Brain-Computer Interfaces for Gait Rehabilitation After Stroke: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) offer potential for motor function and gait restoration in stroke survivors.
• Current research on BCIs for lower limb rehabilitation post-stroke is limited.
• Systematic evaluation of existing evidence is crucial to guide future development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically and critically evaluate the evidence on BCI use for lower limb rehabilitation in stroke patients.
• To identify the most promising BCI technologies and their current evidence base.
• To highlight areas requiring further research in BCI-assisted stroke rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
• Inclusion of studies on adult post-stroke hemiparesis patients using non-invasive BCIs for lower limb rehabilitation.
• Quality assessment using National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tools.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two studies were analyzed, with Electroencephalography-based BCIs integrated with functional electrical stimulation (EEG-BCI-FES) being the most investigated.
• EEG-BCI-FES demonstrated efficacy and safety in multiple trials.
• BCIs with mechanical devices and visual feedback showed less evidence, while exoskeleton BCIs demonstrated only technical feasibility.

Conclusions:

• EEG-BCI-FES is a promising BCI technology for lower limb stroke rehabilitation.
• Further research is needed to optimize training protocols and assess long-term effects of BCIs.
• Continued investigation is essential to advance BCI applications in stroke recovery.