Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2022, Vol. 17 ›› Issue (12): 2600-2605.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.335838

Previous Articles     Next Articles

An electroencephalography-based human-machine interface combined with contralateral C7 transfer in the treatment of brachial plexus injury

Meng Zhang1, 2, 3, #, Ci Li1, 2, 3, #, Song-Yang Liu1, 2, 3, Feng-Shi Zhang1, 2, 3, Pei-Xun Zhang1, 2, 3, *   

  1. 1Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China; 2Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China; 3National Center for Trauma Medicine, Beijing, China
  • Online:2022-12-15 Published:2022-05-05
  • Contact: Pei-Xun Zhang, PhD, zhangpeixun@bjmu.edu.cn.
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 31771322 (to PXZ); the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing, No. 7212121 (to PXZ); Shenzhen Science and Technology Plan Project, No. JCYJ20190806162205278 (to PXZ); Funds for Severe Trauma Standardized Treatment, No. SZSM202011001 (to PXZ); a grant from National Center for Trauma Medicine, Beijing, China, No. BMU2020XY005-01 (to PXZ). 

PDF

99

Abstract: Transferring the contralateral C7 nerve root to the median or radial nerve has become an important means of repairing brachial plexus nerve injury. However, outcomes have been disappointing. Electroencephalography (EEG)-based human-machine interfaces have achieved promising results in promoting neurological recovery by controlling a distal exoskeleton to perform functional limb exercises early after nerve injury, which maintains target muscle activity and promotes the neurological rehabilitation effect. This review summarizes the progress of research in EEG-based human-machine interface combined with contralateral C7 transfer repair of brachial plexus nerve injury. Nerve transfer may result in loss of nerve function in the donor area, so only nerves with minimal impact on the donor area, such as the C7 nerve, should be selected as the donor. Single tendon transfer does not fully restore optimal joint function, so multiple functions often need to be reestablished simultaneously. Compared with traditional manual rehabilitation, EEG-based human-machine interfaces have the potential to maximize patient initiative and promote nerve regeneration and cortical remodeling, which facilitates neurological recovery. In the early stages of brachial plexus injury treatment, the use of an EEG-based human-machine interface combined with contralateral C7 transfer can facilitate postoperative neurological recovery by making full use of the brain’s computational capabilities and actively controlling functional exercise with the aid of external machinery. It can also prevent disuse atrophy of muscles and target organs and maintain neuromuscular junction effectiveness. Promoting cortical remodeling is also particularly important for neurological recovery after contralateral C7 transfer. Future studies are needed to investigate the mechanism by which early movement delays neuromuscular junction damage and promotes cortical remodeling. Understanding this mechanism should help guide the development of neurological rehabilitation strategies for patients with brachial plexus injury.

Key words: arm injuries, brachial plexus, brain-computer interfaces, nerve transfer, nerve regeneration, nerve tissue, neurofeedback, neurological rehabilitation, user-computer interface