Speech-related dorsal motor cortex activity does not interfere with iBCI cursor control

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Speech-related neural modulation occurs in the dorsal motor cortex, a key area for intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs).
• Concerns exist that speech activity might negatively impact the decoding of intended arm movements by iBCIs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether concurrent speech production interferes with the performance of ongoing iBCI control of arm movements.
• To clarify the impact of speech-related neural modulation on iBCI decoding accuracy.

Main Methods:

• A participant in the BrainGate2 clinical trial used an iBCI for cursor control.
• Neural activity was recorded during a standalone speech task and during iBCI use with concurrent speech.
• iBCI performance was compared between conditions with and without concurrent speech.

Main Results:

• Speech-related neural modulation in the dorsal motor cortex was significant during standalone speech.
• This modulation was attenuated when speech occurred during iBCI cursor control.
• The impact of attenuated speech-related neural activity on decoding arm movements was minimal, resulting in similar iBCI performance.

Conclusions:

• Speaking does not directly interfere with iBCIs decoding attempted arm movements.
• This suggests that individuals using motor cortical-driven iBCIs can speak concurrently without compromising device control.
• This finding supports the use of speech alongside iBCI-controlled prostheses or computer interfaces for enhanced user experience.