Assembly for cognitive and / or motor rehabilitation of an upper limb of a patient

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1) for cognitive and / or motor rehabilitation of an upper limb of a patient, characterised in that it comprises: - a computing processor connected to a patient screen (3) and running a computer program which is configured to store and / or receive rehabilitation scenario information produced by a therapist; - a plurality of effectors (2) each incorporating at least one inertial unit connected to an electronic board powered by an on-board battery; wherein the processor and the effectors (2) comprise wireless communication means and are configured to exchange detection information regarding the movement of an effector and the execution of a scenario in response to an effector movement scenario (2) executed by the patient, the computer program being programmed to store and / or display the information on the patient screen (3).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Cognitive and / or motor rehabilitation set for a patient's upper limb Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical sector of cognitive and / or motor rehabilitation of the upper limbs of a patient. Prior art

[0002] In rehabilitation, the patient's effective participation is crucial to improve their chances of recovering their motor and / or cognitive abilities.

[0003] It is known that reward and stimulation mechanisms allow for better learning than constraint mechanisms. Furthermore, in rehabilitation, better learning can lead to better integration and reinvestment in daily life activities.

[0004] However, current tools generally provide little incentive for the patient and lack solutions to encourage the use of the pathological limb.

[0005] Document WO2018 / 215443A1 is known, which describes a method and a system aimed at stimulating the use of a weakened limb compared to a healthy limb in an individual, in particular in the context of the rehabilitation of motor disorders, for example in the case of cerebral palsy.

[0006] The objective is to promote the use of the paretic limb by avoiding blocking the healthy limb and by integrating stimulation processes.

[0007] This document proposes a system composed of an element placed on the weakened limb, such as an orthosis equipped with a magnet, and a nearby object, such as a stuffed animal. The object has a proximity sensor to assess the distance between the element and the object. If the distance is less than a given value, a scenario is triggered generating sound, visual or somesthetic signals generating auditory and visual rewards when the desired interaction is carried out. Information on the frequency of interactions and scenarios is memorized and updated.

[0008] This document teaches a fun and non-intrusive solution to encourage the use of the weakened limb, thus promoting motor rehabilitation while avoiding blockages of the healthy limb.

[0009] However, this type of solution, which is more geared towards the rehabilitation of children, can still be improved. In particular, there is a need to provide a so-called "universal" solution, i.e. one that is suitable for both children and adults, and that can optimize the rehabilitation of motor and / or cognitive disorders, by intensifying the rehabilitation, i.e. increasing the practice time. Statement of the invention

[0010] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to remedy the problems of the prior art by providing a cognitive and motor rehabilitation set, in particular for use by therapists in order to provide qualitative care to patients with motor and / or cognitive disorders, for example due to neurological disorders.

[0011] Other objectives of the invention are to provide a set: - can be used by both children and adults; - allowing the use of implicit and intuition to encourage the patient to move; - consistent and adaptable to the specific rehabilitation needs / objectives of each patient; - stimulating, attractive and easy to use; - allowing visualization and monitoring of progress and actions; - allowing independent rehabilitation work; - allowing to optimize the workspace and the footprint

[0012] To this end, a set of cognitive and / or motor rehabilitation of an upper limb of a patient has been developed, remarkable in that it includes: - a computer processor connected to a patient screen and running a computer program configured to store and / or receive rehabilitation scenario information developed by a therapist; - a plurality of effectors each integrating at least one inertial unit connected to an electronic card powered by an on-board battery.

[0013] The processor and the effectors comprise wireless communication means and are configured to exchange detection information of the movement information of an effector and execution of scenario in response to a movement scenario of the effectors executed by the patient, for example on his own initiative, or on instructions given by the screen, by the therapist or by the effectors themselves. The computer program is programmed to store and / or display said information on the patient screen.

[0014] In this way, the invention provides an interactive and stimulating rehabilitation package by allowing direct interaction between a patient, a work environment and effectors. This interaction allows the use of implicit, discovery, intuition and awareness to carry out an action to promote participation and learning.

[0015] The patient can intervene on his own initiative, in discovery mode, to make the effectors interact with each other.

