Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2026, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (9): 1041-1051.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2026.09.006

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Comparison of cortical hemodynamic responses between real-time and video-based action observation therapy in patients with stroke: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study

Huang Xuli1,2,3, Wang Pingzhi3, Luo Tian'e1,2()   

  1. 1 Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong, Shanxi 030600, China
    2 Key Laboratory of Coal Environment-Related Diseases and Prevention and Control, Ministry of Education, Jinzhong, Shanxi 030619, China
    3 Shanxi Bethune Hospital/Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences/the Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University/Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030032, China
  • Received:2026-01-07 Revised:2026-04-13 Accepted:2026-04-15 Published:2026-09-25 Online:2026-09-20
  • Contact: Luo Tian'e E-mail:luotiane1977@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Graduate Education Innovation Program Project of Shanxi Province(2025xx13);Shanxi Medical University Educational and Teaching Research Project(XJ2025176);Shanxi Provincial R&D Program (Key)(202302130501014)

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the hemodynamic differences in cortical activation during the observation-imitation process between real-time action observation therapy (R-AOT) and video-based action observation therapy (V-AOT) in patients with stroke using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Methods A total of 29 patients with stroke in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from June to September, 2025 were enrolled. A randomized-sequence, self-controlled crossover trial design was employed. Each participant received both R-AOT and V-AOT, with a one-day interval between the two conditions to minimize potential carryover effect. fNIRS was used to simultaneously record changes in oxyhemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) concentration during the observation and imitation phases in regions of interest (ROIs), including the ipsilesional and contralesional dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), occipital cortex (OC), and temporal cortex (TC).

Results After false discovery rate (FDR) correction across all ROIs, no significant difference was observed between R-AOT and V-AOT during either the observation or imitation phase (PFDR > 0.05). During the observation phase, Oxy-Hb was greater under R-AOT than under V-AOT in the ipsilesional DLPFC (Z= 2.183, PFDR = 0.045). Oxy-Hb showed an opposite directional pattern between the two conditions in the ipsilesional OC, but the difference was not statistically significant (Z= 2.321, PFDR = 0.060). During the imitation phase, the ipsilesional TC showed greater Oxy-Hb changes under R-AOT than under V-AOT (Z= 2.724, PFDR = 0.018).

Conclusion R-AOT and V-AOT may elicit different local cortical hemodynamic responses during the observation and imitation phases in patients with stroke. The between-condition difference during the observation phase was mainly observed in the ipsilesional DLPFC, whereas during the imitation phase it was mainly observed in the ipsilesional TC.

Key words: stroke, real-time action observation therapy, video-based action observation therapy, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, cortical activation, mirror neuron system

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