BCI sports: exploring the potential of BCI-leveraged sport participation for children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Abstract

Children with severe disabilities often face barriers to sport participation, limiting their fundamental human rights. Boccia is a Paralympic sport that offers inclusion for individuals with limited mobility, it does not fully accommodate those with severe motor disabilities and communication difficulties. Our group designed an assistive Boccia ramp controlled <i>via</i> brain-computer interface (BCI), potentially allowing individuals with severe motor disability who are non-speaking to participate. This study aimed to gain insight from caregivers and children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy (QCP) toward how BCI-leveraged Boccia might impact their opportunities for sport participation. We used a mixed-methods approach to gather insights from children and their families. We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore caregiver insights and experiences of their child using BCI (<i>n</i> = 6). Additionally, we developed a new 21-item survey to get the feedback of the children (<i>n</i> = 6). Current participation challenges and facilitators to sport were identified, along with future possibilities and the foreseen benefits of implementing BCI technology. Children expressed keen interest in using a BCI system to access Boccia. BCI-leveraged sport shows promise for caregivers and children with QCP. Successful implementation requires addressing barriers and facilitators to enable access to previously unattainable activities.