Abstract:
Moving a brain-computer interface (BCI) system from a laboratory demonstration to a consumer oriented
real-life applications still possesses severe challenges to the BCI community. This study, aims in discovering a
new augmentative communication channel that does not rely on the brains normal output pathway of
peripheral nerves and muscles, thus as a result patients with Neuromuscular diseases, could rapidly and
seamlessly communicate with the outside world. The study makes use of a commercially available EEG, which
is a wireless, single channel, Bluetooth enabled acquisition that is cost effective. The results obtained after
evaluation of the software shows its performance at an excellent rate thus, the use of the reduce stressapproach
seems to have a great impact in reducing the stress level of a quadriplegic patient in the process.
This study demonstrates a truly portable, cost-effective and a practical implementation of an alternative
communication channel created for patients with Neuromuscular disorders.