Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) as a Predictive Tool for Rehabilitation Outcomes in Stroke Patients

Authors

  • Dr Atiqa Ijaz Medical Officer
  • Dr Abdul Mannan Lecturer
  • Dr Rameel Ur Rehman Cheema Lecturer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v3i1.34

Keywords:

Stroke Rehabilitation, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Predictive Modelling, Brain Activation, NIHSS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive technique providing valuable insights into brain activity. Its application in stroke rehabilitation is emerging as a potential tool for predicting recovery outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the predictive capacity of baseline fMRI brain activation patterns on rehabilitation outcomes in stroke patients.

METHODS: With 150 stroke patients, we conducted a prospective cohort research to examine the correlation between baseline fMRI results and 6-month rehabilitation outcomes. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were used as outcome indicators.

RESULTS: Our findings revealed that the degree of brain activation within motor-related regions at baseline significantly correlated with functional improvement after six months. Both NIHSS score (R^2 = 0.45, p<0.001) and mRS score (R^2 = 0.38, p<0.001) were strongly associated with baseline fMRI data.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that baseline fMRI brain activation patterns can predict rehabilitation outcomes in stroke patients, providing a promising direction for individualizing stroke rehabilitation strategies.

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Author Biographies

Dr Atiqa Ijaz, Medical Officer

Doctors Hospital Lahore

Dr Abdul Mannan, Lecturer

Avicenna Medical College

Dr Rameel Ur Rehman Cheema, Lecturer

Hussain College of Health Sciences

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Published

2023-07-13

How to Cite

Atiqa Ijaz, Abdul Mannan, & Rameel Ur Rehman Cheema. (2023). Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) as a Predictive Tool for Rehabilitation Outcomes in Stroke Patients. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v3i1.34