Revolutionary Brain Implant Translates Finger Movements, Empowering Paralysis Patients to Play Video Games

Brain-computer interface implanted through surgery allows for precise control of fingers in a paralysis patient, opening up opportunities for social interactions and recreational activities such as video gaming

In research published in Nature Medicine, researchers have recently created a brain-computer interface that can be surgically embedded in the brain to continuously monitor and interpret finger movements in individuals with paralysis, enabling them to engage in video games.

Context

Severe motor limitations or paralysis can lead to various disabilities, influencing an individual’s physical and mental health. Over five million individuals in the United States are currently living with paralysis.

A recent survey in the United States has determined that approximately 79%, 50%, and 63% of individuals with spinal cord injury-related paralysis express unmet demands for peer support, leisure pastimes, and athletic activities.

Individuals with mild or moderate motor difficulties who are capable of handling a video game controller often utilize video games for social interaction and competitive enjoyment. In contrast, those with significant motor challenges face substantial hurdles in playing video games, even with the aid of assistive technologies. They may need to engage in video games at lesser difficulty levels or refrain from multiplayer games involving non-disabled players.

Systems utilizing brain-computer interfaces are receiving considerable focus as potential solutions for restoring motor functions. Such interfaces can be employed by individuals with paralysis to operate video games and, more broadly, manage digital platforms for social interaction and remote employment.

While robotic arms have garnered the most interest in the realm of motor brain-computer interfaces for reaching and grasping, where fingers move collectively, interfaces crafted for individual finger control would facilitate activities like typing, playing instruments, or managing a video game controller.

Results of the Study

In this study, researchers established a finger brain-computer interface capable of continuously decoding three separate finger groups. The thumb movements were interpreted in two dimensions, ultimately yielding four degrees of freedom.

The brain-computer interface was adept at continuously capturing the electrical activity patterns from numerous neurons in the brain and translating these signals into intricate movements.

Researchers implanted the interface within the left precentral gyrus of an individual suffering from tetraplegia (paralysis affecting both upper and lower body) resulting from spinal cord injury. The left precentral gyrus is a brain area responsible for hand movement regulation.

They recorded neuronal activities while the participant watched a virtual hand executing various motions on a computer display. The recordings were then analyzed with machine learning algorithms to discern signals associated with specific finger movements.

The brain-computer interface system utilized these signals to accurately forecast finger movements and subsequently allowed the participant to command three distinctly separated finger groups in a virtual hand, including two-dimensional thumb actions.

This interface system achieved a superior level of finger movement accuracy and range of motion than previously attained.

Researchers expanded the use of this finger control to encompass a video game. They employed finger positions decoded by the interface to establish independent digital endpoints for dictating the speed and directional movement of a virtual quadcopter, enabling the participant to navigate the device through various obstacle courses as part of the gaming experience.

The individual reported feelings of social connection, empowerment, and enjoyment while operating the quadcopter through the brain-computer interface. He additionally emphasized the importance of individual finger control and expressed that a lack of such precision diminishes performance.

Importance of the Study

This study elucidates the creation and validation of a high-performance, finger-based brain-computer interface system that can help fulfill many unmet requirements of individuals with paralysis.

Most earlier research has centered on utilizing brain-computer interfaces for two-dimensional click cursor manipulation to control a quadcopter or a flight simulator. One such investigation employing electroencephalographic navigation has reported maneuvering through 3 rings in 4 minutes, in contrast to 12 rings for able-bodied participants using a keyboard.

Conversely, the current study reveals that the brain-computer interface system facilitates navigation through 18 rings in under 3 minutes at optimal performance, indicating a six-fold enhancement in capability.

The system further allows for spontaneous navigation through randomly appearing rings. This strategy of employing fine motor control for intracortical brain-computer interface-managed video games could address many unmet requirements of individuals afflicted by paralysis.