Using brain-computer interfaces to control assistive devices for motor recovery

Non-invasive Brain-computer Interfaces for Control of Assistive Devices

This study tests whether using brain-computer interfaces can help people with motor disorders control assistive devices better and improve their movement skills.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Austin, Texas)
• Trial ID: NCT05183152 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores the use of non-invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to control assistive devices for individuals with motor disorders and healthy participants. It focuses on decoding sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs) from the brain to enhance motor control and promote functional recovery. The study aims to address challenges related to the stability of SMR patterns and the differentiation of motor imagery for fine hand movements. Participants will engage in activities that help them learn to elicit reliable SMR patterns to improve BCI performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include both able-bodied individuals and those with motor disabilities such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and motor neuron diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive deficits or short attentional spans that hinder concentration during sessions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance motor recovery and independence for individuals with motor disabilities.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using BCIs for motor recovery, indicating that this approach has potential based on previous findings.

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

Where this trial is running

Austin, Texas

• The University of Texas at Austin — Austin, Texas, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jose del R. Millan, PhD — The University of Texas at Austin
• Study coordinator: Jose del R. Millan, PhD

Conditions: Motor Disorders, Healthy, Spinal Cord Injuries, Muscular Diseases, Motor Neuron Disease, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Movement Disorders