U.S. patent application number 14/599618 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-21 for motor training with brain plasticity.
This patent application is currently assigned to Motorika Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Motorika Limited. Invention is credited to Omer EINAV, Samuel FARAN, Ernesto KORENMAN, Richard M. MAHONEY.
Application Number | 20150141773 14/599618 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48577390 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150141773 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
EINAV; Omer ; et
al. |
May 21, 2015 |
MOTOR TRAINING WITH BRAIN PLASTICITY
Abstract
A rehabilitation device, comprising a movement element capable
of controlling at least one motion parameter of a portion of a
patient; a brain monitor which generates a signal indicative of
brain activity; and circuitry including a memory having stored
therein rehabilitation information and which inter-relates said
signal and movement of said movement element as part of a
rehabilitation process which utilizes said rehabilitation
information.
Inventors: |
EINAV; Omer; (Emek Hefer,
IL) ; KORENMAN; Ernesto; (RaAnana, IL) ;
FARAN; Samuel; (Boernsen, DE) ; MAHONEY; Richard
M.; (Westmont, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Motorika Limited |
Hamilton |
|
BM |
|
|
Assignee: |
Motorika Limited
Hamilton
BM
|
Family ID: |
48577390 |
Appl. No.: |
14/599618 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11660965 |
Jan 8, 2009 |
8938289 |
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PCT/IL2005/000906 |
Aug 18, 2005 |
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14599618 |
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PCT/IL2005/000442 |
Apr 28, 2005 |
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11660965 |
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PCT/IL2005/000135 |
Feb 4, 2005 |
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PCT/IL2005/000442 |
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PCT/IL2005/000136 |
Feb 4, 2005 |
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PCT/IL2005/000135 |
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PCT/IL2005/000137 |
Feb 4, 2005 |
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PCT/IL2005/000136 |
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PCT/IL2005/000138 |
Feb 4, 2005 |
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PCT/IL2005/000137 |
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PCT/IL2005/000139 |
Feb 4, 2005 |
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PCT/IL2005/000138 |
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PCT/IL2005/000142 |
Feb 4, 2005 |
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PCT/IL2005/000139 |
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60686991 |
Jun 2, 2005 |
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60633429 |
Dec 7, 2004 |
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60633428 |
Dec 7, 2004 |
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60633442 |
Dec 7, 2004 |
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60604615 |
Aug 25, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/301 ;
600/544; 600/595; 601/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/04845 20130101;
A61B 5/16 20130101; A61B 5/4076 20130101; A61B 5/04842 20130101;
A61H 2230/10 20130101; A61H 2230/62 20130101; A61B 5/0484 20130101;
A61H 2230/25 20130101; A61B 5/486 20130101; A61B 5/0488 20130101;
A61B 5/0482 20130101; A61B 5/165 20130101; A61B 5/11 20130101; A61H
23/00 20130101; A61H 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/301 ;
600/544; 600/595; 601/46 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/0484 20060101
A61B005/0484; A61B 5/11 20060101 A61B005/11; A61H 23/00 20060101
A61H023/00; A61B 5/0482 20060101 A61B005/0482 |
Claims
1. A method of rehabilitation using a rehabilitation device,
comprising: first instructing a person to carry out certain
movements while being coupled to a robotic spatial manipulator
using at least one of an audio prompt, an audio instruction, a
display, stimulation of a nerve, CNS stimulation and mechanical
vibration using the device; and, second instructing said robotic
spatial manipulator to guide said person to perform an incorrect
motion using the device.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising defining a
rotational or translational mapping between said movements and said
incorrect movements.
3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising measuring a
cortical response to said person detecting said incorrect
motion.
4. A method according to claim 1, where the incorrect motion is
contrary to a planned motion of the person.
5. A method according to claim 1, further comprising instructing
the spatial manipulator to guide the person to perform part of a
planned motion.
6. A method according to claim 5, further comprising making the
manipulator less active during the planned motion to see if the
patient can at least one of compensate for the less active
manipulator and complete the planned motion.
7. A method according to claim 6, where making the manipulator less
active means making the manipulator passive.
8. A method according to claim 3, further comprising assessing the
person's response by analyzing the measured cortical response.
9. A method according to claim 4, further comprising choosing the
planned motion to generate at least one of an intended cognitive
activation to train a first, certain brain area.
10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising changing the
planned motion to generate at least one of an intended cognitive
activation to train a second, certain brain area.
11. A method according to claim 4, further comprising using a
graphical interface to at least one of plan and change the planned
motion.
12. A method according to claim 4, further comprising showing
feedback comprising an indication of brain activity during planning
of the planned activity to the person.
13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising showing the
person progress in planning ability using the feedback.
14. A method according to claim 1, further comprising using the
manipulator as an input device of the person interacting with the
device.
15. A method according to claim 4, where the planned motion of the
person is instigated by the device stimulating the person to
perform the planned motion.
16. A method according to claim 15, where the planned motion of the
person is previously stored on a database for at least one of
selection and retrieval by the device as part of a rehabilitation
process.
17. A method according to claim 4, further comprising ensuring
mental imagery, comprising, providing the first instruction to a
person which guides a mental imagery of the person to perform the
planned motion; measuring movement of a person in response to the
imagery; comparing said first instruction to the motion; and
providing feedback to the person regarding said imagery.
18. A method according to claim 17, comprising measuring brain
activity corresponding to said imagery.
19. A method according to claim 18, comprising comparing said brain
activity to brain activity collected during said motion.
20. A method according to claim 17, comprising changing the first
instruction to prevent habitation of said person.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/660,965 filed on Jan. 8, 2009, which is a National
Phase of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IL2005/000906 filed on Aug.
18, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of PCT Patent Application
Nos. PCT/IL2005/000442 filed on Apr. 28, 2005; PCT/IL2005/000135;
PCT/IL2005/000136; PCT/IL2005/000137; PCT/IL2005/000138;
PCT/IL2005/000139 and PCT/IL2005/000142 all filed on Feb. 4, 2005.
The contents of the above applications are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/660,965 also claims the
benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.
60/686,991 filed on Jun. 2, 2005; 60/633,429 filed on Dec. 7, 2004;
60/633,428 filed on Dec. 7, 2004; 60/633,442 filed on Dec. 7, 2004
and 60/604,615 filed on Aug. 25, 2004.
[0003] This application is also related to U.S. Provisional Patent
Applications Nos. 60/666,136 filed Mar. 29, 2005; 60/665,886 filed
Mar. 28, 2005 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/207,655 filed
Aug. 18, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is related to the field of motor
and/or cognitive, training and/or rehabilitation, for example
rehabilitation utilizing brain activity measurements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Following is a short introduction to measurement of some
types of electrical brain activity associated with motor control
and what is currently believed to be their meaning. It should be
noted that application of the invention is not necessarily
constrained by these meanings and other signals may be measured
and/or the following signals be used in other ways. Various
articles are listed at the end of the background section.
Movement-Associated Cortical Potential (MAC) Accompanying Voluntary
Movement
[0006] Experiments have shown that every voluntary movement is
associated with an electrical cortical potential that can be
recorded over the scalp. This activity is typically characterized
by three components: [0007] 1. The "Bereitschaftspotential" (BP) or
"Readiness Potential" defined as a slowly `rising` negative
potential that occurs 1-2 seconds prior to volitional
self-initiated movements. It is related to the preparatory process
prior to limb movement. This BP consists in fact of two components:
[0008] an early component (BP1) that lasts from the very beginning
of the BP (starting 1-2s or more prior to movement onset depending
on the complexity of the movement) to approximately 0.5s before
movement onset; and [0009] a late component (BP2) that occurs for
the last half second before onset (see FIG. 1). BP2 has a steeper
negative slope than BP1. [0010] 2. The motor potential (MP) which
consists of an initial sharp negative deflection that follows the
BP's more gradual negativity. This potential is related to motor
activity. At movement onset (at t=0 as shown in FIG. 1 below),
there exists a sharp positive inflection that peaks at around 200
ms after the movement onset. This period is typically contaminated
with EMG artifacts. [0011] 3. The post-movement activity (PMA)
which is the potential change (starting more than 200 ms after the
movement onset) whereby the brain resynchronizes and resumes
`normal` activity.
[0012] FIG. 1 presents an averaged Motor Related Potential (MRP)
template that illustrates these distinguishable periods. This in an
example of an averaged MRP recorded for 918 left finger movement
trials (onset at t=0) at C3 (channel 3) and C4 (channel 4).
[0013] For unilateral movement, BP1 typically has a symmetric and
bilateral topography on the scalp, i.e. it is not lateralized about
the motor cortex.
[0014] In contrast BP2 is typically larger (more negative) over the
primary motor area of the contra lateral hemisphere. This is
evident in FIG. 1 for the last .about.200 ms prior to finger press
at time t=0. The electrode C4 is positioned on the right side of
the head and for the left finger movement as shown exhibits a more
negative potential on average than the contra-laterally placed C3
electrode.
[0015] Rich experimental evidence indicates that BP1 and BP2 might
involve different functional systems. Experiments in PET (Positron
Emission Tomography) and unicellular recordings in monkeys
suggested that parts of the mesial frontal cortex, and typically
the Supplemental Motor Area, may be involved in the generation of
BP1. On the other hand, several investigators concluded that BP2
potential reflects expression of nerve excitation, namely, activity
of cortical-spinal tract concerning efferent discharges of
pyramidal tract.
[0016] It has been suggested that the awareness of willingness to
move occurred later than the beginning of the electrophysiological
event and that, consequently, the first part of the decision
process to move was infra-conscious, at least for self-paced
tasks.
[0017] All the above supports the fundamental EEG theory that
potential negativity can be related to activity of the cortical
areas whereas positivity is related to inactivity. Since the
extremities of the human body are controlled by the contra lateral
side of the brain it is generally expected that there should be
more activity and hence `negativity` on the contra lateral side.
However, it should be noted that this is not always the case.
