The rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal injections of 3% pentobarbital sodium (35 mg/kg). A longitudinal incision was made slightly lateral to the neck midline to separate the common carotid artery and the vagus nerve by using blunt dissection. Proximal end ligation of the common carotid artery and external carotid artery was performed, and the internal carotid artery was clipped using a microvascular clamp. After an incision was made at a distance of 5 mm from the common carotid artery bifurcation, the intraluminal thread (0.26 mm in diameter; Beijing Getimes Technology Co., Ltd., China) was advanced 18–20 mm into the internal carotid artery through the incision until mild resistance was felt. Subsequently, the arterial clamp was released, and the proximal end of the internal carotid artery was ligated together with the intraluminal thread. Finally, the wound was rinsed and sutured before intraperitoneal injections of penicillin were administered to prevent infections. On the 3rd day after creating the rat model, the rats' limb movements were observed, and the intracranial infarction were visualized using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (General Electric, US). The neurological impairment was assessed using Zea Longa scores. Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) outcomes were assessed before and after each intervention by a blinded rater who is the use of well-trained, experienced testers. The MAS was used to quantify the extent of spasticity and each test movement was performed for 1 second before determining spasticity. Data from model groups showed ankle MAS. For data analysis, the 0 value of the MAS was assigned as 1; 1 was assigned as 2; 1+ was assigned as 3 and so on (15 (link)). The BL-420 biological signal acquisition system (Chengdu Techman Software Co., Ltd., China) was used to detect the changes in muscle tone.
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