Prefrontal Brain Activity and ECG Patterns in Stroke and Healthy Adults

This study is an observational investigation designed to characterize neurophysiological and cardiovascular features in adults with a history of stroke and in age-matched healthy controls. Participants will undergo noninvasive measurements of brain activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG), focusing on prefrontal cortical responses during resting and simple task conditions. Electrocardiography (ECG) will be recorded concurrently to assess heart rate and rhythm characteristics, including temporal and spectral ECG parameters.

The primary objective is to compare patterns of prefrontal brain activation and ECG characteristics between stroke patients and healthy adults, exploring potential associations between altered cortical activity and cardiac autonomic regulation after stroke. Secondary aims include examining relationships between brain signals, ECG features, and clinical factors such as stroke severity or functional status in the patient group. Results from this study may help to generate hypotheses for future interventional research and to identify physiological markers useful for monitoring recovery or risk stratification in stroke survivors.

Inclusion criteria

• Intracerebral Hemorrhage Group (Stroke Patients)

Adults aged 19 to 80 years.

Diagnosed with intracerebral hemorrhage based on clinical evaluation and neuroimaging findings.

Able to read and understand the participant information sheet and consent form, and capable of completing questionnaires in the study language.

Voluntarily agrees to participate in the study, provides written informed consent, and is able to participate for the entire study period.

Cerebral Infarction Group (Stroke Patients)

Adults aged 19 to 80 years.

Diagnosed with cerebral infarction (ischemic stroke) based on clinical evaluation and neuroimaging findings.

Able to read and understand the participant information sheet and consent form, and capable of completing questionnaires in the study language.

Voluntarily agrees to participate in the study, provides written informed consent, and is able to participate for the entire study period.

Healthy Adult Group

Adults aged 19 to 80 years.

No history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

No major stroke risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or hyperlipidemia.

No chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or chronic pulmonary disease.

No psychiatric disorders, such as depression or schizophrenia.

Not taking medications that may affect cerebral hemodynamics, including antihypertensive agents, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, or antidepressants.

Able to read and understand the participant information sheet and consent form, and capable of completing questionnaires in the study language.

Voluntarily agrees to participate in the study, provides written informed consent, and is able to participate for the entire study period.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants meeting any of the following exclusion criteria will not be enrolled in the study.

History of head trauma or cranial surgery within the past 6 months with wounds that have not yet fully healed.

Current diagnosis of a severe psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder.

Participation in another clinical study and intake of an investigational drug within the past 30 days.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Presence of an acute infection or inflammatory disease.

Inability to adequately understand the study procedures or lack of voluntary consent to participate.

Any other clinically significant finding that, in the judgment of the principal investigator or designated study physician, makes the individual unsuitable for participation in this study.