Training to use a commercial brain-computer interface as access technology: a case study

This case study describes how an individual with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy was trained over a period of four weeks to use a commercial electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI). The participant spent three sessions exploring the system, and seven sessions playing a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Disability and rehabilitation: Assistive technology 2016-01, Vol.11 (4), p.345-6
Main Authors: Taherian, Sarvnaz, Selitskiy, Dmitry, Pau, James, Davies, T Claire, Owens, R Glynn
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brain
Brain-Computer Interfaces
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral Palsy - rehabilitation
Disabled Persons - rehabilitation
Electroencephalography
Fatigue
Feedback
Female
Health Status
Humans
Imagery
Motivation
Self-Help Devices
Technology
Young Adult
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Summary:This case study describes how an individual with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy was trained over a period of four weeks to use a commercial electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI). The participant spent three sessions exploring the system, and seven sessions playing a game focused on EEG feedback training of left and right arm motor imagery and a customised, training game paradigm was employed. The participant showed improvement in the production of two distinct EEG patterns. The participant's performance was influenced by motivation, fatigue and concentration. Six weeks post-training the participant could still control the BCI and used this to type a sentence using an augmentative and alternative communication application on a wirelessly linked device. The results from this case study highlight the importance of creating a dynamic, relevant and engaging training environment for BCIs. Implications for Rehabilitation Customising a training paradigm to suit the users' interests can influence adherence to assistive technology training. Mood, fatigue, physical illness and motivation influence the usability of a brain-computer interface. Commercial brain-computer interfaces, which require little set up time, may be used as access technology for individuals with severe disabilities.
ISSN:1748-3107
1748-3115
DOI:10.3109/17483107.2014.967313