Brain Computer Interfaces for Cognitive Rehabilitation After Stroke

Abstract

We summarize the achievements of the EU FP7 funded project CONTRAST on cognitive rehabilitation after stroke. We developed a neuropsychological algorithm to assign patients to specific, personalized neurofeedback training to improve cognitive function, namely attention, declarative memory, inhibitory control, and working memory. Further, BCI technology was integrated into a remote control set-up, such that therapists can supervise simultaneously multiple patients at their home during BCI-based neurofeedback training. Phase I studies with subacute and chronic stroke patients demonstrated the potential of our approach such that patients were able to learn regulation of the respective brain activity and improved in the targeted cognitive function. Phase II studies are necessary to consolidate our findings.