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Serafini ERS, Guerrero-Mendez CD, Bastos-Filho TF, Cotrina-Atencio A, de Azevedo Dantas AFO, Delisle-Rodriguez D, do Espirito-Santo CC. Gait Training-Based Motor Imagery and EEG Neurofeedback in Lokomat: A Clinical Intervention With Complete Spinal Cord Injury Individuals. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2024; 32:1896-1905. [PMID: 38739520 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2024.3400040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Robotic systems, such as Lokomat® have shown promising results in people with severe motor impairments, who suffered a stroke or other neurological damage. Robotic devices have also been used by people with more challenging damages, such as Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), using feedback strategies that provide information about the brain activity in real-time. This study proposes a novel Motor Imagery (MI)-based Electroencephalogram (EEG) Visual Neurofeedback (VNFB) system for Lokomat® to teach individuals how to modulate their own μ (8-12 Hz) and β (15-20 Hz) rhythms during passive walking. Two individuals with complete SCI tested our VNFB system completing a total of 12 sessions, each on different days. For evaluation, clinical outcomes before and after the intervention and brain connectivity were analyzed. As findings, the sensitivity related to light touch and painful discrimination increased for both individuals. Furthermore, an improvement in neurogenic bladder and bowel functions was observed according to the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale, Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score, and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Moreover, brain connectivity between different EEG locations significantly ( [Formula: see text]) increased, mainly in the motor cortex. As other highlight, both SCI individuals enhanced their μ rhythm, suggesting motor learning. These results indicate that our gait training approach may have substantial clinical benefits in complete SCI individuals.
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McGeady C, Vučković A, Singh Tharu N, Zheng YP, Alam M. Brain-Computer Interface Priming for Cervical Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy: An Exploratory Case Study. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:896766. [PMID: 36188944 PMCID: PMC9397879 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.896766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Loss of arm and hand function is one of the most devastating consequences of cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Although some residual functional neurons often pass the site of injury, recovery after SCI is extremely limited. Recent efforts have aimed to augment traditional rehabilitation by combining exercise-based training with techniques such as transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), and movement priming. Such methods have been linked with elevated corticospinal excitability, and enhanced neuroplastic effects following activity-based therapy. In the present study, we investigated the potential for facilitating tSCS-based exercise-training with brain-computer interface (BCI) motor priming. An individual with chronic AIS A cervical SCI with both sensory and motor complete tetraplegia participated in a two-phase cross-over intervention whereby they engaged in 15 sessions of intensive tSCS-mediated hand training for 1 h, 3 times/week, followed by a two week washout period, and a further 15 sessions of tSCS training with bimanual BCI motor priming preceding each session. We found using the Graded Redefined Assessment for Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension that the participant's arm and hand function improved considerably across each phase of the study: from 96/232 points at baseline, to 117/232 after tSCS training alone, and to 131/232 points after BCI priming with tSCS training, reflecting improved strength, sensation, and gross and fine motor skills. Improved motor scores and heightened perception to sharp sensations improved the neurological level of injury from C4 to C5 following training and improvements were generally maintained four weeks after the final training session. Although functional improvements were similar regardless of the presence of BCI priming, there was a moderate improvement of bilateral strength only when priming preceded tSCS training, perhaps suggesting a benefit of motor priming for tSCS training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciarán McGeady
- Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Vučković
- Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Niraj Singh Tharu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Monzurul Alam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhou Q, Cheng R, Yao L, Ye X, Xu K. Neurofeedback Training of Alpha Relative Power Improves the Performance of Motor Imagery Brain-Computer Interface. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:831995. [PMID: 35463935 PMCID: PMC9026187 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.831995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Significant variation in performance in motor imagery (MI) tasks impedes their wide adoption for brain-computer interface (BCI) applications. Previous researchers have found that resting-state alpha-band power is positively correlated with MI-BCI performance. In this study, we designed a neurofeedback training (NFT) protocol based on the up-regulation of the alpha band relative power (RP) to investigate its effect on MI-BCI performance. The principal finding of this study is that alpha NFT could successfully help subjects increase alpha-rhythm power and improve their MI-BCI performance. An individual difference was also found in this study in that subjects who increased alpha power more had a better performance improvement. Additionally, the functional connectivity (FC) of the frontal-parietal (FP) network was found to be enhanced after alpha NFT. However, the enhancement failed to reach a significant level after multiple comparisons correction. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the neurophysiological mechanism of cognitive control through alpha regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies (QAAS), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruidong Cheng
