Brain-computer interface training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with chronic severe hemiparesis: Proof of concept study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Brain-computer interface technology has been applied to stroke patients to improve their motor function. Event-related desynchronization during motor imagery, which is used as a brain-computer interface trigger, is sometimes difficult to detect in stroke patients. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is known to increase event-related desynchronization. This study investigated the adjunctive effect of anodal tDCS for brain-computer interface training in patients with severe hemiparesis.

SUBJECTS:

Eighteen patients with chronic stroke.

DESIGN:

A non-randomized controlled study.

METHODS:

Subjects were divided between a brain-computer interface group and a tDCS- brain-computer interface group and participated in a 10-day brain-computer interface training. Event-related desynchronization was detected in the affected hemisphere during motor imagery of the affected fingers. The tDCS-brain-computer interface group received anodal tDCS before brain-computer interface training. Event-related desynchronization was evaluated before and after the intervention. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment upper extremity motor score (FM-U) was assessed before, immediately after, and 3 months after, the intervention.

RESULTS:

Event-related desynchronization was significantly increased in the tDCS- brain-computer interface group. The FM-U was significantly increased in both groups. The FM-U improvement was maintained at 3 months in the tDCS-brain-computer interface group.

CONCLUSION:

Anodal tDCS can be a conditioning tool for brain-computer interface training in patients with severe hemiparetic stroke.

• Authors: Yuko Kasashima-Shindo, Toshiyuki Fujiwara, Junichi Ushiba, Yayoi Matsushika, Daiki Kamatani, Misa Oto, Takashi Ono, Atsuko Nishimoto, Keiichiro Shindo, Michiyuki Kawakami, Tetsuya Tsuji, Meigen Liu
• Journal: Journal of rehabilitation medicine (J Rehabil Med) Vol. 47 Issue 4 Pg. 318-24 (Apr 2015) ISSN: 1651-2081 [Electronic] Sweden
• PMID: 25655381 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Brain-Computer Interfaces (statistics & numerical data)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Paresis (physiopathology, rehabilitation, therapy)
• Stroke (physiopathology, therapy)
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (methods)
• Upper Extremity (physiopathology)