Hybrid brain/neural interface and autonomous vision‑guided whole‑arm exoskeleton control to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2023 · DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01185-w · Published: May 8, 2023

Assistive Technology Rehabilitation Biomedical

Simple Explanation

The study compares the performance of a hybrid EEG/EOG interface for performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) using either an exoskeleton or an external manipulator. Ten impaired participants were instructed to use both systems to perform a drinking and a pouring task, in synchronous and asynchronous modes. The study found that all participants were able to control both systems fluently and reliably, with the exoskeleton showing better performance.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

10 impaired participants (5 males and 5 females, mean age 52 ± 16 years)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study found no significant differences in the time spent to fully open/close the hand exoskeleton and the gripper of the robotic external manipulator through the EEG interface normalized to ERD duration.
2
Participants exhibited anticipation, with greater anticipation times when using the whole-arm exoskeleton compared to the external manipulator.
3
Fluent control was verified for both devices and both control modalities, with a median TTI+Pre-TTI below 3 s in all cases.

Research Summary

This study compares the control of a whole-arm exoskeleton and an external manipulator using a hybrid EEG/EOG interface in individuals with brain or spinal cord injuries. The study suggests that the embodiment and proprioception conferred by the exoskeleton may lead to more reliable and intuitive control of the hybrid EEG/EOG interface. Although the results of our study in terms of fluency and reliability of EEG control suggest better performances of the exoskeleton over the external manipulator, such results cannot be considered conclusive

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation potential

BCI-controlled exoskeletons could have beneficial effects from a neurorehabilitation perspective, promoting neuroplasticity and functional recovery.

Device acceptability

The study highlights the importance of overcoming technical challenges such as weight and encumbrance to effectively translate the use of exoskeletons into people’s daily life.

Control strategy

Combining agency (active user control in asynchronous mode) and embodiment (proprioceptive feedback with exoskeleton) has a beneficial effect in the use of an assistive device.

Study Limitations

1
The efficiency of one assistive system over the other could not be demonstrated, because it would have required longer and repeated test sessions.
2
The study has a relatively small number of patients.
3
The diversity of the pathologies of the patients who participated in the study, the results may not be generalizable beyond the conditions of this study.

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