Journal Article

FZJ-2016-02168

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Shaping Early Reorganization of Neural Networks Promotes Motor Function after Stroke.

Volz, L. J. ; Rehme, A. K. ; Michely, J. ; Nettekoven, C. ; Eickhoff, S.FZJ* ; Fink, G. R.FZJ* ; Grefkes, C. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2016
Oxford Univ. Press Oxford

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/11196  doi:10.1093/cercor/bhw034

Abstract: Neural plasticity is a major factor driving cortical reorganization after stroke. We here tested whether repetitively enhancing motor cortex plasticity by means of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) prior to physiotherapy might promote recovery of function early after stroke. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to elucidate underlying neural mechanisms. Twenty-six hospitalized, first-ever stroke patients (time since stroke: 1-16 days) with hand motor deficits were enrolled in a sham-controlled design and pseudo-randomized into 2 groups. iTBS was administered prior to physiotherapy on 5 consecutive days either over ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1-stimulation group) or parieto-occipital vertex (control-stimulation group). Hand motor function, cortical excitability, and resting-state fMRI were assessed 1 day prior to the first stimulation and 1 day after the last stimulation. Recovery of grip strength was significantly stronger in the M1-stimulation compared to the control-stimulation group. Higher levels of motor network connectivity were associated with better motor outcome. Consistently, control-stimulated patients featured a decrease in intra- and interhemispheric connectivity of the motor network, which was absent in the M1-stimulation group. Hence, adding iTBS to prime physiotherapy in recovering stroke patients seems to interfere with motor network degradation, possibly reflecting alleviation of post-stroke diaschisis.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Strukturelle und funktionelle Organisation des Gehirns (INM-1)
2. Kognitive Neurowissenschaften (INM-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 571 - Connectivity and Activity (POF3-571) (POF3-571)

Appears in the scientific report 2016

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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