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. 2024 May 1;27(3):297-306.
doi: 10.4103/aian.aian_1056_23. Epub 2024 Jun 5.

Characterization of Event Related Desynchronization in Chronic Stroke Using Motor Imagery Based Brain Computer Interface for Upper Limb Rehabilitation

Sagila K Gangadharan  1 , Subasree Ramakrishnan  2 , Andrew Paek  3 , Akshay Ravindran  3 , Vinod A Prasad  4 , Jose L Contreras Vidal  3
Affiliations

Characterization of Event Related Desynchronization in Chronic Stroke Using Motor Imagery Based Brain Computer Interface for Upper Limb Rehabilitation

Sagila K Gangadharan et al. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. .

Abstract

Objective: Motor imagery-based brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) is a promising novel mode of stroke rehabilitation. The current study aims to investigate the feasibility of MI-BCI in upper limb rehabilitation of chronic stroke survivors and also to study the early event-related desynchronization after MI-BCI intervention.

Methods: Changes in the characteristics of sensorimotor rhythm modulations in response to a short brain-computer interface (BCI) intervention for upper limb rehabilitation of stroke-disabled hand and normal hand were examined. The participants were trained to modulate their brain rhythms through motor imagery or execution during calibration, and they played a virtual marble game during the feedback session, where the movement of the marble was controlled by their sensorimotor rhythm.

Results: Ipsilesional and contralesional activities were observed in the brain during the upper limb rehabilitation using BCI intervention. All the participants were able to successfully control the position of the virtual marble using their sensorimotor rhythm.

Conclusions: The preliminary results support the feasibility of BCI in upper limb rehabilitation and unveil the capability of MI-BCI as a promising medical intervention. This study provides a strong platform for clinicians to build upon new strategies for stroke rehabilitation by integrating MI-BCI with various therapeutic options to induce neural plasticity and recovery.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Experimental protocols: (a) timeline of calibration protocol-1; (b) timeline of calibration protocol-2; (c) different stages of feedback control- marble game; (d) subject performing calibration and feedback stages
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparison of contralateral %ERD during ME and MI: (a) mu ERD impaired hand and (b) beta ERD impaired hand; (c) mu ERD normal hand and (d) beta ERD normal hand. ERD = event-related desynchronization, ME = movement execution, MI = motor imagery
Figure 3
Figure 3
ERD time course of S2 in 8–12 Hz mu band: (a) ME impaired hand; (b) MI impaired hand; (c) ME normal hand; (d) MI normal hand. ERD time course of S2 in 12–30 Hz beta band: (e) ME impaired hand; (f) MI impaired hand; (g) ME normal hand; (h) MI normal hand. ERD = event-related desynchronization, ME = movement execution, MI = motor imagery
Figure 4
Figure 4
Topographic plot of S2 in mu band: (a) ME impaired hand; (b) MI impaired hand; (c) ME normal hand; (d) MI normal hand. Topographic plot of S2 in beta band: (e) ME impaired hand; (f) MI impaired hand; (g) ME normal hand; (h) MI normal hand. ERD = event-related desynchronization, ME = movement execution, MI = motor imagery
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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