Methods, systems, media, and apparatuses for vibration stimulation to modulate brain function

Abstract

The application provides a method, system, medium and equipment for regulating brain function by vibration stimulation, comprising the following steps: step 1, a vibration stimulation module suitable for the head is designed and developed by using the principle of electromagnetic induction; step 2, the vibration stimulation module is placed in a preset position and turned on, and the vibration amplitude and vibration frequency are adjusted; step 3, the vibration duration is set and vibration is carried out, and functional magnetic resonance data is obtained; and step 4, the vibration efficiency is evaluated, functional magnetic resonance sequences are used for scanning before and after vibration, the functional magnetic resonance data is processed and analyzed, low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images representing spontaneous brain activity and whole brain gray matter signal and cerebrospinal fluid signal coupling are obtained. The application realizes the purpose of precise transcranial vibration stimulation, realizes high-amplitude and high-frequency precision transcranial vibration stimulation by combining functional magnetic resonance with transcranial vibration stimulation based on the vibration stimulation module, and can detect the influence of vibration on brain function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of transcranial vibration stimulation, and in particular to a method, system, medium and device for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation. Background Art

[0002] There are currently some transcranial stimulation methods, such as electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, etc. However, these transcranial stimulation methods fail to directly apply mechanical stimulation to the skull, and there are problems such as thermal effects.

[0003] Patent application CN1579574A discloses a transcranial electrical stimulation device and method, comprising a first generator of bipolar pulses at a first preset frequency, and a modulation control signal source that generates an output at a second frequency lower than the first preset frequency, for causing the output pulses of the first pulse generator to vary in amplitude according to a preset asymmetric pattern of the modulation control signal's frequency. This asymmetric pattern is applied to an output electrode designed for attachment to a patient's scalp. However, this patent fails to achieve precise transcranial vibration stimulation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a method, system, medium and device for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation.

[0005] The method for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation provided by the present invention comprises:

[0006] Step 1: Design and develop a vibration stimulation module suitable for the head using the principle of electromagnetic induction;

[0007] The vibration stimulation module includes a signal generator, a power amplifier, and a vibration plate module. The signal generator is responsible for generating an electrical signal of a preset frequency and amplitude. The power amplifier amplifies the electrical signal. The vibration plate module directly contacts the skin and generates vibration stimulation.

[0008] Step 2: Place the vibration stimulation module in the preset position and turn it on, then adjust the vibration amplitude and frequency;

[0009] Step 3: Set the vibration duration and perform vibration to obtain functional magnetic resonance imaging data;

[0010] Step 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of vibration by scanning with an fMRI sequence before and after vibration. Process and analyze the fMRI data to obtain low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images representing spontaneous brain activity and coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals.

[0011] Preferably, the step 1 comprises:

[0012] Step 1.1: Generate an electrical signal of specific frequency and amplitude using a signal generator;

[0013] Step 1.2: Use a power amplifier to amplify the electrical signal generated by the signal generator to a rated power that can drive the vibration plate module to start working;

[0014] Step 1.3: Place the vibration module directly in contact with the skin and perform vibration stimulation.

[0015] Preferably, the step 2 includes:

[0016] Step 2.1: Conduct safety and biocompatibility assessment of the vibration stimulation module;

[0017] Step 2.2: Place the evaluated vibration stimulation module under the user's neck, ensuring that the vibration module is in contact with the skin;

[0018] Step 2.3: Turn on the power of the vibration plate module, set the vibration frequency to 40Hz, and the vibration amplitude to 2mm;

[0019] Step 2.4: Observe the user's reaction during the vibration stimulation process. If the user's reaction is uncomfortable, immediately adjust the vibration parameters or pause the stimulation.

[0020] Preferably, step 4 includes:

[0021] Step 4.1: Before evaluating the effectiveness of vibration, calibrate the MRI equipment and perform an fMRI scan on the user before applying vibration stimulation to obtain baseline data, which will serve as a reference point for comparing changes in brain activity after vibration stimulation.

[0022] Step 4.2: Place the vibration stimulation module under the subject's neck and turn on the vibration stimulation module, adjusting the vibration amplitude and frequency to the preset setting;

[0023] Step 4.3: Immediately after the vibration stimulation ends, a second fMRI scan is performed to capture changes in brain activity after the stimulation. This is compared with the baseline data before the vibration to evaluate the effectiveness of the vibration stimulation. This involves calculating the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in spontaneous brain activity to determine whether there are any changes before and after the vibration.