[0016] Rehabilitation information is stored and / or displayed on the patient screen so that progress can be assessed by the patient or the therapist. A score can be displayed, allowing for intelligent and rewarding patient assessment.

[0017] According to one example, the assembly has a frame integrating a rehabilitation platform, the patient screen, central and visible to the patient positioned in front of the platform and at least one therapist screen, lateral and visible to a therapist positioned on the side of the platform.

[0018] In this way, it allows therapists to have a vision of patient involvement and progress.

[0019] According to another example, the computer processor connected to a patient screen may, for example, take the form of a computer tablet with a touch interface, particularly useful for having the patient carry out rehabilitation work at home.

[0020] The assembly according to the invention thus makes it possible to increase the rehabilitation time of patients by offering them a nomadic rehabilitation solution.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, the effectors consist of at least one target-type effector and / or at least one graspable-type effector, each comprising at least one active face comprising means for identifying an active face of another type of effector connected to the electronic card, and the processor and the effectors are configured to also exchange effector detection information. Of course, there may be effectors that are both target and graspable effectors.

[0022] Thus, the invention provides a range of interactive, connected objects with different shapes and functions to stimulate the patient in an intensive and varied manner on motor and cognitive objectives.

[0023] In this configuration, and according to a particular embodiment, the graspable effectors and / or the target effectors comprise magnetic detection means connected to the electronic card, and the assembly comprises a magnetic element intended to be carried by the patient's hand and to be detected by the graspable effector and / or the target effector, and the processor and the effectors are configured to also exchange magnetic detection information.

[0024] This allows the stimulation and inclusion of the deficient limb in rehabilitation scenarios, without constraining it.

[0025] For example, the magnetic element is positioned on a bracelet comprising a finger loop and an adjustable strap around the patient's wrist.

[0026] Preferably, the active face of at least one effector comprises a display positioned under the surface of the active face and visible to the patient through the active face, the display being connected to the electronic card and activatable according to the information exchanged between the processor and the effectors.

[0027] The display can be any type of light display such as a screen, or preferably a matrix of LEDs, for example addressable, and regularly distributed under the surface of the active face. The display can display light signals, such as symbols, shapes, and has the function of performing: - rehabilitation feedback for the patient, or even the therapist, in particular information on detecting the movement information of an effector and scenario execution; - a sending of information or call to action. All of the light calls create a language of interaction.

[0028] The appearance of a light signal provides instructions or information to the patient that they must be able to understand. The patient screen is present in case the instructions are not understood.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment, the identification means that comprise the active face of a graspable effector are an RFID tag and an RFID antenna, and the identification means that comprise the active face of a target effector are an RFID tag or an RFID antenna.

[0030] Preferably, at least one active face of an effector comprises a capacitive sensor connected to the electronic card and comprising an electrode regularly distributed under the surface of the active face, without making a loop, and the processor and the effector are configured to exchange capacitive detection information.

[0031] The presence of the capacitive sensor makes it possible to expand rehabilitation scenarios by instructing the patient to touch an active face of an effector. The fact that the electrode does not form a loop makes it possible to avoid interference and to combine this technology with that of detection means, in particular RFID reading.

[0032] Preferably, the assembly according to the invention comprises a base for recharging and storing the effectors, the base possibly comprising means of wireless communication with the effectors and the processor.

[0033] For mobile use, this base is designed to be transported by the patient to their home. For use in a care center, the base can be mounted on the chassis integrating the rehabilitation platform, patient screen, etc.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, the recharging base comprises areas for depositing the target and gripping effectors, preferably in a cavity in the shape of the object, comprising means for recharging the battery of the effectors. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] [Fig. 1] is a perspective and front view of one embodiment of the invention.

[0036] [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of Figure 1, rear view.

[0037] [Fig.3] is a detailed view of the tray and effectors stored in their respective drop-off areas of the charging base.

[0038] [Fig .4] is a view similar to that of Figure 4, with the effectors masked.

[0039] [Fig.5] illustrates in perspective a sphere-type prehensile effector.

[0040] [Fig.6] is a view similar to that of Figure 5, with part of the effector cover masked.

[0041] [Fig.7] illustrates in perspective a key-type prehensile effector.

