Recording Auditory and Visual Evoked Responses With Mobile EEG Systems in a Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN)

Abstract

The Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) is a novel, real-time virtual reality environment for recording, evaluation, and training of functional human behavior. Advances in the field of neuroscience have demonstrated that recording electroencephalography (EEG) in such a dynamic setting is necessary for studying brain functions and critical in evaluating and rehabilitating human behaviors after brain injuries. Advances in technology over the last few years have made it feasible to record EEG on human subjects performing cognitive tasks in a dynamic setting with real-time actions, although this remains to be tested extensively. The purpose of this study was to test the performance of three mobile EEG systems integrated into the CAREN on subjects performing classic auditory and visual oddball tasks in resting and active states. The recorded EEG signals were processed off-line to remove movement artifact by using algorithms representing state-of-the-art techniques of digital signal processing. Results revealed similar patterns of evoked responses whether the subjects were sitting or walking while performing the oddball tasks, demonstrating the feasibility and viability of recording EEG in a virtual reality environment with real-time actions. Implementation of mobile EEG recording systems into the CAREN system will offer unique opportunities to study cognitive brain function in a dynamic virtual environment and to develop effective methods for behavior and functional rehabilitation after brain injuries.