[0018] It has been shown that, the signal distribution over the
scalp of the BP2 potential shows maximum at C3, (central left
scalp), in case of voluntary right upper arm flexion movement. The
maximum was at C4, (central right scalp), in case of voluntary left
upper arm flexion movement. The distribution of the late PMA
potential showed maximum at Cz, (central medial) in case of
voluntary right or left upper arm flexion movement. The only part
of the MAC that shows potentials contra lateral to the side of the
movement is BP2.
Contingent Negative Variation (CNV)
[0019] In some experimental setups the generation of a MAC
potential involves the performance of a prescribed task under the
prompting of a pair of cuing stimuli: S1 and S2, separated by a
given time interval. The first cue, (S1), is a `warning` or
`preparatory` cue which is subsequently followed by a second
`imperative` cue (S2).
[0020] The subject is instructed to perform the given task as fast
as possible following the presentation of the imperative stimulus
(S2). Briefly, the preparatory stimulus precedes the imperative and
thus acts as a `get ready` signal to warn the subject that the
imperative stimulus is approaching.
[0021] Under these conditions, the resultant waveform recorded over
the scalp is a slow negative shift beginning at the presentation of
S1 and ending roughly at the presentation of S2.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a typical event-related potential in an S1-S2
paradigm, measured from central derivations (average of C3 and C4).
The x-axis shows the presentations of S1 (onset at time t=0), and
S2 (onset at t=6 seconds). The measures for PSW, NSW, and CNV
(shown on the figure) as used in the present study are
indicated.
[0023] The task can be, for instance, that S1 is a sound which the
subject had to decide if it belongs to a previously memorized set
of sounds. The result of this memory search task indicates the
response instruction expected at S2; for instance, that a response
has to be given either with the left or with the right hand,
depending on the result of the search.
[0024] Referring back to FIG. 2, within the first second after S1 a
slow wave complex can be seen which consists of a positive (slow
wave) deflection (the "PSW").
[0025] Later in the S1-S2 interval, a slow negative shift develops,
which reaches a negative maximum immediately before S2. This shift
is called the contingent negative variation (CNV).
[0026] When the S1-S2 interval is sufficiently long, three seconds
or more, the negative shift clearly consists of two parts. The
first part, called negative slow wave (NSW), is maximal at the
frontal positions, between about 0.5 and 1 second after S1.
[0027] PSW has a parietal dominance and is assumed to reflect the
outcome of stimulus evaluation and has been found to attenuate when
the task is more difficult.
[0028] NSW has a frontal maximum, and some authors have found that
it is lateralized in the right hemisphere. It is often regarded as
part of an orientation reaction, because it is affected by the
physical characteristics of S1, such as intensity, probability, and
modality. The NSW is larger when the task at S1 is more
difficult.
[0029] The CNV is mainly related to motor response preparation; its
amplitude depends heavily on the task demands at S2, and is
affected by task variables as speed/accuracy instructions, and the
duration of the S1-S2 interval. CNV has the largest amplitude at
the central electrodes.
CNV and Readiness Potential (BP)
[0030] CNV and BP are often considered to reflect the same process,
since they are maximal at the same positions on the scalp, and
immediately before a response is given. The difference between CNV
and BP is, however, that the first is derived as a stimulus-locked
potential, whereas the latter is derived relative to the
response.
[0031] Whereas the BP is specific to motor readiness, and is
concentrated over the primary motor cortex, the CNV is associated
with more cognitive aspects of anticipation, and is generally
localized to frontal and frontal-central cortex.
Topographic Plots of Bereitschafts Amplitudes with Different Types
of Movement
[0032] In order to get a good picture of overall Motor Related
Potential distribution effects, including lateralization effects,
experimenters employ a two dimensional interpolation scheme from
data collected through a multiple electrode arrangements. This
technique facilitates the visualization of the topographic
distribution of BP amplitudes over the entire scalp surface.
[0033] (Briefly, the data processing method consists of: first, the
amplitude of the total negativity is measured algorithmically for
each electrode position of the whole scalp arrangement. Because the
data includes a large amount of high-frequency noise, a mean of
20-50 ms of voltage data is used to estimate the potential at the
start and end of each BP waveform. The end value is then subtracted
from the start value, thus yielding (in most cases) a positive
magnitude for the negativity. These data is then combined with the
known relative coordinates of each electrode to generate a
two-dimensional grid interpolation of the overall negativity
values. In addition, before the interpolation is applied, the EOG
and EMG electrodes are removed from the data set as their given
coordinates are figurative and they generally showed no evidence of
significant waveforms.)
Free Movement
[0034] If subjects are asked to initiate a voluntary extension of
the middle and ring fingers necessary and sufficient for production
of a reliable Extensor Communis EMG signal of the right hand only,
the recorded MAC is as in FIG. 3 (left) and the topographic
distribution of the signal following the data processing described
above is as in FIG. 3 (right).
[0035] CP2 (central parietal 2, slightly to the right of the
central line and just below towards the back of the brain, relative
to the point in FIG. 1). In the graph in FIG. 3 left shows the
activity contra lateral to the movement. The translation of color
into gray scale is as follows: Colors are gradual changing values.
The two rounded dark areas in the center are positive peaks and the
other dark areas are negative peaks.
[0036] In this case the voluntary movements are completely at the
will of the participant, although a rough guideline is given to the
subject to leave at least two to three seconds between movements.
Accordingly, we can see most of the features described
previously.
Synchronized Movement
[0037] If instead of moving the finger at will the subject is to
initiate movement according to a self-maintained, even, metrical
pulse with a rough guideline frequency of around 0.5 Hz, the
resulting potentials are different. Ideally this will produce MAC
events at the steady, regular rate of 0.5 Hz. These events should
be phase locked to the subject's internal pulse. This is a
`synchronize` condition.
[0038] The resulting topographical maps are shown in FIG. 4 where
BP amplitude is visualized as a color spectrum mapping (shown as
grey scale). In these plots, a clear distribution effect of the
experimental condition is even more evident than in the previous
case of free movement. The dark area on the bottom is positive
values and the dark area on the top is negative values.
[0039] As before, the movement consisted in the extension of the
middle and ring fingers of the right hand sufficient for production
of a reliable Extensor Communis EMG signal. It is clear that in
this condition, the spread is mostly towards the left side of the
head.
[0040] Applying the topographic algorithm described in the previous
section, (mean of 20-50 ms of voltage data at beginning and end
each signal), it can be seen that there are two spots of maximal
amplitude of the whole signal: one is central and the other is
slightly to the side contra lateral to the movement.
Syncopate Movement
[0041] In this case, the subject is again instructed to maintain an
internal metrical pulse. However, in this trial the subject is
instructed to initiate finger movements exactly counter to the
pulse. That is, the movements should be phase shifted by half a
period from the maintained internal pulse. Ideally this will
produce MAC events at a frequency of 0.5 Hz, phase-shifted by 1
second from the internal pulse. This is the `syncopate` condition.
Results are shown in FIG. 5. (high values are at the bottom of the
image, low on top).
[0042] From FIGS. 3-5 it can be seen that a clear distribution of
the experimental condition is evident. First, there is an apparent
spreading in the location of maximum BP amplitude in all the
experimental conditions relative to the "Free Movement" condition.
In the "Synchronized" conditions, the spread is mostly towards the
left side of the head. In the "Syncopate" condition some spread to
the right side is also present.
[0043] One potential effect is the appearance of CNV in the
syncopate conditions. As described in a previous section, CNV
usually marks expectation or anticipation in non-motor regimes.
Motor Imagery as Activator of Cortical Activation
[0044] Very recently a technique named "mirror therapy" has been
reported to be used to activate unused cortical networks and help
to reduce the pain associated with cortical abnormalities following
injury as occurs in phantom pain and stroke. Briefly, "mirror
therapy" involves the movement of a limb inside a mirror box such
that visual feedback of the affected hand is replaced by that of
the (reflected) unaffected hand. There is therefore an attempt to
reconcile motor output and sensory feedback and to activate
pre-motor cortices. In his last article, Moseley 2004 writes: "The
mechanism of the healing effect of this technique, although not
clear, may involve the sequential activation of cortical pre-motor
and motor networks, or sustained and focused attention to the
affected limb, or both."
Slow Cortical Potential (SCP)
[0045] SCP in general has been extensively used by Prof. Neils
Birbaumer and his group in the University of Tuebingen, Germany.
SCPs are potential shifts in the scalp-recorded EEG that occur over
0.5-10 sec. Negative and positive SCPs are typically associated
with functions that involve cortical activation and deactivation,
respectively. Healthy subjects and neurological patients can attain
reliable control over their SCPs amplitude and polarity recorded at
frontal and parietal locations by means of sensory (e.g., visual
and audio) feedback. In addition, subjects can learn to control SCP
differences between the left and right hemisphere.
Mu Rhythm
[0046] When a person is at rest, his sensorimotor cortex generates
an 8-13 Hz electro-encephalographic rhythm referred to as the
"Rolandic mu rhythm". As soon as the person starts to execute a
movement and the motor cortex is activated, the mu rhythm is
attenuated or disappears. The mu rhythm is present in most, if not
all, adults, it is generated by a thalamo-cortical network and it
is strongest when no active processing is occurring. Decreases in
mu amplitude possibly indicate that the underlying cell assemblies
have become desynchronized (hence, lower mu rhythm amplitudes are
recorded over the scalp). The mu rhythm also desynchronizes when
subjects are only observing (but not executing) a movement and the
degree of desynchronization reflects the level of active
processing; for instance, it is greater when a person is performing
a precision grip than during the performance of a simple hand
extension. These rhythms also respond to imagination of movement in
a pattern similar to that during the planning of a movement. For
instance, subjects with limb amputation that mentally mobilize the
missing limb, show a blocking effect of mu rhythm while imagining
the movement.
[0047] Feedback training leads to increase in mu desynchronization;
and the ability of subjects to manipulate the sensorimotor mu
rhythm has been recently used by Wolpaw et al. group to act as a
brain--computer interface based on a binary signal. For instance,
subjects can learn to produce similar or differential mu activity
over the two hemispheres in order to control left or right movement
in a three-dimensional video game.
[0048] Sometimes differences of amplitude in both hemispheres are
recorded for two frequency band rhythms to allow for a
bi-dimensional movement over the screen. For instance, in Wolpaw et
al (Jonathan R. Wolpaw and Dennis J. McFarland 2004. Control of a
two-dimensional movement signal by a noninvasive brain--computer
interface in humans. PNAS 2004, vol. 10, no. 51: 17849-17854), the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, use
vertical movement of a cursor was controlled by a 24-Hz beta rhythm
and horizontal movement by a 12-Hz mu rhythm recorded at left- and
right-side scalp electrodes locations C3 and C4 over the
sensorimotor region. Vertical correlation is greater on the left
side, whereas horizontal correlation is greater on the right
side.
[0049] FIG. 9 shows on the left the various positions on the screen
towards which the user learns to move the cursor from a center
position. On center/right of FIG. 9 there are the recordings of
brain potential when a user tries to move to Target 1 (up), Target
6 (down), Target 3 (right) and Target 8 (left). It can be seen, for
instance, that in order to move to Target 1 (up) the user needs to
increase Beta rhythm (24 Hz) recorded over the C3 and in order to
move to Target 8 (left) the user needs to reduce the mu rhythm (12
Hz) recorded over the C4 region. In the figure, vertical control
has two positive peaks as shown, while in horizontal control, the
left peak is a negative peak and the right peak is a positive
peak.
[0050] Many studies have demonstrated that humans can learn to
control .mu.-rhythm amplitudes independent of actual movement and
use that control to move a cursor to targets on a computer screen
(Walpow et al., 1991; McFarland et al., 1993; Pfurtscheller et al.,
1993), or to control an artificial hand attached to the paretic
hand (Pfurtscheller et al., 2003). None of these studies,
apparently was conducted in stroke patients or other patients with
brain damage, such as that due to traumatic brain injury.
Cortical Reorganization after Stroke
[0051] Return of voluntary arm movements is one of the most
important goals during stroke rehabilitation to avoid long-term
disability in activities of daily living (ADL) function.
[0052] Some studies have demonstrated recruitment of areas adjacent
to the brain lesion or ipsilateral motor regions of the unaffected
hemisphere after complete recovery from upper extremity motor
impairment. Rossini et al. (1998) for example, who used brain
imaging methods as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI),
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and magnetoencephalography
(MEG) to examine a patient who fully recovered after stroke, found
an asymmetrical enlargement and posterior shift of the sensorimotor
areas localized in the affected hemisphere with all three
techniques.
[0053] Nelles et al. (1999), used serial positron emission
tomography (PET) to study the evolution of functional brain
activity within 12 weeks after a first subcortical stroke. Six
hemiplegic stroke patients were scanned twice (PET 1 and PET 2). At
PET 1, activation was observed in the bilateral inferior parietal
cortex, contralateral sensorimotor cortex, and ipsilateral
dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area, and
cingulate cortex. At PET 2, significant increases of regional
cerebral blood flow were found in the contralateral sensorimotor
cortex and bilateral inferior parietal cortex. A region that was
activated at PET 2 only was found in the ipsilateral premotor area.
Based of their findings, Nelles et al conclude that recovery from
hemiplegia is accompanied by changes of brain activation in sensory
and motor systems, and that these alterations of cerebral activity
may be critical for the restoration of motor function.
[0054] Johansen-Berg et al. (2002) examined seven stroke patients
with fMRI twice before and twice after a home-based two weeks
rehabilitative therapy. They found that therapy-related
improvements in hand function correlated with increases in fMRI
activity in the premotor cortex and secondary somatosensory cortex
contralateral to the affected hand, and in superior posterior
regions of the cerebellar hemispheres bilaterally. As the former
studies, these results suggest that activity changes in
sensorimotor regions are associated with successful motor
rehabilitation.
[0055] In addition, accumulating evidence in stroke patients
suggests that rehabilitation techniques with repetitive training of
functional movements have significant effects on recovery of motor
skills and cortical reorganization. Lipert et al. (2000), for
example, evaluated reorganization in the motor cortex of stroke
patients that was induced with an efficacious rehabilitation
treatment. Before treatment, the cortical representation area of
the affected hand muscle was significantly smaller than the
contralateral side. After a 12-day-period of constraint-induced
movement therapy, the muscle output area size in the affected
hemisphere was significantly enlarged, corresponding to a greatly
improved motor performance of the paretic limb. Shifts of the
center of the output map in the affected hemisphere suggested the
recruitment of adjacent brain areas. In follow-up examinations up
to 6 months after treatment, motor performance remained at a high
level, whereas the cortical area sizes in the 2 hemispheres became
almost identical, representing a return of the balance of
excitability between the 2 hemispheres toward a normal
condition.
[0056] Luft et al. (2004) tested whether specific rehabilitation
therapy that improves arm function in stroke patients is associated
with reorganization of cortical networks. Patients were randomly
assigned to bilateral arm training (n=9) or standardized
dose-matched therapeutic exercises (n=12). Both were conducted for
1 hour, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. Within 2 weeks before and
after the intervention, brain activation during elbow movement was
assessed by fMRI and functional outcome was assessed using arm
function scores. Patients in the first group (bilateral arm
training) but not in the second group increased hemispheric
activation during paretic arm movement. Significant increased
activation was observed in the contralesional cerebrum and
ipsilesional cerebellum. These findings suggest that bilateral arm
treatment induces reorganization in contralesional motor networks
and provide biological plausibility for repetitive bilateral
training as a potential therapy for upper extremity rehabilitation
in hemiparetic stroke.
Summary
[0057] Numerous studies have demonstrated that the damaged brain is
able to reorganize to compensate for motor deficits. Rather than a
complete substitution of function, the main mechanism underlying
recovery of motor abilities involves enhanced activity in
preexisting networks, including the disconnected motor cortex in
subcortical stroke and the infarct rim after cortical stroke.
Involvement of nonmotor and contralesional motor areas is
consistently reported, with the emerging notion that the greater
the involvement of the ipsilesional motor network, the better is
the recovery. A better stroke recovery seems to take place if the
changes in certain brain areas over time are such that the normal
balance between the 2 hemispheres tends to reestablish. Thus,
recovery is best when the brain regions that normally execute the
function are reintegrated into the active network. Consistent with
this view, intense rehabilitative procedures (both active and
passive) have recently been shown to enhance activation of the
ipsilesional motor area in parallel with improved motor
function.
[0058] Consistent results were a dynamic reorganization that went
along with recovery, over-activation of motor and non-motor areas
in both hemispheres regardless of whether the task was active or
passive leading to a decrease in the laterality index, and a return
toward a more normal intensity while the affected hand regained
function (Calautti and Baron, 2003). In some embodiments of the
invention, as described below, such results are achieved using
methods and apparatus as described herein.
[0059] Some components of brain activity (e.g., SCPs) can be
controlled by increasing or decreasing the general brain activity,
independent from the recorded site. Subjects can learn to control
SCP differences between the left and right hemisphere (Rockstroh et
al., 1990).
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)
[0060] A BCI system measures particular components of features of
EEG activity and uses the results as a control signal. Present-day
BCIs determine the intent of the user from a variety of different
electrophysiological signals. These signals include slow cortical
potentials (SCP), P300 potentials, and .mu. (mu) or beta rhythms
recorded from the scalp, and cortical neuronal activity recorded by
implanted electrodes (referred as Brain-Machine Interface, BMI).
They are translated in real-time into commands that operate a
computer display or other device.
[0061] A BCI converts a signal such as an EEG rhythm or a neuronal
firing rate from a reflection of brain function into the end
product of that function: an output that, like output in
conventional neuromuscular channels, accomplishes the person's
intent. A BCI replaces nerves and muscles and the movements they
produce with electrophysiological signals and the hardware and
software that translate those signals into actions.
[0062] Many studies have demonstrated that healthy subjects and
neurological patients can attain reliable control over their slow
cortical potentials (SCPs) amplitude at vertex, frontal and
parietal locations with operant learning. Moreover, subjects can
learn to control SCP differences between the left and right
hemisphere (Birbaumer et al., 1999; Birbaumer et al., 1988;
Rockstroh et al., 1990). Successful learning using reinforcement
and shaping of the response results in the acquisition of a new,
non-motor skill (Birbaumer et al., 1999). Studies involving
mu-rhythm (Walpow et al, 2002) confirm and extend these
findings.
[0063] The following articles, some of which are referenced herein,
have their disclosures incorporated herein by reference: [0064]
International Journal of Psychphysiology 9 (1990) 151-165
"Biofeedback-produced hemispheric asymetry of slow cortical
potentials and its behavioural effects", by B Rockstroh, T Elbert,
N Birbaurmer and w Lutzenberger. [0065] Wolpaw, J. R., McFarland,
D. J., Neat, G. W. and Forneris, C. A. "An EEG-based brain-computer
interface for cursor control" Electroenceph. din. Neurophysiol.,
1991, 78:252-259. [0066] McFarland, D. J., Neat, G. W., Read, R. F.
and Wolpaw, J. R. "An EEG-based method for graded cursor control"
Psychobiology, 1993, 21: 77-81. [0067] Pfurtscheller, G.,
Flotzinger, D. and Kalcher, J. "Brain-computer interface: a new
communication device for handicapped persons" Journal of
Microcomputer Applications, 1993, 16:293-299. [0068] "Arm Training
Induced Brain Plasticity in Stroke Studied with Serial Positron
Emission Tomography" G. Nelles, W. Jentzen, M. Jueptner, S. Muller,
and H. C. Diener. Neurolmage 13, 1146-1154 (2001)
doi:10.1006/nimg.2001.0757. [0069] "Control of a two-dimensional
movement signal by a noninvasive brain--computer interface in
humans" Jonathan R. Wolpaw and Dennis J. McFarland. PNAS Dec. 21,
2004 vol. 101 no. 51 17849-17854 [0070] "`Thought`--control of
functional electrical stimulation to restore hand grasp in a
patient with tetraplegia" Gert Pfurtschellera, Gernot R. Mu{umlaut
over ( )}ller, Jo{umlaut over ( )}rg Pfurtscheller, Hans Ju{umlaut
over ( )}rgen Gernerd, Ru{umlaut over ( )}diger Ruppd. Neuroscience
Letters 351 (2003) 33-36 [0071] Nelles G, Spiekermann G, Jueptner
M, Leonhardt G, Muller S, Gerhard H, Diener H C. "Evolution of
functional reorganization in hemiplegic stroke: a serial positron
emission tomographic activation study" Ann Neurol 1999; 46:901-909
[0072] "Hand motor cortical area reorganization in stroke: a study
with fMRI, MEG and TCS maps" P. M. Rossini, C. Caltagirone, A.
