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Background and Objectives: Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is revolutionizing stroke rehabilitation by offering innovative neuroengineering solutions to address neurological deficits. By bypassing peripheral nerves and muscles, BCIs enable individuals with severe motor impairments to communicate their intentions directly through control signals derived from brain activity, opening new pathways for recovery and improving the quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the beneficial effects of BCI system-based interventions on upper limb motor function and performance of activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. We hypothesized that integrating BCI into occupational therapy would result in measurable improvements in hand strength, dexterity, independence in daily activities, and cognitive function compared to baseline. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted on 56 patients with subacute stroke. All patients received standard medical care and rehabilitation for 54 days, as part of the comprehensive treatment protocol. Patients underwent BCI training 2–3 times a week instead of some occupational therapy sessions, with each patient completing 15 sessions of BCI-based recoveriX treatment during rehabilitation. The occupational therapy program included bilateral exercises, grip-strengthening activities, fine motor/coordination tasks, tactile discrimination exercises, proprioceptive training, and mirror therapy to enhance motor recovery through visual feedback. Participants received ADL-related training aimed at improving their functional independence in everyday activities. Routine occupational therapy was provided five times a week for 50 min per session. Upper extremity function was evaluated using the Box and Block Test (BBT), Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and dynamometry to assess gross manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and grip strength. Independence in daily living was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed across all the outcome measures (p < 0.001). The strength of the stroke-affected hand improved from 5.0 kg to 6.7 kg, and that of the unaffected hand improved from 29.7 kg to 40.0 kg. Functional independence increased notably, with the FIM scores rising from 43.0 to 83.5. Cognitive function also improved, with MMSE scores increasing from 22.0 to 26.0. The effect sizes ranged from moderate to large, indicating clinically meaningful benefits. Conclusions: This study suggests that BCI-based occupational therapy interventions effectively improve upper extremity motor function and daily functions and have a positive impact on the cognition of patients with subacute stroke. Full article

Stroke patients often experience cognitive dysfunctions. One of the parameters assessing cognitive function is the reaction time as it reflects the speed of information processing. The aim of the study was to assess cognitive and psychomotor dysfunctions and the effectiveness of rehabilitation in stroke patients. The subjects of the study were 30 stroke patients who underwent rehabilitation at the Department of Neurorehabilitation. The mean age of patients was 65.33±13.2 years. During the study, the patients’ cognitive functions, the handgrip strength, reaction time, and frequency of movements were assessed. There was a substantial improvement in patients’ cognitive function after rehabilitation. Assessing the results obtained by Mini Mental State Examination, the change was 6.4±2.3 points, and assessing by Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (Cognistat), the change was 13.3±10 points (P<0.05). Before the early stage of rehabilitation, Cognistat results showed that the majority of the patients experienced memory loss, diminished constructive abilities, and disorientation. After occupational therapy, there was a statistically significant improvement in all cognitive function domains. At the end of the inpatient rehabilitation period, there was a significant change in patients’ reaction time and movement frequency. At the end of early rehabilitation stage, the estimated reaction time in patients with stroke was compared with reaction time in healthy elderly people of the same age. There was no significant difference between these groups; consequently, we concluded that after rehabilitation, improvement of function was achieved. The results of this study showed that at the beginning of early rehabilitation period and after rehabilitation applied, there was a significant moderate correlation between mental state and reaction time in stroke patients. Full article