Resting state functional connectivity associated with impaired proprioception post-stroke

Deficits in proprioception, the knowledge of limb position and movement in the absence of vision, occur in similar to 50% of all strokes; however, our lack of knowledge of the neurological mechanisms of these deficits diminishes the effectiveness of rehabilitation and prolongs recovery. We performed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on stroke patients to determine functional brain networks that exhibited changes in connectivity in association with proprioception deficits determined by a Kinarm robotic exoskeleton assessment. Thirty stroke participants were assessed for proprioceptive impairments using a Kinarm robot and underwent resting-state fMRI at 1 month post-stroke. Age-matched healthy control (n = 30) fMRI data were also examined and compared to stroke data in terms of the functional connectivity of brain regions associated with proprioception. Stroke patients exhibited reduced connectivity of the supplementary motor area and the supramarginal gyrus, relative to controls. Functional connectivity of these regions plus primary somatosensory cortex and parietal opercular area was significantly associated with proprioceptive function. The parietal lobe of the lesioned hemisphere is a significant node for proprioception after stroke. Assessment of functional connectivity of this region after stroke may assist with prognostication of recovery. This study also provides potential targets for therapeutic neurostimulation to aid in stroke recovery.

Automated summary

Around 50% of stroke patients have deficits in proprioception, but our understanding of the neurological mechanisms behind these deficits is limited. This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate changes in functional brain networks associated with proprioception deficits in stroke patients. The results showed reduced connectivity in specific brain regions, including the supplementary motor area and the supramarginal gyrus, in stroke patients compared to healthy controls. Functional connectivity of these regions, as well as the primary somatosensory cortex and the parietal opercular area, was significantly associated with proprioceptive function. The parietal lobe of the lesioned hemisphere was identified as an important node for proprioception after stroke, and evaluating the functional connectivity of this region could help predict recovery. The study also identified potential targets for therapeutic neurostimulation to aid in stroke recovery.