Castriota-Scanderbeg, P. Cicinelli, C. Del Gratta, M. Demartin, V.
Pizzella, R. Traversal and G. L. Romanil. NeuroReport 9, 2141-2146
(1998) [0073] "Correlation between motor improvements and altered
fMRI activity after rehabilitative therapy" Heidi Johansen-Berg,
Helen Dawes, Claire Guy, Stephen M. Smith, Derick T. Wade and Paul
M. Matthews. Brain (2002), 125, 2731-2742 [0074] "Treatment-Induced
Cortical Reorganization After Stroke in Humans" Joachim Liepert, M
D; Heike Bauder, PhD; Wolfgang H. R. Miltner, PhD; Edward Taub,
PhD; Cornelius Weiller, M D (Stroke. 2000; 31:1210-1216.) [0075]
Birbaumer, N. et al. (1999). "A spelling device for the paralysed."
Nature 398(297-298). [0076] Birbaumer, N., et al. (1988). "Slow
brain potentials, imagery and hemispheric differences."
International Journal of Neuroscience 39: 101-116. [0077]
Rockslroh, B., et al. (1990). "Biofeedback-produced hemispheric
asymmetry of slow cortical potentials and its behavioral effects."
International Journal of Psychophysiology 9(2): 151-165. [0078]
Wolpaw, J. R., Birbaumer, N., McFarland, D. J., Pfurtscheller, G.,
Vaughan, T. M., 2002. Brain/computer interfaces for communication
and control. Clinical Neurophysiology 113, 767-791. [0079] Ward N
S, Brown M M, Thompson A J, Frackowiak R S. Neural correlates of
outcome after stroke: a cross-sectional fMRI study. Brain 2003;
126:1430-1448. [0080] "Repetitive Bilateral Arm Training and Motor
Cortex Activation in Chronic Stroke A Randomized Controlled Trial"
JAMA. 2004; 292:1853-1861 [0081] "Functional Neuroimaging Studies
of Motor Recovery After Stroke in Adults A Review" Cinzia Calautti,
M D; Jean-Claude Baron, M D, FRCP, FMedSci (Stroke. 2003;
34:1553-1566.)
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0082] A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates
to robot-assisted rehabilitation which utilizes EEG or other
assessment of brain activity. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the assessment is used to induce and/or measure brain
plasticity. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, brain and
manipulator function are correlated or interact, for example, using
one to trigger or generate the other.
[0083] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, measurements of
brain activity are used to provide feedback to one or more of
patient, system and/or therapist, for example, during an exercise,
during a session and/or between sessions. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, the cortical effect of a
rehabilitation exercise is thus assessed and/or optionally
correlated with physical effect of the rehabilitation. This may be
used to identify problems in the rehabilitation process and/or
patient limitations. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the feedback is used for more cortically specific rehabilitation,
in which rehabilitation exercises and/or parameters are used to
selectively focus on certain brain areas and/or restructuring
methodologies. Optionally, an exercise is used if it shows a
desired selective, cortical and/or restructuring effect. The
exercise is optionally dropped, reduced in importance and/or its
parameters changed, if a desired effect is not found.
[0084] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
rehabilitation is used to obtain an improvement effect on motion
and/or on a desire to carry out a motion.
[0085] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a goal of
rehabilitation is to improve an innate cortical ability and/or
matching between cortical ability and physical ability. Optionally,
this rehabilitation includes performing a plurality of exercises
(typically over 100, over 1000 or over 10,000, or intermediate
numbers, within a short period of time, such as less than 1 month,
less than one week or intermediate times), optionally with many
exact or approximate repetitions and modifying an exercise
parameter according to improvement in function. Optionally, safety
considerations are applied during rehabilitation. Optionally, the
rehabilitation is under supervision of a physical therapist.
Typically one or more rehabilitation goals are provided, for
example a percent improvement in control of a limb and/or
activity.
[0086] A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates
to assisting cognitive rehabilitation using a robotic manipulation
system.
[0087] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, selective
treatment of brain areas is provided. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, a manipulation and measurement system optionally as
described herein is used to identify the edge of a damaged area in
the brain, so that plasticity and rehabilitation efforts may focus
on that area. Optionally, such an edge area is identified by its
having a ragged activation profile.
[0088] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, local
activation is provided, for example, by one or more of heating,
magnetic brain stimulation, electrical stimulation and/or drug
delivery. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, selective
activation of the relevant brain area is provided by cognitive
feedback training of the patient to activate a brain area and then
provision of a drug or other generalized treatment. Optionally,
such selectively is applied before, during and/or after a physical
rehabilitation exercise which addresses that area. Optionally, the
timing and/or relative triggering are provided by a manipulator
system which measures brain activity and/or physical activity.
[0089] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a manipulation
device is used for providing direct cortical rehabilitation. In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, SCP signals recorded from a
single point of the scalp, (for instance Cz), are used in a
biofeedback fashion to teach the patient to control the negativity
(cortical activation) or positivity (cortical deactivation) of the
signal at that point. Once the patient is able to control the SCP
signal at a single point, one feature of the signal (for instance
its negativity) is optionally used to drive a manipulator in space,
for example, in a mono-directional fashion in one plane. Later,
after further progress of the patient, optionally, the various
features of the signal are translated into a binary code used to
drive the manipulator in space in a mono-directional fashion in one
plane. Later after yet further progress, optionally, by measuring
at various different points over the scalp, the patient is trained
to control the SCP signal at each one of them simultaneously and
that information is translated into binary codes used to teach the
patient to drive the manipulator in space in a multidirectional
fashion; optionally, first in a single plane and later in a three
dimensional mode. The manipulator may be used for one or both of
producing a movement as a response to the particular combination of
cortical signals and/or enhance and amplifying traces of movement
conquered by the patient. Optionally, the patient is selectively
instructed to try and carry out motions and/or image the
motions.
[0090] A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention, relates
to the use of a manipulator to improve measurement capabilities. In
an exemplary embodiment of the invention, repetitive or selectively
different motions by the manipulator are used to better detect
brain activation and/or tease apart different sources of brain
activity.
[0091] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, repetitive
specific motion is used to define a cortical signal, for example,
for comparison or for deciding on treatment. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, the fact that a repetitive manipulator
is used, allows brain signals recorded over multiple trials to be
combined and averaged. Optionally, the manipulator is used to
trigger the movement, so that the signals can be aligned in time.
Optionally, the motion includes motion of a healthy arm and of a
paretic arm. The healthy arm movements are optionally detected by
the manipulator and used as the above trigger.
[0092] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to
using a robotic manipulator to provide incorrect or partial
motions. In one example, the robotic manipulator applies force
which is contrary to a motion planned by a patient. This may be
used, for example, for assessment, by measuring the patient
response, or as training to overcome physical obstacles or train
certain brain areas. In another example, a robotic manipulator
starts a motion and then becomes passive, or less active, to see if
the patient can compensate or complete a motion on its own. In
another example, the manipulator can be used to allow a patient (or
therapist) to plan motion and/or make changes in planned motions,
so that the patient can experience motions and cognitive activates
not otherwise possible. Optionally, after such planning, the motion
is executed or the patient is assisted with the motion. Optionally,
a graphical interface is used for such planning or changing.
Alternatively or additionally, a physical interface of the
manipulator making a motion or a patient moving the manipulator, is
used as an input device by the patient. Optionally, brain activity
during such planning is also measured and optionally shown to the
patient (e.g., directly or in simplified form) as feedback or to
show progress in planning ability.
[0093] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to
daily assessment of mental state as part of rehabilitation. In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, brain image, blood tests
and/or EEG measurements are used to assess an instant mental state
of a patient, for example, depression. Optionally, depending on the
motivational state of the patient additional motivation may be
provided and/or lesser achievements may be expected. It should be
noted that this type of depression relates to a mood, which can
change hourly or daily and not to clinical depression which is a
long term illness.
[0094] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, cognitive
rehabilitation progress is assessed using other means, such as
problem solving or other cognitive tests. Optionally, cognitive
progress is used to calibrate expected physical rehabilitation
progression
[0095] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to
ensuring and/or confirming a correct mental imagery by a patient by
actually carrying out the motion or a similar motion for the
patient. In some cases, damage to the brain may make such imaging
difficult or impossible. In other cases, it is not clear if the
patient correctly understood instructions. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, the presented motion can then be
compared exactly to an actually carried out motion. In this and
other embodiments of the invention, a robotic manipulator may be
replaced by one or more position and/or orientation sensing devices
and having a human move the patient and the motion be tracked by
the position sensing device. However, an advantage of a robotic
manipulator is being able to define ahead of time what the motion
or motion response will be, which is generally not as precise with
a human manipulator.
[0096] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mental
imagery is stimulated using instruction (even with eyes closed)
and/or presenting a movie or actual motion. Optionally, the movie
is of the patient himself moving. Optionally, what is shown is a
process image, for example, a mirror image of a motion carried out
using a healthy arm, for a paretic arm.
[0097] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the provided
motion is a partial motion or only includes hints, for example,
stopping points along the motion rather than a complete motion.
Optionally, a motion that is intentionally different to what is to
be done, is used, for example, to force the patient to carry out
mental manipulation (e.g., translation and/or rotation) of a motion
in his head.
[0098] Optionally, the motion used for the guided mental imagery is
changed, for example, to prevent habilitation of the patient
thereto.
[0099] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to
using a dosage scheme for rehabilitation. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, the dosage scheme relates to one or
both of the effect on a patient and/or the activity of the patient,
rather than merely time spent. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, dosage control is applied in which a minimum exertion
(mental and/or physical) and/or attention level are required.