[0024] Step 4.4: The fMRI data obtained after the second fMRI scan are processed and analyzed to obtain low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images representing spontaneous brain activity and coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals.

[0025] The system for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation provided by the present invention comprises:

[0026] Module M1: Design and develop a vibration stimulation module for the head using the principle of electromagnetic induction;

[0027] The vibration stimulation module includes a signal generator, a power amplifier, and a vibration plate module. The signal generator is responsible for generating an electrical signal of a preset frequency and amplitude. The power amplifier amplifies the electrical signal. The vibration plate module directly contacts the skin and generates vibration stimulation.

[0028] Module M2: Place the vibration stimulation module in the preset position and turn it on, and adjust the vibration amplitude and frequency;

[0029] Module M3: Set the vibration duration and perform vibration to obtain functional magnetic resonance imaging data;

[0030] Module M4: Evaluate the effectiveness of vibration by scanning with a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sequence before and after vibration. Process and analyze the fMRI data to obtain low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images representing spontaneous brain activity, as well as coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals.

[0031] Preferably, the module M1 includes:

[0032] Module M1.1: Generate an electrical signal of specific frequency and amplitude through a signal generator;

[0033] Module M1.2: Amplifies the electrical signal generated by the signal generator to a rated power capable of driving the vibration plate module to start working through the power amplifier;

[0034] Module M1.3: Place the vibration module directly in contact with the skin for vibration stimulation.

[0035] Preferably, the module M2 includes:

[0036] Module M2.1: Safety and biocompatibility assessment of the vibration stimulation module;

[0037] Module M2.2: Place the evaluated vibration stimulation module under the user's neck, ensuring that the vibration module is in contact with the skin;

[0038] Module M2.3: Turn on the power of the vibration plate module, set the vibration frequency to 40Hz, and the vibration amplitude to 2mm;

[0039] Module M2.4: Observe the user's reaction during vibration stimulation. If the user reacts uncomfortably, adjust the vibration parameters or pause the stimulation immediately.

[0040] Preferably, the module M4 includes:

[0041] Module M4.1: Before evaluating the effectiveness of vibration, calibrate the MRI equipment and perform an fMRI scan on the user before applying vibration stimulation to obtain baseline data, which will serve as a reference point for comparing changes in brain activity after vibration stimulation.

[0042] Module M4.2: Place the vibration stimulation module under the subject's neck and turn on the vibration stimulation module, adjusting the vibration amplitude and frequency to the preset setting;

[0043] Module M4.3: Immediately after the vibration stimulation ends, a second fMRI scan is performed to capture changes in brain activity after the stimulation. This is compared with the baseline data before the vibration to evaluate the effectiveness of the vibration stimulation. This involves calculating the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in spontaneous brain activity to determine whether there are any changes before and after the vibration.

[0044] Module M4.4: Process and analyze the fMRI data obtained after the second fMRI scan to obtain low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images representing spontaneous brain activity and coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals.

[0045] According to the computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program provided by the present invention, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation are implemented.

[0046] The electronic device provided by the present invention includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation are implemented.

[0047] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0048] The present invention achieves the purpose of precise transcranial vibration stimulation by adopting a combination of a signal generator, a power amplifier, and a vibration plate module; by combining functional magnetic resonance imaging with transcranial vibration stimulation based on a vibration stimulation module, transcranial vibration stimulation with high amplitude accuracy and high frequency accuracy is achieved, and the impact of vibration on brain function can be detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the following drawings:

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vibration stimulation module structure;

[0051] Figure 2 Flowchart of the process of vibration stimulation regulating brain function and regulatory effectiveness evaluation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. The following examples will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention in any form. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several changes and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. These all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] Example 1

[0054] The present invention provides a method for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation, comprising: step 1: designing and developing a vibration stimulation module suitable for the head using the principle of electromagnetic induction, which includes a signal generator, a power amplifier, and a vibration plate; step 2: placing the vibration stimulation module under the neck, turning on the vibration stimulation module, and adjusting the appropriate vibration amplitude and vibration frequency; step 3: setting the vibration duration to vibrate and obtain functional magnetic resonance (FMR) data; step 4: if it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the vibration, a functional magnetic resonance (FMR) sequence can be used to scan before and after the vibration, and the functional magnetic resonance (FMR) data obtained in step 3 can be processed and analyzed to obtain a low-frequency fluctuation amplitude image that can represent spontaneous brain activity, as well as a coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals.

