FNIRS-based household physiotherapy instrument for assisting in intervening PTSD through neural feedback and use method of fNIRS-based household physiotherapy instrument

Abstract

The invention relates to a household physiotherapy instrument for assisting in intervening PTSD through neural feedback based on fNIRS and a use method of the household physiotherapy instrument, and belongs to the technical field of brain-computer interfaces. Comprising an optical signal acquisition module, a control conversion module and a feedback physiotherapy module. The light signal acquisition module comprises an acquisition cap and a data acquisition unit, the control conversion module comprises a concentration conversion unit, a storage unit and an output control unit which are connected in sequence, the feedback physiotherapy module comprises a display screen, the data acquisition unit and the control conversion module are integrated in the box body, the display screen is connected with the box body, the acquisition cap is connected with the data acquisition unit, and the output control unit is connected with the data acquisition unit. The data collector is connected with the concentration conversion unit, and the output control unit is connected with the display screen. Data acquisition and processing analysis are carried out according to the absorption degree of the forehead lobe brain area of a user to near-infrared light intensity, the blood oxygen concentration level of the forehead lobe brain area is obtained to carry out neural feedback physiotherapy training, the oxyhemoglobin concentration level of the target area is improved, and therefore the amygdaloid nucleus of the user is controlled to a certain degree to improve the PTSD symptom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of brain-computer interface, and in particular to a home physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention with neurofeedback based on fNIRS and a method of using the same. Background Art

[0002] Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disease with a high prevalence worldwide.

[0003] Currently, psychotherapy, drug therapy and physical intervention therapy are considered to be effective treatments for PTSD, but they each have some limitations. fNIRS (Functional near-infrared spectroscopy, fNIRS) is a promising non-invasive neuroimaging technology in brain-computer interface. Compared with electroencephalogram and nuclear magnetic resonance, fNIRS has better spatial resolution and temporal resolution. Its combination with neurofeedback technology to assist in physical intervention is expected to provide better help and support for PTSD patients.

[0004] However, it is not convenient for users to frequently go to the hospital for physical therapy. Therefore, a home physical therapy device is needed that can provide guidance based on the actual physiological characteristics of PTSD users so as to provide users with convenient physical therapy services. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of existing treatment methods, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a home physiotherapy device based on fNIRS neurofeedback assisted intervention for PTSD and a method of using the device, which can meet the needs of patients for long-term treatment at home and has good portability to improve the efficiency of non-invasive treatment.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A home physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention with neurofeedback based on fNIRS comprises an optical signal acquisition module, a control conversion module and a feedback physiotherapy module; the optical signal acquisition module comprises an acquisition cap and a data collector, the control conversion module comprises a concentration conversion unit, a storage unit and an output control unit connected in sequence, the feedback physiotherapy module comprises a display screen, the data collector and the control conversion module are integrated in a box, the display screen is connected to the box, the acquisition cap is connected to the data collector, the data collector is connected to the concentration conversion unit, and the output control unit is connected to the display screen.

[0008] Furthermore, the photoelectrode arrays on the left and right sides of the collection cap are symmetrically placed on both sides of the user's forehead. The photoelectrode array on the left is located at the Fp1 position of the international EEG 10-20 coordinate system; the photoelectrode array on the right is located at the Fp2 position of the international EEG 10-20 coordinate system.

[0009] Furthermore, the collection cap is detachably connected to the data collector via a cylindrical joint, the display screen is connected to the box body via a connector, and a carrying handle is provided on the front of the box body.

[0010] Furthermore, the optical signal acquisition module is used to collect near-infrared light intensity signal data of the brain area of ​​the PTSD user, and the concentration conversion unit is used to convert the near-infrared light intensity signal data into the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data of each channel in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe brain area of ​​the PTSD user; the storage unit is used to store videos, link prompt pictures, guidance strategy pictures and data transmitted by the concentration conversion unit related to the user's traumatic stressor, and supports the import and deletion of videos and pictures; the output control unit is used to obtain the information stored in the storage unit and send neurofeedback therapy instructions to the display screen in real time according to the obtained information; the display screen is used to display the video, picture, and bar graph corresponding to the therapy instruction of the output control unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the concentration conversion unit converts the near-infrared light intensity signal data into an average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data through filtering and modified Beer-Lambert law conversion processing.

[0012] A method for using a home physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback comprises the following steps:

[0013] Step 1. Place the photoelectrode collection cap on the scalp of the PTSD user according to the pre-set array arrangement;

[0014] Step 2. Entering the baseline phase, the concentration conversion unit takes the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data obtained in this phase as a threshold value and transmits it to the storage unit, and the storage unit transmits the threshold value to the output control unit;

[0015] Step 3. Enter the trial stage, which includes multiple trials performed in sequence. During the entire trial stage, the concentration conversion unit takes the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data obtained within each set time as a feedback value in real time and transmits it to the storage unit, which then transmits the feedback value to the output control unit; for each trial, the output control unit controls the display content of the display screen according to the threshold value and the real-time changing feedback value. After each trial, a rest time is entered. After the rest time is over, the next trial is entered until all trials are completed;

[0016] Step 4. After the physical therapy is completed, the PTSD user removes the collection cap.

