A semi-immersion type stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of medical experiments, and discloses a semi-immersion type stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device, a screen is arranged on a base; a supporting platform is arranged on the base, one end of the supporting platform is rotationally connected with two groups of limb rotating shafts, the two ends of the two groups of limb rotating shafts are arranged to extend from the side surface of the supporting platform and are provided with pedals; a driving mechanism is arranged at the other end of the supporting platform, and the output end of the driving mechanism is connected with the limb rotating shafts; a rotating speed sensor for detecting the rotating speed of the output end of the driving mechanism is further arranged on the base, an experimental mouse is prone on the supporting platform, limbs are fixed on the pedals, the image playing speed of the screen is matched with the rotating speed to realize the coupling of the visual field and movement; the semi-immersion type task-oriented upper limb training can be completed in the mode of the coupling of the visual field and movement, the mouse can generate changes in movement planning and spatial position sense, the method of visual stimulation combined with movement training is used to improve the post-stroke neural plasticity and functional recovery of the mouse, and the in-depth exploration of the semi-immersion type neural rehabilitation mechanism is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical experimental technology, and in particular to a semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the therapeutic effects of post-stroke rehabilitation training on patients have received increasing attention, and research into related mechanisms has gradually increased. In clinical practice, medical teams use semi-immersive task-oriented training, combined with visual game stimulation and upper limb robots, to improve the motor and cognitive functions of post-stroke patients. Meanwhile, in basic research on related post-stroke rehabilitation training, mice are the primary subjects of intervention to simulate the impact of training devices on functional recovery.

[0003] Currently, some progress has been made in the research on rehabilitation intervention for mice after stroke. Various task-oriented training methods have been developed, such as inducing mice to complete the action of grasping food particles to achieve targeted training of their upper limb motor function. At the same time, some studies have also applied immersive virtual reality stimulation technology to mouse rehabilitation intervention devices, providing enhanced sensory stimulation to mice by constructing a completely isolated virtual environment.

[0004] However, existing rehabilitation intervention techniques for mice after stroke still have significant research gaps and shortcomings: semi-immersive intervention models that have been validated in clinical practice have not yet been combined with task-oriented training for application in basic research on mouse rehabilitation. While existing task-oriented training (such as food particle grasping training) can achieve targeted motor training, it lacks rich environmental stimulation, making it difficult to fully induce neural plasticity and limiting the effectiveness of rehabilitation training. On the other hand, existing immersive virtual reality intervention techniques usually require mice to wear specialized wearable devices (such as miniature VR headsets), which are not only complex in structure and costly to develop, but may also cause stress responses in mice, interfering with their normal training behavior, affecting the accuracy and reliability of experimental results. Furthermore, the operation is cumbersome and not conducive to large-scale promotion and application. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a semi-immersive rehabilitation training device for stroke experimental mice. Through visual-motor coupling, it can complete semi-immersive task-oriented upper limb training, which can induce changes in the mice's motor planning and spatial sense. This method utilizes visual stimulation combined with motor training to improve the neuroplasticity and functional recovery of mice after stroke, and contributes to the in-depth exploration of the semi-immersive neurorehabilitation mechanism.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: A semi-immersive stroke rehabilitation training device for laboratory mice includes: A base with a screen for playing images; A support platform is mounted on a base. Two sets of limb pivots are rotatably connected to one end of the support platform near the screen. The two sets of limb pivots extend from the side of the support platform and are equipped with pedals. A drive mechanism is provided at the other end of the support platform. The output end of the drive mechanism is connected to the limb pivots, which drives the limb pivots to rotate. The base is also equipped with a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the output end of the drive mechanism. The experimental mouse lies prone on the support platform with its limbs fixed on the pedal. The playback speed of the screen is adapted to the speed to achieve coupling of vision and motion.

[0007] As a further implementation, the base is provided with a screen mounting bracket, and the screen is fixed on the screen mounting bracket; The support platform is set perpendicular to the screen, so that when the experimental mouse lies prone on the support platform, it faces the screen directly.

[0008] As a further implementation, the drive mechanism is located inside the support platform, and the drive mechanism has dual output shafts, each of which is connected to the limb shafts via a transmission belt.

[0009] As a further implementation, the pedals at both ends of each set of limb pivots are not on the same axis, and the pedals and the middle section of the limb pivots are also not on the same axis.

[0010] As a further implementation, the pedal is equipped with limb fixation straps for securing the limbs of the experimental mouse.

