Actively Recruiting
Non-invasive Brain-computer Interfaces for Control of Assistive Devices
Led by University of Texas at Austin · Updated on 2026-05-01
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to help people with motor disorders and healthy individuals improve control over assistive devices. The study focuses on overcoming challenges in BCI training, such as unstable brain signal patterns and difficulty distinguishing fine hand movements using non-invasive EEG technology. The goal is to understand how two types of electrical stimulation might promote brain changes and speed up BCI training for better motor control. The study includes four groups: one receiving transcutaneous electrical spinal stimulation (TESS) before BCI training with visual feedback, one with conventional BCI training using visual feedback for right versus left hand movements, one using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) during BCI training instead of visual feedback for wrist and finger movements, and one with conventional BCI training using visual feedback for the same wrist and finger movements. TESS is applied for 20 minutes over the spinal cord, and NMES delivers stimulation to forearm muscles based on brain activity detected by EEG. Participants will engage in multiple intervention sessions where their brain signals during motor imagery tasks are recorded and analyzed. Researchers will measure changes in BCI command delivery performance, strength and focus of brain sensorimotor rhythms, and brain activity patterns using EEG and fMRI immediately after sessions and up to one week later. Safety and adherence will be monitored throughout the study lasting until 2028, with assessments of motor imagery stability and brain connectivity changes as secondary outcomes.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Non-invasive BCI-controlled Assistive Devices
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Able-bodied participants with good general health
- Normal or corrected vision
- No history of neurological or psychiatric disease
- Ability to read and understand English
- Subjects with motor deficits due to stroke, spinal cord injury, motor neuron diseases, muscular diseases, traumatic or neurological pain, movement disorders, brain tumors, or brain injury
- Ability to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Short attentional spans or cognitive deficits preventing concentration during sessions
- Use of heavy medication affecting the central nervous system
- Concomitant serious illnesses such as metabolic disorders
- Conditions hindering EEG/EMG acquisition or electrical stimulation, including skin infections, wounds, dermatitis, or metal implants under electrodes
- Presence of metallic implants that contraindicate MRI and TMS safety guidelines
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 - Not specified
Participants undergo brain-computer interface (BCI) training sessions using different feedback devices including transcutaneous electrical spinal stimulation (TESS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and visual feedback to control assistive devices.
Multiple BCI training sessions with device feedback
Duration - Up to one week after all sessions
Participants are assessed for changes in BCI command performance and brain activity immediately after intervention sessions and up to one week after all sessions.
Follow-up visits after intervention completion
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas, United States, 78712
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jose del R. Millan, PhD
H
Hussein Alawieh
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
FACTORIAL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
4
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