Non-invasive brain–computer interface system: Towards its application as assistive technology

Abstract

The quality of life of people suffering from severe motor disabilities can benefit from the use of current assistive technology capable of ameliorating communication, house-environment management and mobility, according to the user's residual motor abilities. Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are systems that can translate brain activity into signals that control external devices. Thus they can represent the only technology for severely paralyzed patients to increase or maintain their communication and control options.Here we report on a pilot study in which a system was implemented and validated to allow disabled persons to improve or recover their mobility (directly or by emulation) and communication within the surrounding environment. The system is based on a software controller that offers to the user a communication interface that is matched with the individual's residual motor abilities. Patients (n=14) with severe motor disabilities due to progressive neurodegenerative disorders were trained to use the system prototype under a rehabilitation program carried out in a house-like furnished space. All users utilized regular assistive control options (e.g., microswitches or head trackers). In addition, four subjects learned to operate the system by means of a non-invasive EEG-based BCI. This system was controlled by the subjects' voluntary modulations of EEG sensorimotor rhythms recorded on the scalp; this skill was learnt even though the subjects have not had control over their limbs for a long time.Correspondence should be addressed to: Febo Cincotti, PhD, Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy, Phone: +39-06-51501466, Fax: +39-06-51501465, f.cincotti@hsantalucia.it. * These authors equally contributed to the paper Conflict of Interest Declaration: I had full access to all the data in the study and I take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. I also state that all authors have read and approved submission of the manuscript; the manuscript contains original material that has not been published and has not being considered for publication elsewhere.Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. We conclude that such a prototype system, which integrates several different assistive technologies including a BCI system, can potentially facilitate the translation from pre-clinical demonstrations to a clinical useful BCI. NIH Public Access

The prospects of brain — computer interface applications in children

“…Various disorders and associated residual abilities may require various solutions -thus the need for flexible systems integrating several different assistive technologies including i.a. BCIs [7].…”

“…Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are systems that can translate brain activity into signals that control external devices. Thus, they can represent the only technology for severely paralyzed patients to increase or maintain their communication and control options [7].…”

BNCI systems as a potential assistive technology: ethical issues and participatory research in the BrainAble project

“…Specific signals are extracted and feedback is provided to the user, for example by on-screen activity or through a peripheral device [1]. BCI systems have been identified as having potential as an assistive technology as they make it possible to perform basic commands using thinking strategies alone and they are not reliant on voluntary muscular movement, making them suitable for people with severe communication difficulties [2][3][4] and in neurological rehabilitation [5] and enabling greater social inclusion [6]. While the effectiveness of these systems is recognised as varying widely, with user motivation being a key determinant of success [7], results have been sufficiently promising [8][9][10] to warrant further exploration with different groups of users.…”

Asynchronous P300-Based Brain-Computer Interface to Control a Virtual Environment: Initial Tests on End Users

“…2,3 Nowadays, non-invasive BCIs exploiting electroencephalographic (EEG) continuous or evoked activity as a control signal, have been proved to reliably operate several applications aiming to improve (or even allowing) communication, 4 entertainment, [5][6][7] mobility (real or by emulation 9,10 ) and environmental control. 3,11 In principle, BCIs are rehabilitation tools that may diminish disability for persons who cannot take full advantage of other ways for computer access to operate assistive technology (AT) devices (see Millán et al, 2010 12 for a review) Many EEG-based BCIs rely on the P300 event-related potential. 4 P300 is a positive deflection (around 10µV) recorded over the scalp central-parietal regions and occurring 250-400 ms after the recognition of a rare or relevant stimulus (Target) within a train of frequent stimuli (Non-Target).…”