[0017] Furthermore, each trial includes two stages that are performed sequentially: a viewing stage and an adjustment stage. Before the start of each stage, the output control unit will control the display screen to display a stage prompt picture of the stage name; in the viewing stage, the output control unit controls the display screen to play a video related to the user's traumatic stressor. If the output control unit detects that the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is lower than a threshold, the adjustment stage is directly entered. If the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is higher than the threshold, the video will continue to play until the feedback value drops below the threshold, and then enter the adjustment stage; in the adjustment stage, if the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is higher than the threshold, the rest time is directly entered. If the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is lower than the threshold, the output control unit controls the display screen to simultaneously display the guidance strategy picture and the bar chart until the feedback value is higher than the threshold.

[0018] Furthermore, the guiding strategy picture refers to a text prompt picture that guides PTSD users to imagine positive and pleasant things; the bar graph sets the threshold calculated in the baseline phase to half of the bar graph reading and is marked with a yellow dotted line. At the same time, the feedback value calculated in the trial phase will be dynamically displayed on the bar graph.

[0019] Furthermore, the baseline phase lasted for 2 minutes, the rest period was 12 seconds, the set time was 2 seconds, and the session prompt picture was displayed for 1 second.

[0020] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0021] 1. The near-infrared light intensity signal of the brain of PTSD users is collected through the collection cap and data collector in the optical signal collection module; the target feedback value and control output are obtained by converting the data through the control conversion module; the user is guided to perform real-time neurofeedback therapy based on videos, pictures and bar charts through the feedback therapy module; the therapy device can realize personalized and non-invasive treatment methods and provide auxiliary intervention therapy services for PTSD users.

[0022] 2. The collection cap is detachably connected to the data collector through a cylindrical joint to realize the infrared light intensity signal collection; the display screen of the feedback therapy module is connected to the box through a connector, and the front of the box is equipped with a carrying handle; the therapy device is small and exquisite, can be easily folded and conveniently stored, providing PTSD users with a convenient home-use auxiliary intervention therapy option anytime and anywhere. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1The present invention is a module block diagram of a home physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback.

[0025] Figure 2 This is an overall structural diagram of a home physiotherapy device for PTSD intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback assistance according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a diagram of each trial process of neurofeedback therapy of a home therapy device for PTSD assisted by fNIRS neurofeedback intervention according to the present invention.

[0027] In the figure: 1. acquisition module; 11. acquisition cap; 12. data collector; 2. control conversion module; 21. concentration conversion unit; 22. storage unit; 23. output control unit; 3. feedback therapy module; 31. display screen; 32. connector; 4. box; 5. carrying handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 1 The present invention is a home physiotherapy device for neurofeedback-assisted intervention of PTSD based on fNIRS, comprising an optical signal acquisition module 1, a control conversion module 2, and a feedback physiotherapy module 3; the optical signal acquisition module 1 comprises an acquisition cap 11 and a data collector 12, the control conversion module 2 comprises a concentration conversion unit 21, a storage unit 22 and an output control unit 23 connected in sequence, the feedback physiotherapy module 3 comprises a display screen 31, the data collector 12 and the control conversion module 2 are integrated in a box 4, the display screen 31 is connected to the box 4, the acquisition cap 11 is connected to the data collector 12, the data collector 12 is connected to the concentration conversion unit 21, and the output control unit 23 is connected to the display screen 31.

[0030] In this embodiment, by collecting and analyzing the data signal of the near-infrared light intensity absorption by the neurovascular coupling mechanism in the user's prefrontal brain area, the concentration level of oxygenated hemoglobin in the area can be obtained; then, the data from different stages are converted into thresholds and feedback values ​​for neurofeedback therapy, and neurofeedback training is performed based on these values, thereby increasing the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration in the prefrontal brain area; this process helps to enhance the user's indirect regulation ability of the amygdala, reduce the overactivity of the amygdala to a certain extent, and thereby alleviate the symptoms of PTSD patients and achieve therapeutic effects; in response to the shortcomings of existing treatment methods, this method provides a portable, non-invasive auxiliary intervention treatment method, allowing users to receive treatment conveniently at home.

[0031] See also Figure 2 The photoelectrode arrays on the left and right sides of the collection cap 11 are symmetrically placed on both sides of the user's forehead. The photoelectrode array on the left is located at the Fp1 position of the international EEG 10-20 coordinate system; the photoelectrode array on the right is located at the Fp2 position of the international EEG 10-20 coordinate system; the collection cap 11 is detachably connected to the data collector 12 through a cylindrical joint 13, and the display screen 31 is connected to the box 4 through a connector 32. The front of the box 4 is equipped with a carrying handle 5, which enhances the portability of the physiotherapy instrument for home use.

[0032] The optical signal acquisition module 1 is used to collect near-infrared light intensity signal data of the brain area of ​​PTSD users, and the concentration conversion unit 21 is used to convert the near-infrared light intensity signal data into the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data of each channel in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe brain area of ​​the PTSD users; the storage unit 22 is used to store videos, link prompt pictures, guidance strategy pictures and data transmitted by the concentration conversion unit 21 related to the user's traumatic stressor, and supports the import and deletion of videos and pictures; the output control unit 23 is used to obtain the information stored in the storage unit 22 and send neurofeedback therapy instructions to the display screen 31 in real time according to the obtained information; the display screen 31 is used to display the video, picture, and bar chart corresponding to the therapy instruction of the output control unit 23.

[0033] The concentration conversion unit 21 converts the near-infrared light intensity signal data into the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data by filtering and modifying the Beer-Lambert law conversion process. The specific steps include: obtaining the light intensity signals I1 and I2 of the wavelength r1 at two known time points t0 and t1 of the user, and performing 0.01-0.2Hz bandpass filtering on the light intensity signal data; by formula Calculate the light intensity attenuation △OD 1 ; Similarly calculate the wavelength r 2 Light attenuation △OD 2 ; The relative oxygenated hemoglobin concentration is calculated using the concentration conversion formula, which is: Finally, the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration was averaged to obtain the average value; where △[HbR] is the deoxyhemoglobin concentration, △[HbO 2 ] is the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin, L is the distance from the light source to the detector, and ε represents the HbR and HbO at different wavelengths. 2 The extinction coefficient, DPF represents the wavelength path length.

[0034] The method of using the home physiotherapy device includes the following steps:

[0035] Step 1. First, place the photoelectrode collection cap 1 on the scalp of the PTSD user according to the pre-set array arrangement;

[0036] Step 2. Entering the baseline phase, the concentration conversion unit 21 takes the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data obtained in this phase as a threshold value and transmits it to the storage unit 22, and the storage unit 22 transmits the threshold value to the output control unit 23;

[0037] Step 3. Enter the trial stage, which includes multiple trials performed in sequence. During the entire trial stage, the concentration conversion unit 21 takes the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data obtained within each set time as a feedback value in real time and transmits it to the storage unit 22, and the storage unit 22 then transmits the feedback value to the output control unit 23; for each trial, the output control unit 23 controls the display content of the display screen 31 according to the threshold value and the real-time changing feedback value. After each trial, a rest time is entered. After the rest time is over, the next trial is entered until all trials are completed;

[0038] Step 4. After the physical therapy is completed, the PTSD user takes off the collection cap 1.

[0039] See also Figure 3Each trial includes two stages that are carried out in sequence: a viewing stage and an adjustment stage. Before each stage begins, the output control unit 23 controls the display screen 31 to display a stage prompt picture of the stage name; in the viewing stage, the output control unit 23 controls the display screen 31 to play a video related to the user's traumatic stressor. If the output control unit 23 detects that the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is lower than the threshold, it directly enters the adjustment stage. If the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is higher than the threshold, the video will continue to play until the feedback value drops below the threshold, and then enter the adjustment stage; in the adjustment stage, if .... If the feedback value of the PTSD user is lower than the threshold, the user directly enters the rest time. If the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is lower than the threshold, the output control unit 23 controls the display screen 31 to simultaneously display the guidance strategy picture and the bar graph until the feedback value is higher than the threshold. The guidance strategy picture refers to a text prompt picture that guides the PTSD user to imagine positive and pleasant things. The bar graph sets the threshold calculated in the baseline phase to half of the bar graph reading and is marked with a yellow dotted line. At the same time, the feedback value calculated in the trial phase will be dynamically displayed on the bar graph. The above baseline phase time is 2 minutes, the rest time is 12 seconds, the set time is 2 seconds, and the link prompt picture is displayed for 1 second.

[0040] The present invention collects and processes data based on the degree of absorption of near-infrared light intensity by the user's prefrontal brain area, obtains the blood oxygen concentration level in the prefrontal brain area to perform neurofeedback therapy training, and improves the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration level in the target area, thereby exerting a certain control over the user's amygdala to improve PTSD symptoms, allowing the user to receive therapy conveniently at home.

[0041] The above is a detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, but the content is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and cannot be considered to limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. All equivalent changes and improvements made within the scope of the present invention should still fall within the scope of the patent coverage of the present invention.

Claims

1. A home physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback, characterized in that: The invention comprises an optical signal acquisition module (1), a control conversion module (2), and a feedback therapy module (3); the optical signal acquisition module (1) comprises an acquisition cap (11) and a data acquisition device (12); the control conversion module (2) comprises a concentration conversion unit (21), a storage unit (22), and an output control unit (23) which are connected in sequence; the feedback therapy module (3) comprises a display screen (31); the data acquisition device (12) and the control conversion module (2) are integrated in a housing (4); the display screen (31) is connected to the housing (4); the acquisition cap (11) is connected to the data acquisition device (12); the data acquisition device (12) is connected to the concentration conversion unit (21); and the output control unit (23) is connected to the display screen (31).

2. The fNIRS-based neurofeedback-assisted home physiotherapy device for PTSD intervention according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photoelectrode arrays on the left and right sides of the acquisition cap (11) are symmetrically placed on both sides of the forehead of the user's brain, the photoelectrode array on the left side is located at the Fp1 position of the international EEG 10-20 coordinate system; the photoelectrode array on the right side is located at the Fp2 position of the international EEG 10-20 coordinate system.

3. A home physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The collection cap (11) is detachably connected to the data collector (12) via a cylindrical joint (13); the display screen (31) is connected to the box (4) via a connector (32); and a carrying handle (5) is provided on the front of the box (4).

4. The fNIRS-based neurofeedback-assisted home physiotherapy device for PTSD intervention according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical signal acquisition module (1) is used to acquire near-infrared light intensity signal data of the brain region of the PTSD user; the concentration conversion unit (21) is used to convert the near-infrared light intensity signal data into the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data of each channel in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe brain region of the PTSD user; the storage unit (22) is used to store videos, link prompt pictures, guidance strategy pictures and data transmitted by the concentration conversion unit (21) related to the user's traumatic stressor, and supports the import and deletion of videos and pictures; the output control unit (23) is used to obtain the information stored in the storage unit (22) and send a neurofeedback therapy instruction to the display screen (31) in real time according to the obtained information; The display screen (31) is used to display videos, pictures, and bar graphs corresponding to the physical therapy instructions output by the control unit (23).

5. The fNIRS-based neurofeedback-assisted home physiotherapy device for PTSD intervention according to claim 4, characterized in that: The concentration conversion unit (21) converts the near-infrared light intensity signal data into the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data through filtering and modified Beer-Lambert law conversion processing.

6. A method for using a home physiotherapy device based on fNIRS neurofeedback to assist in the intervention of PTSD, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1. First, place the photoelectrode collection cap (1) on the scalp of the PTSD user according to a pre-set array arrangement; Step 2. Entering the baseline phase, the concentration conversion unit (21) takes the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data obtained in this phase as a threshold value and transmits it to the storage unit (22), and the storage unit (22) transmits the threshold value to the output control unit (23); Step 3. Enter the trial stage, which includes multiple trials that are carried out in sequence. During the entire trial stage, the concentration conversion unit (21) uses the average value of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change data obtained within each set time as a feedback value in real time and transmits it to the storage unit (22), and the storage unit (22) then transmits the feedback value to the output control unit (23); for each trial, the output control unit (23) controls the display content of the display screen (31) according to the threshold value and the real-time changing feedback value. After each trial, a rest time is entered. After the rest time is over, the next trial is entered until all trials are completed; Step 4. After the treatment, the PTSD user removes the collection cap (1).

7. The method for using a home physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback according to claim 6, characterized in that: Each trial includes two stages that are performed in sequence: a viewing stage and an adjustment stage. Before each stage begins, the output control unit (23) controls the display screen (31) to display a stage prompt picture of the stage name; in the viewing stage, the output control unit (23) controls the display screen (31) to play a video related to the user's traumatic stressor. If the output control unit (23) detects that the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is lower than the threshold, the adjustment stage is directly entered. If the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is higher than the threshold, the video will continue to play until the feedback value drops below the threshold, and then enter the adjustment stage; in the adjustment stage, if the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is higher than the threshold, the rest time is directly entered. If the real-time feedback value of the PTSD user is lower than the threshold, the output control unit (23) controls the display screen (31) to simultaneously display the guidance strategy picture and the bar chart until the feedback value is higher than the threshold.

8. The method for using a home physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback according to claim 7, characterized in that: The guiding strategy picture refers to a text prompt picture that guides PTSD users to imagine positive and pleasant things; the bar graph sets the threshold calculated in the baseline phase to half of the bar graph reading and is marked with a yellow dotted line. At the same time, the feedback value calculated in the trial phase will be dynamically displayed on the bar graph.

9. The method for using a home physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback according to claim 7, characterized in that: The baseline phase lasts for 2 minutes, the rest period is 12 seconds, the set time is 2 seconds, and the session prompt picture is displayed for 1 second.

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