Non-invasive brain-spine interface: Continuous control of trans-spinal magnetic stimulation using EEG

Abstract

Brain-controlled neuromodulation has emerged as a promising tool to promote functional recovery in patients with motor disorders. Brain-machine interfaces exploit this neuromodulatory strategy and could be used for restoring voluntary control of lower limbs. In this work, we propose a non-invasive brain-spine interface (BSI) that processes electroencephalographic (EEG) activity to volitionally control trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (ts-MS), as an approach for lower-limb neurorehabilitation. This novel platform allows to contingently connect motor cortical activation during leg motor imagery with the activation of leg muscles via ts-MS. We tested this closed-loop system in 10 healthy participants using different stimulation conditions. This BSI efficiently removed stimulation artifacts from EEG regardless of ts-MS intensity used, allowing continuous monitoring of cortical activity and real-time closed-loop control of ts-MS. Our BSI induced afferent and efferent evoked responses, being this activation ts-MS intensity-dependent. We demonstrated the feasibility, safety and usability of this non-invasive BSI. The presented system represents a novel non-invasive means of brain-controlled neuromodulation and opens the door towards its integration as a therapeutic tool for lower-limb rehabilitation.

Colonic Electrical Stimulation for Chronic Constipation: A Perspective Review

“…A diverse array of open-loop approaches, such as non-invasive [ 117 ] and invasive [ 118 ] brain stimulation, somatosensory nerve stimulation [ 119 ], vagus nerve stimulation [ 120 ], plus closed-loop neural interfacing approaches [ 121 ] have been applied. In the latter, peripheral electrical stimulation has been tailored to deliver closed-loop contingent excitation of neural networks, thus enhancing activity-dependent plasticity [ 122 , 123 , 124 ] producing promising results [ 125 ]. Recent efforts have further explored the relationship between the phase of neural oscillation (e.g., sensorimotor rhythms) and higher excitatory states [ 126 , 127 ].…”

Cortical activation of neuromuscular electrical stimulation synchronized mirror neuron rehabilitation strategies: an fNIRS study

“…Since most patients who need the BCI rehabilitation system have usually lost the ability to perform active exercise, physiological signals generated by brain activity in the process of AO and MI are increasingly being used as effective control signals, and these signals are likely to be generated by MNS excitement. For example, mu (μ) suppression is an important electrophysiological evidence for the existence of MN, and a large number of BCIs use this EEG signal as a control signal (72). The haptic feedback induced by ES can also evoke SMC brain activations and can be used as control signals in the BCI system (43).…”