Decoding of Individual Fingers Attempted Movement from Epidural ECoG in a Patient with Tetraplegia

Brain-Computer interfaces (BCIs) enable direct communication between the brain and external devices. This technology holds significant potential for restoring motor function in individuals with severe neurological impairments. Among others, restoration of fine hand motor functions allowing grasping and objects manipulation is a priority for enhancing patients' lifestyle. Decoding finger movements is crucial for the precise control of hand neuroprosthetics. In this article, we analyzed neural activity of a tetraplegic patient implanted with two WIMAGINE ECoG recording devices in front of the sensorimotor cortex of both hemispheres. ECoG was recorded over three sessions while the patient attempted to move individual fingers on the right hand. The attempted finger movements was decoded using a Hidden Markov Model, integrating Recursive Sample Weighted - N-Ways Partial Least Square algorithm addressing class imbalance. In the offline study, we obtained balanced accuracy 0.6603 ± 0.0087 in average for decoding activation of five individual fingers. Our results shows that decoding individual fingers movements attempts is possible in ECoG, paving the way for fine movement restoration using BCI.Clinical Relevance- Efficient decoding of individual fingers attempted movements using chronic ECoG recording devices in a tetraplegic patient, suggesting the feasibility of hand neuroprosthesis aimed at fine hand motor restoration in impaired individuals.