[0042] [Fig.8] illustrates in perspective a base-type target effector.

[0043] [Fig.9] is a view similar to that of Figure 8, with part of the effector cover masked.

[0044] [Fig.10] illustrates in perspective a column-type target effector.

[0045] [Fig .11] is a view similar to that of Fig .10, with part of the effector cover masked off.

[0046] [Fig.12] illustrates in perspective a cube-type prehensile effector.

[0047] [Fig.13] is a view similar to that of Figure 12, with part of the effector cover masked off.

[0048] [Fig.14] illustrates in perspective a sphere-type target effector.

[0049] [Fig.15] is a view similar to that of Figure 14, with part of the effector cover masked off.

[0050] [Fig.16] illustrates a display in the form of a matrix of LEDs, combined with an electrode of a capacitive sensor.

[0051] [Fig.17] is a view similar to that of Fig. 16 and illustrates the electrode alone. Detailed description of the invention

[0052] With reference to figures 1 to 17, the invention relates to a set (1) for cognitive and / or motor rehabilitation of an upper limb proposing a solution of interactive and customizable rehabilitation. The innovation combines the use of a plurality of effectors (2), i.e. smart and interactive objects, a patient screen (3), wireless communication means, and a series of advanced functionalities to assist patients and therapists in their rehabilitation sessions.

[0053] In particular, the rehabilitation set (1) comprises a computer processor capable of executing a computer program specially designed to store and / or receive rehabilitation scenario information developed by a therapist. The rehabilitation scenarios are adaptable to the needs of the patient and are developed by a therapist taking into account the rehabilitation objectives specific to each case.

[0054] Each effector (2) is preferably waterproof and removable, and produced by assembly, for example by screwing protective covers. Each effector (2) incorporates an inertial unit, i.e. a gyroscope and an accelerometer connected to an electronic card powered by an on-board battery. All the electronic components integrated in the effectors (2) are connected to the electronic card. Each effector (2) is equipped with wireless communication means which allow a constant exchange of information with the computer processor. This information includes at least the detection data of the movements carried out by the effectors (2), as well as the execution of the movement scenarios defined in the rehabilitation program.

[0055] In particular, the effectors (2) communicate with each other, for example via Bluetooth, and with a microcontroller connected to the computer processor. This microcontroller acts as an information relay point, transmitting data to the effectors (2) and to the patient screen (3). The information from the microcontroller is generated by a human-machine interface, which may be a therapist screen (4), or in the form of a web application comprising a client and a server. The server communicates with the microcontroller via any appropriate means, such as, for example, via a serial port. The human-machine interface allows the creation of personalized rehabilitation sessions and also allows therapists to give instructions to patients via the dedicated patient screen (3).

[0056] Among the effectors (2), there is at least one type of effector called target (2a), such as bases (figures 8 and 9), columns (figures 10 and 11) or areas on a board, as well as one type of effector called prehensile (2b), such as cylinders, rods, cubes (figures 12 and 13), spheres (figures 5 and 6), paving stones, or keys (figure 7). The target effectors (2a) can be used as targets for the patient to reach them with the prehensile effectors (2b), and this generates rehabilitation scenario information. Some prehensile effectors (2a), such as the sphere, include cavities (2a1) intended to receive by insertion a male portion (2b1) of a prehensile effector (2b), such as the key. The cavities (2a1) and male portions (2b1) have complementary detection means (2c) for detecting the insertion and possibly the rotation of the inserted male portion.

[0057] In practice, the size of the effectors is adapted so that the effectors can be easily handled by the patient during rehabilitation, but also by any person for storage.

[0058] In this case, the shapes of the effectors were chosen according to their ergonomic uses, the large sphere (figure 6) to be manipulated with two hands, the medium sphere (figure 5) for manipulation with one or two hands, the cube to be manipulated with one hand, the key to be manipulated with the fingers and involve rotational movements, the base to form a target, in particular with thinned edges to facilitate the transfer of an effector onto it without the capacity for shoulder elevation / lifting of the effector, the column to form a target with shoulder elevation.

