Classification of Left/Right Hand and Foot Movements from EEG using Machine Learning Algorithms

Dalila Cherifi, Baha Eddine Berghouti, Larbi Boubchir

Abstract: In recent years, there has been growing interest in utilizing Electroencephalography (EEG) data and machine learning techniques to develop innovative solutions for individuals with disabilities. The ability to accurately classify hands and foot motion based on EEG signals holds great potential for enabling individuals to regain control and functionality of their disabled parts, improving their quality of life and independence. Making a better solution than the traditional ones that often require physical contact or can be challenging to operate. In our study, we have focused on hands (right/left) and foot motion disabilities, using supervised Machine Learning algorithms for the classification of EEG data related to left/right hand and foot movements; aiming to reach accurate results that can contribute to providing a solution for people with this kind of motion disabilities. Three supervised machine learning algorithms are considered for the EEG classification, namely Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), using Common Spatial Patterns (CSP) algorithm and logarithm of the variance (logvar) for feature extraction. In our experiments, we adopted these algorithms to classify the Motor Imagery EEG dataset for hands and foot movements given in BCI Competition IV. The data we used went through different steps before fitting into the models such as filtering, feature extraction, and discrimination. We achieved significant success in accurately classifying hand movements in the initial experiment, attaining an impressive classification accuracy of up to 97.5% with SVM and LDA. Furthermore, in the multi-classification task involving both hand (right/left) and foot movements, KNN and SVM classifiers yielded commendable results up to 87%. These models can be further used and developed, where a hardware implementation will be done as a further work for this study.