DiSCIoser: unlocking recovery potential of arm sensorimotor functions after spinal cord injury by promoting activity-dependent brain plasticity by means of brain-computer interface technology: a randomized controlled trial to test efficacy

This study investigates using Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) to help people with spinal cord injuries regain arm and hand function. BCI-supported motor imagery training is designed “to engage the sensorimotor system and thus facilitate the neuroplasticity to eventually optimize upper limb sensorimotor functional recovery in patients with SCI during the subacute phase”. The study will compare BCI-assisted hand motor imagery training with hand motor imagery training alone. Both interventions are delivered “as add-on to standard rehabilitation care”, three times a week for 12 weeks. The researchers expect that the BCI-based approach “to promote meaningful cortical sensorimotor plasticity and eventually maximize recovery of arm functions in traumatic cervical subacute SCI.”

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  The primary outcome measure is the Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility and Prehension (GRASSP) somatosensory sub-score.
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  Secondary outcome measures include motor and functional scores of the GRASSP, clinical, neuropsychological, neurophysiological and neuroimaging measures.
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  The study hypothesizes that BCI-supported MI training will boost the effect of MI training by promoting cortical sensorimotor plasticity and maximizing hand function recovery.