This study examines how self-paced gait rehabilitation influences cortical functional
connectivity and neuroplasticity in stroke patients using EEG-based analyses. EEG data
from eight stroke survivors are collected during both self-paced and fixed-spe...
This study examines how self-paced gait rehabilitation influences cortical functional
connectivity and neuroplasticity in stroke patients using EEG-based analyses. EEG data
from eight stroke survivors are collected during both self-paced and fixed-speed
treadmill walking. After preprocessing with independent component analysis (ICA) and
artifact subspace reconstruction (ASR), functional connectivity was evaluated using
coherence and Granger causality methods.
Results showed that self-paced walking induced stronger cortical synchronization and
directional connectivity, especially between frontal and motor-related regions, compared
to fixed-speed walking. These findings indicate that self-paced gait training not only
enhances cortical engagement but also promotes neuroplasticity, supporting its potential
as an effective approach for post-stroke gait rehabilitation.