Brain Wave-Reading Robot Could Help Stroke Patients

An innovative device could help rehabilitate stroke survivors by turning their thoughts into actions, retraining motor pathways.

Researchers at Rice University (Rice, Houston, TX, USA), the University of Houston (UH, TX, USA), and UTHealth Motor Recovery Lab TIRR Memorial Hermann (Houston, TX, USA) are developing a noninvasive brain-machine interface (BMI) coupled to an exoskeleton robotic orthotic device that is expected to innovate upper-limb rehabilitation. Researchers at Rice are developing the exoskeleton, UH are developing the electroencephalograph-based (EEG) neural interface, and the combined device will be validated by physicians at TIRR Memorial Hermann.

The technology will first be used to translate brain waves from stroke survivors who have some ability to initiate movements, to prompt the robot into action. That will allow the researchers to refine the EEG-robot interface before moving to a clinical population of stroke patients with no residual upper-limb function. When set into motion, the intelligent exoskeleton will use thoughts to trigger repetitive motions and retrain the brain’s motor networks.

An earlier version of the MAHI-EXO II robot developed by researchers at Rice is already in validation trials to rehabilitate spinal-cord-injury patients at the at TIRR Memorial Hermann, and incorporates sophisticated feedback that allows the patient to work as hard as possible while gently assisting, and sometimes resisting, movement to build strength and accuracy.

“The capability to harness a user’s intent through the EEG neural interface to control robots makes it possible to fully engage the patient during rehabilitation,” said José Luis Contreras-Vidal, director of UH’s laboratory for Noninvasive BMI Systems and a professor of electrical and computer engineering. “Putting the patient directly in the ‘loop’ is expected to accelerate motor learning and improve motor performance. The EEG technology will also provide valuable real-time assessments of plasticity in brain networks due to the robot intervention – critical information for reverse engineering of the brain.”

“This is truly an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate how various technological advances can potentially boost traditional rehabilitation therapies,” said Gerardo Francisco, MD, chief medical officer of TIRR Memorial Hermann. “This project will be among the first to investigate the benefits of combined therapeutic interventions to help stroke survivors.”

Related Links:
Rice University
University of Houston
UTHealth Motor Recovery Lab TIRR Memorial Hermann