Effects of Continuous Kinaesthetic Feedback Based on Tendon Vibration on Motor Imagery BCI Performance.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Feedback plays a crucial role for using brain computer interface systems. This paper proposes the use of vibration-evoked kinaesthetic illusions as part of a novel multisensory feedback for a motor imagery (MI)-based BCI and investigates its contributions in terms of BCI performance and electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates.

METHODS:

sixteen subjects performed two different right arm MI-BCI sessions: with the visual feedback only and with both visual and vibration-evoked kinaesthetic feedback, conveyed by the stimulation of the biceps brachi tendon. In both conditions, the sensory feedback was driven by the MI-BCI. The rich and more natural multisensory feedback was expected to facilitate the execution of MI, and thus to improve the performance of the BCI. The EEG correlates of the proposed feedback were also investigated with and without the performing of MI.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:

the contribution of vibration-evoked kinaesthetic feedback led to statistically higher BCI performance (Anova, F(1,14) = 18.1, p < .01) and more stable EEG event-related-desynchronization. Obtained results suggest promising application of the proposed method in neuro-rehabilitation scenarios: the advantage of an improved usability could make the MI-BCIs more applicable for those patients having difficulties in performing kinaesthetic imagery.

• Authors: Michele Barsotti, Daniele Leonardis, Nicola Vanello, Massimo Bergamasco, Antonio Frisoli
• Journal: IEEE transactions on neural systems and rehabilitation engineering : a publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng) Vol. 26 Issue 1 Pg. 105-114 (01 2018) ISSN: 1558-0210 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 28809705 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Algorithms
• Arm (physiology)
• Brain-Computer Interfaces
• Data Interpretation, Statistical
• Electroencephalography
• Evoked Potentials (physiology)
• Feedback
• Feedback, Sensory (physiology)
• Female
• Healthy Volunteers
• Humans
• Imagination (physiology)
• Kinesthesis (physiology)
• Male
• Psychomotor Performance (physiology)
• Tendons (physiology)
• Vibration
• Young Adult