Brain Computer Interface for Severe Disabilities in Children
(BCI@home Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how brain-computer interfaces (BCI) can help children with severe physical disabilities achieve personal goals at home. The main focus is to determine if BCI technology can improve life participation and assess the feasibility of this home-based program. Families will receive a BCI kit, including a headset and software, and participate in 12 virtual sessions over 3-6 months with flexible scheduling. Children aged 5-18 with severe motor or communication impairments who can follow simple instructions may be suitable candidates. The trial aims to make daily life easier for these children by using technology to help them reach their goals. As an unphased trial, it offers families the opportunity to explore innovative technology that could significantly enhance their child's daily life.
What prior data suggests that this brain computer interface is safe for children with severe disabilities?
Research has shown that brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are generally well-tolerated by children with severe disabilities. One study found that these systems work well for children and are easy for them to use, allowing them to operate the technology without major issues. However, as with any new technology, minor challenges may arise during setup and operation. Overall, the research supports the safety of BCIs for children and highlights their potential to enhance daily activities for kids with severe disabilities.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Brain Computer Interface (BCI) for severe disabilities in children because it offers a groundbreaking way for kids to interact with their environments using just their thoughts. Unlike typical therapies that rely on physical exercises or speech therapy, BCI taps directly into brain signals, allowing children to set and achieve personalized goals through a user-friendly headset and software. This at-home system provides flexibility and independence, empowering families to integrate therapy into their daily lives with ongoing support. The potential for BCI to significantly enhance communication and engagement for children with severe disabilities sets it apart from conventional methods.
What evidence suggests that this BCI is effective for severe disabilities in children?
Research has shown that brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can significantly aid children with severe disabilities. Studies have found that these systems greatly enhance how these children interact with various applications. BCIs enable children to control devices with their thoughts, helping them achieve personal goals and improve their quality of life. Past experiences demonstrated that BCIs are practical and can be learned quickly, especially when tailored to the child. This technology is becoming a valuable tool for children with complex physical and social needs. Although more research is needed, the potential benefits for improving participation in daily activities are promising. Participants in this trial will use BCI at home, with support provided to help them achieve their goals.34678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Home Program Setup
Families complete an in-person visit to review available activities, set goals, and learn to use BCI independently. A BCI 'kit' is provided.
Home Program
Families participate in 12 virtual sessions over 3-6 months with flexible scheduling and daily online support.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for achievement of participation-based goals and quality of life improvements.
Open-label extension (optional)
Participants may continue using BCI beyond 12 sessions with ongoing support.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- BCI
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Home BCI use. Families will first complete an in-person visit to review available activities, set their first goals, and learn to use BCI independently. A BCI "kit" will be given to each family, with a headset and the equipment and software required to pursue their identified goals. Following this, families will participate in 12 virtual sessions over 3-6 months. Scheduling will be flexible to accommodate complex family needs. Daily online support will be provided via a messaging application. Participants who choose to continue using BCI beyond 12 sessions will be provided kits and supported.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Calgary
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Establishing a Clinical Brain-Computer Interface Program for ...
Patient-centered clinical BCI programs are feasible for children with severe disabilities. Carefully selected participants can often learn quickly to perform ...
BCI@Home: Brain Computer Interface Solutions to Enable ...
The goal of this trial is to evaluate use of brain computer interfaces (BCI) at home for children with severe severe physical disabilities.
3.
frontiersin.org
frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2022.1007199/fullOn the feasibility of simple brain-computer interface ...
BCI-enabled PM access appears feasible in disabled children based on evaluations of performance, tolerability, workload, and setup/calibration.
Summary of the Inaugural Pediatric BCI Canada Meeting - PMC
Advancing brain-computer interface applications for severely disabled children through a multidisciplinary national network.
Effectiveness of brain-computer interface interventions in ...
However, the effectiveness of BCI-based interventions in ASD rehabilitation remains inconsistent across studies. Therefore, this protocol outlines a systematic ...
Brain-Computer Interfaces for Children With Complex ... - PMC
This systematic review presents the state-of-the-art of pediatric BCIs focused on developing advanced technology to support children and youth with ...
7.
research.aota.org
research.aota.org/ajot/article/80/3/8003205070/28588/Family-Experiences-in-a-Pediatric-Clinical-BrainFamily Experiences in a Pediatric Clinical Brain–Computer ...
Access to qualitative data collection methods designed to meet cognitive and communication needs of children with severe neuromotor disabilities ...
A Brain–Computer Interface System for Severe Disability ...
This research introduces a comprehensive BCI framework created to help people with severe disabilities interact with computer APIs merely by ...
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.