Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (30): 6538-6546.doi: 10.12307/2025.950

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Brain-computer interface combined with different therapies for limb dysfunction in stroke patients: effectiveness and mechanism analysis

Wang Xuesong1, 2, 3, Wang Yue1, 4, Xu Yan1, 2, 3, Zeng Wenhui1, 2, 3, Lu Wenming1, 2, Tang Xingkun1, 2, Chen Wenjie2, Ye Junsong1, 3, 5, 6   

  1. 1Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China; 2School of Rehabilitation Medicine, 4College of Nursing, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China; 3Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China; 5Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China; 6Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China 
  • Received:2024-10-08 Accepted:2024-11-30 Online:2025-10-28 Published:2025-03-29
  • Contact: Ye Junsong, PhD, Professor, Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China; Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
  • About author:Wang Xuesong, Master candidate, Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China; School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China; Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 32060232 (to YJS); Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province, No. 20212BAB206075 (to YJS)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, brain-computer interface technology has shown significant promise for rehabilitating limb dysfunction in stroke patients. With ongoing research deepening and its broader clinical application, combining brain-computer interface with other rehabilitation therapies to improve limb function has become a focal point of study. 
OBJECTIVE: To analyze and summarize the efficacy of brain-computer interface combined with various therapies in treating limb dysfunction in stroke patients and to explore the clinical value of these combined strategies.
METHODS: The search terms used for the literature review in Chinese databases were “brain-computer interface, BCI, stroke,” while the terms “brain-computer interface, BCI, brain-computer interaction, brain-machine interface, BMI, stroke” were used for English databases. Literature searches were conducted in CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, from the time of database construction to September 2024. Finally, a total of 3 054 articles were retrieved, and 75 articles were included after screening for summarization. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Currently, brain-computer interfaces, used alone or in combination with other treatments such as Chinese medical treatment, conventional rehabilitation therapy, or physical factor therapy, are achieving better outcomes in treating limb dysfunction in stroke patients. However, the efficacy of brain-computer interfaces combined with transcranial direct current stimulation for treating upper and lower limb dysfunctions is still debated. Researchers are increasingly recognizing the feasibility of these combined therapies. Yet, challenges such as limited exploration of therapeutic mechanisms, absence of standardized protocols, and small sample sizes hinder their broad application. Future research should therefore focus on understanding the mechanisms by which brain-computer interfaces can enhance effects when combined with other therapies and on standardizing criteria for clinical trials to enable widespread clinical adoption. 

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点:组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程

Key words: brain-computer interface, stroke, dysfunction, combined therapy, neuroplasticity, rehabilitation engineering, motor imagery, visual steady-state evoked potential 

CLC Number: