Academic Journal of Engineering and Technology Science, 2026, 9(1); doi: 10.25236/AJETS.2026.090111.
Liping Zhou1
1School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200082, China
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly disabling central nervous system injury. Traditional treatments such as early surgical decompression and pharmacological interventions have limited efficacy. Most patients still suffer from sensory and motor dysfunction below the injury level, severely impacting their quality of life. In recent years, brain-computer interface (BCI) technology has advanced rapidly, offering new possibilities for SCI rehabilitation. BCI works by acquiring and decoding brain signals and converting them into control commands to drive external devices or directly perform neuromodulation, thereby enabling motor function restoration, sensory feedback, and psychological regulation. This article systematically reviews the classification of BCIs, focusing on the main types of non-invasive BCIs. It elaborates on their application progress and evidence in upper/lower limb motor function rehabilitation, sensory recovery, psychological state improvement, and pain management for SCI patients. By integrating recent clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, the article points out that non-invasive BCIs show significant potential in SCI rehabilitation but still face challenges such as signal quality, individual variability, long-term safety, and clinical dissemination. Finally, this article prospects future research directions, including algorithm optimization, multimodal fusion, personalized rehabilitation protocols, and the expansion of home-based application scenarios.
Brain-Computer Interface; Spinal Cord Injury; Rehabilitation; Non-Invasive
Liping Zhou. Application of Non-Invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation. Academic Journal of Engineering and Technology Science (2026), Vol. 9, Issue 1: 86-92. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJETS.2026.090111.
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