EXPRESS-BCI-CP: Using eye movements and facial expressions to improve brain-controlled technologies – Usability Case Study
Summary
We are recruiting children and youth with complex cerebral palsy for a research study on brain-computer interfaces. This research will help us develop new technologies that can help children with physical disabilities communicate, interact with their environment, and participate in everyday activities. In this study, you will test out a new device that lets you control a computer using your brainwaves, eye movements, and facial expressions.
Call to action
Do you want to help us develop a device for children with complex cerebral palsy to help them participate in everyday activities?
Consider participating in our research study to try out a device that lets you control a computer game using your brainwaves, eye movements, and facial expressions.
Who can participate
We are looking for individuals with the following profile:
• Children and youth with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, 8-18 years old.
• Can understand and follow simple instructions in English.
• Can communicate yes/no with verbal or non-verbal cues.
• Have no known allergy to hypoallergenic electrode gel.
Caregivers will also participate in pre- and post-study interviews. Caregivers must fit the following profile:
• 18 years old or older.
• Able to speak about their child’s physical abilities, daily routines, and technology use.
• Able to understand and answer questions in English.
Funding agency
PRISM Lab, Bloorview Research Institute
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
What's involved
You will attend two 1.5- to 2-hour sessions at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and participate in 2 interviews, one at the beginning and one at the end of the study. During each session, you will use your brain activity, eye movements, or facial expressions to train and play a computer game. You will wear sensors on your head and face that measure your electrical brain, eye, and muscle activity. These sensors are completely safe and painless. You will have to try to stay still for up to 5 minutes at a time as you complete the game but will be given breaks throughout. You may experience some discomfort, tiredness, or frustration from wearing the sensors and concentrating throughout the session, but this will go away with rest. You will receive a gift card at the end of each session as a token of our appreciation.
Deadline
Interested in participating
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Erica Floreani at efloreani@hollandbloorview.ca or at 416-425-6220 x 3168.
Additional information
REB #0751
Version: 09/Apr/2025, v2
Deadline: Recruiting until November 2025 or until 5 participants have been recruited.
