[Changes in the Functional Connectivity of Motor Zones in the Use of Multimodal Exoskeleton Complex "Regent" in the Neurorehabilitation of Post-Stroke Patients]

Fiziol Cheloveka. 2016 Jan-Feb;42(1):64-72.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

The article discusses the effect of a course of treatment with the use of multimodal complex exoskeleton (MCE) "Regent" on the reorganization of cortical locomotor zones in 14 patients with post-stroke hemiparesis, mainly atthe chronic stage of the disease. Before the course of treatment, we identified specific areas of activation in the primary sensorimotor and supplementary motor areas and the inferior parietal lobules in both affected and healthy hemispheres by means of functional MRI (fMRI) with the use of special passive sensorimotor paradigms. After the course of treatment with MCE, we observed an improvement of temporal characteristics of walking; it was accompanied by a decrease in the activation zones of inferior parietal lobules, especially in the healthy hemisphere, and by a significant increase in the activation zone of primary sensorimotor and supplementary motor areas. The analysis of the functional connectivity of studied zones before and after the course of treatment with MCE showed significant changes in intra- and interhemispheric interactions.

MeSH terms

  • Exoskeleton Device*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Motor Cortex / physiopathology
  • Neurological Rehabilitation*
  • Paresis / rehabilitation
  • Parietal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Stroke
  • Stroke Rehabilitation*