| Objective: To analyze and compare the concentration changes of oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) in the motor cortex and the activation patterns of brain regions in stroke patients during Movement-Based Motor Imagery (MMI) and Task-Based Motor Imagery (TMI) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This aims to provide neuroimaging evidence for motor imagery (MI) therapy. Methods: Totally, 20 patients with left-sided stroke receiving rehabilitation therapy at Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center between January and December 2022 were consecutively enrolled. A block design was employed, with participants randomly performing both MMI and TMI tasks. A portable fNIRS device monitored HbO2 concentration changes in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex (SMC), premotor cortex (PMC), and supplementary motor area (SMA). The activation levels (β-values) of these brain regions were compared between the two MI states. Results: Totally, 20 patients were included in the statistical analysis. Based on HbO2 concentration, stroke patients exhibited significant activation in 16 channels during the MMI task and 19 channels during the TMI task. The mean activation β-value in channel 3 was significantly higher during TMI than MMI (T=4.31, P<0.05). Patients also reported significantly higher visual imagery scores during the TMI task than during MMI (Z=-2.013, P<0.05). Conclusion: Both MMI and TMI significantly activated the bilateral SMC, PMC, and SMA in stroke patients. Activation during TMI covered a broader range and was stronger in specific regions. The goal-directed task of TMI likely contributed to its higher vividness of imagination. |
