Are we there yet? Evaluating commercial grade brain–computer interface for control of computer applications by individuals with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose: Using a commercial electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain–computer interface (BCI), the training and testing protocol for six individuals with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS and MACS IV and V) was evaluated. Method: A customised, gamified training paradigm was employed. Over three weeks, the participants spent two sessions exploring the system, and up to six sessions playing the game which focussed on EEG feedback of left and right arm motor imagery. Results: The participants showed variable inconclusive results in the ability to produce two distinct EEG patterns. Participant performance was influenced by physical illness, motivation, fatigue and concentration. Conclusions: The results from this case study highlight the infancy of BCIs as a form of assistive technology for people with cerebral palsy. Existing commercial BCIs are not designed according to the needs of end-users.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Mood, fatigue, physical illness and motivation influence the usability of a brain–computer interface.

• Commercial brain–computer interfaces are not designed for practical assistive technology use for people with cerebral palsy.

• Practical brain–computer interface assistive technologies may need to be flexible to suit individual needs.

Keywords:

• Assistive technology
• brain–computer interface
• cerebral palsy
• design
• motivation
• usability

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the support from the Carlson School for Cerebral Palsy in Auckland, New Zealand. We wish to thank all our participants, their caregivers, therapists, teachers and school staff for contributing their time and effort into bringing this study into fruition.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.