What is a brain-computer interface (BCI)?

From the Guidelines

A brain-computer interface (BCI) is not explicitly defined in the provided evidence, but based on general medical knowledge, it can be described as a system that enables people to control devices with their thoughts by translating brain signals into digital commands. The provided evidence [ 1 ] focuses on assistive technology systems for children with impaired communication, discussing the selection of devices, training, and assessment of their effectiveness. However, it does not directly address brain-computer interfaces. Key aspects of assistive technology include:

• Matching the child to the appropriate technology based on their abilities and communication environment
• Using standardized instruments for initial and follow-up assessments
• Considering factors such as language needs, motor abilities, cognitive levels, and environmental issues
• Ensuring proper training and monitoring for the use of the device While the evidence does not specifically mention BCIs, the principles of matching technology to individual needs and ensuring proper training and monitoring could potentially apply to the development and use of BCIs in the future. Important considerations for BCIs, based on general knowledge, include:
• The method of detecting brain activity, such as electroencephalography (EEG) or invasive electrode implantation
• The sophistication of algorithms used to interpret brain signals and convert them into digital commands
• The potential applications of BCIs, including medical uses for people with paralysis or severe motor disabilities, and possible future enhancements to human capabilities or human-computer interaction.

From the Research

Definition of Brain-Computer Interface

• A brain-computer interface (BCI) records and extracts features from brain signals, and translates these features into commands that can replace, restore, enhance, supplement, or improve natural CNS outputs 2.
• BCIs have the potential to permit patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate even when locked in 3.

Applications of Brain-Computer Interface

• BCIs are being investigated as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, particularly when eye tracking is too slow or unreliable 4.
• BCIs may offer the only means to go beyond cursor control and text generation on a computer, to allow real-time synthesis of speech 4.
• BCIs have been proposed as a channel of communication and control for ALS patients 5.

Effectiveness of Brain-Computer Interface

• The pooled classification accuracy (C.A.) of ALS patients with BCI was about 70%, but this estimation was affected by significant heterogeneity and inconsistency 5.
• C.A. did not significantly increase as a function of time, and C.A. of completely paralyzed ALS patients with BCI did not differ from that obtained by chance 5.
• After 15 years of studies, it is as yet not possible to reliably establish the effectiveness of BCIs, and methodological issues among the retrieved studies should be addressed 5.

Impact of Brain-Computer Interface on Quality of Life

• The effects of noninvasive and invasive BCI-based verbal communication on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with ALS in the locked-in state (LIS) and the completely locked-in state (CLIS) are being investigated 6.
• While it is not documented in controlled studies that the good QoL in these patients is a consequence of BCI-based neurorehabilitation, the proposed determinants of QoL might become the theoretical background needed to develop clinically more useful BCI systems 6.