Design of a Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface and Virtual Reality System for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

As one of common diseases among elderly, stroke often leads to motor impairment and even serious disability. Post-stroke rehabilitation is of great importance to restore the motor function and improve the life quality of stroke survivors. This study therefore sets out to propose a hybrid system based on brain-computer interface and virtual reality, which can provide various training programs including action observation, motor imagery and physical therapy for post-stroke patients with different motor control levels and training demands. The present work offers new insights into the way in which the conventional rehabilitation programs can be turned into innovative and interactive training experiences with advanced technologies to make optimal rehabilitation outcomes for stroke survivors.