Stroke Rehabilitation and Parkinson's Disease Tremor Reduction Using BCIs Combined With FES

Abstract

This article describes how Stroke and Parkinson's disease are two illnesses that particularly affect motor functions. With the advancements in technology, there is a lot of research focusing on finding solutions: to contribute to neuroplasticity in the first case, and to reduce symptoms in the second case. This manuscript describes the design of a brain-computer interface system (BCI) system paired with an electrical muscle stimulation suit for stroke rehabilitation and the reduction of tremors caused by Parkinson's disease. The idea is to strengthen the sensory-motor feedback loop, which will allow a more stabilized control of the affected extremities by taking into account the patient's motivation. To do so, his brain signals are measured to detect his intention to attempt to execute a movement, in contrast to the classical approach where the movement executions are imposed. A first feasibility study was completed. The author's next step is planning to test the system first with healthy subjects and finally with patients.