Modulation of Cortical Excitability with BCI for Stroke Rehabilitation

Abstract

Here we present the possibility of inducing significant neuroplasticity as assessed by non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) using a unique Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) build on known mechanisms of memory and learning. This BCI associates in time the cortical signals generated when a stroke patient attempts to perform a movement, and the artificial production of that movement. As for healthy participants, both chronic and sub-acute patients show neuroplastic changes following exposure to this BCI, that is accompanied by significant improvements in function as assessed by clinical scales. The relatively short duration of each intervention session, the fact that it does not require user training or residual muscle activity makes this a viable tool for the clinical setting and my pave the way for future BCIs in the clinic.