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NCT Number: NCT07109830

Utilizing an EEG-Based BCI Game to Evaluate Cognitive Skills in Children With Motor Impairments

This project aims to validate an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) game as a cognitive assessment tool for children with motor impairments. Traditional cognitive assessments often rely on motor responses, which may underestimate the abilities of children with limited mobility. By using BCI technology, which captures brain activity directly, the study seeks to bypass these limitations and offer a more inclusive, engaging, and accurate assessment method.

The research consists of three papers:

1. Pilot Study: Tests the feasibility of the BCI game, comparing BCI and keyboard controls, and examines alignment with NEPSY-II cognitive subtests. 2. Validation Study: Investigates the convergent validity of the BCI game in typically developing children by correlating game performance with standardized cognitive test scores. 3. Adaptation Study: Compares game performance between neurotypical children and children with motor impairments to evaluate the game's inclusivity and adaptability.

The project utilizes the Emotiv Flex 2 EEG system and focuses on cognitive domains such as attention, working memory, and inhibition. The ultimate goal is to develop a reliable, equitable tool for assessing cognition in children with diverse motor abilities.

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Key information

Conditions

Children With Motor Impairments

Age range

7 year–16 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Who can participate

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

Inclusion criteria

Children with and without motor impairments.
Ages 7-16.
Understand simple commands

Exclusion criteria

Vision impairment

Treatment and study plan

Cognitive assessment

Diagnostic Test

Cognitive assessment using BCI-game

NEPSY-II

Diagnostic Test

Standardized cognitive assessment

Primary outcomes

Neuropsychological assessment (NEPSY-II)

Time frame: "Baseline (Day 1): NEPSY-II will be administered during the single study session at the same visit as the BCI game."

The NEPSY-II (A Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment, Second Edition) is a standardized cognitive assessment for children aged 3-16 years. It evaluates multiple domains of cognitive functioning, including Attention and Executive Functioning, Memory and Learning, and Visuospatial Processing. Each subtest yields a scaled score ranging from 1 to 19 (mean = 10, SD = 3) and domain-level standard scores (mean = 100, SD = 15). Higher scores indicate better cognitive performance.
BCI game metrics

Time frame: Baseline (Day 1; during the single study visit)

The BCI-controlled adventure-style game is designed to assess cognitive domains including attention, working memory, and inhibitory control. Participants navigate a virtual environment by turning left or right using brain-computer interface control based on steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEP).

Coins collected reflect the participant's sustained attention and working memory by requiring consistent focus and memory of task-specific rules (e.g., avoiding certain coin colors).

Obstacles avoided reflect inhibitory control by requiring participants to suppress automatic responses and adapt to changing task demands.

Each metric is a count variable (0-maximum possible in the game), where higher values indicate better cognitive performance.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Munirah Alsubaie

CONTACT

[email protected]

7809204861

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Alberta

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Utilizing an Electroencephalography-Based Brain-Computer Interface Game to Evaluate Cognitive Skills in Children With Motor Impairments

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Aug 7, 2025
Registry last updated: May 7, 2026

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.