Assessment of Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Effectiveness Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Stroke is one of the most significant causes of adult disability worldwide, often resulting in long-term motor, cognitive, and sensory impairments. Effective rehabilitation is essential for improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life after a stroke. However, traditional clinical assessments such as observational scales and functional tests may not provide a complete picture of brain recovery. Recent advances in neuroimaging, particularly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), offer a promising avenue for objectively evaluating structural and functional brain changes during rehabilitation. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive post-stroke rehabilitation program using MRI as an evaluation tool. Twenty patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke participated in a 12-week rehabilitation program, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive training. MRI scans were obtained at two time points—before and after the rehabilitation intervention. Structural imaging techniques, including voxel-based morphometry (VBM), were used to assess gray matter changes, while diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) evaluated white matter integrity. Additionally, functional MRI (fMRI) was used in selected cases to observe alterations in brain activity during motor tasks.