Home brain–computer interface program to help children with severe disabilities take part in daily life
BCI@Home: Brain Computer Interface Solutions to Enable Youth Living With Severe Disabilities
NA · University of Calgary · NCT07073378
This program will try home-based brain–computer interface (BCI) systems to help children aged 5–18 with severe physical or communication disabilities reach personalized life participation goals.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07073378 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-arm, family-centered trial tests whether home-based BCI programs can help children with severe motor or communication impairments achieve personalized participation goals while studying how to expand access. The hybrid effectiveness-implementation design uses mixed methods to measure both clinical outcomes and real-world reach in parallel. The trial follows the Quality Implementation Framework and co-creates four implementation strategies with families and clinicians: technical support, scheduling flexibility, broad choice of BCI activities, and culturally safe care. Program delivery is home-based with support from Alberta Children's Hospital and Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 5–18 with severe motor impairment (non-ambulatory and minimal hand use) and/or severe communication impairment who can follow simple instructions and have a home environment suitable for BCI use.
Not a fit: Children with epileptic encephalopathy, unstable epilepsy, brain anatomy incompatible with BCI, or those unable to attend to simple tasks are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, home BCI could let children with severe motor or communication impairments control devices and activities from home, increasing independence and participation in daily life.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary research has shown that some children can operate home BCI systems, but broad home-based implementation and equitable reach remain largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 5-18 years * Severe motor impairment including inability to walk and minimal functional hand use, and/or; * Severe communication impairment * Ability to follow simple instructions and attend to simple tasks * Home environment suitable for the program based on clinician and family discussion; * Informed assent/consent Exclusion Criteria: * Epileptic encephalopathy * Unstable epilepsy, or * Brain imaging incompatible with BCI functionality
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta and 1 other locations
- Alberta Children's Hospital — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (RECRUITING)
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Central Contact Person
- Email: alicia.hilderley@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 403-955-7816
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Cerebral Palsy, Pediatric Stroke, Genetic Condition, Acquired Brain Injury, pediatric brain computer interface