Utilizing an EEG-Based BCI Game to Evaluate Cognitive Skills in Children With Motor Impairments

University of Alberta

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Children With Motor Impairments

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: NEPSY-II; Diagnostic Test: Cognitive assessment

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07109830

Pro00153206

Details and patient eligibility

About

This project aims to validate an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) game as a cognitive assessment tool for children with motor impairments. Traditional cognitive assessments often rely on motor responses, which may underestimate the abilities of children with limited mobility. By using BCI technology, which captures brain activity directly, the study seeks to bypass these limitations and offer a more inclusive, engaging, and accurate assessment method.

The research consists of three papers:

1. Pilot Study: Tests the feasibility of the BCI game, comparing BCI and keyboard controls, and examines alignment with NEPSY-II cognitive subtests.
2. Validation Study: Investigates the convergent validity of the BCI game in typically developing children by correlating game performance with standardized cognitive test scores.
3. Adaptation Study: Compares game performance between neurotypical children and children with motor impairments to evaluate the game's inclusivity and adaptability.

The project utilizes the Emotiv Flex 2 EEG system and focuses on cognitive domains such as attention, working memory, and inhibition. The ultimate goal is to develop a reliable, equitable tool for assessing cognition in children with diverse motor abilities.

Enrollment: 73 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 7 to 16 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Children with and without motor impairments.
• Ages 7-16.
• Understand simple commands

Exclusion criteria

• Vision impairment

Trial design

73 participants in 2 patient groups

Typically developing children

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Cognitive assessment

Diagnostic Test: NEPSY-II

Children with motor impairments

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Cognitive assessment