Phd project: Developing an AI-driven BCI-based neurofeedback device to treat chronic post-viral fatigue syndrome University of Essex

[Sly Saint]

About the Project
The Faculty of Science and Health at the University of Essex is offering one PhD research Scholarship for a student to participate in a joint project with g.tec (gtec.at), NHS, and BT.

We propose a PhD research plan to develop an AI-driven BCI-based neurofeedback device to treat chronic post-viral fatigue syndrome (e.g., Long Covid) affecting many previously healthy employees. The proposed PhD project is a proof of concept / feasibility test of a novel device (potentially commercial). Chronic fatigue patients have particular deficits in the cognitive domains of attention and sensory integration, which contributes to their fatigue and compromises their work. They would benefit from AI-driven adaptive training in these domains with wide-ranging positive impacts on brain functions because sensory integration and attention are fundamental building blocks of all higher-level cognitions (e.g., memory, language, emotions).

https://www.findaphd.com/phds/proje...-chronic-post-viral-fatigue-syndrome/?p158873

 

[Trish]

Deadline Monday 5th June.

 

[InitialConditions]

https://www.findaphd.com/phds/proje...-chronic-post-viral-fatigue-syndrome/?p158873

Honestly, I hate all this stuff. We don't even understand the basics of fatigue or brain fog and we're playing around with neurofeedback devices and AI. This just feels like researchers playing with toys of their choice.

Also, the way this project is framed makes me think that this is motivated by getting sick people to be more productive at work.

 

[Trish]

I'm glad you said that, @InitialConditions. I had the same reaction. It feels like GET for the brain without understanding the particular nature of cognitive dysfunction, what's causing it and cognitive fatiguability. And just like GET, it's aimed to get people back to work as if we're not managing our activity and thinking properly rather than that we're sick.

 

[Creekside]

I think there would be potential for AI to use TCM or other tools for "poking" areas of the brain to see whether stimulation could affect symptoms, with the intent of understanding what's going on, rather than correcting it. As Trish said, this sounds more like GET for the brain: trying to exercise "flabby" brain functions. If the patient gets cognitively-triggered PEM, then the results will be the same as GET: harm to patients.

 

[rvallee]

Chronic fatigue patients have particular deficits in the cognitive domains of attention and sensory integration, which contributes to their fatigue

Wrong direction, buddy. Why do people make assertions like that when it's clearly the other way around? Why would cognitive deficits contribute to fatigue? Doesn't even make sense.

 

[Sean]

hammer therefore nail