Robust Neuroprosthetic Control from the Stroke Perilesional Cortex

This study investigates whether the brain area surrounding a stroke (perilesional cortex or PLC) can be used to control neuroprosthetic devices. Researchers used a rat model of stroke to test if neurons in the PLC could be modulated to control an artificial actuator, even with the presence of abnormal brain activity after stroke. The study found that despite abnormalities in the PLC after stroke, neurons could still be volitionally controlled to learn neuroprosthetic tasks. The learning rate was similar to that of healthy animals, and successful control was achieved even in animals with poor motor recovery. These findings suggest that the PLC, despite being injured, can be an effective target for neuroprosthetic control in individuals with limited motor recovery following a stroke. This opens possibilities for developing brain-machine interfaces specifically designed for stroke patients.

• 1
  The stroke perilesional cortex (PLC) demonstrates abnormally increased slow oscillations that also modulated neural firing.
• 2
  Neurons in the perilesional network could be modulated volitionally to learn neuroprosthetic control, with a learning rate similar to intact animals.
• 3
  Successful neuroprosthetic control reduced locking to abnormal oscillations significantly, suggesting a positive feedback loop between control and network stabilization.