Complex movements - a high resolution fMRI study

Patients with neuromuscular diseases (e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis),
stroke or brain stem lesions, can lose the physical ability to communicate
while being cognitively intact. Brain computer interfaces (BCI) promise to
restore the communication for the severely handicapped, by bypassing the
defective motor system and providing a direct link between the brain of a
patient and an external device (e.g. a computer).
We are working towards a multidimensional BCI, that allows patients a fast and
flexible communication. For this purpose we are interested in how complex hand
and mouth movements are represented on the cortex and whether different
movements can be discriminated.

The objective of this study is to assess spatial cortical representation of
hand and mouth movements. This will inform us on the feasibility of decoding
these patterns for BCI purposes.

We will perform an event related study using high field (7 Tesla) functional
magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 24 healthy volunteers. The volunteers will
be asked to execute, imagine or observe different hand or mouth movements.

There are no known risks associated with fMRI acquisition. The technique does
not require administration of any contrast agent or ionizing radiation. The
fMRI procedure is painless and not uncomfortable, although it does require the
subject to lie still with the head and part of the body confined in a
tunnel-like device.
If the subject is uncomfortable with any aspect of the procedure the session
will be terminated. If the study is terminated, every effort will be taken to
ensure that the experience for the subject is still a positive one.
The subject is provided with earplugs to protect him from the scanner noise.
Also MR compatible clothing is provided for the time in the scanner. An
intercom is available in the MR scanner to remain in contact with the subject
during the whole session and an emergency button is placed with the subject
with which he can indicate to stop the procedure immediately. The MR scanner is
handled by trained personnel and subjects are screened for metal before
entering the scanner.

No immediate benefits are to be expected from participation in this study for
the subjects. This research is fundamental in nature and has no immediate
medical or technical application. However, the knowledge on the fundamental
neuronal mechanisms that will be acquired could eventually be essential for
medical interventions or brain computer interfaces.