[0055] The processing and analysis process of functional magnetic resonance imaging data is as follows:

[0056] 1. Time layer calibration: Select the middle layer as the reference layer and calibrate the time data of other layers to eliminate the time difference between layers caused by inconsistent scanning intervals.

[0057] 2. Head Motion Correction: A six-parameter rigid linear transformation model was applied to correct the images at each time point to align them with the initial time point image. This minimizes the effect of slight head movement during scanning. Data from subjects with head motion parameters exceeding 3mm in displacement or 3 degrees in rotation were removed.

[0058] 3. Spatial registration: First, the functional image is registered with the structural image, and then the structural image is calibrated to the Montreal Neurological Institute standard brain space. Next, the functional image is spatially registered according to the standardized parameters of the structural image, and the voxel resolution of the functional image is adjusted to 3×3×3mm 3 .

[0059] 4. Spatial smoothing: The spatially registered functional images were spatially smoothed using a Gaussian kernel of 4 mm full width at half maximum.

[0060] 5. Calculate the low-frequency fluctuation amplitude of the whole brain and extract the gray matter signal and cerebrospinal fluid signal of the whole brain.

[0061] 6. Use the two-sample t-test to perform statistical analysis on the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the whole brain before and after vibration, as well as the coupling between the whole-brain gray matter signal and the cerebrospinal fluid signal.

[0062] The step 1 includes the following steps: Step 1.1: The signal generator in the vibration stimulation module is responsible for generating electrical signals of specific frequency and amplitude. These signals will be used to control the vibration of the vibration plate. It is necessary to be able to generate stable sine waves, square waves or other specific waveform signals to meet different stimulation needs. Step 1.2: A high-efficiency, low-distortion and wide-bandwidth power amplifier is used to amplify the low-power signal generated by the signal generator to a rated power that can drive the vibration plate module to start working, so as to ensure the integrity of the signal and the accuracy of the vibration. Step 1.3: The vibration plate module is the part that directly contacts the skin and generates vibration stimulation. A light, flexible vibration plate that can generate sufficient amplitude and frequency range is used. Step 1.4: Integrate the signal generator, power amplifier and vibration plate module into a complete system.

[0063] like Figure 1 The function of the vibration plate module is to receive the signal transmitted by the power amplifier and generate vibration of corresponding frequency and amplitude. The data transmission direction is: signal generator → power amplifier → vibration plate module → human body.

[0064] The step 2 includes the following steps: Step 2.1: Ensure that the vibration stimulation module has been completed in accordance with the design and development requirements in step 1, and conduct a safety and biocompatibility assessment. Step 2.2: Place the vibration stimulation module tested in step 2.1 under the user's neck, ensuring that the vibration plate is in good contact with the skin and is not blocked by clothing or other obstacles. Step 2.3: Turn on the power of the vibration module, set the vibration frequency to 40Hz, and set the vibration amplitude to 2mm. Step 2.4: During the vibration stimulation process in step 2.3, closely observe the user's reaction and ask whether he feels uncomfortable or has other adverse reactions. If the user reports discomfort, the vibration parameters should be adjusted immediately or the stimulation should be paused to ensure the safety and comfort of the user.

[0065] The step 3 includes the following steps: setting the vibration duration of the vibration stimulation module to 5 minutes to ensure the continuity and consistency of the vibration stimulation.

[0066] like Figure 2, step 4 includes the following steps: Step 4.1: If the effectiveness of vibration needs to be evaluated, make sure that the magnetic resonance equipment has been calibrated and is ready for scanning. Before applying vibration stimulation, first perform a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan on the user to obtain baseline data. This will serve as a reference point for comparing changes in brain activity after vibration stimulation. Step 4.2: Using the vibration stimulation module constructed in step 2, place the module under the subject's neck, turn on the vibration module, and adjust to the appropriate vibration amplitude and frequency. Step 4.3: Immediately after the vibration stimulation ends, perform a second functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. This scan will capture changes in brain activity after vibration stimulation, compare it with the baseline data before vibration, and evaluate the effectiveness of vibration stimulation, that is, calculate the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the brain's spontaneous brain activity to determine whether there are changes before and after vibration.

