Neuromodulation Device Using Beta Gamma Stimuli for Gait Rhythmicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for improving rhythmic motion in individuals with neurodegenerative movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, are limited by the lack of understanding of neural mechanisms controlling rhythmic activities and rely primarily on providing pace-making sensory inputs, which are not consistently effective in regulating physical movement.
Innovation Solution
The use of acoustic, visual, and tactile stimuli at specific frequencies, particularly beta and gamma frequencies, to enhance neural activity and improve gait rhythmicity by synchronizing with delta frequencies, utilizing devices that include speakers, light sources, and tactile stimulators to deliver these stimuli, and software to generate stimulation protocols based on measured locomotion patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pace-making sensory inputs are provided to improve rhythmic motion in neurodegenerative disorders, then gait improvement may be achieved, but the effectiveness is inconsistent and reliability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by delivering sensory stimuli at specific frequency ranges (beta frequencies 13-30 Hz, gamma frequencies 30-100 Hz) to modulate neural oscillations. This frequency-based parameter control transforms the inconsistent pace-making approach into a reliable neuromodulation technique that consistently improves gait rhythmicity by targeting specific neural oscillation bands known to regulate motor control in neurodegenerative disorders.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by measuring locomotion patterns (such as gait velocity, stride length, and cadence) and using this information to adjust and optimize the stimulation protocol. This closed-loop feedback ensures consistent and reliable gait improvement by adapting the sensory stimuli parameters based on real-time performance metrics, thereby resolving the inconsistency problem of traditional pace-making methods.
2Manufacturing precision
If acoustic stimuli at beta and gamma frequencies are delivered to enhance neural activity, then gait rhythmicity improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple stimulus delivery components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple stimulus delivery modalities (acoustic speakers, visual light sources, and tactile vibrators) into an integrated neuromodulation system. This combination of multiple sensory channels delivers coordinated beta and gamma frequency stimuli that synergistically enhance neural activity and gait rhythmicity. The merged system achieves superior manufacturing precision in gait control compared to single-modality approaches, while the integration manages the complexity through unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The neuromodulation device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of delivering acoustic, visual, and tactile stimuli through a single integrated platform. This universal device can adaptively select and combine different stimulus types based on the user's needs and response, achieving precise gait rhythmicity control without requiring separate specialized devices for each stimulus modality, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high effectiveness.
3Reliability
If sensory stimuli are delivered continuously to maintain neural synchronization, then motor function improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by delivering sensory stimuli in rhythmic bursts synchronized with the subject's natural gait cycle and neural oscillation periods. Instead of continuous stimulation, beta and gamma frequency stimuli are delivered in periodic intervals that align with the subject's locomotion rhythm, maintaining neural synchronization and motor function improvement while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by using periodic stimulation that continuously reinforces the desired gait rhythmicity pattern. The periodic stimuli are timed to continuously engage and strengthen the neural circuits involved in motor control, ensuring sustained motor function improvement without the excessive energy cost of constant stimulation, as each periodic pulse builds upon the previous one to maintain cumulative therapeutic effect.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and devices for improving rhythmic motion of a subject are described herein. In particular, the disclosed techniques and devices utilize stimuli (acoustic, visual, tactile, and/or vibrational stimuli) delivered at beta frequencies and/or gamma frequencies to enhance neural activity and movement at delta frequencies in the subject. The disclosed techniques and devices may be used to improve motor symptoms in subjects with neurodegenerative conditions and/or to promote athletic training in healthy individuals.