Brain–computer interfaces and neurofeedback for enhancing human performance: human performance optimization

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), also known as brain–machine interfaces (BMIs), are a group of experimental procedures in which an external sensor is used to provide information about a specific brain process in order to change the measured quantity. A BCI acquires signals from the brain of a human or an animal using any one or more of these sensors, then selects or extracts specific features of interest from the signal and converts and then translates these into artificial output that can act on the body or the outside world. A BCI may influence human performance by replacing, restoring, supplementing, or enhancing brain function. In this chapter, we discuss the extant research in terms of experimental work and neuroscience understanding of the application of BCIs and neurofeedback systems in influencing human performance in different brain functions, namely, action, perception, cognition, and emotion, in healthy individuals, expert performers, and patients.