EEG-based BCI game to measure thinking skills in children with motor impairments
Official title: Utilizing an Electroencephalography-Based Brain-Computer Interface Game to Evaluate Cognitive Skills in Children With Motor Impairments
Run by University of Alberta · NCT07109830 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) game can measure cognitive skills in children aged 7–16, including those with motor impairments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 73 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Edmonton, Alberta and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07109830 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 7–16, with or without motor impairments, who can follow simple commands and do not have significant vision impairment.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with vision impairment or who cannot follow simple commands are unlikely to benefit from this EEG-based game assessment.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The project uses an EEG-based brain-computer interface game to record brain activity while children complete game tasks, aiming to bypass motor response requirements. It comprises three parts: a pilot comparing BCI and keyboard controls and alignment with NEPSY-II cognitive subtests, a validation study correlating game performance with standardized cognitive tests in typically developing children, and an adaptation study comparing neurotypical children with children who have motor impairments. Participants aged 7–16 will wear EEG equipment during game sessions and also complete NEPSY-II subtests to examine convergent validity and feasibility. The observational design focuses on whether the game can provide inclusive, reliable measures of cognitive skills without requiring physical responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the game could give children with limited motor ability a fairer, more engaging way to show their cognitive skills using brain signals instead of physical responses.
How similar studies have gone: Related BCI research has shown promise for communication and basic cognitive measurement, but using an EEG game as a formal cognitive test for children with motor impairments remains relatively novel and not widely validated.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children with and without motor impairments. * Ages 7-16. * Understand simple commands Exclusion Criteria: * Vision impairment
Where it's running
-
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting -
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Munirah Alsubaie
- Email: malsubai@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 7809204861
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.