Alternatively or additionally, a desired level and/or a maximum
level are proscribed. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
a rehabilitation system monitors the actual applied dosage for one
or both of calculating billing and ensuring dosage compliance.
[0100] There is thus provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a rehabilitation device,
comprising:
[0101] a movement element capable of controlling at least one
motion parameter of a portion of a patient;
[0102] a brain monitor which generates a signal indicative of brain
activity; and
[0103] circuitry including a memory having stored therein
rehabilitation information and which inter-relates said signal and
movement of said movement element as part of a rehabilitation
process which utilizes said rehabilitation information.
[0104] Optionally, said portion is a limb.
[0105] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
controls said movement element.
[0106] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
controls at least one of the direction and location of a movement
or a reach point.
[0107] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
controls at least one of resistance to movement, speed and movement
mode.
[0108] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
measures at least one parameter of motion of said movement element.
Optionally, said circuitry measures at least one of force, movement
vector and speed of said movement.
[0109] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said
rehabilitation information comprises a rehabilitation plan.
[0110] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said
rehabilitation information comprises a rehabilitation
diagnosis.
[0111] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said
rehabilitation information comprises at least one template of
expected brain-motion relationship.
[0112] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
is adapted to generate an expected motion based on said
measurement.
[0113] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
is adapted to generate an expected brain activity based on movement
of said movement element.
[0114] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
is adapted to compare said measurement to said rehabilitation
information.
[0115] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
is adapted to compare rehabilitation improvements of said patient
to trends in said rehabilitation information.
[0116] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
is adapted to change at least one motion parameter responsive to
said measurement. Optionally, said change is within a time frame of
said movement.
[0117] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
is adapted to detect an intent to move of said patient and provide
control of said movement element in response thereto.
[0118] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
is adapted to detect a readiness to move and provide control of
said movement element in response thereto.
[0119] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
is adapted to change a signal processing of said measurement
responsive to a detection of movement or lack thereof.
[0120] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said brain
monitor comprises an EEG monitor.
[0121] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said brain
monitor comprises a blood flow measuring device.
[0122] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said brain
monitor comprises an fMRI system.
[0123] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said movement
element comprises a robotic manipulator.
[0124] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said movement
element comprises a resistive movement element which resists motion
in a controllable manner.
[0125] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said movement
element is adapted to be capable of substantially unrestricted
movement in 3D space over a volume of at least 30 cm in minimum
dimension.
[0126] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said movement
element is adapted to be selectively coupled and decoupled to at
least one type of body portion.
[0127] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
is adapted to provide cognitive rehabilitation to said patient.
[0128] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said circuitry
comprises a memory which stores a rehabilitation progress of said
patient.
[0129] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device
comprises at least two movement elements which said circuitry is
configured to identify as being associated with opposite limbs.
[0130] There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a method of rehabilitation,
comprising:
[0131] controlling the motion of at least part of a patient as part
of a rehabilitation process; and
[0132] measuring brain activity of said patient, in association
with said controlling.
[0133] Optionally, the method comprises:
[0134] (a) deciding on a desired brain rehabilitation; and
[0135] (b) controlling said motion to effect said
rehabilitation.
[0136] Optionally, said desired rehabilitation comprises cortical
reorganization.
[0137] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises diagnosing the patient based on said measuring.
Optionally, diagnosing comprises controlling said motion to achieve
a plurality of desired motions for said diagnosis. Alternatively or
additionally, diagnosing comprises generating at least an
indication of brain plasticity for said patient.
[0138] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises controlling said motion in response to said
measuring.
[0139] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises controlling said measuring in response to said
motion.
[0140] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises measuring during said motion.
[0141] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises repeating said controlling and said measuring for a same
motion at least 10 times.
[0142] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises repeating said controlling and said measuring for at
least 20 different motions in a same day of rehabilitation.
[0143] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises comparing measurements for a healthy side and a paretic
side.
[0144] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises comparing movements for a healthy side and a paretic
side.
[0145] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises measuring said motion.
[0146] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises measuring a quality of said motion.
[0147] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises tracking a progress of said rehabilitation process of
said patient based on said measurements.
[0148] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises training a patient to control cortical activity using
said controlling of motion as feedback.
[0149] There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a method of treatment targeting,
comprising:
[0150] a patient locally activating a brain region; and
[0151] applying treatment to said brain region in synchrony to said
activation.
[0152] Optionally, applying treatment comprises physical
rehabilitation which uses said brain region.
[0153] Optionally, applying treatment comprises delivering a
drug.
[0154] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, stimulating
said brain region using external means that directly stimulate
brain tissue.
[0155] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said locally
activating comprises forcing a patient to locally activate a region
using a physical exercise.
[0156] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said locally
activating comprises detecting local activation of said region.
[0157] There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a method of brain monitoring,
comprising:
[0158] generating brain activity by at least guiding a patient to
at least intend to carry out a known physical activity;
[0159] first monitoring brain activity using a first brain
monitor;
[0160] second monitoring said activity using a second brain monitor
of a different type;
[0161] determining a correspondence between results of said first
and said second monitoring;
[0162] performing rehabilitation on said patient using said second
monitor; and
[0163] assessing a brain activity of said patient during said
performing utilizing a correspondence between said first monitoring
and said second monitoring.
[0164] Optionally, said assessing comprises assuming a fixed
relationship between said results.
[0165] Optionally, said generating comprises generating under
computer control.
[0166] Optionally, said generating comprises repeating a same at
least intent at least 10 times.
[0167] Optionally, said second monitoring comprises electrical
monitoring.
[0168] Optionally, said second monitoring is significantly lower
cost than said first monitoring.
[0169] Optionally, said first monitoring comprises fMRI.
[0170] There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a method of rehabilitation
comprising:
[0171] (a) reorganizing brain functions; and
[0172] (b) after said reorganizing rehabilitating motor control
utilizing said reorganizing.
[0173] Optionally, said reorganization comprises reorganizing using
a physical manipulation system to provide feedback to a
patient.
[0174] There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling
rehabilitation, comprising:
[0175] defining a desired dosage of a rehabilitation for a patient,
wherein said dosage is defined as a function of patient
activity;
[0176] monitoring the application of said dosage to the patient
using a computerized rehabilitation system.
[0177] Optionally, said dosage comprises a dosage of physical
exertion.
[0178] Optionally, said dosage comprises a dosage of mental
exertion.
[0179] Optionally, said dosage comprises a dosage of attention.
[0180] Optionally, said dosage is defined per a brain region.
[0181] There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a method of measuring brain patterns,
comprising:
[0182] providing repeated movement exercises of a patient, under
computer control; and
[0183] collecting measurements of brain activity from said repeated
movements; and
[0184] analyzing said measurements to yield a more precise
measurement of brain activity in response to the movement.
[0185] Optionally, the method comprises filtering out bad
measurements.
[0186] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises programming a BCI using said more precise
measurement.
[0187] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises analyzing said more precise measurement to diagnose said
patient.
[0188] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said diagnosis
comprises a quality of brain activity.
[0189] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said diagnosis
comprises brain plasticity.
[0190] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises analyzing said more precise measurement to close a loop
in a rehabilitation process.
[0191] There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a method of rehabilitation,
comprising:
[0192] instructing a person to carry out certain movements while
being coupled to a spatial manipulator; and
[0193] instructing said spatial manipulator to guide said person to
perform an incorrect motion.
[0194] Optionally, the method comprises defining a rotational or
translational mapping between said movements and said incorrect
movements.
[0195] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises measuring a cortical response to said person detecting
said incorrect motion.
[0196] There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a method of ensuring mental imagery,
comprising:
[0197] providing instructions to a patient to guide a mental
imagery thereof;
[0198] measuring movement of a patient in response to said
imagery;
[0199] comparing said instruction to said motion; and
[0200] providing feedback to said patient regarding said
imagery.
[0201] Optionally, the method comprises measuring brain activity
corresponding to said imagery.
[0202] Optionally, the method comprises comparing said brain
activity to brain activity collected during said motion.
[0203] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method
comprises changing said instruction to prevent habitation of said
patient.
[0204] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said
instructions comprises instructions while said patient has closed
eyes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0205] Particular embodiments of the invention will be described
with reference to the following description of exemplary
embodiments in conjunction with the figures, wherein identical
structures, elements or parts which appear in more than one figure
are optionally labeled with a same or similar number in all the
figures in which they appear, in which:
[0206] FIG. 1 presents an averaged Motor Related Potential template
that illustrates BP periods;
[0207] FIG. 2 shows a typical event-related potential in an S1-S2
paradigm, measured from central derivations;
[0208] FIGS. 3-5 show temporal and topographic distributions of BP
amplitudes over the entire scalp surface, for different types of
motion;
[0209] FIG. 6A shows an exemplary rehabilitation system in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0210] FIG. 6B shows a proposed recording arrangement to monitor
MAC and the expected signals, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0211] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of recording bilateral
cortical activation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0212] FIG. 8 shows SCP signals measured from a patient;
[0213] FIG. 9 shows mu rhythm sensing used to control a target;
[0214] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a process of agonist/antagonist
rehabilitation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention; and
[0215] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of initiating motion, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Overview
[0216] Many embodiments of the present invention focus on methods
of rehabilitation. First, an exemplary system which may be useful
for the methods is described and then various methods and
methodologies are described. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the methods and/or methodologies are implemented as
software on a rehabilitation system. In some embodiments however,
the methods may be partly manual and/or implemented in a
distributed manner.
Exemplary System
[0217] FIG. 6A shows an exemplary rehabilitation system/device 600
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. System
600 includes a robotic actuator or other actuator device 602 which
includes a limb manipulator 604, for example, for moving an upper
limb 606. Manipulator 604 optionally manipulates only a single
point on a limb. In other embodiments, multiple limbs (or other
body parts) and/or multiple points on a limb (e.g., joints) are
manipulated. Alternatively or additionally to manipulation,
manipulator 604 is used to measure movement of a limb and/or
provide kinesthetic feedback to a user. Patent applications which
describe exemplary such manipulators are provided below.
Optionally, the manipulator comprises an articulated arm or other
robotic affector.
