Actively Recruiting
BCI@Home: Brain Computer Interface Solutions to Enable Youth Living With Severe Disabilities
Led by University of Calgary · Updated on 2026-05-05
18
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the use of brain computer interfaces (BCI) at home for children aged 5 to 18 with severe physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, pediatric stroke, genetic conditions, or acquired brain injury. The study aims to determine if a home BCI program can help these children achieve personalized life participation goals and promote broad implementation reach, making this technology more accessible outside major medical centers. Participants will receive a BCI kit including a headset and necessary equipment after an initial in-person visit where goals are set and BCI use is taught. Families will then engage in 12 virtual sessions over three to six months with flexible scheduling and daily online support. Those wishing to continue after 12 sessions may keep their kits and receive ongoing assistance. The study follows a single-arm, family-centered design combining implementation science and effectiveness outcomes. During the study, families will complete surveys, interviews, and brain activity recordings via EEG during BCI sessions. Researchers will assess progress toward personalized goals using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and evaluate implementation reach and equity. Quality of life and family experiences will also be explored. The total participation period includes baseline, treatment up to six months, and up to two years of follow-up for implementation monitoring.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
BCI@Home: Brain Computer Interface Solutions to Enable Youth Living With Severe Disabilities
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 5 to 18 years
- Severe motor impairment including inability to walk and minimal functional hand use, and/or severe communication impairment
- Ability to follow simple instructions and attend to simple tasks
- Home environment suitable for the program based on clinician and family discussion
- Informed assent/consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Epileptic encephalopathy
- Unstable epilepsy
- Brain imaging incompatible with BCI functionality
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete an in-person visit to review available activities, set their first goals, and learn to use the brain computer interface (BCI) independently. They receive a BCI kit including a headset and necessary equipment and software to pursue their personalized goals.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 to 6 months
Participants engage in 12 virtual BCI sessions over 3 to 6 months, with flexible scheduling to accommodate family needs. Daily online support is provided via a messaging application. Participants may continue using BCI beyond 12 sessions with ongoing support and equipment.
12 virtual sessions
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Alberta Children's Hospital
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Actively Recruiting
2
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Central Contact Person
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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