Tactile and haptic stimulus extremity sensory rehabilitation device for individuals with sensory impairment.

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable sensory rehabilitation device that can be worn on the arm or leg in a way that suits the individual with all types of sensory impairments, is suitable for home use, and can perform thermal stimulation, mechanical stimulation, and texture discrimination therapy simultaneously or separately, assisting the individual in their sensory rehabilitation processes according to the plans of doctors / specialists and including manual system adjustment.

Description

1 TARIFF Tactile and haptic stimulation for individuals with sensory disorders. EXTREMITY SENSORY REHABILITATION DEVICE TECHNICAL AREA 5 The invention provides an individually tailored arm and wrist support for individuals with all types of sensory impairments. Wearable on the leg, suitable for home use, thermal sensory rehabilitation. stimulation, mechanical stimulation, and texture discrimination therapy simultaneously or separately able to do so in accordance with the plans of doctors / specialists, the individual's sensory Portable 10 that assists in rehabilitation processes and includes manual system adjustment. It is related to sensory rehabilitation devices. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Sensory rehabilitation is the process of treating sensory loss or hypersensitivity following damage to the nervous system. holistic 15 aimed at reconstructing sensitivity or impaired sensory perception It is an approach. Especially for peripheral nerve injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and It is used in conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and neuropathy. The goal of sensory rehabilitation is to restore damaged or impaired sensory information. to restore the system's functions, reduce sensory perception impairments, and The goal is to enable individuals to establish healthy interactions with their environment. In this process, the objective is to reduce the number of individuals by 20... or bringing heightened senses back to normal levels, distinguishing sensory differences the ability to make precise touches and provide warmth, especially to functional organs like the hands. The differences are the regaining of pain and proprioceptive sensation. In the feet Sensory impairment leads to impaired proprioceptive perception, loss of balance, and falls. This is the reason. At the same time, it makes the individual's daily life activities safer, 25 They are supported in performing the activity comfortably and independently. Today, in the rehabilitation of individuals with sensory impairments, Different methods are applied for hypoesthesia and hyperesthesia. Hypoesthesia (in cases of sensory loss); texture created by contact of different surfaces with the skin. (Tissue) discrimination training, hot-cold discrimination studies through thermal stimulation, and 30 such as vibration therapies that aim to increase nerve activity through mechanical stimulation Approaches are used. In cases of hyperesthesia (excessive sensitivity), sensory approaches are employed. 2 within the framework of desensitization protocols, with soft touches (such as cotton and silk) a progressive process that starts with coarser textures (such as terry cloth, velvet, and sponge) Exposure therapy is applied using rhythmic brushing, vibration, and controlled ice. Applications are also included in the therapy process. However, current practices involve 5 different techniques in clinics. They are carried out separately. This results in both time and labor costs. This leads to losses in terms of; the treatment time per patient increases, and consequently... Depending on the situation, the intervals between sessions increase. This also applies to physical therapy and rehabilitation. this leads to overcrowding in the centers and prevents healthcare professionals from giving each patient This prevents them from dedicating sufficient time. As a result, patients' treatment 10 The processes are disrupted, the desired level of improvement is not achieved, and patients are affected by the treatment. They may have to reapply. Also, especially in hot and cold weather. In applications, due to the inability to properly adjust the temperature, In patients with impaired sensory perception, undesirable conditions such as burns and skin irritation may occur. This can occur. On the other hand, technologically supported approaches (virtual reality 15 Although applications (haptic devices, etc.) are also being used, these methods are still largely ineffective. It is applied to a large extent based on clinical experience and individual adaptation. In short, the lack of standardized, evidence-based protocols causes both Consistency cannot be ensured in practice, and the generalizability of the results is limited. ...and the high cost of these systems also means that widespread use is limited to 20 years. This constitutes a significant obstacle. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is useful in the rehabilitation process of individuals with sensory impairments. 25 tactile stimulus-based multi-faceted solutions aimed at providing solutions to existing problems encountered It relates to a functional device. The main purpose of the invention is to provide different types of sensory stimulation (thermal, by integrating mechanical and tactile aspects together on the same device, clinical practical and safe for both patients and physiotherapists in applications. The purpose is to provide usability. Specifically, the adjustable temperature located on the device. Thanks to controlled modules, thermal stimulation procedures are performed safely and on a patient-specific basis. 30 It can be applied at various levels; with an adjustable vibration module, it can be applied at different intensities. Vibration therapy is possible. These features reduce the physiotherapist's workload. 3 While reducing its effects, it also increases the effectiveness of treatment. Additionally, the device is designed with a modular structure that can be worn on the arms and legs. and inside, disposable, different materials are used to ensure hygienic conditions. It allows the use of special fabric surfaces in textures. This enables both... Both texture discrimination training and sensory desensitization applications are included in the same 5. This opportunity is offered at the moment. All these functions are combined in a single portable device. By bringing about this, the invention saves time and resources, thus improving health. It reduces congestion in centers; with its economical, simple and portable structure. It offers a suitable solution for widespread use. LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. System vibration management diagram. Figure 2. General diagram of the system. The corresponding numbers in the figures are: 15 1. Glove / sock module 1.1. Connector 1.2. Vibration motor 2. Remote control 3. Hot water tank 20 4. Cold water tank 5.1. Pump 5.2. Pump 6. Three-way valve 7. Control panel 25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is intended for use in the rehabilitation of individuals with sensory impairments. designed to provide multiple sensory stimuli (thermal and vibrational) simultaneously. a modular wearable 30 that allows for combined application It is related to the system. The system is basically considered in two main component layers: one glove / sock module (1) controlled by remote control (2) i.e. wearable therapeutic interface 4 and hot water tank (3), cold water tank (4), pumps (5.1, 5.2), three-way valve (6) and general system module consisting of the control panel (7), namely temperature and vibration It consists of control and flow components that ensure its management. The hot water tank (3) and the cold water tank (4) keep the water at the appropriate temperature range. retaining and introducing the liquid into the system via pumps (5.1, 5.2) It directs. Switching between these two sources is central to the system. The area is provided via a three-way valve (6). The three-way valve (6) controls According to the signals from the panel (7), hot or cold water therapy gloves / socks It sets up the sending to module (1). The control panel (7) has a keypad on it. with the user's thermal treatment parameters (temperature level, duration, direction change) 10 It allows the control panel (7) and the glove / sock module (1) to determine. The connection between them can be wireless or wired, via connector (1.1). This is being implemented. Both pieces of equipment include remote communication protocols. and can also be connected by cable. The connector (1.1) is also for liquid transfer and electrical. It also facilitates communication. 15 The system can also be applied simultaneously with thermal therapy. It also supports mechanical vibration therapy. This function is controlled wirelessly. multiple micro-vibrations which are integrated onto the glove / sock module (1) This is done via motors (1.2). Vibration motors (1.2) enable the user It can be adjusted to operate at a frequency and intensity suitable to its physiological needs. 20 It is structured. With the combination of all these systems, thermal stimulation is possible on a single platform. (Cold / hot), vibration therapy and texture stimulation through textile surface variations are combined. It can be implemented; thus, the sensory rehabilitation process is both effective and... It is optimized to save time. 25 Wearable glove / sock module (1); in direct contact with the user and treatment It forms the structural component through which the irritating effects are transmitted. This module (1) can be used as needed by the hand (glove). It can be configured to be either a foot (in the form of a sock) or a leg (in the form of a sock). This module inside; vibration motors (1.2), liquid circulation channels (as shown in the figures (not shown), connector (1.1) and textile layer are present. The textile layer is module 30 Its inner surface is made of disposable, removable, and replaceable material. It is also covered with fabrics of different textures: cotton, terry cloth, silk, sponge. Through surfaces such as these, sensory stimuli based on textural differences are provided. Thanks to its structure, both hygienic use is possible and sensory discrimination training is provided. It is supported. Vibration motors (1.2) are located on the fingertips or toes. They are positioned in the incoming areas. Each motor (1.2) delivers 5 to the targeted nerve endings. These motors (1.2) are locally located to provide direct warning. tactile (touch) by working in synchronization with the signals from the control unit (2) It increases awareness. Liquid circulation channels are embedded in the inner surface of the glove / sock module (1). These are elastic tubes arranged in a closed-loop structure. 10 Thermal stimulation is transmitted across the entire surface via circulating hot or cold water. The channels, It is designed with a placement that conforms to the ergonomic structure of the hand or foot. (mentioned) channels, via connector (1.1) from hot water tank (3) and cold water tank (4) It is connected to the incoming pipes. The system is activated when the user puts on the therapy glove / sock module (1). 15 According to the program selected from the control panel (7), the pumps (3, 4) and valve (6) The mechanism directs water at a specific temperature into the glove / sock module (1). Thermal Liquid flows through channels placed on the inner surface of the glove / sock module (1) It circulates and makes contact with the skin surface, providing an even distribution of temperature. Simultaneously or Separately, the vibration motors (1.2) located on the glove / sock module (1) 20 local mechanical stimulation by operation via wireless remote control (2) It is performed. In addition, the textile used on the inner surface of the glove / sock module (1) By changing the material, the type of surface in contact with the tissue can be varied, and thus The goal is to adapt tactile senses to different textures. Thanks to all these features, The system combines different sensory stimuli to suit the user's needs. 25 It offers modularity, portability, and affordability all through a single wearable platform. and its versatile stimulation capability makes it significantly better compared to traditional therapy methods. It provides advantages.

Claims

6 REQUESTS 1. For use in the rehabilitation of individuals with sensory impairments. designed to provide combined thermal and vibrational stimulation, with a modular structure. It is a wearable system, and its feature is; 5 at least one wearable glove / sock module (1) and a control unit for this module to the control (2), to a hot water tank (3), to a cold water tank (4), two pumps to the unit (5.1, 5.2), a three-way valve (6), and a control unit that provides control of the system. having a control panel (7); - The inner surface of the glove / sock module (1) is replaceable and disposable textile 10 being covered with a layer, hot water tank (3) and cold water tank (4) connector (1.1) which provides liquid connection and data communication with the control panel and water from the tanks (3, 4) inside the glove / sock module (1) the fluid circulation channels that allow movement, finger or toe Multiple vibration motors placed in areas corresponding to the fingers 15 It is characterized by containing (1.2). 25

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