BRAVE-FND v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Brain-computer interface Rehabilitation And Virtual Environments in Functional Neurological Disorder
IRAS ID
349392
Contact name
Paul Shotbolt
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 17 days
Research summary
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are devices that measure brain signals to control output on a computer device through a process called ‘neurofeedback’. One application of this is wearing an electroencephalogram (EEG) headset and thinking of moving your hand. The device can then decode your intention to move your hand and use the signal to make either a robotic limb move, or make an onscreen avatar move their limb. This approach has been studied for potential use in rehabilitation for conditions such as stroke and spinal cord injury. To date, nobody has explored their use for rehabilitation in functional neurological disorder (FND).
FND is a condition where there is a breakdown in how the brain sends and receives signals from the body, without there necessarily being any structural damage to the nervous system. It is incredibly common, being the second most likely reason for someone to visit a neurologist (after headache). The condition manifests in a variety of ways, including motor weakness, tremors, seizures, sensory disturbances, and pain. From research about FND, we know that there is a disruption in perceived sense of control (or agency) of bodily movements.
This study will explore whether BCI-based therapy can alter this sense of agency over bodily movements in people with FND. It will also be the first ever study of the use of BCIs in FND. Every person who is enrolled in the study will undergo a 10-session course of BCI based rehabilitation.
We are looking for 24 participants aged 16 or older with FND with motor weakness (predominantly weakness in at least one of the following: hand, arm, leg, foot). Funding comes from the IoPPN Clinician Investigator Scholarship.
Sessions will run at the King's Clinical Research Facility. The study will end 01.2028.REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EE/0222
Date of REC Opinion
28 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion