Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) in Motor Recovery After Stroke: Concepts to Increase Efficacy

AbstractPurpose of ReviewNon-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a promising tool for promoting motor recovery after stroke. However, the effects of NIBS on functional recovery are heterogeneous and not yet satisfactory in the majority of the patients. Thus, there is a strong need for further development of NIBS-based interventions with the aim of increasing the efficacy on motor recovery. Here, we review the up-to-date use of NIBS in motor rehabilitation, discuss the results critically and provide an outlook on novel NIBS strategies.Recent FindingsSo far, mainly NIBS to the primary motor cortex as a ‘one suits all’ strategy has been used to enhance motor recovery. It did not achieve satisfactory effects on motor recovery.SummaryCurrent NIBS-based approaches applied to enhance motor recovery after stroke led to heterogeneous and not yet satisfactory effects in patients. To achieve more homogeneous improvements with maximal magnitude, it is necessary to change the strategy from imprecision medicine approaches towards patient-tailored precision medicine approaches that take into account the specifics of each individual patient. To accomplish this, it is mandatory to define systems-neuroscience ‘biomarkers’ allowing to stratify the patients towards individualized treatment.
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research