M.G. Bleichner1, J. M. Jansma1, M. Raemakers1, J. Sellmeijer1, E.J. Aarnoutse1, J.C.W. Siero2, N. Petridou2, N.F. Ramsey1
1Dept. of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht, Netherlands; 2Dept. of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht, Netherlands
Decoding the neuronal activity of complex hand gestures, as used in sign languages, could be an interesting way to control a brain computer interface. Thinking about hand gestures representing letters could be translated directly into text on a computer screen. Here we study the underlying neuro-physiological changes of executed hand movements using high field fMRI. We show that single trial classification is possible and that different hand gestures can be distinguished based on the underlying neuronal activation pattern. We conclude that complex hand gestures are a promising control signal for brain computer interfaces.