Event-Related Desynchronization of EEG Sensorimotor Rhythms in Hemiparesis Post-Stroke Patients

Motor impairment is one of the most prevalent consequencesof a stroke, necessitating the implementation of efficacious diagnosticand rehabilitative techniques. An evaluation of alterations in sensorimotorcortical activity during the processes of movement preparation andexecution can provide valuable insights into the state of motorcircuits following a stroke and the potential for recovery. The objectiveof the present study was to evaluate the spatiotemporal characteristicsof event-related desynchronization (ERD) of sensorimotor EEG rhythmsin patients with hemiparesis following a stroke, during movementswith the paretic and healthy hands. A total of 19 patients withhemiparesis following a stroke participated in the study. An EEGwas recorded while the subject performed a visual-motor task. Theanalysis focused on the event-related desynchronization in the alpha(6–15 Hz) and beta (15–30 Hz) bands. An asymmetry in the ERD wasobserved, with a predominant response in the intact hemisphere,regardless of the hand performing the movement. The magnitude ofthe ERD in the affected hemisphere demonstrated a correlation withthe Fugl-Meyer score. Furthermore, a notable correlation was identifiedbetween the magnitude of beta-ERD in the affected hemisphere duringmovements of the healthy limb and the degree of motor function recovery.The results demonstrate the utility of ERD pattern assessment fordiagnosing the state of sensorimotor networks after stroke. Thedetection of a correlation between the magnitude of ERD during movementsof the healthy arm and the assessment of sensorimotor functionsof the patient expands the possibilities of using EEG to assesspatients even with complete absence of movements in the pareticlimb.