Brain-Computer Interfaces Systems for Upper and Lower Limb Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Electroencephalographic (EEG) signals are increasingly explored for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).
• BCIs offer potential for human limb rehabilitation, particularly for upper and lower extremities.
• Virtual environments are utilized for feedback in BCI-based rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the current state and opportunities in developing BCIs for upper and lower limb rehabilitation.
• To analyze studies utilizing EEG signals, motor intention/movement assistance, and virtual reality feedback.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies using EEG signals for limb rehabilitation BCIs.
• Inclusion criteria focused on EEG signals, rehabilitation interfaces, and virtual environment feedback.
• Exclusion of studies lacking processing system details or focusing solely on design/reviews.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies focused on upper limb rehabilitation, six on lower limb, and one on both.
• Feedback modalities included visual/auditory, haptic/visual, and visual/auditory/haptic combinations.
• Virtual reality integration varied, with 11 non-immersive, three semi-immersive, and four fully immersive systems.

Conclusions:

• EEG-based BCIs with user feedback demonstrate benefits like cost-effectiveness, improved training, and user motivation.
• Further development is needed for accessible BCIs that effectively integrate diverse feedback techniques for enhanced limb rehabilitation.