Journal Article

FZJ-2023-03004

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Interhemispheric Structural Connectivity Underlies Motor Recovery after Stroke

Paul, T. (First author)FZJ* ; Wiemer, V. M.FZJ* ; Hensel ; Cieslak, M. ; Tscherpel, C. ; Grefkes, C.FZJ* ; Grafton, S. T. ; Fink, G. R.FZJ* ; Volz, L. J. (Corresponding author)

2023
Wiley-Blackwell Hoboken, NJ

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1002/ana.26737  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2023-03004

Abstract: Objective: Although ample evidence highlights that the ipsilesional corticospinal tract (CST) plays a crucial role in motor recovery after stroke, studies on cortico-cortical motor connections remain scarce and provide inconclusive results. Given their unique potential to serve as structural reserve enabling motor network reorganization, the question arises whether cortico-cortical connections may facilitate motor control depending on CST damage.Methods: Diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) and a novel compartment-wise analysis approach were used to quantify structural connectivity between bilateral cortical core motor regions in chronic stroke patients. Basal and complex motor control were differentially assessed.Results: Both basal and complex motor performance were correlated with structural connectivity between bilateral premotor areas and ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) as well as interhemispheric M1 to M1 connectivity. Whereas complex motor skills depended on CST integrity, a strong association between M1 to M1 connectivity and basal motor control was observed independent of CST integrity especially in patients who underwent substantial motor recovery. Harnessing the informational wealth of cortico-cortical connectivity facilitated the explanation of both basal and complex motor control.Interpretation: We demonstrate for the first time that distinct aspects of cortical structural reserve enable basal and complex motor control after stroke. In particular, recovery of basal motor control may be supported via an alternative route through contralesional M1 and non-crossing fibers of the contralesional CST. Our findings help to explain previous conflicting interpretations regarding the functional role of the contralesional M1 and highlight the potential of cortico-cortical structural connectivity as a future biomarker for motor recovery post-stroke. ANN NEUROL 2023.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Kognitive Neurowissenschaften (INM-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 5251 - Multilevel Brain Organization and Variability (POF4-525) (POF4-525)
2. DFG project 431549029 - SFB 1451: Schlüsselmechanismen normaler und krankheitsbedingt gestörter motorischer Kontrolle (431549029) (431549029)
3. DFG project 491111487 - Open-Access-Publikationskosten / 2022 - 2024 / Forschungszentrum Jülich (OAPKFZJ) (491111487) (491111487)

Appears in the scientific report 2023

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; DEAL Wiley ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 10 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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