Effects of Unpredictable Task-Oriented Training on EEG and Balance in Subacute Stroke Patients

Purpose: This study examined the effects of unpredictable task-oriented training on electroencephalogram (EEG) activity and balance in subacute stroke patients, compared with predictable task-oriented training and conventional physical therapy.Methods: Thirty subacute stroke patients were randomly assigned to an unpredictable task-oriented training group (UG, n= 10), a predictable task-oriented training group (PG, n= 10), or a control group (CG, n= 10).The UG performed five task-oriented exercises with random directional changes and verbal speed cues, whereas the PG performed the same exercises in a consistent and predictable manner.The CG received conventional physical therapy only.All interventions were conducted for 5 weeks, three times per week, for 30 minutes per session.EEG was recorded using SmartingMobi with six channels (Fp1, Fp2, F3, F4, P3, P4) to measure relative alpha and beta waves.Balance was assessed with the BT-4 force platform for sway area and sway length under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions.Results: The UG showed significantly greater increases in relative beta activity and greater decreases in relative alpha activity across brain regions compared with the PG and CG (p< 0.05).The UG also demonstrated superior improvements in static balance, with larger reductions in sway area and sway length in both visual conditions (p< 0.05).Conclusion: Unpredictable task-oriented training produced greater enhancements in brain activity and balance than predictable training or conventional therapy.These findings suggest that unpredictability within task-oriented practice may facilitate neuroplasticity and motor learning in subacute stroke rehabilitation.