RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

BCI@Home: Brain Computer Interface Solutions to Enable Youth Living With Severe Disabilities

This study, called BCI@Home, is for children aged 5-18 with severe physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, stroke, or brain injury. It investigates how a special kind of technology, called a brain computer interface (BCI), can be used at home. The main goal is to see if this BCI technology can help children achieve personal goals, like communicating better or playing games, and improve their ability to take part in everyday life. The study also wants to find out how to make this technology available to more children, not just those living near big specialist centres. This could help ensure more children benefit from this exciting development.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

Start

01 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Cerebral Palsy Pediatric Stroke Genetic Condition Acquired Brain Injury (Including Stroke)

What is this study about?

Imagine being able to control a computer or play a game just by thinking, even if you can't move your hands or speak easily. That's what a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) can do! This important study, called BCI@Home, is about making this amazing technology available to children aged 5 to 18 who have severe physical disabilities, like those caused by cerebral palsy, a stroke, or a brain injury.

The main idea behind this study is that while BCIs have shown great promise in helping children, they're currently hard to access. You often need to live close to a big specialist hospital or centre to use them. The BCI@Home study wants to change this by seeing if children can successfully use this technology in their own homes. This would make it much easier for more children across the country to benefit.

The researchers want to answer two main questions: Can a BCI used at home help children reach their own personal goals, like playing a particular game or communicating with their family? And how can we make sure this home-based BCI program can reach as many children as possible, so that every child who could benefit has the chance to do so? This is a crucial step in making cutting-edge technology accessible to all.

Key takeaways

Exploring home-based BCI for children with severe disabilities.
Aims to help children achieve personal goals and participate more.
Making advanced technology more widely available.
Focus on children aged 5-18 with conditions like cerebral palsy or stroke.
Study designed to be family-centered and home-friendly.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and young people between the ages of 5 and 18 years old. To be considered, they must have a severe condition that affects their movement, for example, making it difficult for them to walk or use their hands, or a severe problem with their communication.

It's important that they can follow simple instructions and pay attention to basic tasks. The research team will also discuss with the family to make sure their home is suitable for using the BCI equipment. Finally, the child and their family must agree to take part.

However, this study is not suitable for children who have a severe type of epilepsy called epileptic encephalopathy, or unstable epilepsy (meaning their seizures are not well controlled). Also, if a child's brain scans show something that would stop the BCI technology from working properly, they wouldn't be able to join the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 5 and 18 years?
Does your child have severe movement difficulties or communication challenges?
Can your child understand and follow simple instructions?
Does your child not have unstable epilepsy or a specific type of severe epilepsy called epileptic encephalopathy?
Do you think your home environment could be suitable for using computer equipment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part, the first step will be an in-person visit. During this visit, you'll learn about the different activities your child can do with the BCI, help them set their first personal goals, and learn how to use the BCI system on your own. You'll then be given a BCI "kit" to take home, which includes a special headset and other equipment. The study aims to make it as easy as possible to use the BCI at home, with things like technical support available, flexible scheduling, and a wide choice of activities. The total duration of the study isn't specified, but it's designed for ongoing use and support at home.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer significant benefits, potentially helping your child achieve personal goals and improve their ability to participate in daily life using innovative technology at home. There are no known major risks associated with using BCI technology; however, as with any new technology, there might be minor frustrations or technical issues, which the study aims to support. You are always free to withdraw your child from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting their medical care.

Locations (2)

Alberta Children's Hospital
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a Brain Computer Interface (BCI)?

A BCI is a special system that lets someone control a computer or device using only their thoughts, without needing to move their body. It reads brain signals.

What kind of children can join this study?

Children aged 5-18 with severe physical disabilities, like those affecting movement or communication, can be considered, as long as they can follow simple instructions.

Will my child have to travel a lot for the study?

The study aims to be home-based after an initial visit, so travel should be minimal. The goal is to make the technology accessible where you live.

What will my child do with the BCI?

Your child will use the BCI for activities tailored to their interests and goals, such as playing games or communicating, all guided by their own preferences.

Is the BCI technology safe?

Yes, BCI technology used in studies like this is designed to be safe. The headset simply reads brain signals and doesn't send any electricity or harmful signals into the brain.

How to find out more

Central Contact Person

alicia.hilderley@ucalgary.ca 403-955-7816 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.