[0067] Step 4.4: Process and analyze the functional magnetic resonance imaging data obtained in step 3 to obtain low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images that can represent spontaneous brain activity and the coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals.

[0068] Example 2

[0069] The present invention also provides a system for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation. The system for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation can be realized by executing the process steps of the method for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation. That is, those skilled in the art can understand the method for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation as a preferred embodiment of the system for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation.

[0070] The system for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation provided by the present invention includes: module M1: a vibration stimulation module suitable for the head is designed and developed using the principle of electromagnetic induction; the vibration stimulation module includes a signal generator, a power amplifier and a vibration plate module, the signal generator is responsible for generating an electrical signal of a preset frequency and amplitude, the power amplifier amplifies the electrical signal, and the vibration plate module directly contacts the skin and generates vibration stimulation; module M2: placing the vibration stimulation module at a preset position and turning it on, adjusting the vibration amplitude and vibration frequency; module M3: setting the vibration duration and vibrating to obtain functional magnetic resonance data; module M4: evaluating the vibration effectiveness, scanning using a functional magnetic resonance sequence before and after vibration, processing and analyzing the functional magnetic resonance data to obtain low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images representing spontaneous brain activity and coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals.

[0071] The module M1 includes: module M1.1: generating an electrical signal of specific frequency and amplitude through a signal generator; module M1.2: amplifying the electrical signal generated by the signal generator to a rated power capable of driving the vibration plate module to start working through a power amplifier; module M1.3: placing the vibration plate module directly in contact with the skin and performing vibration stimulation.

[0072] The module M2 includes: module M2.1: conducting a safety and biocompatibility assessment on the vibration stimulation module; module M2.2: placing the assessed vibration stimulation module under the user's neck, ensuring that the vibration plate module is in contact with the skin; module M2.3: turning on the power of the vibration plate module, setting the vibration frequency to 40 Hz, and the vibration amplitude to 2 mm; module M2.4: observing the user's reaction during the vibration stimulation process, and immediately adjusting the vibration parameters or pausing the stimulation if the user reacts unwell.

[0073] The module M4 includes: Module M4.1: Before evaluating the effectiveness of vibration, the magnetic resonance equipment is first calibrated. Before applying vibration stimulation, the user is first subjected to a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan to obtain baseline data, which serves as a reference point for comparing changes in brain activity after vibration stimulation; Module M4.2: The vibration stimulation module is placed under the subject's neck and turned on, and the vibration amplitude and frequency are adjusted to a preset value; Module M4.3: After the vibration stimulation ends, a second functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan is immediately performed to capture changes in brain activity after vibration stimulation, which are compared with the baseline data before vibration to evaluate the effectiveness of vibration stimulation, i.e., the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in spontaneous brain activity is calculated to determine whether there are any changes before and after vibration; Module M4.4: The functional magnetic resonance data obtained after the second functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan is processed and analyzed to obtain a low-frequency fluctuation amplitude image representing spontaneous brain activity and a coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in addition to implementing the system, device, and various modules provided by the present invention in purely computer-readable program code, it is entirely possible to implement the same program in the form of logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, embedded microcontrollers, and the like by logically programming the method steps. Therefore, the system, device, and various modules provided by the present invention can be considered a hardware component, and the modules included therein for implementing various programs can also be considered structures within the hardware component; the modules for implementing various functions can also be considered both software programs for implementing the method and structures within the hardware component.

[0075] The above describes specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. The embodiments of this application and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other in any manner unless there is a conflict.