[0011] As a further implementation, the support platform is provided with a torso fixation strap.

[0012] As a further implementation, the speed sensor is located inside the support platform and aligned with the magnet at one end of the dual output shaft to acquire the speed signal.

[0013] As a further implementation, the speed sensor is connected to a microcontroller, which is connected to a USB serial port via a connecting cable. The USB serial port is used to connect to a computer, which is connected to a screen. The microcontroller reads the speed signal and calculates the required image playback speed, and adjusts the screen image playback speed through the USB serial port.

[0014] As a further implementation, the images are acquired through a camera device installed on a remote-controlled car. The remote-controlled car is controlled to travel at different constant speeds, and video is recorded to obtain the images.

[0015] As a further implementation, the size of the support platform is adapted to the size of the experimental mouse.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. This invention sets up a screen and a support platform. The support platform is equipped with limb pivots and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism drives the pedals on the limb pivots to rotate. Through a speed sensor, the image playback speed of the screen is matched with the rotation speed to achieve visual field and motion coupling. This invention can complete semi-immersive task-oriented upper limb training through visual field-motion coupling. It can induce changes in the movement planning and spatial sense of mice. Thus, by using visual stimulation combined with motor training, it can improve the neuroplasticity and functional recovery of mice after stroke, and help to explore the semi-immersive neurorehabilitation mechanism in depth.

[0017] 2. The rotational speed sensor can detect the rotational speed of the output shaft in real time. A microcontroller can match the rate of change in the forward field of vision, thus simulating the changes in the mouse's field of vision as it moves in a real environment. The limb and trunk restraint straps work together to secure the mouse to the support platform and pedals.

[0018] 3. Based on clinical intervention methods for patients, this invention utilizes visual field change images, which are highly sensitive to experimental mice, combined with limb movement components, to simulate the coupling relationship between forward visual field and limb movement during mouse movement. This enables semi-immersive guided training assisted by external devices, thereby improving motor and cognitive functions in mice during the subacute phase after stroke, promoting neural remodeling and recovery of neurological function, and laying a solid foundation for further exploration of the mechanism of action of semi-immersive rehabilitation training after stroke. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a detailed structural schematic diagram of the semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The diagram exaggerates the spacing or dimensions between parts to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only.

[0022] The components include: 1. Screen, 2. Base, 3. Dual-axis geared motor, 4. Limb shafts, 5. Drive belt, 6. Drive wheel, 7. Pedal, 8. Limb fixing belt, 9. Torso fixing belt, 10. Support platform, 11. Bearing, 12. Speed ​​sensor, 13. Microcontroller, 14. USB serial port, 15. Connecting cable, 16. Screen mounting bracket, and 17. Magnet. Detailed Implementation

[0023] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0024] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figures 1-3 As shown, a semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device includes a base 2, a support platform 10, a screen 1, and a screen mounting bracket 16. The support platform 10 and the screen mounting bracket 16 are mounted on the base 2. The support platform 10 is used to fix the experimental mouse (mouse). The screen 1 is mounted on the screen mounting bracket 16 and is used to play pre-recorded images.

[0025] The support platform 10 is rotatably connected to two sets of limb pivots 4 near the screen. The two sets of limb pivots 4 extend from the side of the support platform and are equipped with pedals 7. The other end of the support platform 10 is equipped with a drive mechanism. The output end of the drive mechanism is connected to the limb pivots 4, which drives the limb pivots 4 to rotate. The base 2 is also equipped with a speed sensor 12 for detecting the speed of the output end of the drive mechanism. The experimental mouse lies prone on the support platform 10 with its limbs fixed on the pedals 7. The image playback speed of the screen 1 is adapted to the speed to achieve the coupling of the experimental mouse's field of vision and movement.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the length of the support platform 10 is set perpendicular to the screen 1, so that when the experimental mouse lies prone on the support platform 10, its head can face the screen 1 directly, making it easy for the mouse to see the images played on the screen 1. Furthermore, the support platform 10 is located close to the center of the screen, giving the mouse a good field of vision of the screen 1.

[0027] In other examples, the mouse's field of vision can be improved by adjusting the height of the screen mount 16, such as by replacing the screen mount 16 with one of different heights.

