Feasibility and development of a brain-computer interface (BCI) to support clinical and self-management of spasticity

Spasticity is a disorder that affects people with various types of neurological pathology including spinal cord injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis. It is caused by an imbalance of signals from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the muscles, which results in tight or stiff muscles and reduced muscle control. If left untreated, spasticity can have devastating effects on the individual, giving rise to several issues such as pain, spasms, deformity, and limb contracture. This considerably decreases their quality of life, affecting mobility, function, dexterity, and care needs.

The usual care pathway for spasticity includes medication and corrective devices such as orthoses. However many patients are unable to tolerate these treatments for long periods. Other workpackages in the RESPONSS project will investigate alternative techniques, such as neuromodulation and robot-assisted sensorimotor interventions. However, determining how and when to initiate these alternative interventions is not a trivial problem.

Therefore, this PhD study will explore the relationship between the brain and muscle activity for volitional and non-volitional movements. Using this information the study will go on to develop a hybrid brain-computer interface (hBCI) that will continuously measure the user’s brain and muscle activity to determine when one of these alternative interventions should be triggered (started/stopped). The student will make use of our existing electrophysiological recording equipment (g.Tec and/or TMSi) and will focus on the software, signal-processing and classifier development. The PhD will involve experiments with human participants throughout and will culminate in a series of case studies with spinal cord injured patients to evaluate the feasibility of using such a system in clinical practice.

We are looking for a student who can undertake not only the technical aspects of the brain-computer interface development, but who also has an interest in the translation of technology to the patient group. The student will work closely with a clinical scientist or physiotherapist whilst with patients, but must have good interpersonal and communication skills, with a desire to work in a clinical setting. Previous experience of brain-computer interfaces is not essential but evidence of previous work with human participants would be desirable.

Application: To make an application please submit a 2-page CV with a cover letter, explaining your interests, engineering and research experience (including examples of previous project work) to Dr Tom Carlson [Email Address Removed]. Please use the subject: “RESPONSS BCI PhD Studentship”

Interview Date: Tuesday 25th July 2017. Interviews will be conducted either in person at the RNOH 
(UCL Stanmore campus), or via Skype.

Studentship Start Date: Monday 2nd October 2017