Abstract #2999

Diffusion Tensor and Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using an MR Compatible Rehabilitation Hand Device Suggests Training-Induced Neuroplasticity in Chronic Stroke

Asimina Lazaridou¹,², Loukas Astrakas¹,³, Dionyssios Mintzopoulos¹,³, Azadeh Khanicheh⁴, Aneesh Singhal⁵, Michael Moskowitz², Bruce Rosen⁶, Aria A. Tzika¹,³

¹NMR Surgical Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Shriners Burn Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; ²Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging , Boston, MA, United States; ³Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, , Boston, MA, United States; ⁴Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States; ⁵Department of Neurology, Stroke Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; ⁶Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Boston, MA, United States

A large proportion of the focus of stroke research remains on novel rehabilitation interventions. Using volumetric and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at 3T in conjunction with a novel MR-compatible hand-induced robotic device (MR_CHIROD) we investigated neuroplasticity in chronic stroke by probing structural changes. New CST fiber tracts projecting progressively closer to motor cortex indicated structural neuroplasticity. Volumetric imaging showed significant increase in the cortical thickness of the ventral postcentral gyrus areas. The results demonstrate the potential of training-induced neuroplasticity in chronic stroke, where stroke rehabilitation is relatively new, having suffered from the longstanding view that lost functions were not recoverable.