Effect of Brain-Computer Interface-Controlled Ankle Robot Training on Post-Stroke Motor Rehabilitation and Resting QEEG Neuroplasticity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This article focuses on a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of brain-computer interface (BCI)-controlled ankle robot training for post-stroke lower-limb motor recovery and associated neuroplasticity, assessed via quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). Thirty-two stroke patients underwent either BCI-robot training or conventional ankle-robot training over two weeks, with results showing that both groups improved in motor function, but the BCI group demonstrated significantly greater gains in lower extremity motor scores and reduced calf spasticity. Neurophysiological analysis revealed that BCI training led to decreased slow-wave EEG power, reduced interhemispheric asymmetry, increased alpha power, and enhanced functional connectivity, indicating beneficial neuroplastic reorganization. The study concludes that BCI-controlled ankle robot training offers superior rehabilitation outcomes compared to standard robotic therapy, though limitations include sample size, short intervention duration, and lack of long-term follow-up.