Event-related desynchronization/synchronization-based volitional cursor control in a two-dimensional center-out paradigm

To achieve a reliable two-dimensional control by noninvasive EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI), users are typically required to receive long-term training to learn effective regulation of their brain rhythmic activities, and to maintain sustained attention during the operation. We proposed a two-dimensional BCI using event-related desynchronization and event-related synchronization associated with human natural behavior so that users need neither long-term training nor high mental loads to maintain concentration. In this study, we intended to further investigate the performance of the proposed BCI associated with either physical movement or motor imagery with an online two-dimensional centerout cursor control paradigm. Model adaptation method was employed for better decoding of human movement intention from EEG activities. The results demonstrated an effective center-out cursor control: as high as 77.1% during online control with physical movement and 57.3% with motor imagery. It suggests that two-dimensional BCI control can be achieved without long-term training.