A BCI operated hand exoskeleton based neuro-rehabilitation system for movement restoration in paralysis
Chronic stroke patients suffering from post-stroke hand plegia on either side of the body (left/right)
Participants underwent hand therapy sessions with a frequency of 1-3 times/week, for a period of 6-8 weeks. Each therapy session consists of a 30 min long Physical Practice (PP) mediated by a hand exoskeleton in assist-as-needed mode. This is followed by a Mental Practice (MP) session of 1 hour long, mediated by a brain-computer interface operated hand exoskeleton with visual and proprioceptive neurofeedback. The resting state MEG was also recorded once a week to investigate the brain-connectivity related changes during the rehabilitation process. The motivation and the fatigue measurements were taken both before and after each session using visual analog scale (VAS) based assessment. Once a week, the motor recovery assessments were taken using Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and by measuring the grip-strength (GS) of the participants.
1. Male and female post-stroke volunteers, in the age group of 18-80 years and have normal or corrected to normal vision (e.g. normal vision by using glasses) 2. Six months – two years post-stroke since the first episode of stroke: this is to capture stroke survivors within the chronic stage and also to ensure the stage of fast spontaneous recovery has finished 3. Able to follow two-part spoken or written commands: this is to ensure stroke survivors can provide informed consent and also to ensure they will be able to comply with therapy 4. Have movement disability in at least one of their hands due to stroke 5. Able to get in and out of a low seat unassisted 6. Ready to remove all body piercings
1. Aged less than 18 years or above 80 years 2. Known to have a progressive neurological condition, any serious medical or psychological diseases which are likely to seriously affect their ability to continue with experimentation 3. Have metal or active implants in their body (excluding dental fillings or crowns) 4. Known to suffer from claustrophobia 5. Pregnant or breastfeeding 6. Gross cognitive impairment or disorientation, evidenced by a score of <21 in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); the MMSE is an 11-item reliable and valid measure of cognitive function (Folstein, Folstein & McHugh 1975), such that they are unable to follow verbal or written instruction