Investigation of the combined use of Transcranial direct current stimulation and motor imagery-based brain-computer interface for modulation of sensorimotor rhythms

• Grant number: 25/10963-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - General Physics
• Principal Investigator: Gabriela Castellano
• Grantee: Pedro Felipe Giarusso de Vazquez
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07559-3 - BRAINN - The Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, AP.CEPID

Abstract

This project proposes to integrate transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with a brain-computer interface (BCI) based on motor imagery (MI) to enhance post-stroke motor recovery. tDCS, through the application of a low electrical current to the scalp, modulates cortical excitability and has been used as an adjuvant tool in motor rehabilitation. On the other hand, MI-BCI, which involves mental rehearsal of movements to induce modulations in sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs) in order to control external devices, has also been used in motor rehabilitation. This project aims to develop an online BCI prototype and investigate how tDCS-induced excitability affects MI-BCI SMRs, aiming to optimize BCI training for healthy individuals and improve the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation in post-stroke patients. This combination, in principle, would serve to (1) enhance the stimulation of plasticity in the motor region and (2) expand the volitional experience of MI control. For healthy individuals, these two aspects would possibly represent a reduction in BCI training time. For individuals affected by stroke, in conjunction with the previous benefit, these two aspects would possibly bring performance gains in tests with neurorehabilitation protocols. (AU)