Characterization of Event Related Desynchronization in Chronic Stroke Using Motor Imagery Based Brain Computer Interface for Upper Limb Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

Motor imagery-based brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) is a promising novel mode of stroke rehabilitation. The current study aims to investigate the feasibility of MI-BCI in upper limb rehabilitation of chronic stroke survivors and also to study the early event-related desynchronization after MI-BCI intervention.

METHODS

Changes in the characteristics of sensorimotor rhythm modulations in response to a short brain-computer interface (BCI) intervention for upper limb rehabilitation of stroke-disabled hand and normal hand were examined. The participants were trained to modulate their brain rhythms through motor imagery or execution during calibration, and they played a virtual marble game during the feedback session, where the movement of the marble was controlled by their sensorimotor rhythm.

RESULTS

Ipsilesional and contralesional activities were observed in the brain during the upper limb rehabilitation using BCI intervention. All the participants were able to successfully control the position of the virtual marble using their sensorimotor rhythm.

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary results support the feasibility of BCI in upper limb rehabilitation and unveil the capability of MI-BCI as a promising medical intervention. This study provides a strong platform for clinicians to build upon new strategies for stroke rehabilitation by integrating MI-BCI with various therapeutic options to induce neural plasticity and recovery.

State-of-the-Art on Brain-Computer Interface Technology

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in brain-computer interfaces (BCI). It begins by providing an introduction to BCIs, describing their main operation principles and most widely used platforms. The paper then examines the various components of a BCI system, such as hardware, software, and signal processing algorithms. Finally, it looks at current trends in research related to BCI use for medical, educational, and other purposes, as well as potential future applications of this technology. The paper concludes by highlighting some key challenges that still need to be addressed before widespread adoption can occur. By presenting an up-to-date assessment of the state-of-the-art in BCI technology, this paper will provide valuable insight into where this field is heading in terms of progress and innovation.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Future of Brain-Computer Interface in Neurorehabilitation

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) provide a unique technological solution to circumvent the damaged motor system. For neurorehabilitation, the BCI can be used to translate neural signals associated with movement intentions into tangible feedback for the patient, when they are unable to generate functional movement themselves. Clinical interest in BCI is growing rapidly, as it would facilitate rehabilitation to commence earlier following brain damage and provides options for patients who are unable to partake in traditional physical therapy. However, substantial challenges with existing BCI implementations have prevented its widespread adoption. Recent advances in knowledge and technology provide opportunities to facilitate a change, provided that researchers and clinicians using BCI agree on standardisation of guidelines for protocols and shared efforts to uncover mechanisms. We propose that addressing the speed and effectiveness of learning BCI control are priorities for the field, which may be improved by multimodal or multi-stage approaches harnessing more sensitive neuroimaging technologies in the early learning stages, before transitioning to more practical, mobile implementations. Clarification of the neural mechanisms that give rise to improvement in motor function is an essential next step towards justifying clinical use of BCI. In particular, quantifying the unknown contribution of non-motor mechanisms to motor recovery calls for more stringent control conditions in experimental work. Here we provide a contemporary viewpoint on the factors impeding the scalability of BCI. Further, we provide a future outlook for optimal design of the technology to best exploit its unique potential, and best practices for research and reporting of findings.

[New perspectives of motor rehabilitation of patients after focal brain lesions]

Rehabilitation of patients after focal brain lesions is one of the topical issues of modern medicine. Motor disorders are known to develop in more than 80% of survivors of stroke and traumatic brain injury and be one of the main causes of disability, which necessitates an active search for new effective techniques for correction of motor disorders. Modern rehabilitation includes both traditional techniques for recovery of patients with motor deficit (exercise therapy and physiotherapy) and botulinum therapy, kinesiotherapy, mechanotherapy, etc., which have been developed in recent years. Robotic technologies have been developed, improved, and implemented. Currently, due to progress in computerization, virtual reality-based rehabilitation of patients is of particular interest. The article reviews the key studies in this field. We describe various visualization methods and means of immersion in a virtual environment for recovery of upper and lower extremity function in patients with focal brain lesions. The study provides an assessment of the effectiveness and safety of various virtual reality-based rehabilitation programs in patients with motor disorders after stroke and traumatic brain injury.