Prediction of human voluntary movement before it occurs

Objective: Human voluntary movement is associated with two changes in electroencephalography ( EEG) that can be observed as early as 1.5 s prior to movement: slow DC potentials and frequency power shifts in the alpha and beta bands. Our goal was to determine whether and when we can reliably predict human natural movement BEFORE it occurs from EEG signals ONLINE IN REAL-TIME. Methods: We developed a computational algorithm to support online prediction. Seven healthy volunteers participated in this study and performed wrist extensions at their own pace. Results: The average online prediction time was 0.62 +/- 0.25 s before actual movement monitored by EMG signals. There were also predictions that occurred without subsequent actual movements, where subjects often reported that they were thinking about making a movement. Conclusion: Human voluntary movement can be predicted before movement occurs. Significance: The successful prediction of human movement intention will provide further insight into how the brain prepares for movement, as well as the potential for direct cortical control of a device which may be faster than normal physical control. (C) 2010 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.