Methods and devices for relieving stress

• US 20070056582A1
• Filed: 04/20/2006
• Published: 03/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Helicor, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Helicor, Inc.
• Inventors: Wood, Michael, Forbes, Adam, Rhys, Kirstin
• Granted Patent: US 8,002,711 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/200.240
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02405 Determining heart rate variability
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02416 using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation A61B5/14552 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0245 by using sensing means generating electric signals, i.e. ECG signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0816 Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/16 Devices for psychotechnics using teaching or educational appliances G09B1/00 - G09B7/00; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/165 Evaluating the state of mind, e.g. depression, anxiety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4035 Evaluating the autonomic nervous system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/486 Bio-feedback A61B5/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/288 for artificial respiration or heart massage

Abstract

Easy to use, cost-effective methods and devices for evaluating and treating stress and thereby disorders caused or exacerbated by stress are provided. More particularly methods and devices for identifying RSA waves during respiration which provide a subject with real-time RSA wave information are provided. These methods and devices also can be used to identify drop points in RSA waves. Such methods and devices provide subjects with the ability to maintain parasympathetic outflow and thereby prevent and/or reduce levels of stress.

Claims

1. A handheld, portable biofeedback device for reducing stress in a human subject comprising:

a housing;

a PPG sensor, wherein the PPG sensor generates data from the human subject;

a control system coupled to the PPG sensor; and

a display screen,

wherein the control system is configured to process data from the human subject for output to the display screen, wherein the output data provides the human subject with information associated with the drop point of at least one RSA wave.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the information is visual.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the information is auditory.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the information is used to prompt the subject to begin exhalation.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the information is provided to the subject in substantially real time.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a breathing metronome capable of being activated by a subject, wherein the breathing metronome is programmed to deactivate after a predetermined period of time.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to extract information related to respiration of a subject.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the information related to respiration includes rate, rhythm and volume.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a power source.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein power is provided by an A/C source.

11. A method of generating parasympathetic outflow in a human subject which comprises providing the subject with information on a drop point of at least one RSA wave.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the information is visual.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the information is auditory.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the information is used to prompt the subject to begin exhalation.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the information is provided to the subject in substantially real time.

16. A handheld, portable biofeedback device for reducing stress in a human subject comprising:

(a) a housing;

(b) a PPG sensor, wherein the PPG sensor generates data from the human subject;

(c) a control system coupled to the PPG sensor; and

(d) a display screen,

wherein said device functions while grasped between the subject'"'"'s thumb and forefinger.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the PPG sensor is configured to contact the subject'"'"'s forefinger.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the control system is configured to process data from the human subject for output to the display screen, wherein the output data provides the human subject with information associated with the human subject'"'"'s stress level.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the control system is configured to process data from the human subject for output to the display screen, wherein the output data provides the human subject with information associated with the drop point of at least one RSA wave.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the information is visual.

21. The device of claim 19, wherein the information is auditory.

22. The device of claim 19, wherein the information is used to prompt the subject to begin exhalation.

23. The device of claim 19, wherein the information is provided to the subject in substantially real time.

24. The device of claim 19, wherein the device further comprises a breathing metronome capable of being activated by a subject, wherein the breathing metronome is programmed to deactivate after a predetermined period of time.

25. The device of claim 19, wherein the device is configured to extract information related to respiration of a subject.

26. The device of claim 19, wherein the information related to respiration includes rate, rhythm and volume.

27. The device of claim 19, wherein the housing includes a power source.

28. The device of claim 19, wherein power is provided by an A/C source.