Motor imagery based brain computer interface for neurorehabilitation of the hand

High level spinal cord injury (tetraplegia) often results in a loss or impairment of hand and arm functions. Tetraplegic patients receive an extensive occupational therapy that often includes electrical stimulation of hand muscles. Electrical stimulator is activated in a predefined manner while patients passively observe its effect. It is believed that active engagement of patients would have a positive effect through engaging preserved motor pathways. Although patients cannot move their hands they can imagine movements. By measuring brain signals a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) can detect this imagined movement and use it as a control signal for an electrical stimulator of muscles. In this project the applicant will work with able-bodied people to develop BCI strategies to control the stimulator.