From Spinal Central Pattern Generators to Cortical Network: Integrated BCI for Walking Rehabilitation

Abstract

Success in locomotor rehabilitation programs can be improved with the use of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Although a wealth of research has demonstrated that locomotion is largely controlled by spinal mechanisms, the brain is of utmost importance in monitoring locomotor patterns and therefore contains information regarding central pattern generation functioning. In addition, there is also a tight coordination between the upper and lower limbs, which can also be useful in controlling locomotion. The current paper critically investigates different approaches that are applicable to this field: the use of electroencephalogram (EEG), upper limb electromyogram (EMG), or a hybrid of the two neurophysiological signals to control assistive exoskeletons used in locomotion based on programmable central pattern generators (PCPGs) or dynamic recurrent neural networks (DRNNs). Plantar surface tactile stimulation devices combined with virtual reality may provide the sensation of walking while in a supine position for use of training brain signals generated during locomotion. These methods may exploit mechanisms of brain plasticity and assist in the neurorehabilitation of gait in a variety of clinical conditions, including stroke, spinal trauma, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy.

Uso de interfaces cerebro-computador para la decodificación de la cinemática de miembro superior e inferior

“…Estos dispositivos permiten a los usuarios recuperar el uso de la extremidad perdida y volver a interaccionar con el entorno. Así mismo, la aplicación de esta tecnología en procesos de rehabilitación agiliza los procedimientos de recuperación [7], [8].…”

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“…Nicolelis demonstrated the EEG-controlled exoskeleton built by Gordon Cheng at the opening of World Football Cup in 2014. A similar project, the Mindwalker, emerged in Europe [58]. In parallel, Contreras Vidal and his colleagues proposed an idea of developing a leg exoskeleton controlled by slow EEG rhythms; in 2012 they decoded gait kinematics of a human walking on the treadmill [59].…”

Applications of Virtual Reality Technology in Brain Imaging Studies

“…EEG results also showed changes in event-related synchronizations and desynchronizations over the 5 month period of the study that suggested cortical plasticity. The possibility of BCI in conjunction with virtual reality as a therapeutic regimen has also been discussed for walking rehabilitation and treatment of autism [102,103].…”