Design and validation of a neurofeedback protocol to assess the effect of the sensorimotor rhythm on reflex modulation

Master thesis (2022)

Authors

N. Giri Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

Mark van de Ruit (mentor)
A.C. Schouten Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (graduation committee member)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2022 Natasha Giri
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Published Date

31-05-2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

People can learn voluntary regulation of certain brain rhythms with help of real-time feedback through a brain-computer interface. Modulation of brain rhythms associated with movement, also known as sensorimotor rhythms (SMR), has shown to alter excitability of the spinal cord. This may indicate a potential role of the SMR in reflex modulation. Until now, no study has assessed the effect of SMR modulation in the mechanically induced stretch reflex. Additionally, inconsistencies in electroencephalography processing for extraction of human intent lead to contradictory results in SMR modulation abilities. In this report, a paradigm is suggested in which people are asked to navigate a virtual cursor to a target with their SMR activity. Once they reach adequate control, mechanical perturbations are applied to their wrist to measure reflex responses. This report summarizes the development and validation of the protocol. Five participants took part in the experiment, four of which successfully acquired control over their SMR. Furthermore, results from one subject suggest that with sufficient modulation of the SMR, changes can be seen in the strength of the stretch reflex. This protocol can be used to further investigate the role of the SMR in reflex modulation, which is useful in the context of rehabilitation of reflex abnormalities.