Abstract
The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of using the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as a signal source for brain–computer interface control in people with severe motor impairment. We implanted two individuals with locked-in syndrome with a chronic brain–computer interface designed to restore independent communication. The implanted system (Utrecht NeuroProsthesis) included electrode strips placed subdurally over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In both participants, counting backwards activated the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex consistently over the course of 47 and 22 months, respectively. Moreover, both participants were able to use this signal to control a cursor in one dimension, with average accuracy scores of 78 ± 9% (standard deviation) and 71 ± 11% (chance level: 50%), respectively. Brain–computer interface control based on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity is feasible in people with locked-in syndrome and may become of relevance for those unable to use sensorimotor signals for control.
Highlights
The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of using the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as a signal source for brain–computer interface control in people with severe motor impairment
We have previously shown that epilepsy patients with temporary ECoG implants can modulate high frequency band (HFB) power in the left-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) by serial subtraction, and are able use these signals for one-dimensional cursor c ontrol[15]
Our results show that both locked-in participants could modulate HFB power in their left dlPFC by performing mental arithmetic and could use this for one-dimensional cursor control
Summary
The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of using the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as a signal source for brain–computer interface control in people with severe motor impairment. The goals of the target task were to investigate whether participants could control a BCI task with activity from dlPFC and to measure stability of performance.
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