A review of functional electrical stimulation based on brain-computer interface

Journal of Biomedical Engineering, 2024 · DOI: 10.7507/1001-5515.202311036 · Published: August 1, 2024

Neurology Neurorehabilitation Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Individuals with motor dysfunction caused by damage to the central nervous system are unable to transmit voluntary movement commands to their muscles, resulting in a reduced ability to control their limbs. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) based on brain-computer interface (BCI) connects the patient’s intentions with muscle contraction, and helps to promote the reconstruction of nerve function by recognizing nerve signals and stimulating the moving muscle group with electrical impulses to produce muscle convulsions or limb movements. This article reviewed the current research status of BCI-based FES from three aspects: BCI paradigms, FES parameters and rehabilitation efficacy, and looked forward to the future development trend of this technology, in order to improve the understanding of BCI-based FES.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
BCI-FES systems promote nerve function reconstruction by connecting motor intention and muscle contraction.
2
BCI-FES system's rehabilitation effect is better than pure FES and can exert more significant and lasting functional recovery effects.
3
BCI paradigms and FES parameter settings are critical in the rehabilitation process to maximize effectiveness and alleviate patient fatigue.

Research Summary

BCI-FES is an effective treatment for sequelae of neurological diseases such as stroke and spinal cord injury. The combination of BCI and FES provides new therapeutic ideas for the treatment of motor dysfunction after central nervous system damage and is worthy of further research and promotion. The development of BCI-FES technology will benefit patients with other neurological diseases.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Motor Recovery

BCI-FES systems can lead to more significant motor function recovery compared to FES alone, with improvements lasting beyond the treatment period.

Personalized Rehabilitation

Tailoring BCI paradigms and FES parameters can optimize rehabilitation outcomes while minimizing patient fatigue.

Broadened Clinical Applications

Continued development of BCI-FES technology may extend its benefits to a wider range of neurological conditions.

Study Limitations

1
Challenges in accurately acquiring EEG signals non-invasively.
2
Limitations of current BCI paradigms, such as visual fatigue and low information transfer rates.
3
Difficulties in avoiding muscle fatigue during FES and achieving continuous control of multiple muscles.

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