Brain Computer Interfaces (Mu Rhythm Learning)

EEG-based Brain Computer Interface and Mu Rhythm for Computer Access

Sensorimotor (also know as mu) rhythm based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are a tool for controlling electronic devices using only brain signals.

The Mu rhythm is a naturally occuring wave produced by the brain. This research project will determine how to best train subjects to use the Mu rhythm for computer control.

Study Overview

• Status: Terminated
• Conditions: Mobility Impairments
• Intervention / Treatment: Procedure: Brain Computer Interface for Mu Rhythm

Detailed Description

As a method of BCI control, Mu rhythms are difficult to learn and involve extensive training. The investigators want to keep users motivated and determine the best way to provide effective training. Healthy users will be trained to control a computer by wearing an electrode cap that is connected to a computer. They will have their levels of motivation and interest measured while learning to use the Mu rhythm. Two different types of learning programs will be used to determine which is most effective for Mu rhythm training. This method will be used for device control by people with severe physical impairments, who may be able to communicate or carry out other desired tasks using a BCI.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 7

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Michigan
    • Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, 48197
      • University of Michigan

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy volunteers

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 or older.
• Able to read text on a computer screen
• Able to understand and remember instructions concerning participation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable give informed consent.
• Unable to understand and follow instructions.
• Have abnormal tone or uncontrolled movements in the head-and-neck that would interfere with EEG recordings.
• Known to have photosensitive epilepsy.
• Open head lesions or sores

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Observational Models: Cohort
• Time Perspectives: Prospective

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Efficacy of Mu Rhythm Learning	The primary outcome measure is determining the best learning methods by which subjects can learn to use the Mu rhythm to hit targets on a computer screen.	20 sessions

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Michigan
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Jane E. Huggins, PhD, University of Michigan

Publications and helpful links

Helpful Links

• University of Michigan DBI (direct brain interface) Project

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: February 1, 2011
• Primary Completion (Actual): June 1, 2011
• Study Completion (Actual): June 1, 2011

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 15, 2011
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 9, 2013
• First Posted (Estimate): December 13, 2013

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): December 13, 2013
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 9, 2013
• Last Verified: December 1, 2013

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: brain; computer; interfaces; mobility impairments
• Other Study ID Numbers: I0001