Association of peripheral blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels with the use of technology-assisted stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohamad Noor, Hanim Afzan Ibrahim, Wan Muhamad Amir W Ahmad, Muhammad Hafiz Hanafi, Muzaimi Mustapha, Kannan Thirumulu Ponnuraj, Nur Karyatee Kassim
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Aims: Advanced rehabilitation technologies are progressively integrated into stroke rehabilitation. However, their capacity to elicit neurological benefits via neuroplasticity biomarkers, particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and their association with functional recovery remain poorly understood. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of technology-assisted rehabilitation on blood-based biomarkers in stroke patients, discuss their potential link to functional recovery, and quantitatively analyze BDNF through meta-analysis.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis of studies published from January 2010 to July 2025. A comprehensive search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Screening was conducted using Rayyan software, and analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics.
Results: Fifteen studies were included in the systematic review, with eight eligibles for meta-analysis. The serum BDNF subgroup presented a trend toward higher levels in the technology-assisted group (SMD = 0.44; 95% CI: -0.12 to 1.01; p = 0.13), while the plasma subgroup showed a significant decrease (SMD = -0.17; 95% CI: -1.24 to -0.18; p = 0.01).
Conclusions: Technology-assisted rehabilitation may influence neural repair biomarkers, suggesting a potential role in stroke recovery. However, inconsistencies across studies, particularly short intervention durations and heterogeneous study designs, indicate the need for high-quality and longitudinal investigations.
期刊介绍：
Biomarkers are physical, functional or biochemical indicators of physiological or disease processes. These key indicators can provide vital information in determining disease prognosis, in predicting of response to therapies, adverse events and drug interactions, and in establishing baseline risk. The explosion of interest in biomarker research is driving the development of new predictive, diagnostic and prognostic products in modern medical practice, and biomarkers are also playing an increasingly important role in the discovery and development of new drugs. For the full utility of biomarkers to be realized, we require greater understanding of disease mechanisms, and the interplay between disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions and the proposed biomarkers. However, in attempting to evaluate the pros and cons of biomarkers systematically, we are moving into new, challenging territory.
Biomarkers in Medicine (ISSN 1752-0363) is a peer-reviewed, rapid publication journal delivering commentary and analysis on the advances in our understanding of biomarkers and their potential and actual applications in medicine. The journal facilitates translation of our research knowledge into the clinic to increase the effectiveness of medical practice.
As the scientific rationale and regulatory acceptance for biomarkers in medicine and in drug development become more fully established, Biomarkers in Medicine provides the platform for all players in this increasingly vital area to communicate and debate all issues relating to the potential utility and applications.
Each issue includes a diversity of content to provide rounded coverage for the research professional. Articles include Guest Editorials, Interviews, Reviews, Research Articles, Perspectives, Priority Paper Evaluations, Special Reports, Case Reports, Conference Reports and Company Profiles. Review coverage is divided into themed sections according to area of therapeutic utility with some issues including themed sections on an area of topical interest.
Biomarkers in Medicine provides a platform for commentary and debate for all professionals with an interest in the identification of biomarkers, elucidation of their role and formalization and approval of their application in modern medicine. The audience for Biomarkers in Medicine includes academic and industrial researchers, clinicians, pathologists, clinical chemists and regulatory professionals.
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