Brain-computer interface for upper limb functional recovery post-stroke: a meta-analysis of improvement in…

Meta-analysisJournal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation· Aug 2026

Brain-computer interface for upper limb functional recovery post-stroke: a meta-analysis of improvement in upper limb motor function and changes in neurophysiological markers.

Huanhuan Zhang, Runzhi Xian, Yuchi Zhang … Guiquan Chen

Stroke & CerebrovascularMeta-analysisTreatmentQ1IF 6.0

Brain-Computer Interface rehabilitation improves upper limb motor function more than conventional therapy after stroke

Brain-computer interface for upper limb functional recovery post-stroke: a meta-analysis of improvement in upper limb motor function and changes in neurophysiological markers.

Huanhuan Zhang … Guiquan Chen

Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation · Aug 2026

Background

Nevertheless, most existing research has centered on individual outcome domains, and thus critical questions remain unanswered.

Purpose

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Brain-Computer Interface-mediated rehabilitation versus conventional rehabilitation on upper limb motor function, functional activities, neurophysiological markers, and Modified Barthel Index performance in patients with stroke.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (randomized controlled trials) comparing Brain-Computer Interface-mediated rehabilitation with conventional rehabilitation in patients with upper limb dysfunction following stroke.

n = 1761 patients

Results

Brain-Computer Interface users gained more upper limb motor function than usual care

SMD 0.53 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.91)

CI excludes the null - significant

More results

After screening against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 eligible randomized controlled trials (randomized controlled trials) were ultimately included, encompassing a total of 1761 patients.

More results

Additionally, significant improvements were observed in Action Research Arm Test scores (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.14-0.91, p = 0.035),neurophysiological markers(SMD = 0.53, 95% CI;0.08-0.98, p < 0.05)and Modified Barthel Index scores(SMD = 0.85, 95% CI;0.55-1.14, p < 0.001).

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Conclusion

Brain-Computer Interface emerges as a promising therapeutic modality for stroke rehabilitation, delivering substantial, statistically significant improvements across multiple key outcomes, including FMA-UE, Action Research Arm Test, neurophysiological markers, and Modified Barthel Index scores with consistent statistical significance observed across all aforementioned domains.

Brain-computer interface for upper limb functional recovery post-stroke: a meta-analysis of improvement in upper limb motor function and changes in neurophysiological markers.

Brain-computer interface for upper limb functional recovery post-stroke: a meta-analysis of improvement in upper limb motor function and changes in neurophysiological markers.

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