iTBS on RDLPFC improves performance of motor imagery: a brain-computer interface study combining EEG and fNIRS

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can be challenging for some users during motor imagery (MI) training.
• MI-BCI performance is linked to neural activity in attention and motor networks.
• Neuroplasticity modulation offers a potential strategy to improve MI-BCI control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) can enhance motor imagery (MI) ability.
• To determine if iTBS applied to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (RDLPFC) improves MI-BCI performance.
• To explore neuroplastic changes induced by RDLPFC stimulation during MI-BCI training.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-two healthy participants received either iTBS or sham stimulation targeting the RDLPFC.
• Two MI-BCI training sessions were conducted, with neuroimaging (EEG, fNIRS) assessing acute neuroplasticity.
• Corticospinal excitability and motor imagery vividness were measured using spTMS and KVIQ-20.

Main Results:

• The iTBS group showed significant improvements in motor state percentage (MSP) and µ-event-related desynchronization (µ-ERD).
• Functional connectivity analyses indicated reduced connectivity among motor areas post-intervention.
• Hemodynamic response function (HRF) revealed increased activation in the right premotor cortex (PMC) and SMA.

Conclusions:

• Targeting the RDLPFC with iTBS can enhance MI-BCI training performance, potentially overcoming 'BCI inefficiency'.
• RDLPFC stimulation induces neuroplastic changes in brain regions crucial for motor imagery.
• The RDLPFC is a promising target for optimizing BCI systems and improving user control.