Non-Invasive Brain-Computer Interface for Virtual Object Control

A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a system that provides a separate output pathway for neurological signals whereby they can be interpreted to determine the user's intended cognitive action. Utilizing EEG-based sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs) generated in the motor cortex has allowed subjects to control virtual computer cursors in up to three dimensions by simply imagining the movement of a specified body part. Nevertheless, the scalp EEG signals are smeared by the volume conduction effect and measurement noise. The overall hypothesis of this study is that EEG-based virtual object control may help reveal optimal motor imagination tasks best used in a BCI.

The PI's hypotheses include: (1) The use of advanced signal processing techniques will better reveal characteristics of EEG signals that represent the underlying motor cognitive function of the subject; (2) BCI systems based on SMR generated using motor imaginations will allow effective control of a virtual object in real time; (3) EEG imaging techniques will provide insight into the areas of cortical activation during a motor imagery task that can be utilized to increase the spatial resolution of non-invasive BCI's.

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Key information

Conditions

Individuality

Age range

18 year–64 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Nils Hasselmo Hall at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

About this study

The goal of the present study is to explore advanced signal processing techniques that will better reveal characteristics of EEG signals that represent the underlying motor cognitive function of the subject, and conduct experiments to better control an virtual object on the computer screen including a cursor or a helicopter.

The primary objective of this study is to test the above hypotheses (1) and (2) in a healthy subject population.This study will determine the ability of subjects with full cognitive function to control a non-invasive brain-computer interface by imagining a particular movement. Using non-invasive methods, we will investigate the neural processes that occur during the motor imagination tasks associated with controlling a virtual object. Using a variety of motor imaginations, we will determine which tasks are best used for BCI control by quantitative means of BCI performance and neurological dynamic system analysis.

Subjects for this study will be healthy, English speaking adult volunteers (18-64 years old) with no history of mental illness, neurological deficit, or traumatic brain injury.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Between the age of 18 and 64

Exclusion criteria

History of traumatic brain injury/brain lesion, neurological deficit or neurodegenerative disorder

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Classification accuracy (%) and Cohen's Kappa Coefficient (unit-less) will be measured by discriminating features within the EEG time courses of different motor imagery tasks.

Time frame: two years

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Minnesota

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2014
Primary completion: 2018
Study completion: 2018
First posted: Feb 26, 2014
Registry last updated: Jan 18, 2018

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed