Visual Game-Based Upper Limb Ergometer Therapy Associated with EEG Responses in Stroke Rehabilitation

This longitudinal EEG study demonstrates that integrating interactive visual gaming with conventional upper limb resistance training enhances motor recovery in post-stroke patients compared to traditional rehabilitation alone. The game-based approach resulted in superior behavioral outcomes, with significantly greater improvements in specific muscle groups. Notably, among participants in the game-based group, those who exhibited peripheral motor improvement also showed significantly greater alpha-band suppression in the lesioned motor cortex compared to non-improved individuals. EEG signals were preprocessed using Independent Component Analysis (ICA), and Power Spectral Density (PSD) analysis was performed to evaluate cortical activation during the rehabilitation period. The findings suggest a positive association between motor cortex activation and improvements in muscle strength. This study presents a clinically feasible rehabilitation model that incorporates game-based feedback without modifying standard protocols, supporting its potential as a more interactive and effective approach for early neurorehabilitation.