[0028] The drive mechanism is located inside the support platform 10, which is a hollow shell structure. The mouse lies prone on the outer surface of the support platform 10, which covers the drive mechanism.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, the drive mechanism preferably uses a dual-axis geared motor 3, which has two output shafts. Two sets of four-limb rotating shafts 4 are rotatably connected to the end of the support platform 10 near the screen 1, which is the front end, while the dual-axis geared motor 3 is located at the rear end of the support platform 10.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, two sets of limb pivots 4 achieve rotational engagement with the sidewall of the support platform 10 via bearings 11. Both ends of the limb pivots 4 extend beyond the sidewall of the support platform 10 and are fitted with pedals 7. It can be understood that the portion of the limb pivots 4 located outside the support platform 10 and the portion located inside the support platform 10 form a Z-shape. Therefore, the pedals 7 at both ends of each set of limb pivots 4 are not on the same axis, and the pedals 7 are also not on the same axis as the middle section of the limb pivots 4 (the portion located inside the support platform 10). Figure 3 As shown, it works on a similar principle to pedaling a bicycle.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the support platform is equipped with a trunk fixation strap 9 for securing the mouse's trunk; the trunk fixation strap can be made of Velcro. The footplate 7 is equipped with limb fixation straps 8 for securing the mouse's limbs. The trunk fixation strap 9 and the limb fixation straps 8 work together to effectively secure the mouse.

[0032] In an optional example, the size of the support platform 10 supporting the position (front end position) of the experimental mouse is adapted to the size of the experimental mouse, so that the experimental mouse can be easily fixed on the support platform 10.

[0033] Two sets of four-limb rotating shafts 4 located inside the support platform 10 are equipped with transmission wheels 6, and the dual output shafts of the dual-axis reduction motor 3 are also equipped with transmission wheels 6. The transmission wheels on the two sets of four-limb rotating shafts 4 are respectively connected to different transmission wheels 6 on the dual output shafts via transmission belts 5. Figure 3 As shown, the dual-axis reduction motor 3 drives the dual output shafts to rotate, and the two sets of four-limb rotating shafts 4 are rotated through the transmission wheel 6 and the transmission belt 5.

[0034] The speed sensor 12 is mounted on the base 2 and located inside the support platform 10. It is positioned close to one of the output shafts of the dual-axis geared motor 3. A magnet 17 is mounted on this output shaft. The speed sensor 12 is aligned with the output shaft. As the output shaft rotates, the speed sensor 12 can continuously detect the magnet 17 and calculate the speed signal of the output shaft.

[0035] In this embodiment, the speed sensor 12 is located inside the support platform and aligned with the magnet at one end of the dual output shaft to acquire speed signals. The speed sensor is connected to a microcontroller 13, which is connected to a USB serial port 14 via a connecting cable 15. The USB serial port 14 is used to connect to a computer (not shown in the figure). The computer is connected to a screen. The microcontroller can read the speed signal acquired by the speed sensor 12 and calculate the required image playback speed, thereby adjusting the screen image playback speed via the USB serial port.

[0036] The images played on screen 1 need to be acquired through a camera device. Specifically, a suitable camera device and a small motion-carrying device are selected. In this embodiment, a small camera is selected as the camera device, and a remote-controlled car is selected as the small motion-carrying device. The remote-controlled car is a model with low-speed stability and precise speed control. The small camera is mounted on the remote-controlled car using a fixing device. The small camera is adjusted to a suitable height and angle (simulating the perspective of a mouse). The fixing device ensures that the camera is firmly mounted on the remote-controlled car to avoid the influence of vibration.

[0037] To ensure the resolution and image quality meet the requirements of subsequent processing, the video was shot at 1080p resolution and 60fps. The camera angle was adjusted according to the simulated mouse's perspective, approximately parallel to the ground or slightly downwards, with a height of about 3-5 cm above the ground. During filming, a passage simulating the mouse's activity environment was constructed, and visual cues were placed within the passage to provide motion references. Filming was conducted under good lighting conditions. A remote-controlled car was controlled to travel at different constant speeds, and video was recorded. At least 2 minutes of video was recorded at each speed, while simultaneously recording the actual driving speed. Based on the recorded speed information, a speed label was added to each frame of the video.

[0038] After the video footage is recorded, the captured images are processed to match the rotational speed of the dual-axis geared motor, which facilitates coupling with the motion speed in later stages. Image enhancement techniques (such as brightness and contrast adjustment) are then used to optimize the image quality.

