EXPRESS-BCI: Using eye movements and facial expressions to improve brain-controlled technologies
Summary
We are recruiting neurotypical children, youth, and adults 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 severe motor impairments to help them participate and interact? Consider participating in our research study to test a device that lets you control a computer using your brainwaves, eye movements, and facial expressions.
Who can participate
We are looking for individuals with the following profile:
- Neurotypical children, youth, and adults, 8 years of age and older.
- Can understand and follow instructions in English.
- Have normal or corrected-to-normal (i.e., wear glasses/contacts) vision.
- Can remain seated and still for up to 10 minutes at a time.
- Have no history of brain injury or concussion.
- Have no history of neurological (e.g., seizures) or psychological conditions.
- Have no history of allergy to electrode gel.
Funding agency
PRISM Lab, Bloorview Research Institute
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
What's involved
You will attend two 90-minute sessions at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. 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 sit still for up to 10 minutes at a time as you complete the game but will be given breaks in between sets. You may experience some discomfort, tiredness, or frustration from wearing the sensors and concentrating on the computer screen throughout the session, but this will go away with rest. You will receive a gift card and optional volunteer hours at the end of each session as a token of our appreciation.
Deadline
Interested in participating
If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact Erica Floreani at efloreani@hollandbloorview.ca or at 416-425-6220 extension 3168.
Additional information
Version 3 (17/May/2024)
REB#0681 - EXPRESS-BCI: Elevating brain-computer interface control with eye movements and facial expressions.
Deadline: We are recruiting until January 2025 or until 30 participants have been recruited.
