A fNIRS Study of Brain Activation in Stroke Patients under Three Different Walking Modes

Objective to study the activation of brain areas in stroke patients in different walking modes, using a functional near-infrared spectroscopy device (fNIRS) to record brain data in real time. Methods 10 stroke patients with right hemiplegia, with the average age (58.2 ± 3.19), were recruited. Patients were trained in three different walking methods, flat ground, treadmill and motor imagination, and fNIRS brain function signal acquisition, one day apart in different methods. Results After analyzing the fNIRS data, the right SMA area was active during flat walking, the bilateral SMA and SMC areas were significantly active during walking on the visual feedback platform, and the left SMA area was activated in the motor imagery task. Conclusion Different walking tasks can activate specific brain areas in stroke patients, showing different activity patterns, providing a potential neurobiological basis for walking rehabilitation.