A Wearable Device-Based System: The Potential Role in Real-time and Remote EEG Monitoring

Arrigo  Palumbo; Vera  Gramigna; Barbara  Calabrese; Nicola  Ielpo; Andrea  Demeco

doi:10.18502/fbt.v11i3.15882

Arrigo Palumbo Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
Vera Gramigna Neuroscience Research Center, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Barbara Calabrese Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
Nicola Ielpo Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
Andrea Demeco Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/fbt.v11i3.15882

Keywords: Wearable Electroencephalography; Consumer-Grade Electroencephalography Devices; Signals Processing; Remote Monitoring.

Abstract

Purpose: In recent years, the Electroencephalography (EEG)-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) application has been growing rapidly and has emerged as a technology with high translational potential since it allows disabled people to translate human intentions into control signals and to interact with the external environment without any kinesthetic movement. Individuals with significant health problems can benefit from this technology to improve their independence and facilitate participation in activities, thus improving general well-being and preventing impairments. The rapid advances in technology have led to optimal innovation in the context of wearable health monitoring and remote control solutions. Many wearable devices for capturing EEG signals in daily life have recently been released on the market. Our paper aims to present a wearable de-vice-based system for real-time and remote EEG monitoring, to describe the proposed system modules and the signal processing algorithms, to explore the functionalities of this wearable EEG solution, and to suggest its potential application for daily brain data recordings in the home environment.

Materials and Methods: The validity of the Emotiv Epoc+ device in the continuous and real-time EEG signals acquisition and monitoring was demonstrated by means of preliminary test measurements during a resting state paradigm performed by a healthy control subject.

Results: Our findings confirmed the Epoc+ reliability for event-related brain potential research and in measuring acceptable spectral EEG data.

Conclusion: The described approach, focusing on the emerging area of remote monitoring sensors and wearable device applications, might be leveraged to measure complex health outcomes in non-specialist and remote settings.