Volume 3 · Issue 9 (2026)
DOI number:
10.66521/2938-9933-2026092102
Integrating Emotional Stimulation into Post-Stroke Motor Rehabilitation: Evidence and Future Directions
Zhiling Liu, Weilin Tan, Qiuyi Lu, Zheng Yang, Lining Yang, Dingqun Bai*
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Key Laboratory of Physical Medicine and Precision Rehabilitation of Chongqing Municipal Health Commission, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China
Corresponding Author: Dingqun Bai (baidingqun@hospital.cqmu.edu.cn)
Abstract: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Among these, motor dysfunction is the most prevalent sequela and markedly reduces quality of life and independence. Although conventional motor rehabilitation strategies have demonstrated certain clinical efficacy, low motivation and inadequate adherence often limit patients’ active engagement and functional gains. In recent years, a novel treatment paradigm has shifted attention toward the role of emotional processes in motor rehabilitation. This approach treats emotion as a treatment variable and seeks to enhance neuroplasticity through targeted emotional stimulation aimed at strengthening sensorimotor circuits and promoting functional reorganization of the brain. This review synthesizes recent advances in applying emotional stimulation to post-stroke motor rehabilitation, provides an integrated perspective for medical staff and researchers, and outlines the theoretical foundations and future directions that can guide the development of more efficient and engaging interventions.
Keywords: Affective modulation; Neuroplasticity; Motivation; Virtual reality; Brain–computer interface; Dopamine
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