Neurofeedback-Guided BCI Motor Imagery for Upper-Limb Recovery in Chronic Stroke

Stroke can lead to long-term impairment of upper-limb function, particularly in the chronic phase, where recovery is often limited. Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems combined with motor imagery (MI) are emerging as promising neurorehabilitation approaches. Providing real-time neurofeedback during MI may enhance motor recovery by promoting use-dependent neuroplasticity; however, evidence in individuals with chronic stroke remains limited. This controlled pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of an EEG-based BCI neurofeedback intervention combined with MI and physiotherapy on upper-limb motor function and brain activation patterns in individuals with chronic stroke. Participants are assigned to either an experimental group receiving MI with real-time EEG-based neurofeedback or a control group receiving MI with sham feedback, alongside a standardized four-week physiotherapy program. Motor function is assessed using validated clinical measures, including the Action Research Arm Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Motor Assessment Scale, and grip strength, with changes interpreted according to clinically meaningful thresholds. Neurophysiological changes are explored through EEG-based measures of brain symmetry and task-related functional MRI. It is expected that participants receiving real neurofeedback will show greater improvements in upper-limb function and more adaptive brain activation patterns compared to those receiving sham feedback. Findings from this study will help determine the feasibility of this approach and inform the design of larger trials to evaluate its effectiveness in chronic stroke rehabilitation.

NCT Number	NCT07525609
Lead Sponsor	CESPU-Escola Superior de Tecnologias da Saúde de Tâmega e Sousa Collaborators: ICVS - Life and Health Sciences Research Institute
Conditions	Stroke, Upper Limb Rehabilitation
Enrollment	7 participants
Start Date	2012-03
Primary Completion	2015-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2015-07 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-04-23