A home-use physiotherapy device for PTSD intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback and its usage method

Abstract

This invention relates to a home-use physiotherapy device for PTSD intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback and its usage method, belonging to the field of brain-computer interface technology. It includes a light signal acquisition module, a control conversion module, and a feedback physiotherapy module. The light signal acquisition module includes an acquisition cap and a data acquisition unit. The control conversion module includes a concentration conversion unit, a storage unit, and an output control unit connected in sequence. The feedback physiotherapy module includes a display screen. The data acquisition unit and control conversion module are integrated into a housing. The display screen is connected to the housing, the acquisition cap is connected to the data acquisition unit, the data acquisition unit is connected to the concentration conversion unit, and the output control unit is connected to the display screen. Data acquisition and processing analysis are performed based on the absorption degree of near-infrared light intensity in the user's prefrontal cortex to obtain the blood oxygen concentration level in the prefrontal cortex for neurofeedback physiotherapy training. This increases the oxyhemoglobin concentration level in the target area, thereby exerting a certain degree of control over the user's amygdala to improve PTSD symptoms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of brain-computer interface technology, and in particular to a home-use physiotherapy device based on fNIRS for neurofeedback-assisted intervention of PTSD and its usage method. Background Technology

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

[0003] Currently, psychotherapy, drug therapy, and physical intervention are considered effective treatments for PTSD; however, each has its limitations. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a promising non-invasive neuroimaging technique in brain-computer interfaces, offers better spatial and temporal resolution compared to electroencephalography (EEG) and MRI. Its combination with neurofeedback technology promises to provide better help and support for PTSD patients.

[0004] However, frequent visits to hospitals for physical therapy are inconvenient for users. Therefore, there is a need for a home-use physical therapy device that can provide guidance based on the actual physiological characteristics of PTSD users, in order to offer them 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 for PTSD based on fNIRS neurofeedback-assisted intervention and its usage method, which can meet the needs of patients to carry out long-term treatment at home, while having good portability to improve the efficiency of non-invasive treatment.

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

[0007] A home-use physiotherapy device for PTSD intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback includes a light signal acquisition module, a control conversion module, and a feedback physiotherapy module. The light signal acquisition module includes an acquisition cap and a data acquisition unit. The control conversion module includes a concentration conversion unit, a storage unit, and an output control unit connected in sequence. The feedback physiotherapy module includes a display screen. The data acquisition unit and the control conversion module are integrated into a housing. The display screen is connected to the housing. The acquisition cap is connected to the data acquisition unit. The data acquisition unit is connected to the concentration conversion unit. The output control unit is connected to the display screen.

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

[0009] Furthermore, the data acquisition cap is detachably connected to the data acquisition unit via a cylindrical connector, the display screen is connected to the housing via a connector, and the front of the housing is equipped with a carrying handle.

[0010] Furthermore, the light signal acquisition module is used to acquire near-infrared light intensity signal data of the brain regions of PTSD users; the concentration conversion unit is used to convert the near-infrared light intensity signal data into the average value of oxygenated hemoglobin concentration changes in each channel of the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the PTSD user; the storage unit is used to store videos, process prompt images, guidance strategy images related to the user's traumatic stressors, as well as data transmitted from the concentration conversion unit, and supports the import and deletion of videos and images; the output control unit is used to acquire the information stored in the storage unit and send neurofeedback physiotherapy commands to the display screen in real time based on the acquired information; the display screen is used to display the videos, images, and bar charts corresponding to the physiotherapy commands of the output control unit.

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

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

[0013] Step 1. First, place the optical sampling cap on the scalp of the PTSD user according to the pre-set array arrangement;

[0014] Step 2. Entering the baseline stage, the concentration conversion unit uses the average value of the oxyhemoglobin concentration change data obtained in this stage as the threshold and passes it to the storage unit. The storage unit then passes the threshold to the output control unit.

[0015] Step 3. Enter the trial phase. The trial phase consists of multiple trials performed sequentially. Throughout the trial phase, the concentration conversion unit uses the average value of the oxyhemoglobin concentration change data obtained within each set time period as a feedback value and transmits it to the storage unit. The storage unit then transmits the feedback value to the output control unit. In each trial, the output control unit controls the display content on the screen based on the threshold and the real-time changing feedback value. After each trial, a rest period is entered. After the rest period, the next trial begins until all trials are completed.

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

[0017] Furthermore, each trial includes two sequential phases: a viewing phase and a conditioning phase. Before each phase begins, the output control unit controls the display screen to show a phase prompt image with the phase name. During the viewing phase, the output control unit controls the display screen to play videos related to the user's traumatic stressor. If the output control unit detects that the PTSD user's real-time feedback value is below a threshold, it directly enters the conditioning phase. If the PTSD user's real-time feedback value is above the threshold, the video will continue to play until the feedback value drops below the threshold, and then it enters the conditioning phase. During the conditioning phase, if the PTSD user's real-time feedback value is above the threshold, it directly enters the rest period. If the PTSD user's real-time feedback value is below the threshold, the output control unit controls the display screen to simultaneously display guidance strategy images and bar graphs until the feedback value is above the threshold.

[0018] Furthermore, the guidance strategy image refers to a text prompt image that guides PTSD users to imagine positive and pleasant things; the bar chart sets the threshold calculated in the baseline phase to half of the bar chart reading and marks it with a yellow dashed line, while the feedback value calculated in the trial phase will be dynamically displayed on the bar chart.

[0019] Furthermore, the baseline phase lasts for 2 minutes, the rest period is 12 seconds, the set time is 2 seconds, and the prompt image is displayed for 1 second.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] 1. The device collects near-infrared light intensity signals from the brain of PTSD users through the acquisition cap and data acquisition unit in the light signal acquisition module; the data is converted by the control conversion module to obtain target feedback values ​​and control outputs; the feedback physiotherapy module guides users to perform real-time neurofeedback physiotherapy based on videos, pictures and bar graphs; this physiotherapy device can realize personalized and non-invasive treatment methods and provide auxiliary intervention physiotherapy services for PTSD users.

[0022] 2. The data acquisition cap is detachably connected to the data acquisition unit via a cylindrical connector to acquire infrared light intensity signals; the display screen of the feedback physiotherapy module is connected to the housing via a connector, and the front of the housing is equipped with a carrying handle; this physiotherapy device is small and exquisite, can be easily folded and stored, providing PTSD users with a convenient home-use assisted intervention physiotherapy option anytime and anywhere. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1This is a block diagram of a home-use physiotherapy device for PTSD based on fNIRS neurofeedback-assisted intervention according to the present invention.

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

[0026] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the process of each trial of a home-use physiotherapy device for PTSD based on fNIRS, a method of neurofeedback therapy.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Acquisition module; 11. Acquisition cap; 12. Data acquisition device; 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. Housing; 5. Handle. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 1 This invention relates to a home-use physiotherapy device for PTSD intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback, comprising a light signal acquisition module 1, a control conversion module 2, and a feedback physiotherapy module 3. The light signal acquisition module 1 includes an acquisition cap 11 and a data acquisition unit 12. The control conversion module 2 includes a concentration conversion unit 21, a storage unit 22, and an output control unit 23 connected in sequence. The feedback physiotherapy module 3 includes a display screen 31. The data acquisition unit 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 unit 12. The data acquisition unit 12 is connected to the concentration conversion unit 21. The output control unit 23 is connected to the display screen 31.

[0030] In this embodiment, by collecting and analyzing data signals on the absorption of near-infrared light intensity by the neurovascular coupling mechanism in the user's prefrontal cortex, the concentration level of oxyhemoglobin in this region can be obtained. Subsequently, these data at different stages are converted into thresholds and feedback values ​​for neurofeedback therapy, and neurofeedback training is performed based on these values ​​to increase the concentration of oxyhemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex. This process helps to enhance the user's indirect control over the amygdala, reduce amygdala overactivity to a certain extent, and thus alleviate the symptoms of PTSD patients, achieving a therapeutic effect. Addressing the shortcomings of existing treatment methods, this approach provides a portable and non-invasive auxiliary intervention treatment method, allowing users to conveniently receive treatment at home.

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

[0032] The light signal acquisition module 1 is used to acquire near-infrared light intensity signal data of the brain regions of PTSD users. 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 cortex of the PTSD user. The storage unit 22 is used to store videos, process prompt images, guidance strategy images related to the user's traumatic stressors, as well as the data transmitted from the concentration conversion unit 21. It also supports the import and deletion of videos and images. The output control unit 23 is used to acquire the information stored in the storage unit 22 and send neurofeedback physiotherapy instructions to the display screen 31 in real time based on the acquired information. The display screen 31 is used to display the videos, images, and bar charts corresponding to the physiotherapy instructions of the output control unit 23.

[0033] The concentration conversion unit 21 converts near-infrared light intensity signal data into the average value of oxyhemoglobin concentration change data through filtering and Beer-Lambert's law correction. Specific steps include: acquiring the light intensity signals I1 and I2 at wavelength r1 at two known time points t0 and t1; performing a 0.01-0.2Hz bandpass filter on the light intensity signal data; and using the formula... Calculate the light intensity attenuation ΔOD1; similarly, calculate the light attenuation ΔOD2 at wavelength r2; calculate the relative oxyhemoglobin concentration using the concentration conversion formula, which is: Finally, the oxyhemoglobin concentration is averaged to obtain the average value; where △[HbR] is the deoxyhemoglobin concentration, △[HbO2] is the oxyhemoglobin concentration, L is the distance from the light source to the detector, ε represents the extinction coefficients of HbR and HbO2 at different wavelengths, and DPF represents the wavelength path length.

