Brain-computer interface in stroke: a review of progress

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology has been used for rehabilitation after stroke and there are a number of reports involving stroke patients in BCI-feedback training. Most publications have demonstrated the efficacy of BCI technology in post-stroke rehabilitation using output devices such as Functional Electrical Stimulation, robot, and orthosis. The aim of this review is to focus on the progress of BCI-based rehabilitation strategies and to underline future challenges. A brief history of clinical BCI-approaches is presented focusing on stroke motor rehabilitation. A context for three approaches of a BCI-based motor rehabilitation program is outlined: the substitutive strategy, classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Furthermore, we include an overview of a pilot study concerning a new neuro-forcefeedback strategy. This pilot study involved healthy participants. Finally we address some challenges for future BCI-based rehabilitation.