Use of a Brain–Computer Interface + Exoskeleton Technology in Complex Multimodal Stimulation in the Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients

Abstract

Introduction. Studies of the potentials of brain–computer neural interface technology with an arm exoskeleton (BCNI) in training to motor imagery in the recovery of higher mental functions in patients constitute an interesting task. The effectiveness of multimodal stimulation including diverse information channels needs to be assessed, as this approach should promote stimulation of neuroplasticity and improvement to interhemisphere interactions. Objectives. To study the influences of multimodal stimulation using BCNI technologies on the restoration of cognitive functions in stroke patients. Materials and methods. A total of 44 stroke patients were studied and treated at periods of two months to two years after onset. Patients were divided into two groups with comparable main parameters: a study group (22 patients) and a reference group (22 patients). Patients of the study group underwent a program of complex multimodal stimulation including procedures using BCNI technologies, cognitive training, use of a stabilometric platform with biological feedback for the support reaction, and vibrotherapy. Patients of the reference group received only BCNI. Results. After treatment, statistically significant improvements in therapeutic results were obtained in the form of improvements in memory, attention, and visuospatial skills in patients of the study group as compared with those of the reference group. Conclusions. Questions of cognitive training using BCNI technologies are currently a relatively new direction in neurorehabilitation; the promising results obtained here provide evidence of the potential of this direction.