title: Effects of training pre-movement sensorimotor rhythms on behavioral performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology might contribute to rehabilitation of motor function. This speculation is based on the premise that modifying the electroencephalographic (EEG) activity will modify behavior, a proposition for which there is limited empirical data. The present study asked whether learned modulation of pre-movement sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) activity can affect motor performance in normal human subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight individuals first performed a joystick-based cursor-movement task with variable warning periods. Targets appeared randomly on a video monitor and subjects moved the cursor to the target and pressed a select button within 2 s. SMR features in the pre-movement EEG that correlated with performance speed and accuracy were identified. The subjects then learned to increase or decrease these features to control a two-target BCI task. Following successful BCI training, they were asked to increase or decrease SMR amplitude in order to initiate the joystick task.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After BCI training, pre-movement SMR amplitude was correlated with performance in subjects with initial poor performance: lower amplitude was associated with faster and more accurate movement. The beneficial effect on performance of lower SMR amplitude was greater in subjects with lower initial performance levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results indicate that BCI-based SMR training can affect a standard motor behavior. They provide a rationale for studies that integrate such training into rehabilitation protocols and examine its capacity to enhance restoration of useful motor function.
authors.affiliation: National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, PO box509, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA.
authors.forename: Dennis J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: McFarland
authors.forename: William A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Sarnacki
authors.forename: Jonathan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Wolpaw
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D062207:Brain-Computer Interfaces; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D066191:Sensorimotor Cortex / Q000502:physiology*