[0218] In some methodologies in accordance with exemplary
embodiments of the invention, work is performed (e.g., by
attachment to system 600) on a single arm at a time; sometimes both
arms are exercised together in a mirror-like fashion and sometimes
the arms are exercised alternatively one after the other.
[0219] A particular intention of some embodiments of the invention
is to interact with the cerebral aspects of rehabilitation, as they
relate, for example, to the plasticity and/or training of a brain
608. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, brain 608 is
damaged due to traumatic brain injury or a stroke. There may also
be physical disabilities, for example arthritis (or damage
otherwise unrelated to injury) or orthopedic damage (e.g., related
to injury). In some cases, rehabilitation is limited by physical
disability and/or is modified so that the patient learns motion
control that is appropriate for his physical limitations (e.g.,
using a cane or walker may suggest different cognitive goals than
regular walking, for example, with regard to response time).
[0220] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, various
measurements 613 of brain function, for example, SCP 610, MAC 612
and/or Mu rhythm 614 are collected. Other measurements, for
example, physiological measurements 611 may be collected as well. A
controller and/or software module 616 is used to process and/or
monitor central (brain) activity. In various configurations this
and/or other modules may be separate, local, remote and/or
implemented in various manners, such as hardware and/or software,
centralized and/or distributed. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the controller includes a memory with rehabilitation
information and/or programming thereon. Optionally, the
rehabilitation information includes one or more of: a diagnosis, a
rehabilitation plan, progress reports, rehabilitation mile stones,
templates of expected progress, diagnosis templates, exercise plans
(e.g., motion parameters) and/or recordings of sessions.
[0221] Alternatively or additionally to surface EEG measurements,
other measurement means may be used, for example, fMRI, high
resolution EEG, Hemato Encephalography (HEG), evoked potentials,
implanted electrodes (wired or wireless), PET scanning, NM imaging
and/or other brain and/or functional imaging and/or measurement
methods known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, multiple brain measurement methods are used, for
example, EEG for during exercises and fMRI periodically, for
example to assess improvement and/or to correlate with the EEG. In
some cases, even expensive imaging methods, like fMRI may be used
during a rehabilitation session, for example, to assess plasticity.
In addition it should be noted that brain measurement serves
different purposes in different embodiments, for example, in some
embodiments, brain measurement is used to determine when an
intention to act exists (which may require a high temporal
resolution), in some whether changes in general activation levels
are found (which may benefit from higher spatial resolution) and/or
in others, for assessing an on-going change in ability.
[0222] Optionally, measurement of EMG is performed, for example
using a multi-channel sEMG recording device 618, on a healthy
and/or paretic limb. A monitor/module 620 is optionally provided
for monitoring the recordings. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, sEMG recordings are correlated with brain measurement
signals and/or mechanical output of the patient.
[0223] Optionally, a functional stimulator 622 is provided, to
provide sub-threshold and/or above threshold stimulation of muscles
and/or nerves, in association with sEMG measurement and/or other
rehabilitation procedures. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the stimulation is provided as a sequence of
stimulations of one or more muscle groups, for example in
synchronization to a time clock or in response (e.g., and/or delay)
to a trigger. Optionally, the stimulation is electrical or magnetic
stimulation.
[0224] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more
implanted stimulators (wired or wireless) is used. Optionally, such
stimulators are used for measuring EMG in addition or instead of
being used for stimulation.
[0225] Wireless implantable electronic stimulators have been
described, for example in: U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,539, U.S. Pat. No.
5,193,540, U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,439, U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,316, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,405,367, PCT Publication WO 98/37926, PCT WO 98/43700,
PCT Publication, WO 98/43701 Oct. 8, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,017,
U.S. application Ser. No. 09/077,662 and in an article
"Micromodular Implants to Provide Electrical Stimulation of
Paralyzed Muscles and Limbs", by Cameron, et al., published in IEEE
Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 44, No. 9, pages
781-790. The disclosures of all of these references are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0226] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a mechanical
performance monitor module/software 624 is provided, for example,
for assessing quality of motion and/or other motion parameters.
Optionally, the actual motion is compared to planned motion.
[0227] Optionally, a camera 615 is provided. A camera may be used,
for example, to provide feedback to a patient, to acquire and
capture images which can be analyzed to determine quality of
motion, for assisting interaction with a remote or a local
therapist (who has only one pair of eyes) and/or to generate cuing
movies for indicating motions to a patient. In some embodiments of
the invention a camera and/or a position sensor are used to detect
patient motion instead of using a manipulator.
[0228] A central controller (not specifically shown outside of
device 602) is optionally used for planning, monitoring and/or
providing some or all of the functions described above. Feedback to
a user is optionally provided, for example as a visual display
(628) or as audio and/or tactile feedback. Optionally, music (e.g.,
rhythmic sounds) is used for feedback and/or guiding the patient
and/or therapist. A mechanical processing and storage module 626 is
optionally provided as a separate module or as a portion of the
central controller.
[0229] Optionally, a triggering facility is provided, for example
being used for summation and/or averaging of signals. This is
optionally used to filter noise and increase signal/noise ratio
(for example to provide synchronized evoked potentials or to
measure complex signal in response to a structured behavioral
algorithm as in Contingent Negative Variation (CNV)). Optionally,
the mechanical ability of actuator 602 is used to ensure
repeatability between measurements.
[0230] Optionally, a brain stimulation tool (STM) 630 is provided,
for example, utilizing one or more of implanted electrodes,
external electrodes, drugs, targeted drug delivery and/or magnetic
or heat stimulation. Optionally, selective activation of brain
areas in conjunction with timed (optionally automatic and/or
triggered) delivery of drugs is used to enhance delivery of drugs
to active areas. Optionally, a persons' ability to control SCP
(described below) is made use of for various applications, for
example, activating (or deactivating) areas of interest in the
cortex. Optionally, STM 630 is used in conjunction with activation
caused by rehabilitation activities and/or patient control.
Optionally, such conjunction is used for timing and/or parameter
control of one or more of stimulation, drug provision and
rehabilitation exercises.
[0231] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, targeted
activation (e.g., using stimulators, rehabilitation and/or patient
control) of brain areas is used for other types of therapy, such as
enhancing effect of drugs in the active area (by virtue of its
being active or by virtue of increased blood flow) and guiding the
integration of implanted tissue, for example, implanted stem cells
or allograft tissue. Optionally, guiding of growth of existing
nerve cells is targeted using methods described herein.
[0232] Optionally, device 600 includes a means, such as circuitry
for timing a provision of the drugs to the activation.
[0233] Optionally, a therapist display 617 is provided, for example
for showing instruction and/or feedback to a therapist. This
display may be remote, for example.
[0234] Optionally, a virtual reality (VR) system 619 is provided,
for example including one or more of visual goggles, a panoramic
display, 3D sound, tactile sensors and/or tactile feedback.
[0235] Optionally, the VR system is used to better emulate
real-world situations a patient is to be rehabilitated for.
Optionally, the VR system is used to enhance reality, for example
by showing a desired motion overlaid on a view of the patient
showing his limbs actually moving. Optionally, a standard display
is used, in which a captured video stream is enhanced.
[0236] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the therapy is
provided to a patient using virtual reality as a tool for
interacting with the patient. Optionally, a test is made to
determine which virtual reality setting has a most calming effect
on a patient or otherwise interacts favorably with the
rehabilitation process. Optionally, EEG or other brain measurements
are used to determine the effect on the patient.
[0237] A device utilizing robot manipulation with MAC and
methodology is optionally applied in various different ways
depending on the degree of paresis and the purpose of the
exercise.
[0238] The complexity of motion may vary. For example, sometimes a
single movement is repeated again and again and in others, two or
more movements (or a more complex schedule) is repeated. In some
cases a schedule is established, for example, an "easy" movement is
followed by a "difficult" one to encourage further plasticity after
some rehabilitation gain has been established.
[0239] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, system 600 is
used as a specific motion inducement trainer. Instead of
conventional "Constrained Induced Therapy" for hemi paresis, system
600 can be used as a dynamic alternative by facilitating schedules
programmed by the professional therapist with a deep knowledge of
the particular neurological limitations of the patient. Relevant
trajectories with a particular level of resistance are optionally
encouraged or allowed.
[0240] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, system 600 is
used to provide a personalized level of training Optionally, a
positive feedback loop is established between the mechanical and
neurological modules of system 600 so that the degree of complexity
of the movements exercised by the former matches the performance
recorded by the later. For example, the higher the recorded central
activation the bigger the force needed to move manipulator 604 over
a very well known movement loop. This type of feature can provide
improvements during the later stages of the rehabilitation process,
when progress can be most difficult. This type of interaction may
allow the patient to "specialize" in certain parts of the movement
while being less challenged during parts over which the patient
does not have enough control. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, this type of feedback allows a patient to be treated
according to his therapeutic level. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, the system assists a user in initiating a motion
(e.g., by continuing it once started) or in completing a motion
(e.g., by stopping at the end, optionally with a gradual
slow-down). Optionally, measurement of the ability of the patient
to initiate, carry-through and/or stop a motion are used as
indicators of rehabilitation progression.
[0241] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, movement
comprises one or more of passive active and intermediate and other
movement types. A list of particular exemplary motions is described
further below. It is noted that in some cases, certain movements
may not be appropriate, for example a paretic patient who is
totally immobile cannot be expected to move against resistance.
[0242] Optionally, music and/or rhythmic sounds are used as part of
the rehabilitation process. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, integrated uses of music rhythm and lighting are used to
enhance feedback linkage and/or to add an entertainment dimension
to the rehabilitation process. For example, bongo tapping is a
generally uplifting activity. It is possible that this may be due
to the rhythmic hypnotic reward provided by the sound linked to the
repetitive coordinated movement. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, it is considered that multi-sensorial linked performance
tends to promote physiological and cortical coherence and system
600 is used to promote such coherence by providing multiple
feedback modes and/or activation in a rhythmic manner which may
assist in rehabilitation.
Previous Patent Applications
[0243] The following is a table of patent applications sharing
applicants and/or inventors with the present application and which
provide various apparatus and methods possibly helpful for carrying
out embodiments of the present invention.
