Restoration of Upper Limb Voluntary Motor Function in Chronic Severe Hemiplegia Using a Brain-Computer Interface-Triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Two individuals with chronic severe hemiplegia resulting from a stroke underwent a rehabilitation intervention for 40 and 80 hours to restore voluntary movement in their arms and hands. Both participants had a stroke six years prior to joining the study and had since tried multiple interventions all of which had failed to produce any meaningful improvement in their upper limb function. The intervention presented here used a brain-computer interface in combination with functional electrical stimulation therapy. During each session, functional tasks, such as lifting a water bottle, were practised. The performed motions engaged the muscles of the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand. Both participants experienced significant and meaningful changes in their ability to use their affected arm and hand as measured by standard clinical measures.