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

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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
• Email: jose.millan@austin.utexas.edu
• Phone: 512-232-8111

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.