Article

Thus far, most of the brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) developed for
motor rehabilitation used electroencephalographic signals to drive prostheses
that support upper limb movement. Only few BCIs used hemodynamic signals or were
designed to control lower extremity prostheses. Recent technological developments
indicate that functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-BCI can be exploited
in rehabilitation of lower limb movement due to its great usability and reduced
sensitivity to head motion artifacts. Objective. The aim of this proof of concept
study was to assess whether hemodynamic signals underlying lower limb motor
preparation in stroke patients can be reliably measured and classified. Methods.
fNIRS data were acquired during preparation of left and right hip movement in 7
chronic stroke patients. Results. Single-trial analysis indicated that specific
hemodynamic changes associated with left and right hip movement preparation can
be measured with fNIRS. Linear discriminant analysis classification of totHB
signal changes in the premotor cortex and/or posterior parietal cortex indicated
above chance accuracy in discriminating paretic from nonparetic movement
preparation trials in most of the tested patients.
Conclusion. The results
provide first evidence that fNIRS can detect brain activity associated with
single-trial lower limb motor preparation in stroke patients. These findings
encourage further investigation of fNIRS suitability for BCI applications in
rehabilitation of patients with lower limb motor impairment after stroke.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS