Method and apparatus for vibrotactile motional training employing cognitive spatial activity

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing motional training, such as treatment of disequilibrium and movement and balance disorders, using cognitive spatial activity and by providing a subject with vibrotactile feedback in response to an attempt to perform the spatial activity.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 201,778 filed Aug. 29, 2008 which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 966,997 filed Sep. 1, 2007 under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) for all commonly disclosed subject matter. U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 201,778 and U.S. Application Ser. No. 60 / 966,997 are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to form a part of the present disclosure.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for providing a subject with motional training and, more particularly, to a system and method for providing motional training, such as treatment of disequilibrium and movement and balance disorders, using cognitive spatial activity and by providing a subject with vibrotactile feedback in response to an attempt by the subject to perform the spatial activity.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Balance, or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a system and a method for rehabilitating disequilibrium and movement and balance disorders. One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for motional training, such as for the treatment of balance disorders, in which vibrotactile feedback is provided to the subject in response to an attempt by the subject to perform predetermined motions. In an alternative embodiment, motional training is provided using one or more cognitive spatial activities with or without vibrotactile stimulation as feedback indicative of the effectiveness of the subject in performing the spatial activity.

Problems solved by technology

Disequilibrium and movement and balance disorders can be debilitating and increase the potential for fall occurrences.

Damage to any part of the central or peripheral nervous systems may interfere with postural control of sway necessary for control of balance.

A variety of visual dysfunctions can cause disequilibrium.

In general, damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with the communication of messages to the brain and spinal cord.

Normally, neither of these techniques will have an immediate effect on the subject's balance deficit.

Moreover, medication can have side effects, and can also reduce the capability of the brain to process balance information from the peripheral senses.

These difficulties and limitations associated with conventional remedial measures for dealing with balance deficits are most problematic when the subject is older and likely to have a falling tendency.

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