Motor Imagery and SMR Desynchronization: Exploring the Relationship Between KVIQ Scores, Imagery Type, and the Impact of Training
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| Argitaratua izan da: | ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (2025) |
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ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
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| Sarrera elektronikoa: | Citation/Abstract Full Text - PDF |
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| Laburpena: | Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology offers individuals with severe motor impairments alternative means to access Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices without requiring overt physical movements. Motor-based BCIs rely on Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) signals, which are elicited through both overt and imagined movements. However, approximately 15-30% of individuals do not have naturally detectable SMR signals, presenting a significant barrier to BCI access.This dissertation investigates foundational principles of motor-based BCIs by examining healthy adults to explore the relationship between different motor imagery strategies (first-person kinesthetic imagery, third-person visual imagery, and hand laterality judgment tasks) and SMR desynchronization, correlating these findings with Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire (KVIQ) scores. Additionally, it aims to understand whether SMR signals can be effectively modulated in healthy adults over time through targeted training, without relying on biofeedback—an important consideration for real-world clinical applications.The research is presented in four chapters. Chapter 1 establishes the theoretical and empirical foundation for the dissertation, providing an overview of motor-based BCIs and SMR as a control signal. It outlines the distinction between kinesthetic and visual imagery, highlights barriers to BCI accessibility such as BCI illiteracy, and introduces hand laterality judgment tasks (HLJTs) as an alternative method for engaging the motor imagery system. Chapter 2 explores the relationship between imagery types, SMR desynchronization, and KVIQ scores through a group study design. Chapter 3 presents a single-subject design study investigating SMR modulation and change in KVIQ scores over a six-week training period without the use of an actual BCI or biofeedback. Chapter 4 synthesizes findings from both studies, discussing scientific implications and potential future clinical applications.Unlike most prior research conducted with experienced BCI users in closed-loop settings, this work addresses the understudied preparatory phase of BCI candidacy. By increasing our understanding of the relationship between different imagery strategies, SMR modulation, and KVIQ scores in individuals inexperienced with BCI, we hope to identify effective imagery strategies and training protocols that enhance SMR desynchronization. This research aims to set a foundation to inform more personalized BCI eligibility and training protocols, potentially expanding access to individuals who may have previously been deemed ineligible due to initially weak SMR signals. The clinical implications of this work include revamping the process for determining eligibility by extending the BCI eligibility assessment period, increasing candidacy for motor-based BCIs for a wider user base, and optimizing the interim time before AAC device acquisition. Ultimately, the goal is that the findings of this work can be built upon and tested with clinical populations in an effort to improve accessibility to BCI technology for individuals with severe motor speech impairments, prolonging their ability to communicate and interact with the world around them, in turn improving quality of life.  |
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| ISBN: | 9798291563021 |
| Baliabidea: | ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global |