Brain-Computer Interface Fatigue in Children: Mechanisms and Impact

Communicating with others, exploring the environment, and playing games are essential components of child development. However, kids with severe physical disabilities such as quadriplegic cerebral palsy (QCP), are often unable to exercise such autonomy. Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology offer children with QCP unique opportunities for communication, environmental exploration, learning, and play. BCI research is rapidly developing but has neglected pediatric populations. Like many cognitively demanding tasks, fatigue is a critical factor to consider for BCI performance and enjoyment. BCI fatigue has been studied in adult populations, but there are no pediatric studies to date. Our prospective, cross over study assessed the effects of two BCI paradigms and a control condition on self-reported fatigue and electroencephalogram (EEG) biomarkers of fatigue. Thirty-two typically developing children aged 7-16 years participated in three sessions: motor imagery-BCI, P300-BCI, and film viewing (control). Self- reported fatigue and resting-state EEG alpha band power significantly increased across all sessions (p < 0.001; p = 0.047 respectively). These two measures of fatigue were uncorrelated to one another. No differences in fatigue development between sessions was observed. This project provides a baseline understanding of pediatric BCI fatigue. Short periods (30-mintues) of BCI use can increase self-reported fatigue and an EEG biomarker of fatigue. Performance was stable across BCI sessions and not associated with our measures of fatigue. The clinical implications and impact of fatigue on useability and enjoyment are unclear. Our results support the variability of fatigue and the overall BCI experience in children that warrant future investigation.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Medicine – Neuroscience

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Keough, Joanna Renée Grandinetti

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dr. Adam Kirton

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Dr. Chantel Debert
• Dr. Eli Kinney-Lang
• Dr. Michael Esser

• Brain-Computer Interface
• Fatigue
• Pediatrics

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/dspace/41386

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:1880/116543