TABLE-US-00001 Title Serial_# Filing Date Exemplary contents
Methods and PCT/IL2005/000142 Feb. 4, 2005 Describes various
methods and Apparatus for apparatus for rehabilitation, including
Rehabilitation manipulators and methods of taking and Training
motivation into account. Methods and PCT/IL2005/000136 Feb. 4, 2005
Describes method and apparatus for Apparatuses rehabilitating while
sitting and/or for rehabilitating balance and coordinated
Rehabilitation movements. Exercise and Training Gait
PCT/IL2005/000138 Feb. 4, 2005 Describes method and apparatus for
Rehabilitation rehabilitating gait and other multi-joint Methods
and and/or coordinated movements. Apparatuses Rehabilitation
PCT/IL2005/000137 Feb. 4, 2005 Describes using music as feedback
and with Music for guiding rehabilitation. Neuromuscular
PCT/IL2005/000135 Feb. 4, 2005 Describes using sEMG and FES as part
Stimulation of a rehabilitation process. Fine Motor
PCT/IL2005/000139 Feb. 4, 2005 Describes devices and methods for
Control rehabilitating fine motor control, such Rehabilitation as
writing. Neuromuscular PCT/IL2005/000442 Apr. 28, 2005 Describes
methods and apparatus for Stimulation rehabilitating using
implanted wireless electrodes. Motor 60/686,991 Jun. 2, 2005
Describes methods and apparatus that Training with relate to
rehabilitation while monitoring Brain Plasticity a brain Device and
60/665,886 Mar. 28, 2005 Describes rehabilitation and/or support
Method for devices suitable for persons of limited Training,
mobility Rehabilitation and/or Support Apparatuses 60/666,136 Mar.
29, 2005 Describes retrofitting exercise device for Retrofitting
for use in rehabilitation Exercise Equipment and Methods for Using
Same Methods and US filing. Attorney Aug. 18, 2005 Describes
methods and apparatus for Apparatuses docket 414/04572
rehabilitation for Rehabilitation and Training
[0244] The disclosure of all of these applications are incorporated
herein by reference. In general, the techniques and apparatus in
these patent applications can be used for providing rehabilitation
of various body parts and/or feedback and/or be used in conjunction
with cerebral monitoring as described herein.
Overview and Exemplary Uses of System 600
[0245] There are many ways in which a system such as system 600 can
be used for rehabilitation in conjunction with cognitive
rehabilitation and/or cognitive assessment. The following provides
a sampling of such uses, with some particular exemplary uses being
described after with exemplary protocols of application.
[0246] A first group of uses relates to robot-assisted
rehabilitation which utilizes EEG or other assessment of brain
activity. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
assessment is used to induce and/or measure brain plasticity. In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, brain and manipulator
function are correlated or interact, for example, using one to
trigger or generate the other.
[0247] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, measurements of
brain activity are used to provide feedback to one or more of
patient, system and/or therapist, for example, during an exercise,
during a session and/or between sessions. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, the cortical effect of a
rehabilitation exercise is thus assessed and/or optionally
correlated with physical effect of the rehabilitation. This may be
used to identify problems in the rehabilitation process and/or
patient limitations. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
the feedback is used for more cortically specific rehabilitation,
in which rehabilitation exercises and/or parameters are used to
selectively focus on certain brain areas and/or restructuring
methodologies. Optionally, an exercise is used if it shows a
desired selective, cortical and/or restructuring effect. The
exercise is optionally dropped, reduced in importance or its
parameters changed, if a desired effect is not found. It is noted
that a particular benefit of intra-session analysis is a fast
response to patient needs. Optionally, feedback that changes an
exercise is provided in less than 30 minutes, less than 10 minutes,
less than 5 minutes, less than one minute, less than 30 seconds or
smaller or intermediate times.
[0248] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
rehabilitation is used to effect an improvement effect on motion
and/or on a desire to carry out a motion.
[0249] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the bilateral
Readiness Potential is monitored, quantified and/or displayed prior
to a precise movement path (e.g., provided by a robot), in order to
induce, monitor, entrain and/or assess plastic changes in the
brain.
[0250] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, rehabilitation
is based on the assumption that when there is a temporal and/or
physiological linkage between the planning of a movement, the
subsequent execution of that movement by a paretic arm, the
kinesthetic perception of such a movement via sensorial fibers that
may be intact, the actual witnessing of the movement taking place
at a physiologically expected time after the resolution to start
it, and/or the possibility to accurately return to all the above
steps repeatedly with the help of a specialized physiologically
based rehabilitation manipulator on the one hand and/or the
possibility of enhanced and facilitated positive plastic change on
the other hand. Not all these items need be correlated in order to
have a beneficial effect. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, an accuracy required of the patient during a
rehabilitation session (e.g., to define matching) is selected to be
suitable for the task. For example, an accuracy and/or
repeatability of better than 5 cm, 3 cm, 1 cm, 0.5 cm or better may
be required for different tasks.
[0251] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a robotic
manipulator, for example an apparatus as described in U.S.
provisional application 60/542,022, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference, is used. This apparatus can
include an optional display, an optional processor, an optional
user input and a robotic manipulation portion or a resistive
portion. In some embodiments described therein, the device can be
configured for one or more of causing a set motion, resisting
motion, copying motion between limbs (e.g., hands, arms, feet or
legs), assisting motion of a limb and performing motion of multiple
joints. In addition, such a manipulator can also measure limb
positions and forces or these can be measured in other ways. The
use of a processor and an input can allow more detailed
programming. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
programming includes exact repetition and processing of
physiological signals in a manner that matches the repetition.
[0252] While a robotic manipulator is not strictly required, a
potential advantage of some such manipulators is the ability of the
manipulator to measure, repeat and modify in a very controlled way
a wide range of movements. Controlled features of the robot
optionally include one or more of kinetic, positional and temporal
variables such as path, velocity strength acceleration, repetition
rate and/or synchronization to brain rhythms.
[0253] Various methods are optionally used to assess brain
function, for example, one or more of fMRI, EEG, HEG, implanted
electrodes and other methods known in the art. Optionally, a lower
cost method such as EEG is used during rehabilitation, even though
its resolution may be lower. Optionally, calibration is carried
out, for example at a start of rehabilitation and/or periodically,
to generate a correspondence between a high resolution method and a
low resolution method. In one example, an fMRI is calibrated to
EEG, by the patient being instructed (e.g., by a therapist and/or
an apparatus) until a desired motion or cognitive effect is
achieved. That a correct or known effect is achieved may be
determined by the fMRI system. During rehabilitation it may be
assumed that if a corresponding EEG signal is achieved, this means
that the underlying cognitive effect as viewed on the fMRI signal
is also being achieved, at least in approximation. Optionally,
calibration is repeated when a new effect is being trained or if it
is felt that the EEG (or other lower quality signal) is not
generating a correct indication.
[0254] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method used
for measuring brain activity is a nIR Mass Spectrometry or
Spectrophotometry, a non invasive non-contact method of monitoring
Oxygen levels (e.g., Oxy-Deoxy Hemoglobin) or other metabolic
and/or functional markers at brain cortex via optical means. In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, nIR Mass Spectrometry
sensors (optionally based in "optodes") are positioned over the
motor cortex (or other parts of the scalp or inside the skull) and
compare normal with paretic side signals while the patient performs
exercises. An article describing such a system is "On-line optical
imaging of the human brain with 160-ms temporal resolution" by
Maria Angela Franceschini et al. 31 Jan. 2000/Vol. 6, No. 3/OPTICS
EXPRESS 49, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0255] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, use is made of
a correlation between periodicy in brain function and periodicy in
motor control. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a task
is provided which has an intrinsic frequency. This frequency is
used as a filter for filtering EEG signals for better detecting
signal sources and/or characteristics. Alternatively or
additionally, the rhythm in the brain is detected and a motor
activity is modified to match that rhythm. Optionally, a test is
made to determine, for that particular patient, which brain rhythms
are easier to maintain. Optionally, a plasticity measure of brain
function is derived from the ease in which a brain rhythm is
changed by changing an underlying task. It is expected that a less
plastic brain will be able to follow such changes more slowly
and/or fail in an exercise faster than a more plastic brain.
[0256] Additional apparatus useful in the practice of the invention
is described in U.S. provisional application 60/566,078, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, in which
EMG measurement in a healthy limb is used for controlling the
rehabilitation and/or stimulation of an unhealthy limb. There are
optionally four EMG channels, one channel measuring EMG signals
from each of four muscles: the biceps, the triceps, the flexors,
and the extensors. Each channel uses three electrodes, two
recording signals from near each end of the muscle, and one
reference electrode in the middle. In that application, a low level
signal based on the measured EMG in the healthy limb was applied to
the paretic limb, to assist in motion, to provide feedback to the
patient and/or to provide encouragement.
[0257] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
capabilities of a robot manipulator for movement planning,
programming, precise repetition, and/or an optional high degree of
synchronization with the MAC monitoring, allow for complete or more
complete control over one or more important factors relating with
rehabilitation.
[0258] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, rehabilitation
is based on the assumption that a common characteristic of
endogenous components (based on an internal assessment process) is
the dependence on attention. Whereas exogenous components tend to
persist under varying degrees of attentiveness towards the event,
an endogenous event is often augmented under increased attention or
extinguished in the presence of distracting stimuli. Optionally, a
measurement of the depth of CNV or BP can reflect the attentive
strength during rehabilitation.
[0259] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
provides various repetitive synchronized schedules of motion, which
are used to monitor and/or improve cortical activation associated
with the motion.
[0260] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
is used to quantify and/or assess progress of cortical activation
skill for example as associated with a repeatable movement
schedule.
[0261] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
is used to generally activate cortical networks previously
dormant.
[0262] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
is used to promote synchronization between cortical activation and
its associated peripheral result, possibly reconciling motor output
with sensory feedback.
[0263] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
is used to assess rehabilitation progress as practically related to
improvement in cortical activation and, (possibly indirectly),
plastic redistribution and progress.
