A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute and Brown University describes an investigational implantable brain computer interface (iBCI) typing neuroprosthesis that can restore communication with speed and accuracy.
The tool, which utilizes the QWERTY keyboard and attempted finger movements, performed well in two BrainGate clinical trial participants-one with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the other with a cervical spinal cord injury.
Two clinical trial participants, one with advanced ALS and the other with a spinal cord injury, used this new iBCI typing neuroprosthesis to communicate rapidly and accurately (watch a video of the two participants using the iBCI).
The participants calibrated their devices with as few as 30 sentences; one participant was able to reach a top typing speed of 110 characters or 22 words per minute, with a word error rate of 1.6%.
That's on par with able-bodied typing accuracy.
What's more, both participants used the device from the comfort of their own place of residence, demonstrating the potential for translation and at-home use in the future.
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