Article

Brain computer interface technology is of great interest to
researchers as a potential therapeutic measure for people with severe
neurological disorders.
The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of
brain computer interface, by comparing conventional neuromuscular electrical
stimulation and brain computer interface-driven neuromuscular electrical
stimulation, using an A-B-A-B withdrawal single-subject design. METHODS: A
38-year-old male with severe hemiplegia due to a putaminal haemorrhage
participated in this study. The design involved 2 epochs. In epoch A, the patient
attempted to open his fingers during the application of neuromuscular electrical
stimulation, irrespective of his actual brain activity. In epoch B, neuromuscular
electrical stimulation was applied only when a significant motor-related cortical
potential was observed in the electroencephalogram. RESULTS: The subject
initially showed diffuse functional magnetic resonance imaging activation and
small electro-encephalogram responses while attempting finger movement. Epoch A
was associated with few neurological or clinical signs of improvement. Epoch B,
with a brain computer interface, was associated with marked lateralization of
electroencephalogram (EEG) and blood oxygenation level dependent responses.
Voluntary electromyogram (EMG) activity, with significant EEG-EMG coherence, was
also prompted. Clinical improvement in upper-extremity function and muscle tone
was observed. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that self-directed training with
a brain computer interface may induce activity- dependent cortical plasticity and
promote functional recovery. This preliminary clinical investigation encourages
further research using a controlled design.

Langue : ANGLAIS