{
  "abstract": "Introduction Soft robotic gloves (SRGs) integrated with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have demonstrated potential in facilitating motor recovery after stroke by enabling active, intention-driven rehabilitation. Emerging evidence suggests that incorporating vibrotactile stimulation (VTS) into SRG-BCI systems may further enhance sensorimotor feedback. The objective of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and underlying neural mechanisms of BCI-driven, intention-based glove activation compared with automated glove-assisted training, with VTS applied identically in both groups.Methods and analysis This multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial will involve 48 post-stroke patients within 1 week to 3 months after stroke onset, with stratification by time since stroke during randomisation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the BCI-SRG group (n=24) or SRG group (n=24). Both groups will receive identical VTS. Patients in the BCI-SRG group will actively initiate movements of the SRG through motor imagery, while those in the SRG group will receive automated glove-assisted training without BCI control. The intervention will be administered 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity. Secondary outcome measures include Wolf Motor Function Test, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Generic Set, Barthel Index, Modified Ashworth Scale, Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test, as well as event-related spectral perturbation and event-related desynchronisation. All assessments will be conducted at both baseline and post-intervention.Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval of this study protocol has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University (2025-SR-508). The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and communication with scientific, professional and general public audiences.Trial registration number ChiCTR2500106951.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China",
        "School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China"
      ],
      "name": "Kai Leng Catherine Chan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Neurorehabilitation, Kunshan Rehabilitation Hospital, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China"
      ],
      "name": "Chengjie Yan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China",
        "School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China"
      ],
      "name": "Xinyue Wang"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China"
      ],
      "name": "Sisi Huang"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China"
      ],
      "name": "Wenjun Dai"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Neurorehabilitation, Kunshan Rehabilitation Hospital, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China"
      ],
      "name": "Yan Luo"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China"
      ],
      "name": "Yihui Cheng"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Instrument Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China"
      ],
      "name": "Baoguo Xu"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China"
      ],
      "name": "Wenbin Zhang"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China"
      ],
      "name": "Ying Shen"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Efficacy and neural mechanisms of a vibrotactile-enhanced, brain-controlled soft robotic glove for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke: a multicentre randomised controlled trial protocol",
  "uid": "29299327-e6ae-5d28-986a-d3ef80ab4166"
}