A comparison of recording modalities of P300 event-related potentials (ERP) for brain-computer interface (BCI) paradigm

Louis Mayaud (1, 2) , Marco Congedo (3) , Aurélien van Laghenhove (2) , Marjorie Figère (2) , Eric Azabou (2) , F. Cheliout-Heraut (2)

1 IBME - Institute of Biomedical Engineering [Oxford]
2 Epilepsie, sommeil et explorations fonctionnelles neuropédiatriques
3 GIPSA-VIBS - GIPSA - Vision and Brain Signal Processing

Aims of the study A brain-Computer Interface aims at restoring communication and control in severely disabled people by identification and classification of EEG features such as Event Related Potentials (ERPs). The aim of this study is to compare different EEG recording modalities for extraction of ERPs. The first comparison evaluates the performance of six disc electrodes with that of the Emotiv headset, while the second evaluates three different electrode types (disc, needle, and large squared electrode). Material and methods Ten healthy volunteers gave informed consent and were randomized to try the traditional EEG system (6 disc electrodes with gel and skin preparation) or the Emotiv headset first. Together with the six disc electrodes, a needle and a square electrode of larger surface were simultaneously recording near lead Cz. Each modality was evaluated over three sessions of auditory P300 separated by one hour. Results No statically significant effect was found for the electrode type, nor was the interaction between electrode type and session number. There was no statistically significant difference of performance between the Emotiv and the six traditional EEG disc electrodes, although there was a trend showing worse performance of the Emotive headset. However, the Modality-Session interaction was highly significant (p<0.001) showing that, while the performance of the 6 disc electrodes stay constant over sessions, the performance of the Emotiv headset drops dramatically between 2 and 3 hours of use. Finally, the evaluation of comfort by participants revealed an increasing discomfort with the Emotiv headset starting with the second hour of use. Conclusion Our study does not recommend the use of one modality over another based on performance but suggests the choice should be made on more practical considerations such as the expected length of use, the availability of skilled labor for system setup and above all, the patient experience.

Mots clés: Needle Electrode; EEG headset; Brain Computer Interface; P300; Event Related Potentials

Domaines: Neurosciences

Louis Mayaud, Marco Congedo, Aurélien van Laghenhove, Marjorie Figère, Eric Azabou, et al.. A comparison of recording modalities of P300 event-related potentials (ERP) for brain-computer interface (BCI) paradigm. Neurophysiologie Clinique = Clinical Neurophysiology, 2013, 43 (4), pp.217-227. ⟨10.1016/j.neucli.2013.06.002⟩. ⟨hal-00909021⟩