[0034] The usage instructions for this home-use physiotherapy device include the following steps:

[0035] Step 1. First, place the optical sampling cap 1 on the scalp of the PTSD user according to the preset array arrangement;

[0036] Step 2. Entering the baseline stage, the concentration conversion unit 21 uses the average value of the oxyhemoglobin concentration change data obtained in this stage as the threshold and passes it to the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 then passes the threshold to the output control unit 23.

[0037] Step 3. Enter the trial phase, which includes multiple trials performed sequentially. Throughout the trial phase, the concentration conversion unit 21 transmits the average value of the oxyhemoglobin concentration change data obtained within each set time period as a feedback value to the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 then transmits the feedback value to the output control unit 23. In each trial, the output control unit 23 controls the display content of the display screen 31 according to the threshold and the real-time changing feedback value. After each trial, a rest period is entered. After the rest period, the next trial begins until all trials are completed.

[0038] Step 4. After the physical therapy, the PTSD user removes the collection cap 1.

[0039] Please see Figure 3Each trial consists of two sequential phases: a viewing phase and a adjustment phase. Before each phase begins, the output control unit 23 controls the display screen 31 to show a phase prompt image with the phase name. During the viewing phase, the output control unit 23 controls the display screen 31 to play videos related to the user's traumatic stressor. If the output control unit 23 detects that the PTSD user's real-time feedback value is below a threshold, it directly enters the adjustment phase. If the PTSD user's real-time feedback value is above the threshold, the video will continue to play until the feedback value drops below the threshold, and then the adjustment phase begins. During the adjustment phase, if the PTSD user's real-time feedback value is high... If the threshold is reached, the user directly enters the rest period. 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 image and the bar graph until the feedback value is higher than the threshold. The guidance strategy image refers to the text prompt image that guides the PTSD user to imagine positive and pleasant things. The bar graph is set to half of the bar graph reading based on the threshold calculated in the baseline stage and marked with a yellow dashed line. At the same time, the feedback value calculated in the trial stage will be dynamically displayed on the bar graph. The baseline stage lasts for 2 minutes, the rest period lasts for 12 seconds, the set time lasts for 2 seconds, and the prompt image is displayed for 1 second.

[0040] This invention collects and processes data on the absorption of near-infrared light intensity in the user's prefrontal cortex to obtain the blood oxygen concentration level in the prefrontal cortex for neurofeedback physiotherapy training. This increases the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration in the target area, thereby controlling the user's amygdala to improve PTSD symptoms and allowing the user to conveniently receive physiotherapy at home.

[0041] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of one embodiment of the present invention, but this description is merely a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. All equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of this invention should still fall within the patent coverage of this invention.

Claims

1. A home-use physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback, characterized in that, It includes a light signal acquisition module (1), a control conversion module (2), and a feedback physiotherapy module (3); the light signal acquisition module (1) includes an acquisition cap (11) and a data acquisition unit (12); the control conversion module (2) includes a concentration conversion unit (21), a storage unit (22), and an output control unit (23) connected in sequence; the feedback physiotherapy module (3) includes a display screen (31); the data acquisition unit (12) and the control conversion module (2) are integrated in the housing (4); the display screen (31) is connected to the housing (4); the acquisition cap (11) is connected to the data acquisition unit (12); the data acquisition unit (12) is connected to the concentration conversion unit (21); and the output control unit (23) is connected to the display screen (31). The light pole arrays on the left and right sides inside the collection cap (11) are symmetrically placed on both sides of the user's forehead. The light pole array on the left side is located at the Fp1 position of the international EEG 10-20 coordinate system; the light pole array on the right side is located at the Fp2 position of the international EEG 10-20 coordinate system. The light signal acquisition module (1) is used to acquire near-infrared light intensity signal data of the brain region of PTSD users. 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 cortex of PTSD users. The storage unit (22) is used to store videos, process prompt pictures, guidance strategy pictures and data transmitted from the concentration conversion unit (21) related to the user's traumatic stressor. It also supports the import and deletion of videos and pictures. The output control unit (23) is used to acquire the information stored in the storage unit (22) and send neurofeedback physiotherapy instructions to the display screen (31) in real time according to the acquired information. The display screen (31) is used to display the video, pictures and bar graphs corresponding to the physiotherapy instructions of the output control unit (23); The concentration conversion unit (21) converts near-infrared light intensity signal data into the average value of oxyhemoglobin concentration change data through filtering and Beer-Lambert law correction conversion processing.

2. The home-use physiotherapy device for PTSD assisted intervention based on fNIRS neurofeedback as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The data acquisition cap (11) is detachably connected to the data acquisition unit (12) via a cylindrical connector (13), and the display screen (31) is connected to the housing (4) via a connector (32). The front of the housing (4) is equipped with a carrying handle (5).

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