Method and apparatus for neurophysiologic performance

• US 20040073271A1
• Filed: 05/05/2003
• Published: 04/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Trustees of Boston University
• Original Assignee: Afferent Corporation
• Inventors: Draudt, Gregg R., Harry, Jason D., Niemi, James B., Ahlgrim, Dirk, Kleshinski, Stephen J., Collins, James J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,349,739 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0452 Specially adapted for transcutaneous muscle stimulation [TMS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0456 Specially adapted for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0472 Structure-related aspects
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0476 Array electrodes (including any electrode arrangement with more than one electrode for at least one of the polarities)
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0484 Garment electrodes worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0492 Patch electrodes A61N1/0412, A61N1/0428 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/32 alternating or intermittent currents applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling A61N1/40; microwave apparatus A61N5/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3603 Control systems

Abstract

The invention features methods and apparatus for enhancing neurophysiologic performance, such as sensorimotor control and neuroplasticity. A preferred method involves inputting bias signals to sensory cells of a subject, thereby improving sensory cell function, while the subject is performing a predefined physical activity. A system used to practice the method of the invention includes a wearable device to which is secured at least one repositionable signal input device and a signal generator that is communicatively coupled to the signal input devices.

Claims

1. A method of enhancing sensorimotor performance in a subject comprising the step of:

inputting at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a subject while said subject is performing a pre-defined physical activity which utilizes sensory cells within said sensory cell area and which are involved in the sensorimotor performance to be enhanced, wherein inputting said at least one bias signal improves the function of said sensory cells.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said sensorimotor performance is improved joint stability.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensorimotor performance is improved gait.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensorimotor performance is improved balance.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said sensorimotor performance is improved motor learning.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said sensorimotor performance is improved motor skill.

7. The method of any of claims 2-6, wherein the sensorimotor performance is enhanced through improved neuroplasticity.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said neuroplasticity is central neuroplasticity.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said neuroplasticity is peripheral neuroplasticity.

10. The method of any one of claims 2-6, wherein said sensorimotor performance is enhanced through increased growth hormone release.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said bias signal is modulated in synchrony with said pre-defined physical activity.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said bias signal is modulated in response to a measured physical variable measured from at least one body segment of said subject during said pre-defined physical activity, wherein is said physical variable is selected from the group consisting of:

force, pressure, position, angle, velocity, and acceleration.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein said bias signal is a mechanical signal having a displacement of about 1 μ

m to about 10 mm.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein said bias signal is a mechanical signal composed of one or more frequencies within the range of about 0 Hz to about 1000 Hz.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein said bias signal is an electrical signal having a current density in the range of about 1 μ

A/in² to about 1000 μ

A/in².

16. The method of claim 1, wherein said bias signal is an electrical signal composed of one or more frequencies within the range of about 0 Hz to about 10,000 Hz.

17. A method of enhancing sensorimotor performance in a subject comprising the step of:

inputting at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a subject while said subject is performing a pre-defined physical activity which utilizes sensory cells within said sensory cell area and which are involved in the sensorimotor performance to be enhanced,

wherein inputting said at least one bias signal improves the function of said sensory cells, and wherein said at least one bias signal is generated and inputted by a system for enhancing sensorimotor performance, said system comprising a wearable device to which at least one signal input device is repositionably secured, and a signal generator communicatively coupled to said at least one signal input device for generating said bias signal..

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said sensorimotor performance is improved joint stability.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the sensorimotor performance is improved gait.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the sensorimotor performance is improved balance.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein said sensorimotor performance is improved motor learning.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein said sensorimotor performance is improved motor skill.

23. The method of any of claims 18-22, wherein the sensorimotor performance is enhanced through improved neuroplasticity.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said neuroplasticity is central neuroplasticity.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein said neuroplasticity is peripheral neuroplasticity.

26. The method of any one of claims 18-22, wherein said sensorimotor performance is enhanced through increased growth hormone release.

27. The method of claim 17, wherein said bias signal is modulated in synchrony with said pre-defined physical activity.

28. The method of claim 17, wherein said bias signal is modulated in response to a measured physical variable measured from at least one body segment of said subject during said pre-defined physical activity, wherein said physical variable is selected from the group consisting of:

force, pressure, position, angle, velocity, and acceleration.

29. The method of claim 17, wherein said bias signal is a mechanical signal having a displacement of about 1 μ

m to about 10 mm.

30. The method of claim 17, wherein said bias signal is a mechanical signal composed of one or more frequencies within the range of about 0 Hz to about 1000 Hz.

31. The method of claim 17, wherein said bias signal is an electrical signal having a current density in the range of about 1 μ

A/in² to about 1000 μ

A/in².

32. The method of claim 17, wherein said bias signal is an electrical signal composed of one or more frequencies within the range of about 0 Hz to about 10,000 Hz.

33. A system for enhancing sensorimotor performance in a subject comprising:

a wearable device to which is secured at least one signal input device, wherein said at least one signal input device is repositionable on said wearable device; and

a signal generator for generating a bias signal, wherein said signal generator is communicatively coupled to said signal input devices.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein said signal generator includes a power source, a signal processor and a controller.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein said signal processor includes a calibration module for adjusting the bias signal produced by said signal processor.

36. The system of claim 33, wherein said wearable device forcibly presses said signal input device to the subject'"'"'s skin surface.

37. The system of claim 33, wherein said wearable device is composed of stretchable fabric.

38. The system of claim 33, wherein said signal generator is repositionable and removably attached to said wearable device.

39. The system of claim 33, wherein said signal input device is electrically connected to said signal generator.

40. The system of claim 33, wherein said signal generator is communicatively coupled to said signal input device by an electrical conductor, at least a portion of said electrical conductor being secured within said wearable device and protected by said wearable device.

41. A method of improving neuroplasticity in a subject comprising the step of:

inputting at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a subject while said □

subject is performing a pre-defined physical activity which utilizes sensory cells within said sensory cell area and which are involved in the sensorimotor performance to be enhanced, wherein inputting said at least one bias signal improves the function of said sensory cells.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein said neuroplasticity is central neuroplasticity.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein said neuroplasticity is peripheral neuroplasticity.

44. A method of improving neuroplasticity in a subject comprising the step of:

inputting at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a subject while said subject is performing a pre-defined physical activity which utilizes sensory cells within said sensory cell area and which are involved in the sensorimotor performance to be enhanced,

wherein inputting said at least one bias signal improves the function of said sensory cells, and wherein said at least one bias signal is generated and inputted by a system for enhancing sensorimotor performance, said system comprising a wearable device to which at least one respositionable signal input device is secured, and a signal generator communicatively coupled to said at least one signal input device.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein said neuroplasticity is central neuroplasticity.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein said neuroplasticity is peripheral neuroplasticity.

47. A method of increasing growth hormone release in a subject comprising the step of:

inputting at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a subject while said subject is performing a pre-defined physical activity which utilizes sensory cells within said sensory cell area and which are involved in the sensorimotor performance to be enhanced, wherein inputting said at least one bias signal improves the function of said sensory cells.

48. A method of increasing growth hormone release in a subject comprising the step of:

inputting at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a subject while said subject is performing a pre-defined physical activity which utilizes sensory cells within said sensory cell area and which are involved in the sensorimotor performance to be enhanced,

wherein inputting said at least one bias signal improves the function of said sensory cells, and wherein said at least one bias signal is generated and inputted by a system for enhancing sensorimotor performance, said system comprising a wearable device to which at least one respositionable signal input device is secured, and a signal generator communicatively coupled to said at least one signal input device.