Brain State-Dependent Stimulation Combining a BCI with a Hybrid Robotic System for Modulating Cortical Excitability

Abstract

This study presents the modulation of the cortical excitability by the association of the voluntary motor-related cortical patterns with the assistance provided by a hybrid robotic system during the execution of reaching movement. The cortical excitability was assessed before and after the intervention measuring the peak-to-peak amplitude of the Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) induced through transcranial magnetic stimulation pulses. Eight healthy subjects participated in the experiments. Results showed an overall and distributed increase in the cortical excitability as a result of the proposed intervention.