An Evaluation Model for Brain Ischemia Protection in Mice by Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation Based on Functional Cortico-Muscular Coupling.

(1) Background: Ischemic stroke is a major global public-health concern with complex pathogenesis. Current treatment strategies face challenges. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technology, shows promise in treating ischemic stroke, yet its underlying mechanisms lack in-depth investigation, especially in quantitative efficacy evaluation. (2) Methods: This study aimed to develop a neuromuscular functional coupling-based dynamic time warping (DTW) model to evaluate LIPUS's neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. A bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO) model in mice was established, and LIPUS treatment was given. Time- and frequency-domain analyses of local field potentials (LFPs) and electromyography (EMG) were conducted, and outcomes were quantified using a percentage-based scoring system. (3) Results: The BCAO+LIPUS group scored significantly higher than the BCAO group. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrated that LIPUS is neuroprotective in BCAO mice and that the DTW-100 assessment evaluation model can quantify the neuroprotective effects of LIPUS.