Nowadays, everybody knows what a hybrid car is. A hybrid car normally has two engines to enhance energy efficiency and reduce CO2 output. Similarly, a hybrid brain-computer interface (BCI) is composed of two BCIs, or at least one BCI and another system. A hybrid BCI, like any BCI, must fulfill the following four criteria: (i) the device must rely on signals recorded directly from the brain; (ii) there must be at least one recordable brain signal that the user can intentionally modulate to effect goal-directed behaviour; (iii) real time processing; and (iv) the user must obtain feedback. This paper introduces hybrid BCIs that have already been published or are in development. We also introduce concepts for future work. We describe BCIs that classify two EEG patterns: one is the event-related (de)synchronisation (ERD, ERS) of sensorimotor rhythms, and the other is the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP). Hybrid BCIs can either process their inputs simultaneously, or operate two systems sequentially, where the first system can act as a “brain switch”. For example, we describe a hybrid BCI that simultaneously combines ERD and SSVEP BCIs. We also describe a sequential hybrid BCI, in which subjects could use a brain switch to control an SSVEP-based hand orthosis. Subjects who used this hybrid BCI exhibited about half the false positives encountered while using the SSVEP BCI alone. A brain switch can also rely on hemodynamic changes measured through near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Hybrid BCIs can also use one brain signal and a different type of input. This additional input can be an electrophysiological signal such as the heart rate, or a signal from an external device such as an eye tracking system.
In this report we present a mobile brain/body imaging (MoBI) dataset that allows study of source-resolved cortical dynamics supporting coordinated gait movements in a rhythmic auditory cueing paradigm. Use of an auditory pacing stimulus stream has been recommended to identify deficits and treat gait impairments in neurologic populations. Here, the rhythmic cueing paradigm required healthy young participants to walk on a treadmill (constant speed) while attempting to maintain step synchrony with an auditory pacing stream and to adapt their step length and rate to unanticipated shifts in tempo of the pacing stimuli (e.g., sudden shifts to a faster or slower tempo). High-density electroencephalography (EEG, 108 channels), surface electromyography (EMG, bilateral tibialis anterior), pressure sensors on the heel (to register timing of heel strikes), and goniometers (knee, hip, and ankle joint angles) were concurrently recorded in 20 participants. The data is provided in the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) format to promote data sharing and reuse, and allow the inclusion of the data into fully automated data analysis workflows.
We report on small but reproducible human cerebral evoked potentials after bilateral nonperceptible laser needle (658 nm, 40 mW, 500 μm, 1 Hz) irradiation of the Neiguan acupoint (PC6). The results which are unique in scientific literature were obtained in a 26-year-old female healthy volunteer within a joint study between the Medical University of Graz, the Karl-Franzens University of Graz, and the Graz University of Technology. The findings of the 32-channel evoked potential analysis indicate that exposure to laser needle stimulation with a frequency of 1 Hz can modulate the ascending reticular activating system. Further studies are absolutely necessary to confirm or refute the preliminary findings.
Background: Battlefield acupuncture was developed in the course of researching a more-efficient auriculotherapy system for rapid relief of pain. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate possible changes in near-infrared spectroscopic (NIRS) parameters in the frontal area of the brain during electrical stimulation of battlefield acupuncture points. Design and Setting: One channel recordings and, for the first time, 50-channel NIRS recordings were performed to obtain new insights into the possible cerebral effects of ear acupuncture. Subjects: The test subjects were 11 healthy volunteers (8 female, 3 male; mean age -standard deviation: 27.6 -4.6 years) and 1 subject for the 50-channel NIRS recording (female, age 24). Intervention: Electrical ear stimulation was performed using a constant current 1 mA, with a duration of 1 ms at a frequency of 1 Hz. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcomes sought were concentrations of oxyhemoglobin (O 2 Hb) and deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) in brain tissue. Results: There were no significant changes in the 1-channel measurement. Regional decreases of O 2 Hb were seen in the frontal area in the 50-channel recordings, with a maximum within 100 seconds of stimulation onset. Conclusions: Effects of the stimulation of battlefield acupuncture points in the brain are measurable.
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