โก Quick Summary
This study introduces Task-Conditioned Prompt Learning (TCPL) for few-shot cross-subject motor imagery EEG decoding, addressing challenges in brain-computer interfaces due to inter-subject variability. The TCPL model demonstrates strong generalization and efficient adaptation across unseen subjects, paving the way for personalized brain-computer interface systems. ๐ง
๐ Key Details
- ๐ Datasets Used: GigaScience, Physionet, BCI Competition IV 2a
- ๐งฉ Features: Motor imagery EEG data
- โ๏ธ Technology: Hybrid Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) and Transformer
- ๐ Performance: Strong generalization and efficient adaptation across subjects
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ง TCPL integrates a Task-Conditioned Prompt (TCP) module for subject-specific variability.
- โก Meta-learning enables rapid adaptation with minimal training samples.
- ๐ TCN extracts local temporal patterns, while the Transformer captures global dependencies.
- ๐ Validated on three public datasets, showcasing its practical application in EEG decoding.
- ๐ก Potential to advance personalized brain-computer interface systems.
- ๐ Addresses the challenge of few-shot cross-subject adaptation effectively.
- ๐ Published in Frontiers in Neuroscience by Wang et al. in 2025.

๐ Background
Motor imagery (MI) is a crucial aspect of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), allowing individuals to control devices using their thoughts. However, the large inter-subject variability and limited training data present significant challenges in accurately decoding EEG signals. Traditional methods often require extensive fine-tuning or fail to adapt to individual neural dynamics, highlighting the need for innovative solutions in this field.
๐๏ธ Study
The study proposed the Task-Conditioned Prompt Learning (TCPL) framework, which combines a TCP module with a hybrid TCN and Transformer architecture under a meta-learning approach. This innovative design aims to effectively capture subject-specific variability and enhance the decoding of motor imagery EEG signals with minimal training data.
๐ Results
The TCPL model was validated on three widely used public datasets, demonstrating strong generalization and efficient adaptation across unseen subjects. These results indicate the feasibility of TCPL for practical few-shot EEG decoding, showcasing its potential to significantly improve the performance of BCIs.
๐ Impact and Implications
The findings from this study could revolutionize the development of personalized brain-computer interface systems. By leveraging TCPL, we can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of EEG decoding, ultimately leading to more effective applications in assistive technologies and rehabilitation for individuals with motor impairments. Imagine the possibilities of enabling seamless communication and control through thought alone! ๐
๐ฎ Conclusion
This research highlights the transformative potential of TCPL in the realm of motor imagery EEG decoding. By addressing the challenges of inter-subject variability and limited training data, TCPL paves the way for more personalized and effective brain-computer interfaces. The future of BCIs looks promising, and further exploration in this area is highly encouraged! ๐
๐ฌ Your comments
What are your thoughts on this innovative approach to EEG decoding? We would love to hear your insights! ๐ฌ Join the conversation in the comments below or connect with us on social media:
TCPL: task-conditioned prompt learning for few-shot cross-subject motor imagery EEG decoding.
Abstract
Motor imagery (MI) electroencephalogram (EEG) decoding plays a critical role in brain-computer interfaces but remains challenging due to large inter-subject variability and limited training data. Existing approaches often struggle with few-shot cross-subject adaptation, as they require either extensive fine-tuning or fail to capture individualized neural dynamics. To address this issue, we propose a Task-Conditioned Prompt Learning (TCPL), which integrates a Task-Conditioned Prompt (TCP) module with a hybrid Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) and Transformer backbone under a meta-learning framework. Specifically, TCP encodes subject-specific variability as prompt tokens, TCN extracts local temporal patterns, Transformer captures global dependencies, and meta-learning enables rapid adaptation with minimal samples. The proposed TCPL model is validated on three widely used public datasets, GigaScience, Physionet, and BCI Competition IV 2a, demonstrating strong generalization and efficient adaptation across unseen subjects. These results highlight the feasibility of TCPL for practical few-shot EEG decoding and its potential to advance the development of personalized brain-computer interface systems.
Author: [‘Wang P’, ‘Xie T’, ‘Zhou Y’, ‘Gong P’, ‘Chan RHM’]
Journal: Front Neurosci
Citation: Wang P, et al. TCPL: task-conditioned prompt learning for few-shot cross-subject motor imagery EEG decoding. TCPL: task-conditioned prompt learning for few-shot cross-subject motor imagery EEG decoding. 2025; 19:1689286. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2025.1689286