Wearable Haptic Biofeedback Device for Postural Reeducation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biofeedback devices for low back pain assessment and treatment are limited in their ability to provide effective feedback to patients, as they often lead to habituation due to repetitive stimuli, and are not suitable for self-use or daily activities, while existing systems primarily focus on visual or acoustic feedback that is not effective for postural re-education.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with EMG acquisition subsystems and haptic actuators that provide personalized, multimodal feedback to correct muscle activity patterns, allowing patients to perform exercises without visual guidance and maintain daily activities, using a distributed design with adjustable straps for accurate muscle monitoring and feedback delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual or acoustic feedback is used for biofeedback, then information can be provided to the patient, but habituation occurs due to repetitive stimuli reducing feedback effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual and acoustic feedback systems with a haptic feedback system that uses tactile sensations through a wearable device. This substitution of sensory modality (from visual/acoustic to tactile) prevents habituation because the feedback is delivered through a different sensory channel that does not suffer from the same neural adaptation issues as repetitive visual or auditory stimuli.
2Extent of automation
If traditional biofeedback devices are used, then assessment can be performed, but the devices are not suitable for self-use or daily activities
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable haptic feedback device enables patients to independently monitor and correct their own muscle activity patterns without requiring constant physician intervention. The device provides real-time tactile feedback that allows patients to self-regulate their posture and muscle engagement, making the system suitable for daily use at home and in various environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a flexible, wearable system that can be comfortably worn during daily activities and movements. The haptic feedback mechanism dynamically adapts to the patient's movements and posture changes, providing continuous guidance without restricting natural motion or requiring complex setup procedures.
3Duration of action of moving object
If feedback is delivered too long or too frequently, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but habituation reduces neuronal responses to the stimuli
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system employs periodic or intermittent tactile stimulation rather than continuous feedback. By delivering feedback in controlled pulses or cycles, the system maintains neural sensitivity and prevents habituation while still providing comprehensive monitoring over extended periods. The periodic nature of the tactile feedback keeps the patient's attention engaged without causing sensory adaptation.
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 effectively prevents habituation by providing controlled, multimodal haptic feedback, enabling patients to correct muscle imbalances and perform exercises accurately, reducing the need for external guidance and allowing for continuous use during daily activities, thereby improving low back pain management.
Implementation Method 1
an EMG acquisition subsystem for measuring the surface electromyography, EMG, signals of a specific muscle group of a patient
Implementation Method 2
an actuator for providing haptic stimulus to said muscle group of the patient
Data Source
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Figure 3~5
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AI summary
Device (1) for assessing, preventing and treating LBP, which comprises: - six units (100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f), each unit comprising: - an EMG acquisition subsystem (30a); - connecting means (10a-20a, 10b-20b, 10c-20c, 10d-20d, 10e-20e, 10f-20f) for connecting the EMG acquisition subsystem (30a) to a pair of electrodes attached to a patient's skin, such that each unit receives the surface EMG signals of a specific muscle group of the patient; and, - a actuator (60a) for providing haptic stimulus to said muscle group; - a muscular activity pattern recognition and feedback subsystem (200, 500); the device further comprising: - a wearable garment (300, 301, 302) with a central portion (300e) to which the second and fifth units (100b, 100e) are attached parallel to each other; and a set of four straps (300a, 300b, 300c, 300d) to which ends are attached the first, third, fourth and sixth units (100a, 100c, 100d, 100f) at 45°, 135°, -135° and -45°, respectively, with respect to the second and fifth units (100b, 100e).