Atlas-based analysis of diffusion imaging may predict efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy in stroke rats

Motivation: Atlas-based diffusion imaging of whole brain white matter analysis might be helpful in evaluating obscure motor function recovery in chronic stroke. Goal(s): Our goal was to evaluate the potential of diffusion imaging atlas-based in predicting motor function recovery in stroke rats with constraint-induced movement therapy. Approach: We used atlas-based analysis of diffusion imaging to conduct multi-parameter measurements of white matter fibers in the entire brain, combined with catwalk-automated gait analysis to test quantificationally evaluated the motor function. Results: Atlas-based analysis of diffusion observations indicated that treatment with constraint-induced movement therapy improved microstructural integrity of axon and myelin. Impact: Atlas-based analysis of diffusion imaging were intended to advance non-invasive imaging approaches for understanding microstructural changes of axon and myelin in chronic stroke.