A Mindfulness-Based Brain-Computer Interface to Augment Mandala Coloring for Depression: Protocol for a Single-Case Experimental Design

Brain-computer Interaction in the Smart Era

The brain-computer interface (BCI) system serves as a critical link between external output devices and the human brain. A monitored object's mental state, sensory cognition, and even higher cognition are reflected in its electroencephalography (EEG) signal. Nevertheless, unprocessed EEG signals are frequently contaminated with a variety of artifacts, rendering the analysis and elimination of impurities from the collected EEG data exceedingly challenging, not to mention the manual adjustment thereof. Over the last few decades, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has contributed to the development of BCI technology. Algorithms derived from AI and machine learning have significantly enhanced the ability to analyze and process EEG electrical signals, thereby expanding the range of potential interactions between the human brain and computers. As a result, the present BCI technology with the help of AI can assist physicians in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of their patients' physical and psychological status, thereby contributing to improvements in their health and quality of life.

Effects of brain-Computer interface combined with mindfulness therapy on rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Aim

To explore the effects of brain-computer interface training combined with mindfulness therapy on Hemiplegic Patients with Stroke.

Background

The prevention and treatment of stroke still faces great challenges. Maximizing the improvement of patients' ability to perform activities of daily living, limb motor function, and reducing anxiety, depression, and other social and psychological problems to improve patients' overall quality of life is the focus and difficulty of clinical rehabilitation work.

Methods

Patients were recruited from December 2021 to November 2022, and assigned to either the intervention or control group following a simple randomization procedure (computer-generated random numbers). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation treatment, while patients in the intervention group additionally received brain-computer interface training and mindfulness therapy. The continuous treatment duration was 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Limb motor function, activities of daily living, mindfulness attention awareness level, sleep quality, and quality of life of the patients were measured (in T0, T1, and T2). Generalized estimated equation (GEE) were used to evaluate the effects. The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300070382).

Results

A total of 128 participants were randomized and 64 each were assigned to the intervention and control groups (of these, eight patients were lost to follow-up). At 6 months, compared with the control group, intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in limb motor function, mindful attention awareness, activities of daily living, sleep quality, and quality of life.

Conclusion

Brain-computer interface combined with mindfulness therapy training can improve limb motor function, activities of daily living, mindful attention awareness, sleep quality, and quality of life in hemiplegic patients with stroke.

Impact

This study provides valuable insights into post-stroke care. It may help improve the effect of rehabilitation nursing to improve the comprehensive ability and quality of life of patients after stroke.

Clinical review registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300070382.

The effects of coloring therapy on patients with generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has harmful effects on physical and mental health and quality of life. Coloring therapy has been reported to have a positive effect on improving patient anxiety and depression. But there are no reported clinical trials examining their effectiveness as a treatment for GAD. This study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of coloring therapy combined with conventional therapy in improving anxiety, depression, and positive and negative emotions with GAD. This randomized controlled study comprising 88 GAD patients was selected for intervention in different wards. The control group (n = 45) was given conventional antianxiety medication and physical therapy, and the experimental group (n = 43) received coloring therapy combined with conventional therapy. The Self-Rating Depression Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Hamilton Depression Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Positive and Negative Affect Scale were assessed in both groups before and 3 weeks after the intervention. After the intervention, there were statistical differences in intra- and inter-group comparisons of anxiety, depression, and positive and negative mood scales in the experimental and control groups (p < .05). The minus in anxiety/positive emotions pre- and postintervention in the experimental group was statistically significant compared to that in anxiety/positive emotions pre- and postintervention in the control group (HAMA: d = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] (0.34, 2.57), p = .011; SAS: d = 3.87, 95% CI (1.73,6.00), p = .001; positive: d = 1.76, 95% CI (0.17, 3.34), p = .030). The minus in depressive/negative emotions pre- and postintervention in the experimental group was not statistically significant compared with that in depressive/negative emotions pre- and postintervention in the control group (p > .05). For GAD patients, adding coloring therapy based on conventional drug therapy and physical therapy can not only reduce depression and negative emotions but also have better effects on reducing anxiety and improving positive emotions than conventional therapy.