-invasive Cerebellar Stimulation: a Promising Approach for Stroke Recovery?

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) combined with behavioral training is a promising strategy to augment recovery after stroke. Current research efforts have been mainly focusing on primary motor cortex (M1) stimulation. However, the translation from proof-of-principle to clinical applications is not yet satisfactory.

Toward precision medicine: tailoring interventional strategies based on noninvasive brain stimulation for motor recovery after stroke.

Purpose Of Review: To support the recovery of disability and the reduced functional capacity influencing the independence of daily life after focal brain lesions like stroke, the application of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial electric stimulation has been found useful in the last decades. Still, a positive influence on the recovery seems to be restricted to specific subgroups of patients. Therefore, a closer look on individual parameters influencing the recovery course and the effect of NIBS is needed.