Hyperbrain features of team mental models within a juggling paradigm: a proof of concept.

BACKGROUND: Research on cooperative behavior and the social brain exists, but little research has focused on real-time motor cooperative behavior and its neural correlates. In this proof of concept study, we explored the conceptual notion of shared and complementary mental models through EEG mapping of two brains performing a real-world interactive motor task of increasing difficulty. We used the recently introduced participative "juggling paradigm," and collected neuro-physiological and psycho-social data. We were interested in analyzing the between-brains coupling during a dyadic juggling task, and in exploring the relationship between the motor task execution, the jugglers'skill level and the task difficulty. We also investigated how this relationship could be mirrored in the coupled functional organization of the interacting brains. METHODS: To capture the neural schemas underlying the notion of shared and complementary mental models, we examined the functional connectivity patterns and hyperbrain features of a juggling dyad involved in cooperative motor tasks of increasing difficulty. Jugglers' cortical activity was measured using two synchronized 32-channel EEG systems during dyadic juggling performed with 3, 4, 5 and 6 balls. Individual and hyperbrain functional connections were quantified through coherence maps calculated across all electrode pairs in the theta and alpha bands (4-8 and 8-12 Hz). Graph metrics were used to typify the global topology and efficiency of the functional networks for the four difficulty levels in the theta and alpha bands. RESULTS: Results indicated that, as task difficulty increased, the cortical functional organization of the more skilled juggler became progressively more segregated in both frequency bands, with a small-world organization in the theta band during easier tasks, indicative of a flow-like state in line with the neural efficiency hypothesis. Conversely, more integrated functional patterns were observed for the less skilled juggler in both frequency bands, possibly related to cognitive overload due to the difficulty of the task at hand (reinvestment hypothesis). At the hyperbrain level, a segregated functional organization involving areas of the visuo-attentional networks of both jugglers was observed in both frequency bands and for the easier task only. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that cooperative juggling is supported by integrated activity of specialized cortical areas from both brains only during easier tasks, whereas it relies on individual skills, mirrored in uncorrelated individual brain activations, during more difficult tasks. These findings suggest that task difficulty and jugglers' personal skills may influence the features of the hyperbrain network in its shared/integrative and complementary/segregative tendencies.

Assessing neuro-motor recovery in a stroke survivor with high-resolution EEG, robotics and Virtual Reality.

One post-stroke patient underwent neuro-motor rehabilitation of one upper limb with a novel system combining a passive robotic device, Virtual Reality training applications and high resolution electroencephalography (HR-EEG). The outcome of the clinical tests and the evaluation of the kinematic parameters recorded with the robotic device concurred to highlight an improved motor recovery of the impaired limb despite the age of the patient, his compromised motor function, and the start of rehabilitation at the 3rd week post stroke. The time frequency and functional source analysis of the HR-EEG signals permitted to quantify the functional changes occurring in the brain in association with the rehabilitation motor tasks, and to highlight the recovery of the neuro-motor function.

Monitoring Neuro-Motor Recovery From Stroke With High-Resolution EEG, Robotics and Virtual Reality: A Proof of Concept.

A novel system for the neuro-motor rehabilitation of upper limbs was validated in three sub-acute post-stroke patients. The system permits synchronized cortical and kinematic measures by integrating high-resolution EEG, passive robotic device and Virtual Reality. The brain functional re-organization was monitored in association with motor patterns replicating activities of daily living (ADL). Patients underwent 13 rehabilitation sessions. At sessions 1, 7 and 13, clinical tests were administered to assess the level of motor impairment, and EEG was recorded during rehabilitation task execution. For each session and rehabilitation task, four kinematic indices of motor performance were calculated and compared with the outcome of clinical tests. Functional source maps were obtained from EEG data and projected on the real patients' anatomy (MRI data). Laterality indices were calculated for hemispheric dominance assessment. All patients showed increased participation in the rehabilitation process. Cortical activation changes during recovery were detected in relation to different motor patterns, hence verifying the system's suitability to add quantitative measures of motor performance and neural recovery to classical tests. We conclude that this system seems a promising tool for novel robot-based rehabilitation paradigms tailored to individual needs and neuro-motor responses of the patients.

Adaptation of cochlear implant fitting to various telecommunication systems: a proposal for a 'telephone map'.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the innovations in cochlear implant (CI) technology in recent years, some auditory tasks remain difficult for CI recipients. This work proposes the creation of specific maps for telephone communication (via conventional phone and via Internet protocol, VoIP). In light of our preliminary results, we believe that our experimental maps might improve conventional telephone and Internet communications for CI recipients. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to: (1) analyze the spectro-temporal characteristics of the signals; (2) evaluate speech recognition scores using two different types of telephone communication; and (3) change some map parameters on the basis of the previous signal analysis, to obtain a specific map for telephone use. METHODS: Eleven Cochlear™ Nucleus® CI recipients were tested for bisyllabic word recognition in quiet using reproduced voice and transmitted voice via conventional telephone and Skype® using the habitual-ACE (SLB) map, and two experimental maps (F- and V-Map). RESULTS: The results showed a worsening of word recognition scores with SLB-Map via telephone (30.5%) and VoIP (18.6%) compared with those achieved with the same map in an anechoic booth. In the experimental listening conditions, 65% and 54% of patients performed better with F- and V-Map, respectively, up to a maximum of performance improvement by 35% via telephone and 25% via VoIP.

Noninvasive management of cochlear implant's inner magnet displacement after magnetic resonance.

MRI is a widespread and greatly helpful diagnostic tool, yet its use on cochlear implant patients is restricted by the presence of an inner magnet. We report on a case of magnet dislodgment after 1.5T MRI in a 31-year-old female with a Hi-Res 90K cochlear implant. In this case, it was possible to implement an alternative, totally noninvasive approach based on an external manual repositioning rather than a surgical procedure of the displaced magnet.