BCI training added to standard stroke rehab improved upper limb movement scores across 16 trials. The benefit was clearest in the subacute phase; in chronic stroke it did not reach significance. Consider BCI as an adjunct for subacute upper limb rehab, not a replacement.
Compared with conventional rehabilitation, BCI-based training produced a statistically significant improvement in upper limb motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity), with a moderate pooled effect (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.73, p = 0.037).
The benefit was phase-dependent: subacute stroke patients showed the largest improvement (SMD = 0.62, p = 0.031), while chronic stroke patients showed a non-significant effect (SMD = 0.40, p = 0.152).
14 of the 16 included trials (87.5%) were rated high risk of bias for participant and personnel blinding, because the BCI equipment and active training made it impossible to disguise the intervention from patients or therapists.
Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four participants were randomized across two intervention arms and assessed at twelve weeks for the primary outcome…
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