EEG-based sensorimotor neurofeedback for motor neurorehabilitation in children and adults: a scoping review.

Elena Cioffi, Anna Hutber, Rob Molloy, Sarah Murden, Aaron Yurkewich, Adam Kirton, Jean-Pierre Lin, Hortensia Gimeno, Verity McClelland*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Therapeutic interventions for children and young people with dystonia and dystonic/dyskinetic cerebral palsy are limited. EEG-based neurofeedback is emerging as a neurorehabilitation tool. This scoping review maps research investigating EEG-based sensorimotor neurofeedback in adults and children with neurological motor impairments, including augmentative strategies.

Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL and Web of Science databases were searched up to 2023 for relevant studies. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by at least two reviewers.

Results: Of 4380 identified studies, 133 were included, only three enrolling children. The most common diagnosis was adult-onset stroke (77%). Paradigms mostly involved upper limb motor imagery or motor attempt. Common neurofeedback modes included visual, haptic and/or electrical stimulation. EEG parameters varied widely and were often incompletely described. Two studies applied augmentative strategies. Outcome measures varied widely and included classification accuracy of the Brain-Computer Interface, degree of enhancement of mu rhythm modulation or other neurophysiological parameters, and clinical/motor outcome scores. Few studies investigated whether functional outcomes related specifically to the EEG-based neurofeedback.

Conclusions: There is limited evidence exploring EEG-based sensorimotor neurofeedback in individuals with movement disorders, especially in children. Further clarity of neurophysiological parameters is required to develop optimal paradigms for evaluating sensorimotor neurofeedback.

Significance: The expanding field of sensorimotor neurofeedback offers exciting potential as a non-invasive therapy. However, this needs to be balanced by robust study design and detailed methodological reporting to ensure reproducibility and validation that clinical improvements relate to induced neurophysiological changes.
Original languageEnglish
JournalClinical Neurophysiology
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 3 Aug 2024

Keywords

  • Movement Disorders
  • Neurofeedback
  • Brain computer interface (BCI)
  • EEG
  • Neurorehabilitation
  • Children

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