Brain-Computer Interface-Driven Functional Electrical Stimulation for Motor Rehabilitation following Stroke

A brain-computer interface (BCI) enables delivery of functional electrical stimulation (FES), at the time point of movement intention, to induce muscle contraction in a paretic limb, using brain activity recording. It has been hypothesized that tight temporal coupling between movement intention and visual or proprioceptive feedback obtained from an actual movement can enhance neuroplasticity and thus improve limb function. We provide an overview of this approach to post-stroke rehabilitation based on a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched and 516 titles identified, out of which 13 papers, originating from 7 study populations that met all inclusion criteria were selected. These studies differed in the frequency, duration, and outcome measures of the therapy used. Five studies reported greater functional improvement in the BCI-FES group, with 3 studies showing a difference between the BCI-FES and control groups.