Non-invasive BCI-controlled Assistive Devices

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · Dec 20, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying new ways to help people with motor disorders, including those caused by stroke, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological conditions, regain control of their movements. Researchers are exploring the use of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that read brain signals to control assistive devices. The trial looks at how combining electrical stimulation with BCI training can improve the way the brain communicates with the body, helping participants learn to control movements more effectively and quickly.

To participate, you need to be between 18 and 75 years old and either in good health or have specific motor disabilities. Important criteria include having normal or corrected vision and being able to understand English. Participants will undergo training sessions where they will use the BCI while receiving electrical stimulation to enhance their brain's ability to control movement. Throughout the trial, researchers will monitor any changes in brain function and muscle control. It's a chance to explore innovative treatments that could make a difference in the lives of people with movement challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• 1. Able-bodied participants:
• • good general health
• • normal or corrected vision
• • no history of neurological/psychiatric disease
• • ability to read and understand English (Research Personnel do not speak Spanish)
• • 2. Subjects with motor disabilities
• • motor deficits due to: unilateral and bilateral stroke / spinal cord injury / motor neuron diseases (i.e. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spino-cerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis) / muscular diseases (i.e. myopathy) / traumatic or neurological pain / movement disorders (i.e. cerebral palsy) / orthopedic / traumatic brain injury / brain tumors
• • normal or corrected vision
• • ability to read and understand English
• • ability to provide informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Subjects with motor disabilities
• • short attentional spans or cognitive deficits that prevent the subject from concentrating during the whole experimental session
• • heavy medication affecting the central nervous system (including vigilance)
• • concomitant serious illness (e.g., metabolic disorders)
• • 2. All participants
• • factors hindering EEG/EMG acquisition and the delivery of non-invasive electrical stimulation (e.g., skin infection, wounds, dermatitis, metal implants under electrodes)
• • criteria identified in safety guidelines for MRI and TMS, in particular metallic implants