Using telehealth to help caregivers set up brain-computer interfaces for communication
Individualizing Home Use of an Electroencephalographic or EEG-based Brain-computer Interface (BCI) Using Telemedicine
NA · Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · NCT05951556
This study tests if telehealth support can help caregivers set up brain-computer interfaces so people with Locked In Syndrome can communicate better from home.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 7 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05951556 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate whether telehealth interventions can enable untrained caregivers to effectively set up and use brain-computer interface (BCI) technology for individuals with Locked In Syndrome (LIS) due to conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or stroke. Participants will receive a computer and necessary hardware, with videoconference support from the research team to facilitate the setup and operation of the BCI in their home environment. The goal is to empower individuals with severe communication impairments to engage in social communication and express their needs through the BCI. The effectiveness of this approach will be assessed by monitoring communication generated and the duration of independent use of the device.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with conditions leading to severe communication impairment, such as ALS or stroke resulting in Locked In Syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have severe communication impairments or those who are not diagnosed with ALS or stroke may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance communication abilities for patients with severe impairments, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of BCIs has shown promise in laboratory settings, the application of telehealth for untrained caregivers in home environments is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis leading to severe communication impairment Exclusion Criteria: -
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- ShirleyRyan AbilityLab — Chicago, Illinois, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Colin Franz, MD — SRALAB
- Study coordinator: Edward C Hitchcock, OT/L
- Email: ehitchcock@sralab.org
- Phone: 312 238 2997
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: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Stroke, locked in syndrome