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Yao
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Brain and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The College of Computer Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangming Ye
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
- Xiangming Ye,
| | - Kedi Xu
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies (QAAS), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Brain and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kedi Xu,
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) destroys the sensorimotor pathway and blocks the information flow between the peripheral nerve and the brain, resulting in autonomic function loss. Numerous studies have explored the effects of obstructed information flow on brain structure and function and proved the extensive plasticity of the brain after SCI. Great progress has also been achieved in therapeutic strategies for SCI to restore the "re-innervation" of the cerebral cortex to the limbs to some extent. Although no thorough research has been conducted, the changes of brain structure and function caused by "re-domination" have been reported. This article is a review of the recent research progress on local structure, functional changes, and circuit reorganization of the cerebral cortex after SCI. Alterations of structure and electrical activity characteristics of brain neurons, features of brain functional reorganization, and regulation of brain functions by reconfigured information flow were also explored. The integration of brain function is the basis for the human body to exercise complex/fine movements and is intricately and widely regulated by information flow. Hence, its changes after SCI and treatments should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhao
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Sheng Bao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Sheng Rao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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Mrachacz-Kersting N, Ibáñez J, Farina D. Towards a mechanistic approach for the development of non-invasive brain-computer interfaces for motor rehabilitation. J Physiol 2021; 599:2361-2374. [PMID: 33728656 DOI: 10.1113/jp281314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) designed for motor rehabilitation use brain signals associated with motor-processing states to guide neuroplastic changes in a state-dependent manner. These technologies are uniquely positioned to induce targeted and functionally relevant plastic changes in the human motor nervous system. However, while several studies have shown that BCI-based neuromodulation interventions may improve motor function in patients with lesions in the central nervous system, the neurophysiological structures and processes targeted with the BCI interventions have not been identified. In this review, we first summarize current knowledge of the changes in the central nervous system associated with learning new motor skills. Then, we propose a classification of current BCI paradigms for plasticity induction and motor rehabilitation based on the expected neural plastic changes promoted. This classification proposes four paradigms based on two criteria: the plasticity induction methods and the brain states targeted. The existing evidence regarding the brain circuits and processes targeted with these different BCIs is discussed in detail. The proposed classification aims to serve as a starting point for future studies trying to elucidate the underlying plastic changes following BCI interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaime Ibáñez
- Department of Bioengineering, Centre for Neurotechnologies, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dario Farina
- Department of Bioengineering, Centre for Neurotechnologies, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Behavioral Medicine Methods in Treatment of Somatic Conditions. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:5076516. [PMID: 33204700 PMCID: PMC7655248 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5076516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background The aim of this article is to present a short review of noninvasive, nonpharmacological treatment methods used in somatic illnesses that fall under the umbrella of approach called behavioral medicine. Methods The narrative review method was applied in the study. Science paper databases, including PubMed, had been used to retrieve papers on therapeutic methods used in clinical setting that meet the broad criteria of behavioral medicine definition as stated in the Charter of International Behavioral Medicine Society Results Main groups of methods, disorders in which they are being employed and their effectiveness, have been identified. Conclusions Behavioral medicine is grouping treatment methods and interventions that hold large potential for clinical setting. Two groups of methods can be distinguished by the scrutiny and level of evidence gathered in their effectiveness assessment; for biofeedback, guided imagery, and hypnosis techniques, comprehensive evidence reports in the framework of U.S. Evidence Synthesis Program exist. Meditation techniques, disclosure therapies, and relaxation methods are less well assessed. Broader employment of behavioral medicine therapies in clinical setting is possible after addressing two major problems in the field, which are deficiencies in quality evidence of effectiveness for many of the methods and their insufficiencies in underlying therapeutic mechanism knowledge.