[0039] Understandably, the rotational speed of pedal 7 (driven by a dual-axis geared motor) should directly correspond to the playback speed of the simulated visual field image. When pedal 7 rotates faster, the image playback speed should also increase, and vice versa, thus simulating the changes in the mouse's visual field as it moves through a real environment. Through a combination of hardware and software, real-time coupling between motor speed and video playback speed is achieved, i.e., visual field-motion coupling.

[0040] Specific implementation steps: 1. Calibrate the relationship between motor speed and image speed Measure the speed range (revolutions per minute, RPM) of the dual-shaft geared motor 3. Assume the motor speed is X RPM.

[0041] Determine the distance traveled in the simulated field of view corresponding to one revolution of pedal 7 (through experimental calibration, assume that one revolution of pedal corresponds to a distance of A meters traveled in the field of view).

[0042] Original image capture speed: Assuming the image is captured at a fixed frame rate (F). f The footage was shot at fps, and the camera's movement speed during shooting is known (assumed to be V m / s).

[0043] Calculating video playback speed: Ideally, the video playback speed should be proportional to the pedal speed. That is, if the motor speed is XRPM, then the video playback frame rate F... i The FPS should be adjusted to:

[0044] Where F f V is the original frame rate, and V is the camera's movement speed during shooting. If the motor speed doubles, the video playback frame rate should also double to simulate faster changes in the field of view.

[0045] The dual-axis geared motor 3 is equipped with a speed sensor to monitor the motor speed in real time. The microcontroller 13 reads the speed signal from the motor encoder and calculates the required image playback speed. A computer or embedded device is connected to the screen to play the images and receive speed commands from the microcontroller. A USB serial port is provided for communication between the microcontroller and the computer.

[0046] For the software component: A custom player was developed using a video playback library. This player can adjust the video playback speed in real time based on the received rotation speed data, which is an existing technology.

[0047] During training, the mouse is fixed in a prone position above the support platform, with its limbs fixed to the pedals. The motor is then started to train for 20-30 minutes.

[0048] This embodiment is based on a semi-immersive task-oriented upper limb training system used in clinical practice, aiming to provide a novel intervention device for mice after stroke. Through visual-motor coupling, it can induce changes in motor planning and spatial awareness in mice, thereby improving post-stroke neuroplasticity and functional recovery in mice using visual stimulation combined with motor training, and contributing to the in-depth exploration of the semi-immersive neurorehabilitation mechanism.

[0049] In addition, when this device is used in conjunction with multi-channel fiber optics, electrophysiology and other neurological detection technologies, it can capture brain neural activity during rehabilitation and obtain brain response signals, providing convenience for multimodal neural detection and intervention.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device, characterized in that, include: A base with a screen for playing images; A support platform is mounted on a base. Two sets of limb pivots are rotatably connected to one end of the support platform near the screen. The two sets of limb pivots extend from the side of the support platform and are equipped with pedals. A drive mechanism is provided at the other end of the support platform. The output end of the drive mechanism is connected to the limb pivots, which drives the limb pivots to rotate. The base is also equipped with a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the output end of the drive mechanism. The experimental mouse lies prone on the support platform with its limbs fixed on the pedal. The playback speed of the screen is adapted to the speed to achieve coupling of vision and motion.

2. The semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is equipped with a screen mounting bracket, and the screen is fixed on the screen mounting bracket; The support platform is set perpendicular to the screen, so that when the experimental mouse lies prone on the support platform, it faces the screen directly.

3. The semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism is located inside the support platform. The drive mechanism has two output shafts, each of which is connected to the limb shafts via a transmission belt.

4. The semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pedals at both ends of the limb pivot of each group are not on the same axis, and the pedals and the middle section of the limb pivot are also not on the same axis.

5. A semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The pedal is equipped with limb fixation straps for securing the limbs of the experimental mouse.

6. The semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support platform is equipped with a torso fixation strap.

7. The semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The speed sensor is located inside the support platform and aligned with the magnet at one end of the dual output shaft to acquire speed signals.

8. The semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The speed sensor is connected to a microcontroller, which is connected to a USB serial port via a connecting cable. The USB serial port is used to connect to a computer, which is connected to a screen. The microcontroller reads the speed signal and calculates the required image playback speed, and adjusts the screen image playback speed through the USB serial port.

9. The semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The images are acquired through a camera device installed on a remote-controlled car. The remote-controlled car is controlled to travel at different constant speeds, and the video is recorded to obtain the images.

10. A semi-immersive stroke experimental mouse rehabilitation training device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimensions of the support platform are adapted to the dimensions of the experimental mice.

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