Non-invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders

Introduction: Neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy canseverely affect a person’s quality of life. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have emerged as promisingtherapeutic tools for treating these conditions. However, invasive BCIs carry risks and areoften impractical for long-term use. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness ofnon-invasive BCIs for the treatment of neurological disorders.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature using electronic databases such asPubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies that investigated the use of non-invasiveBCIs for the treatment of neurological disorders in humans were included. The primary outcomemeasures were improvement in motor function, cognitive function, and quality of life.Results: Our systematic review found ۲۵ studies that met the inclusion criteria and included ۳۴۷patients with various neurological disorders. The majority of the studies used electroencephalography(EEG) based BCIs, while a few used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) basedBCIs.Motor Function: Ten studies found that non-invasive BCIs improved motor function significantly.These enhancements were observed in patients suffering from stroke, spinal cord injury, andcerebral palsy. Exoskeletons, prosthetic arms, and wheelchairs were all controlled using non-invasiveBCIs. Motor function improvement was assessed using a variety of scales, including theFugl-Meyer Assessment, the Action Research Arm Test, and the ۱۰-meter walk test.Cognitive Function: Seven studies found that non-invasive BCIs improved cognitive functionsignificantly. These improvements were observed in stroke and traumatic brain injury patients.Non-invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) were used to provide cognitive training and improveattention, memory, and executive function. Various assessment scales, such as the Strooptest, the Trail Making Test, and the Digit Span test, were used to assess cognitive function improvement.Quality of Life: Eight studies found that non-invasive BCIs improved quality of life significantly.These improvements were observed in stroke and spinal cord injury patients. Non-invasive BCIswere used to improve communication and environmental control. Various assessment scales, suchas the Stroke Impact Scale and the Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Questionnaire, were usedto assess the improvement in quality of life.Conclusion: Non-invasive BCIs have the potential to provide safe and effective therapeutic optionsfor patients with neurological disorders. EEG-based BCIs show promise for motor rehabilitation,while fNIRS and TMS-based BCIs hold potential for cognitive rehabilitation. However,larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the long-term efficacy and safety ofthese interventions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Brain-computer interfaces ، neurological disorders ، non-invasive ، rehabilitation