Preliminary Results of a Brain-Computer Interface System based on Functional Electrical Stimulation and Avatar Feedback for Lower Extremity Rehabilitation of Chronic Stroke Patients

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) show important rehabilitation effects for patients after stroke. Previous studies have also shown improvements for patients that are in a chronic stage and/or have severe hemiparesis, and are particularly challenging for conventional rehabilitation techniques. For this pilot study three stroke patients in chronic phase with hemiparesis in the lower extremity were recruited. BCI system was based on the Motor Imagery (MI) with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and Avatar feedback. The results show improvements in gait and balance measured with 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Walking speed for 10MWT when walking speed was measured in fast velocity improved in average for 0.16 m/s. Improvements were also measured in ankle dorsiflexion movement ability measured with Range of Motion (ROM). The findings of the current study demonstrate this kind of rehabilitation approach could be effective. However further studies are needed including more patients.

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