[0059] Each type of effector (2) is provided with at least one active face (5), for example textured, and equipped with identification means such as RFID tags or RFID antennas for wireless communication, and a display (6) positioned under the surface of the active face (5) and visible to the patient through the active face (5), and activatable according to the information exchanged between the microcontroller and the effectors (2).

[0060] The display (6) can be any type of light display such as a screen, or preferably a matrix of LEDs (6a), see figure 16, for example addressable, and regularly distributed under the surface of the active face (5).

[0061] Preferably, the effectors (2) also integrate vibration means, as well as capacitive sensors with an electrode (7) regularly distributed under the surface of the active face (5), see figures 16 and 17.

[0062] With reference to figures 16 and 17, the electrode (7) of the capacitive sensor is deployed under the active face (5), without making a loop so as not to interfere with RFID reading. In practice, when the display (6) is in the form of a matrix of LEDs, a line of LEDs and a strip of electrode are alternated.

[0063] The effectors (2) are opaque when switched off for contrast and translucent when switched on to let light through, grippy to the patient's hands but slippery on the work surface, rigid to resist falls, but not too rigid to avoid uncomfortable noise when handling on the work surface, while remaining light and pleasant to the touch.

[0064] Rehabilitation sessions can be designed to last between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the specific needs of patients and the recommendations of healthcare professionals. To guide therapists in the construction of these sessions, the invention proposes the use of scenarios. These scenarios are sets of actions aimed at various rehabilitation objectives, each of which must be easily understood by a wide spectrum of patients. Currently, seven scenarios have been developed, each implementing six basic actions such as "Touch", "Shake", "Lifting", "Turning", "Aligning", and "Stack" interactive effectors (2).

[0065] When an action is successful, the objects send information about the executed scenario to the microcontroller. This feedback helps motivate the patient, because it defines a goal to achieve and frames the actions taken. The executed scenario information is preferably accompanied by a light signal, vibrations, and sounds emitted from the screen or the computer processor to inform the patient about their status in the scenario, increase the immersive effect, give them help or instructions if necessary, reward them, etc. In some scenarios, the completion of an action can trigger the display of other light information, in the form of colored squares, numbers or shapes, to diversify interactions.

[0066] Preferably, each gripping effector (2b) and / or target effector (2a) comprises magnetic detection means, such as a magnetometer, for example a Hall effect magnetometer capable of detecting the presence of a magnetic element in the 3 axes. In practice, this makes it possible to detect the presence of a magnet fixed to a bracelet worn by the patient's hand. The gripping effector (2b) and / or the target effector (2a) can thus detect the presence of the patient's hand. The assembly (1) can also comprise a so-called dummy bracelet, similar to the magnetic bracelet but without a magnetic element so as not to condition the patient in laterality.

[0067] In practice, the bracelet includes a finger loop and a strap designed to be adjusted and secured around the wrist.

[0068] Finally, the rehabilitation assembly (1) can be associated with a base (8) for recharging and storing the effectors (2). Recharging can be carried out by induction or by electrical contact with pins known as “pogo pins”. This base (8) can be equipped with wireless communication means to interact with the effectors (2) and the processor. For this purpose, the recharging base (8) can include cavity deposition zones that match the shape of each effector (2).

[0069] The invention can be designed for so-called nomadic rehabilitation, during which the assembly (1) comprises a touchscreen tablet as a processor and patient screen (3).

[0070] In the embodiment illustrated and with reference to Figure 4, the base (8) is mounted on a frame (9) which incorporates a rehabilitation tray (10). On this tray (10), there is the patient screen (3), positioned opposite it, as well as at least one therapist screen (4), positioned on the side of the tray (10) to allow the professional to follow the patient's progress. The assembly (1) preferably comprises two therapist screens (4), one on each side, visible to a therapist positioned on the side of the tray (10). In practice, in the case of a patient pathology located on the left, the therapist is positioned on the left, and vice versa. The therapist screen (4) makes it possible to view at least the interaction information between the effectors (2) and the executed scenario information, while the patient screen (3) in the central position makes it possible to view the rehabilitation scenarios, instructions and protocol, aids, and other type information stopwatch, timer, progress information in the rehabilitation scenario, score.

[0071] The plate (10) is preferably in two parts with a stepped zone (10a) integrating, or on which can be positioned, target effectors (2a) in particular to work the patient's shoulders, and / or zones for depositing and recharging the effectors (2).

[0072] The frame (9) comprises a telescopic and motorized base (11) with an adjustment range of 50 to 100 cm, which allows the patient to stand or sit in front of the rehabilitation unit (1). The tray (10) is made of a non-magnetic material, such as Corian, and has dimensions given as an example of the order of 100 cm in width and 50 cm in depth. Edges (12) prevent falls. These edges (12) are non-magnetic, for example made of aluminum, so as not to disturb the detection of the magnetometers (if magnetic material, it can become magnetically charged over time and be continuously detected by the effectors). A technical box located under the tray (10) serves as a frame for the upper part.

[0073] The assembly (1) may also include a camera connected to the computer processor, and allowing for example to recognize the patient in order to access his rehabilitation profile. The camera may also be used in the rehabilitation scenario to check that the patient is using his injured upper limb. The camera may finally be used to film the patient during the rehabilitation session, his posture, his gaze, the movements of his upper limbs, so that the patient and / or a health professional can analyze the rehabilitation session a posteriori, for the purposes of monitoring the rehabilitation program.

Claims

Claims [Claims 1] Set (1) for cognitive and / or motor rehabilitation of an upper limb of a patient, characterized in that it comprises: - a computer processor connected to a patient screen (3) and executing a computer program configured to store and / or receive rehabilitation scenario information developed by a therapist; - a plurality of effectors (2) each integrating at least one inertial unit connected to an electronic card powered by an on-board battery; the processor and the effectors (2) comprise wireless communication means and are configured to exchange information for detecting movement information of an effector and for executing a scenario in response to a movement scenario of the effectors (2) executed by the patient, said computer program being programmed to store and / or display said information on the patient screen (3). [Claims 2] Rehabilitation assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that among the effectors (2), there is at least one target-type effector (2a) and / or at least one graspable-type effector (2b), each comprising at least one active face (5) comprising means for identifying an active face (5) of another type of effector connected to the electronic card, and the processor and the effectors (2) are configured to exchange information for detecting the effectors (2). [Claims 3] Rehabilitation assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the graspable effectors (2b) and / or the target effectors (2a) comprise magnetic detection means connected to the electronic card, and in that the assembly (1) comprises a magnetic element intended to be carried by the patient's hand and to be detected by the graspable effector (2b) and / or the target effector (2a), and in that the processor and the effectors (2) are configured to exchange magnetic detection information. [Claims 4] Rehabilitation assembly (1) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the active face (5) of at least one effector comprises a display (6), positioned under the surface of the active face (5) and visible to the patient through the active face (5), the display (6) being connected to the electronic card and activatable depending on the information exchanged between the processor and the effectors (2). [Claims 5] Rehabilitation assembly (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the identification means that the active face (5) of a graspable effector (2b) comprises are an RFID tag and an RFID antenna, and the identification means that the active face (5) of a target effector (2a) comprises are an RFID tag or an RFID antenna. [Claims 6] Rehabilitation assembly (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that at least one active face (5) of an effector comprises a capacitive sensor connected to the electronic card and comprising an electrode (7) regularly distributed under the surface of the active face (5), without making a loop, and the processor and the effector are configured to exchange capacitive detection information. [Claims 7] Rehabilitation assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a base (8) for recharging and storing the effectors (2), the base possibly comprising means of wireless communication with the effectors (2) and the processor. [Claims 8] Rehabilitation assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the base is mounted on a frame (9) integrating a rehabilitation tray (10), the patient screen (3), central and visible to the patient positioned in front of the tray (10) and at least one therapist screen (4), lateral and visible to a therapist positioned on the side of the tray (10). [Claims 9] Rehabilitation assembly (1) according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the recharging base (8) comprises areas for depositing the target effectors (2a) and graspable (2b), preferably in a cavity in the shape of the object, comprising means for recharging the battery of the effectors (2). [Claims 10] Rehabilitation assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the magnetic element is positioned on a bracelet comprising a finger passage and an adjustable strap around the patient's wrist.

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