A tentative closed-loop system for rehabilitation by using tDCS and EEG

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has shown potential in enhancing motor function through modulating brain activity. In this study, we developed a real-time closed-loop tDCS-EEG system aimed at supporting motor rehabilitation by adapting tDCS current amplitude based on ongoing EEG signals. Our system can adjust tDCS parameters within seconds and analyze EEG data in 40ms time windows. Implemented within a motor imagery (MI) paradigm, the system was tested with 8 healthy subjects, achieving a response time of 200ms for closed-loop regulation and a modulation period of 10 seconds. Results demonstrated significant effects on motor-related EEG features, suggesting the system’s feasibility in modulating motor-related brain activity for practical applications in the rehabilitation field.