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Kaida AI, Mikhailova AA, Eismont EV, Dzhapparova LL, Pavlenko VB. EEG μ-rhythm reactivity in children during imitation of biological and non-biological motion. BULLETIN OF RUSSIAN STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2020.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of brain-computer interfaces based on the use of EEG sensorimotor rhythms reactivity parameters and designed for the rehabilitation of people (including children) with impaired motor functions is currently relevant. The study was aimed to analyse the EEG μ-rhythm in the individual frequency range in children during imitation of biological and non-biological motion. EEG was recorded at frontal, central and parietal cortical regions in 136 normally developing right-handed children aged 4–15, at rest and during the execution and imitation of movements using the computer mouse. When the children moved the computer mouse on their own (F1, 132 = 31.17; p < 0.001) and executed the concentric moving of the coloured circle (F1, 132 = 90.34; p < 0.001), the μ-rhythm desynchronization developed in the frontal, central and parietal neocortical regions. The μ-rhythm synchronization was detected during the non-biologocal motion imitation (F1, 132 = 12.65; p < 0.001), compared to the task on the autonomous movement execution. The μ-rhythm desynchronization was observed during the biologocal motion imitation in relation to autonomous movement execution (F1, 132 = 9.58; p = 0.002). The described effects had their own features in the groups of children aged 4–6, 7–9, 10–12 and 13–15. The study results demonstrate the desirability of taking into account the μ-rhythm reactivity age-related features and the visual stimuli nature when developing software for the brain-computer interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- AI Kaida
- V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Russia
| | - AA Mikhailova
- V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Russia
| | - EV Eismont
- V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Russia
| | - LL Dzhapparova
- V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Russia
| | - VB Pavlenko
- V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Russia
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Foldes ST, Boninger ML, Weber DJ, Collinger JL. Effects of MEG-based neurofeedback for hand rehabilitation after tetraplegia: preliminary findings in cortical modulations and grip strength. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:026019. [PMID: 32135525 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab7cfb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurofeedback (NF) trains people to volitionally modulate their cortical activity to affect a behavioral outcome. We evaluated the feasibility of using NF to improve hand function after chronic cervical-level spinal cord injury (SCI) using biologically-relevant visual feedback of motor-related brain activity and an intuitive control scheme. APPROACH The NF system acquired magnetoencephalography (MEG) data in real-time to provide feedback of event-related desynchronization (ERD) measured over the sensorimotor cortex during attempted hand grasping. During brain control, stronger ERD resulting from attempted grasping drove the virtual hand towards a more closed grasp, while less ERD drove the hand more open. MAIN RESULTS Eight individuals with partial or complete hand impairment due to chronic SCI controlled the NF to perform a grasping task that increased in difficulty as the participants achieved success. During their first NF session, participants achieved an average success rate of 63.7 ± 6.4% (chance level of 13.9%). After as few as one intervention session, four of the seven individuals evaluated for ERD changes had significantly strengthened ERD and three of the four participants with measurable grip strength prior to NF had increased grip strength. Interestingly, both individuals who participated in a longer-term study (i.e. >8 NF sessions) had improved grip strength and significantly strengthened ERD. SIGNIFICANCE This study demonstrates that MEG-based NF training can change brain activity in individuals with hand impairment due to SCI and has the potential to induce acute changes in grip strength. Future studies will evaluate whether neuroplasticity induced with long term NF can improve hand function for those with moderate impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T Foldes
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America. Rehab Neural Engineering Labs, Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America. Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America. Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
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