This MRI based study has evaluated for the first time, the cortical structural changes effected by physiotherapy in post-stroke (ischemic) recovery. Patients (n=7) with deficits did physiotherapy for one hour daily for six months under bi-weekly supervision of certified physiotherapists. Pre- and post-physiotherapy intervention assessment involved NIHSS and mRS scores and MRI at 3T. The latter included 3D-T1, 3D-FLAIR and fMRI (motor task). Preliminary findings showed individual patients’ positive response to physiotherapy reflected in the significantly reduced NIHSS and increased mRS scores, the recovery of fMRI activation and increase in cortical gray matter volume in specific anatomical locations in brain.
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