From Mind to Motion: The Promise of Brain Computer Interfaces and Myoelectric Prosthetics for Stroke Neurorehabilitation

Stroke is one of the principal causes of mortality and disability internationally, with a more significant burden in third-world countries. Stroke survivors show various long-term sequelae, including motor defects, hemineglect, aphasia and limb weakness. Stroke is also associated with cognitive and emotional disturbances, which may complicate the process of recovery. Rehabilitation, therefore, is one of the most critical aspects of post-stroke care. Rehabilitative measures function on the principle of neuroplasticity, where repeated neural feedback promotes functional recovery. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are external devices that allow communication between the user and external devices through invasive or non-invasive methods. Direct transmission between the user and the external machine can allow for real-time neural feedback, accelerating recovery. BCIs show potential not only in motor rehabilitation but also in emotional and cognitive recovery post-stroke. Myoelectric Prosthetics (MPs) are external devices that use surface electromyography (sEMG) signals to assist motor movement and rehabilitate affected limbs. Upper limb MPs are used mainly to improve fine motor function by providing real-time proprioceptive feedback to the patient. Lower limb MPs give patients mechanical assistance along with improvements to gait and speed. Even though technical limitations exist in both BCIs and MPs, they show immense rehabilitative potential in stroke survivors. This review aims to throw light on the burden of stroke, the state of current rehabilitative care, and the use of MPs and BCIs for stroke neurorehabilitation. Key Words: brain-computer interface, myoelectric prosthetics, neurorehabilitation, stroke, bionics