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Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research

Brain-Computer Interface Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation System for Ankle Movement

Authors: An H Do, Po T Wang, Christine E King, Ahmad Abiri, Zoran Nenadic

Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Background

Many neurological conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury, can cause chronic gait function impairment due to foot-drop. Current physiotherapy techniques provide only a limited degree of motor function recovery in these individuals, and therefore novel therapies are needed. Brain-computer interface (BCI) is a relatively novel technology with a potential to restore, substitute, or augment lost motor behaviors in patients with neurological injuries. Here, we describe the first successful integration of a noninvasive electroencephalogram (EEG)-based BCI with a noninvasive functional electrical stimulation (FES) system that enables the direct brain control of foot dorsiflexion in able-bodied individuals.

Methods

A noninvasive EEG-based BCI system was integrated with a noninvasive FES system for foot dorsiflexion. Subjects underwent computer-cued epochs of repetitive foot dorsiflexion and idling while their EEG signals were recorded and stored for offline analysis. The analysis generated a prediction model that allowed EEG data to be analyzed and classified in real time during online BCI operation. The real-time online performance of the integrated BCI-FES system was tested in a group of five able-bodied subjects who used repetitive foot dorsiflexion to elicit BCI-FES mediated dorsiflexion of the contralateral foot.

Results

Five able-bodied subjects performed 10 alternations of idling and repetitive foot dorsifiexion to trigger BCI-FES mediated dorsifiexion of the contralateral foot. The epochs of BCI-FES mediated foot dorsifiexion were highly correlated with the epochs of voluntary foot dorsifiexion (correlation coefficient ranged between 0.59 and 0.77) with latencies ranging from 1.4 sec to 3.1 sec. In addition, all subjects achieved a 100% BCI-FES response (no omissions), and one subject had a single false alarm.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the integration of a noninvasive BCI with a lower-extremity FES system is feasible. With additional modifications, the proposed BCI-FES system may offer a novel and effective therapy in the neuro-rehabilitation of individuals with lower extremity paralysis due to neurological injuries.

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Title: Brain-Computer Interface Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation System for Ankle Movement
Authors: An H Do
Po T Wang
Christine E King
Ahmad Abiri
Zoran Nenadic
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-8-49

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Brain-Computer Interface Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation System for Ankle Movement

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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