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Stimulus modality influences session-to-session transfer of training effects in auditory and tactile streaming-based
P Ziebell1, J Stümpfig2, M Eidel2
1Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. philipp.ziebell@uni-wuerzburg.de.
Scientific Reports
|July 19, 2020
Summary
This study compared auditory and tactile brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) for locked-in syndrome (LIS) patients. Tactile BCIs were more intuitive, and auditory training improved performance when switching to tactile BCIs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Patients with locked-in syndrome (LIS) face communication challenges, particularly with vision-independent brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).
- Existing BCIs often require significant user training and can be inefficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the training effects and cross-stimulus modality transfer of auditory and tactile BCIs.
- To evaluate the feasibility of these BCIs for LIS patients.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy participants were randomly assigned to auditory or tactile BCI training groups.
- Participants underwent three training sessions, followed by a fourth session with a switched BCI modality.
- A streaming-based P300 BCI was used, designed for low workload and efficiency.
Main Results:
- Both auditory and tactile BCIs were successfully operated by most participants initially.
- The tactile BCI was perceived as more intuitive.
- Significant training effects were observed primarily in the auditory BCI group.
- Auditory training facilitated transfer to the tactile BCI, but not vice versa.
Conclusions:
- Auditory and tactile BCIs are generally feasible for communication, showing potential for LIS patients.
- Cross-modal transfer is possible, particularly from auditory to tactile modalities.
- Individual preferences for stimulus modality should guide BCI selection for LIS individuals.
