Advanced neural decoders for the restoration of communication

 描述(申请人提供)：沟通困难是一个普遍存在的问题，据报道，美国有200多万人。对于患有脑干中风或晚期肌萎缩侧索硬化症(ALS)等疾病的全瘫患者来说，沟通可能是一个特别的挑战。患有这些障碍的人依赖增强和替代通信(AAC)技术，这种技术效率低下，设计时往往没有考虑到他们独特的访问需求，因此难以成功实施。脑机接口(BCI)系统为恢复LIS患者的通信能力提供了一条很有前途的途径。然而，这些系统目前提供的性能远远低于健全的计算机用户所能达到的性能。这项研究的总体目标是评估先进的神经解码方法和接口，为LIS患者提供高性能的通信系统。为了实现这一目标，我们提出了以下三个具体目标。目的1：我们将评估动物实验室开发的高级解码技术是否可以改善对计算机光标的连续点击控制，这些控制来自于从人类运动皮质解码的信号。目标2：我们将通过解码运动前皮质的运动意图来优化高速离散目标选择(即打字)的参数。目标3：我们将根据目标1和目标2的结果，针对每个参与者通常的AAC系统测试新的通信接口，目的是提供更快、更容易的通信。最后，我们将评估研究参与者在连续和离散解码之间切换时控制商业计算机图形用户界面和打字界面的能力。

 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Difficulty with communication is a widespread problem, reported by more than 2 million people in the US. Communication may be a particular challenge for people with total paralysis ("Locked-in Syndrome" or LIS) from disorders such as brainstem strokes or advanced Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). People with these disorders rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology that can be inefficient, often not designed with their unique access needs in mind, and therefore frustrating to implement successfully. Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems provide one promising avenue for restoring communication capabilities to people with LIS. However, these systems currently offer performance well below that achievable by able-bodied computer users. The overall objective of the proposed research is to evaluate advanced neural decoding methods and interfaces for a high-performance communication system for people with LIS. To accomplish this, we propose 3 Specific Aims as follows. Aim 1: We will evaluate whether advanced decoding techniques developed in the animal laboratory can improve continuous point-and-click control of a computer cursor from signals decoded from human motor cortex. Aim 2: We will optimize parameters for high-speed discrete target selection (i.e., typing) by decoding movement intent from pre-motor cortex. Aim 3: We will test new communication interfaces based on the results of Aims 1 and 2 against each participant's usual AAC system, with the goal of providing faster and easier communication. Finally, we will assess the ability of research participants to control a commercial computer GUI and typing interface while switching between continuous and discrete decoding.