Claims

1. A method for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation, characterized in that: include: Step 1: Design and develop a vibration stimulation module suitable for the head using the principle of electromagnetic induction; The vibration stimulation module includes a signal generator, a power amplifier, and a vibration plate module. The signal generator is responsible for generating an electrical signal of a preset frequency and amplitude. The power amplifier amplifies the electrical signal. The vibration plate module directly contacts the skin and generates vibration stimulation. Step 2: Place the vibration stimulation module in the preset position and turn it on, then adjust the vibration amplitude and frequency; Step 3: Set the vibration duration and perform vibration to obtain functional magnetic resonance imaging data; Step 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of the vibrations by scanning with an fMRI sequence before and after the vibrations. Process and analyze the fMRI data to obtain low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images representing spontaneous brain activity, as well as coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals. The step 1 comprises: Step 1.1: Generate an electrical signal of specific frequency and amplitude using a signal generator; Step 1.2: Use a power amplifier to amplify the electrical signal generated by the signal generator to a rated power that can drive the vibration plate module to start working; Step 1.3: Place the vibration module directly in contact with the skin and perform vibration stimulation; The step 2 includes: Step 2.1: Conduct safety and biocompatibility assessment of the vibration stimulation module; Step 2.2: Place the evaluated vibration stimulation module under the user's neck, ensuring that the vibration module is in contact with the skin; Step 2.3: Turn on the power of the vibration plate module, set the vibration frequency to 40Hz, and the vibration amplitude to 2mm; Step 2.4: Observe the user's reaction during the vibration stimulation process. If the user reacts uncomfortably, immediately adjust the vibration parameters or pause the stimulation. The step 4 comprises: Step 4.1: Before evaluating the effectiveness of vibration, calibrate the MRI equipment and perform an fMRI scan on the user before applying vibration stimulation to obtain baseline data, which will serve as a reference point for comparing changes in brain activity after vibration stimulation. Step 4.2: Place the vibration stimulation module under the subject's neck and turn on the vibration stimulation module, adjusting the vibration amplitude and frequency to the preset setting; Step 4.3: Immediately after the vibration stimulation ends, a second fMRI scan is performed to capture changes in brain activity after the stimulation. This is compared with the baseline data before the vibration to evaluate the effectiveness of the vibration stimulation. This involves calculating the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in spontaneous brain activity to determine whether there are any changes before and after the vibration. Step 4.4: The fMRI data obtained after the second fMRI scan are processed and analyzed to obtain low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images representing spontaneous brain activity and coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals.

2. A system for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation, characterized in that: include: Module M1: Design and develop a vibration stimulation module for the head using the principle of electromagnetic induction; The vibration stimulation module includes a signal generator, a power amplifier, and a vibration plate module. The signal generator is responsible for generating an electrical signal of a preset frequency and amplitude. The power amplifier amplifies the electrical signal. The vibration plate module directly contacts the skin and generates vibration stimulation. Module M2: Place the vibration stimulation module in the preset position and turn it on, and adjust the vibration amplitude and frequency; Module M3: Set the vibration duration and perform vibration to obtain functional magnetic resonance imaging data; Module M4: Evaluate the effectiveness of vibration using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans before and after vibration. Process and analyze the fMRI data to obtain low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images representing spontaneous brain activity, as well as coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals. The module M1 includes: Module M1.1: Generate an electrical signal of specific frequency and amplitude through a signal generator; Module M1.2: Amplifies the electrical signal generated by the signal generator to a rated power capable of driving the vibration plate module to start working through the power amplifier; Module M1.3: Place the vibration module directly in contact with the skin for vibration stimulation; The module M2 includes: Module M2.1: Safety and biocompatibility assessment of the vibration stimulation module; Module M2.2: Place the evaluated vibration stimulation module under the user's neck, ensuring that the vibration module is in contact with the skin; Module M2.3: Turn on the power of the vibration plate module, set the vibration frequency to 40Hz, and the vibration amplitude to 2mm; Module M2.4: Observe the user's reaction during vibration stimulation. If the user reacts uncomfortably, adjust the vibration parameters or pause the stimulation immediately. The module M4 includes: Module M4.1: Before evaluating the effectiveness of vibration, calibrate the MRI equipment and perform an fMRI scan on the user before applying vibration stimulation to obtain baseline data, which will serve as a reference point for comparing changes in brain activity after vibration stimulation. Module M4.2: Place the vibration stimulation module under the subject's neck and turn on the vibration stimulation module, adjusting the vibration amplitude and frequency to the preset setting; Module M4.3: Immediately after the vibration stimulation ends, a second fMRI scan is performed to capture changes in brain activity after the stimulation. This is compared with the baseline data before the vibration to evaluate the effectiveness of the vibration stimulation. This involves calculating the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in spontaneous brain activity to determine whether there are any changes before and after the vibration. Module M4.4: Process and analyze the fMRI data obtained after the second fMRI scan to obtain low-frequency fluctuation amplitude images representing spontaneous brain activity and coupling of whole-brain gray matter signals and cerebrospinal fluid signals.

3. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation according to claim 1 are implemented.

4. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method for regulating brain function through vibration stimulation as claimed in claim 1 are implemented.

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