The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of using the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as a signal source for brain–computer interface control in people with severe motor impairment. We implanted two individuals with locked-in syndrome with a chronic brain–computer interface designed to restore independent communication. The implanted system (Utrecht NeuroProsthesis) included electrode strips placed subdurally over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In both participants, counting backwards activated the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex consistently over the course of 47 and 22 months, respectively. Moreover, both participants were able to use this signal to control a cursor in one dimension, with average accuracy scores of 78 ± 9% (standard deviation) and 71 ± 11% (chance level: 50%), respectively. Brain–computer interface control based on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity is feasible in people with locked-in syndrome and may become of relevance for those unable to use sensorimotor signals for control.

本研究的目的是测试使用背外侧前额叶皮层作为严重运动障碍患者脑机接口控制信号源的可行性。我们给两个患有闭锁综合症的人植入了一个慢性脑机接口，旨在恢复独立沟通。植入系统（乌得勒支神经假体）包括放置在背外侧前额皮质硬膜下的电极带。在这两名参与者中，倒数分别在 47 个月和 22 个月的过程中持续激活了背外侧前额叶皮层。此外，两名参与者都能够使用该信号在一维控制光标，平均准确度分数分别为 78 ± 9%（标准差）和 71 ± 11%（机会水平：50%）。基于背外侧前额叶皮层活动的脑机接口控制对于锁定综合征患者是可行的，并且可能对那些无法使用感觉运动信号进行控制的人具有相关性。