Finding neural biomarkers for motor learning and rehabilitation using an explainable graph neural network
Author(s)
Han, Jinpei
Embs, Alexandra
Nardi, Federico
Haar, Shlomi
Faisal, Aldo
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Human motor learning is a neural process essential for acquiring new motor skills and adapting existing ones, which is fundamental to everyday activities. Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and stroke can significantly affect human motor functions. Identifying neural biomarkers for human motor learning is essential for advancing therapeutic strategies for such disorders. However, identifying specific neural biomarkers associated with motor learning has been challenging due to the complex nature of brain activity and the limitations of traditional data analysis techniques. In response to these challenges, we developed a novel Spatial Graph Neural Network (SGNN) model to predict motor learning outcomes from electroencephalogram (EEG) data using the spatial-temporal dynamics of brain activity. We used it to analyse EEG data collected during a visuomotor rotation (VMR) task designed to elicit distinct types of learning: error-based and reward-based. By doing so, we establish a controlled environment that allows for precisely investigating neural signatures associated with these learning processes. To understand the features learned by the SGNN, we used a set of spatial, spectral, and temporal explainability methods to identify the brain regions and temporal dynamics crucial for learning. These approaches offer comprehensive insights into the neural biomarkers, aligning with current literature and ablation studies, and pave the way for applying this methodology to find biomarkers from various brain signals and tasks.
Date Issued
2025-01-16
Date Acceptance
2025-01-13
Citation
IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 2025, 33, pp.554-565
ISSN
1534-4320
Publisher
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Start Page
554
End Page
565
Journal / Book Title
IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering
Volume
33
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. For more information, see https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
License URL
Sponsor
Edmond and Lily Safra
Identifier
10.1109/TNSRE.2025.3530110
Subjects
0903 Biomedical Engineering
0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Publication Status
Published