Adaptive Movement Reconstruction Control for Smooth Gait Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for movement reconstruction and restoration after neurological disorders like spinal cord injury (SCI) fail to achieve smooth movements comparable to healthy subjects, as they either control the patient like a robot or lack selectivity in stimulating the patient's natural control loops, leading to parasite movements during walking.
Innovation Solution
A control system that generates movement models based on patient data and provides stimulation parameters for movement reconstruction and restoration, using a combination of CNS and PNS stimulation to support the patient's natural control loops, with sensors for real-time feedback and adaptive stimulation to enhance movement kinematics and reduce abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robot-like control system is used for movement reconstruction, then movement control is achieved, but the movements are not smooth and comparable to healthy subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect actual movement parameters and feeds this information back to the control unit, which adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time based on the difference between actual and desired movement, enabling smooth and natural-looking movements rather than rigid robot-like control
Solution Approach 2:
The control system leverages the patient's own natural control loops and sensorimotor circuits to generate movements, rather than imposing external robot-like control, allowing movements to be produced by the patient's own physiological systems with supportive stimulation
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to restore movement, then movement reconstruction is achieved, but selectivity in stimulating natural control loops is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies electrical stimulation at specific local sites on the spinal cord or peripheral nerves, targeting particular sensorimotor circuits or nerve roots to selectively activate desired muscle groups while avoiding unwanted movements, thereby achieving both reliable movement restoration and selective stimulation
3Reliability
If electrical stimulation is used to facilitate movement, then movement restoration is achieved, but parasite movements occur during walking
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors movement parameters via sensors and adjusts stimulation timing and intensity based on real-time feedback, synchronizing stimulation with the natural gait cycle to facilitate desired movements while suppressing unwanted parasite movements that would otherwise occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies electrical stimulation in periodic cycles synchronized with the patient's natural gait rhythm, delivering stimulation at optimal phases of the walking cycle to promote coordinated movement patterns and reduce irregular parasite movements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the patient to perform movements like walking with regular characteristics comparable to healthy subjects by directly supporting the patient's natural control loops, reducing parasite movements and improving controllability and fluidity.
Implementation Method 1
These circuits process sensory information arising from the moving limbs and descending inputs originating from various brain regions in order to produce adaptive motor behaviors
Implementation Method 2
A series of studies in animal models and humans showed that electrical neuromodulation of the lumbar spinal cord using epidural electrical stimulation (EES) is capable of (re-)activating these circuits
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system for a movement reconstruction and/or restoration system for a patient, comprising a movement model generation module to generate movement model data information, an analysis module receiving and processing data provided at least by the movement model generation module, wherein the control system is configured and arranged to prepare and provide on the basis of data received by the movement model generation module and the analysis module a movement model describing the movement of a patient and providing, on the basis of the movement model, stimulation data for movement reconstruction and/or restoration.