Study of Non-invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces Using Electrical Stimulation to Improve Control of Assistive Devices for Motor Disorders

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.

Non-invasive BCI-controlled Assistive Devices