Abstract WP201: Electroencephalogram Based Brain Computer Interface Therapy for the Restoration of Distal Upper Extremity Motor Function in Chronic Severely Impaired Individuals

• Published in: Stroke (1970) 2019-02, Vol.50 (Suppl_1)
• Main Authors: Bjorklund, Erik, Remsik, Alex, Dodd, Keith, Jacobson, Tyler, Mohanty, Rosaleena, Advani, Hemali, Allen, Janerra D, Thoma, Jaclyn M, Walczak, Matt, Williams, Leroy, Mazrooyisebdani, Mohsen, Tellapragada, Neelima, Young, Brittany M, Kang, Theresa J, Nair, Veena A, Edwards, Dorothy F, Williams, Justin F, Prabhakaran, Vivek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0039-2499; 1524-4628
• DOI: 10.1161/str.50.suppl_1.WP201

Abstract only Introduction: Many stroke survivors are often left with persistent upper extremity motor impairment that affect their overall quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of using non-invasive electroencephalographic (EEG) based brain-computer interface (BCI) therapy to facilitate distal upper extremity motor function. Data was acquired from 18 participants ((mean age = 60 years, F = 9, M = 9, 5 = sub-chronic (over 1 year from stroke onset), 13 = chronic (less than 1 year)). Behavioral outcomes were measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), a Motor Activity Log (MAL), and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). We investigated whether severely-impaired, chronic stroke survivors could use BCI treatment to recover from stroke at a rate similar to that of severely-impaired, sub-chronic stroke survivors after BCI intervention. Methods: EEG data was acquired using BCI2000 software and 16 channel EEG cap with electrodes positioned according to the standard 10-20 system over the sensorimotor cortex at C3 & C4. Participants were cued to move either their left or right hand to control a cursor towards the right or left side of a monitor. Data acquired at baseline (no more than one week prior to BCI therapy) and post-therapy (no more than one week following BCI therapy) were used in this analyses. Results: No significant decrease in improvement in the chronic group compared to the sub-chronic group (0.95 confidence interval) was observed. The chronic group showed significant improvement in their affected arm in: MAS elbow flexion (p = 0.03746), MAS finger extension (p = 0.01896), MAL arm use (p = 0.02065), MAL how well they could use their arm (p = 0.02065), SIS perceived strength (p = 0.04105), and SIS arm use for daily life tasks (p = 0.01741). Conclusion: For chronic stroke survivors, BCI intervention for restoration of upper extremity motor function may promote recovery at a rate similar to that of sub-chronic survivors.