Spinal Cord Injuries
Conditions
Keywords
Motor Imagery, Spinal Cord Injury, Motor Function Improvement
Brief summary
The overall vision of this proposal is to demonstrate that a virtual reality based motor imagery training program will improve brain computer interface (BCI) performance and motor function in quadriplegic subjects. The ultimate goal is to increase the independence of subjects with spinal cord injury by training to safely control BCI assistive devices and to enhance motor recovery.
Detailed description
Intend to train subjects in motor imagery techniques using an advanced virtual reality based platform. Hypothesize that this will enhance the cortical signals necessary for operating a non-invasive EEG-based BCI. Specifically, designed training paradigms will activate mirror neurons associated with performance of movement, observation of movement, and motor imagery. Mirror neuron network (MNN) activation induces cortical plasticity, and may therefore enhance cortical signals generated during BCI use. Plan to assess the effect of training paradigm on cortical signals generated during motor imagery, using EEG. Also, investigate neuropsychological factors that play a role in a subject's ability to generate vivid motor imagery. Eight subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) will be recruited during the sub-acute phase (3-6 months following injury). Four participants will immediately undergo motor imagery training in an immersive virtual reality environment at NASA. EEG assessments and motor function testing will be performed at intervals during the 3-4 week motor imagery training period to assess improvement in cortical signature generation and motor recovery. The other four participants will undergo the same protocol after a 6 week delay, in order to assess the effect of training timing after injury in both cortical signature generation and motor function recovery.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALMotor imagery training
Motor imagery training
Sponsors
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
MetroHealth Medical Center
The Cleveland Clinic
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Eight subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) will be recruited during the sub-acute phase (3-6 months following injury). Four participants will immediately undergo motor imagery training in an immersive virtual reality environment at NASA. EEG assessments and motor function testing will be performed at intervals during the 3-4 week motor imagery training period to assess improvement in cortical signature generation and motor recovery. The other four participants will undergo the same protocol after a 6 week delay, in order to assess the effect of training timing after injury in both cortical signature generation and motor function recovery.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* sustained incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (American Spinal Injury Impairment Scale) at a level of C5-7 within three to six months prior to enrollment
Exclusion criteria
* unstable or acute medical or psychiatric illness; pregnancy; epilepsy; diabetes; autism spectrum disorder, history of severe traumatic brain injury or stroke, and those taking medications that may interfere with EEG readings, including beta blockers and sedatives.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in motor imagery performance | Year 1 | Improvement in scores on Motor Imagery questionnaire |
| Cortical signal generation (Mirror Neuron Network activation) | Year 2 | EEG collection of cortical activity to quantify changes and discriminate between different types of executed movements during Motor Imagery |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed