Neural Activity Triggered Rehabilitation Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rehabilitation methods for sensory motor disabilities, such as those caused by stroke, are limited by the number of repetitions physical therapists can provide, leading to slow and suboptimal recovery, and existing automated solutions are often costly or invasive.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop, neural activity-triggered rehabilitation device that uses electroencephalography sensors to detect brain signals and stimulate muscles with functional electrical stimulation, combined with sensory feedback, to facilitate recovery with reduced therapist time requirements and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive movement repetition is provided by physical therapists, then rehabilitation effectiveness is improved, but therapist time and repetition limits constrain productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the patient's own neural signals to trigger the stimulation, making the rehabilitation process self-regulating and reducing continuous therapist intervention. The closed-loop system uses detected neural activity to automatically control functional stimulation delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by detecting neural signals and using them to control the functional stimulation output. This feedback mechanism ensures that stimulation is delivered only when appropriate neural activity is detected, optimizing rehabilitation effectiveness while reducing unnecessary therapist intervention.
2Productivity
If automated rehabilitation methods are implemented, then therapist time requirements are reduced, but cost and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical therapist-driven movement with a neurophysiologically-based automated system. Instead of manual physical manipulation, the system uses detection of electrical neural signals and electrical stimulation to produce therapeutic effects, eliminating the need for continuous mechanical intervention by therapists.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses non-invasive, temporary sensors and stimulators that can be applied and removed without surgical implantation. These external devices provide the necessary functionality without the high cost and invasiveness of implantable systems, making rehabilitation more accessible.
3Speed
If more repetitions are provided in each session, then recovery speed is improved, but therapist capacity and clinic burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows patients to receive high-repetition therapy without proportional increases in therapist time. The automated closed-loop system manages the repetition delivery, enabling patients to undergo extensive rehabilitation sessions while requiring minimal ongoing therapist intervention beyond initial setup and monitoring.
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
The device enables more efficient and effective rehabilitation by stimulating muscles in response to neural signals, enhancing recovery through coordinated limb movement and increased sensory-motor system excitability, potentially reducing long-term care and rehabilitation costs.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor system includes an electroencephalography sensor
Implementation Method 2
A functional stimulation component is operatively connectable to at least one body part, such as a muscle or a nerve. The functional stimulation component stimulates the at least one body part in response to the neural signals detected
Data Source
AI summary
A closed loop, neural activity triggered rehabilitation device and method are provided for facilitating recovery of a patient from the effects of a sensory motor disability. The device includes a sensor system positionable adjacent the brain of the patient. The sensor system detects neural signals. A functional stimulation component is operatively connectable to at least one body part, such as a muscle or a nerve. The functional stimulation component stimulates the at least one body part in response to the neural signals detected. A sensory stimulation module is operatively connected to the patient to provide sensory feedback thereto.