Performance comparison of a non-invasive P300-based BCI mouse to a head-mouse for people with SCI

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel non-invasive P300-based brain computer interface (BCI) mouse emulation device (MED), along with a commercial head-mouse among experienced head-mouse users with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The setting was a controlled experimental set-up.  Feasibility was shown for the P300-BCI MED with an accuracy of 82%, response-time <149 seconds and lower response-time variability than head-mouse. There were improvements in response-time and error-distance in the P300-BCI MED from day 1 to day 2. However, the head-mouse performed better for all the outcome measures, i.e. higher accuracy, quicker response time, and lower error distance than P300-BCI MED. The P300-BCI MED was feasible, and participants expressed an interest in using it on a regular basis despite reporting that the head-mouse worked better.  Thus, a P300-BCI MED is a promising alternative for those who require a MED, but further development would be desirable.

Abbreviations

BCI: Brain-computer interface; EEG: Electroencephalogram; P300: Event-related evoked potential occurring at 300 ms used to operate a BCI; SSVEP: Steady state visual evoked potential; MED: Mouse emulation device; FIM: FIM – FIM® instrument; NASA-TLX: National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Task Load Index

KEYWORDS:

• P300 mouse
• speed and accuracy
• EEG
• BCI

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by NIDILRR Grant #H133G090005. The views expressed are those of the authors, not NIDILRR or DoED. The authors also wish to acknowledge Aisha Moinuddin for her work on experimental design and data collection.

The use of the FIM instrument to collect data for this research study was authorized and conducted in accordance with the terms of a special purpose license granted to Licensee by Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation a division of UB Foundation Activities, Inc. (“UDSMR”). The patient data collected during the course of this research study has not been processed by UDSMR. No implication is intended that such data has been or will be subjected to UDSMR’s standard data processing procedures or that it is otherwise comparable to data processed by UDSMR. The service marks and trademarks associated with the FIM instrument are owned by UDSMR

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Available on request. http://www.umich.edu/~umdbi/

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research [H133G090005].