SSVEP-modulation by covert and overt attention: Novel features for BCI in attention neuro-rehabilitation

In this pilot study the effect of attention (covert and overt) on the signal detection and classification of steady-state visual-evoked potential (SSVEP) were investigated. Using the SSVEP-based paradigm, data were acquired from 4 subjects using 3 scalp electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes located on the visual area. Subjects were instructed to perform the attention task in which they attended covertly or overtly to either of the stimuli flickering with different frequencies (6, 7, 8 and 9Hz). We observed a decrease in signal power in covert compared to the overt attention. However, there was a consistent pattern in covert attention causing an increase in the power of the 2(nd) harmonic of the attended frequency. Encouraging results of this preliminary study indicates that it can be adapted and implemented in the brain-computer interface (BCI) system which could potentially be used as a neuro-rehabilitation tool for individuals with attention deficit.