[0264] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more
different types of motion (e.g., Free, Synchronized, Syncopated)
are tried with a patient and their relative effectiveness for
rehabilitation (e.g., on the basis of the degree of cortical
activation related with each one of them), are estimated.
Optionally, the rate of progression in synchronization of
activation and/or in other parameters of cortical activities (e.g.,
as compared to healthy subjects or motion of healthy limbs), is
used to estimate rehabilitation time and/or expected
milestones.
[0265] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more
templates of progression of cortical activity and/or their
association with physical rehabilitation are stored and compared to
actual progress of a patient. Optionally, a classification of the
rehabilitation type is provided based on the type of progress
and/or interaction between robot manipulation and cortical
activity. Such classification can be a sub-classification of a
basic classification based on brain damage. Optionally, the
templates are generated as plans for a patient.
[0266] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the detection
of repeated signals is used to indicate that a correct brain
activity is taking place.
[0267] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is
used for providing multiple ways of activating a motor pathway,
including one or more of: from higher brain centers (planning),
from lower brain centers (feedback of forced motion) and/or from
lateral brain center (copying of motion of laterally opposite
limb). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, such multiple
ways of activating may serve to assist a patient in overcoming a
disability and/or discovering alternative pathways.
[0268] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, rehabilitation
is carried out based on the assumption that when there is a
temporal and physiological linkage between the planning of a
movement (BP), the subsequent execution of that movement by a
paretic arm (even when such a movement is largely or completely
generated artificially, e.g. using a robot or by the sEMGs of
muscles of the contra-lateral arm), the kinesthetic perception of
such a movement via sensorial fibers that may be intact, the actual
witnessing of the movement taking place at the physiologically
expected time after the resolution to start it, and/or the
possibility to accurately return to all the above steps repeatedly
(e.g., with a robotic manipulator); the possibility of positive
plastic change to recover mobility is facilitated and/or enhanced.
Alternatively or additionally, the above is used for testing and/or
assessment.
[0269] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, rehabilitation
is carried out based on the assumption that that combined
peripheral nerve and brain stimulation ("dual stimulation") induces
changes, for example of excitability of normal motor cortex.
Alternatively or additionally, rehabilitation is carried out based
on the assumption that "dual stimulation" induces motor cortex
plasticity and associated functional improvements. Some basis for
this may be found in (Uy J, Ridding M C, Hillier S, Thompson P D,
Miles T S.: "Does induction of plastic change in motor cortex
improve leg function after stroke?" Neurology. 2003 Oct. 14;
61(7):982-4.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0270] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a robot
manipulator provides a cuing structure (e.g., controlled vibrator)
to mimic the syncopate condition described above.
[0271] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, readiness is
assessed. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a patient
uses a manual input to indicate readiness for an exercise (e.g.,
that planning is completed). In an alternative embodiment, brain
activity analysis is used for such assessment. In one example,
imposed motion is applied at a time when the patient is ready for
it. In one example, brain signal processing indicates such
readiness, as described in the background. In another example,
various delays relative to such calculated readiness are tried out
for a patient and/or for various types of motion. In another
example, brain signal analysis is used to assess when the patient's
attention is properly focused. Optionally, such analysis is used as
feedback for training the patient in improving his attention and/or
to assist a patient in detecting when such attention is lacking
[0272] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in addition to
or instead of contra lateral stimulation of muscles in a paretic
arm, MAC slow waves recorded as a result of well defined movement
procedure (e.g., organized and delivered by a robot manipulator)
are optionally used as markers of attention and optionally as used
to indicate or generated to act as promoters of plasticity and/or
rehabilitation.
[0273] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, intent is
promoted and/or measured. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, recording central activation (e.g., SCP, MAC) in sync
with external movement gives a qualitative and/or quantitative
assessment of degree of "intention" to perform a particular
movement by the patient, which intention measure may be used to
promote plasticity and rehabilitation, for example, by taking the
existence of an intention as a starting point to actually carry out
motion, as described in more detail below. Optionally, the
assessment is carried out even when there is no muscular
contraction externalization. This is optionally accomplished by
measuring (a) residual EMG without contraction; (b) brain
activation over contra-lateral somato-motor cortex; (c) general
cortical activation as measured by central slow cortical potential;
and/or (d) comparing slow cortical bilateral activation of paretic
and normal side.
[0274] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, "intention
related signals" are rewarded (e.g., used for promotion), for
example, by stimulating, as a response, the desired muscle on the
paretic side through FES. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the amplitude of generalized brain activation is used to
promote increasing FES stimulation of the paretic muscle. Possibly,
through repetition of the same stimulation and response the brain
"realizes" the link between a particular type of brain activation
of an area previously lethargic and the precise peripheral motor
activity induced by the system. Returning to the same linkage
repeatedly may result in more plasticity.
[0275] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, encouragement
is provided during rehabilitation, for example, indicating one or
both of correct (or progressive) brain activity and motion.
Optionally, provision of a power boost to an existing weak motion
and/or augmenting positional feedback and/or reducing the
complexity of motion can be used to encourage a patient
additionally or alternatively to them being used to assist in the
cognitive aspects of rehabilitation.
[0276] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, cortical signal
movement signatures are used. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the cortical signals of a population of "movement
professionals" such as dancers or Tai Chi practitioners is
measured, for example using a manipulator in association with
neural electrodes and/or imaging. Optionally, the manipulator is
used to measure force information and/or measure behavior when
encountering resistance and/or spatial asymmetry (e.g., standing
crooked). Optionally, a patient is trained to generate matching
signals (e.g., using methods as described herein) or the signals
are used as triggers for applying FES to the patient. Alternatively
to movement professionals, a signature of the patient himself
(e.g., from before brain damage or from healthy limb) are used.
[0277] A set of uses of some embodiments of the invention relates
to using a robotic manipulation system (e.g., active or passive)
for diagnosis. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
system is used to perform different manipulations and/or complexity
levels in a way which will (should) either cause expected brain
activation patterns or require the use of certain brain areas. For
example, asking a patient to repeat a complex motion exemplified by
the system will activate brain areas differently from asking a
patient to maintain a constant velocity of motion in a circle under
a condition of varying resistance. In another example, more complex
motions may require a greater planning effort.
[0278] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a robotic
system is used in assessment of plasticity and/or progress and/or
efficacy of a rehabilitation treatment. In an exemplary embodiment
of the invention, the system provides a same set of repeated
exercises, for example, repeated during a same session (to assess
intra-session improvement and provide one measure of brain
plasticity, based on improvement in one or more of cortical
activity and/or motor ability) or in different sessions (to assess
progress between sessions).
[0279] It should be noted that a controlled system can optionally
control one or more of: the required motion, measurement of
variations, timing, graduated changes and/or provide variations in
order of exercises. Some of these features may be available using
manual methods. However, it is believed that in many cases there is
too large a variability to allow purely manual application of
testing exercise to be as effective as machine applied and machine
assisted exercises. Optionally, a machine can provide repeatability
to within better than 10%, 5%, 1% or intermediate or better values
for desired timing, position and/or forces, as compared to the
actual carried out action. Optionally, improvement of central
recordings (for example MAC) over a pre-established and repeatable
movement loop are recorded and quantified as an indirect
qualitative assessment of plastic enhancement. In some embodiments
of the invention, rehabilitation is based on the assumption that
repetition of defective movements brings about plastic enhancement,
which is thus practiced, e.g., a patient is asked to repeat the
best motion he is capable of to enhance plasticity instead of
requiring improved quality towards a goal. Optionally, the
plasticity is assessed during such repetition to determine its
effectiveness and/or decide how long to continue. Optionally,
instead of directly measuring plasticity, a negative measurement is
made, in which what is looked for is a lack of plasticity which was
expected. For example, assuming 100 repetitions will induce
plasticity and measuring once a week or less often to see if there
were plasticity changes (e.g., by brain imaging), can be used as a
method to track plasticity.
[0280] Optionally, temporal linkage between cortical activity and
machine generated movement may also enhance plasticity in a
different way (similar but possibly better than using a mirror
image technique). Here the actual movement of the paretic arm when
expected by the brain, (activated by intention and audiovisual
stimuli from the system) may provide an especially significant
synchronized sensorial input that induces and catalyzes regaining
of movement.
[0281] Optionally, by recording physiological signals and assessing
movement improvement of many individuals over long periods of time
the system supports the comparing of intra- and inter-personal
performance by relating the performance of patients and comparing
patient results to a suitably related population of plasticity
"signatures". Optionally, this comparison can be independent of the
patient actual condition, for example, independent of where the
damage is in the brain. Alternatively, when the comparison is
indexed to a damaged area and/or extent in the brain, such a
measure helps show the basic plasticity of the brain and/or
possibly underlying motivational and/or cognitive problems.
[0282] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
effectiveness of rehabilitation is assessed by detecting one or
both of enhanced activity in one hemisphere when motion typically
related to the other hemisphere is carried out, or by increased
activity in a damaged hemisphere.
[0283] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, brain activity
is monitored to determine if a physical rehabilitation activity is
having a desired effect in the brain. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, the brain measurements are used as feedback to a
patient (or a therapist or a controller) to indicate if the patient
is applying a correct concentration or directed effort. Failure by
the patient may suggest the use of other exercises. In one example,
if it is clear that the patient is expending effort on a wrong
activity, a new exercise where the wrong activity is minimized
(e.g., power boosting of motions) may be provided. In another
example, complex exercises may be simplified to the point where a
patient is able to achieve correct (or progressing) brain
activation.
[0284] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, monitoring of
brain activity is used to detect restoration of a correct balancing
of brain activation. In some cases, such balancing is not possible
due to organic damage. However, an expected degree of balancing
(e.g., based on an assessment of damaged tissue) can be aimed for.
In other cases, a similar activation across a range of exercises is
a target.
[0285] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
characteristics of the movement, (for instance free, synchronized
or syncopated) and/or the presence or absence of a pre-warning cue,
(promoting a CNV type of response), may determine the degree of
contra-lateral spread of the MAC signal over the scalp. In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, the characteristic may be
selected intentionally to have a desired effect. Alternatively or
additionally, the brain activity may be measured to determine if a
desired effect was achieved.
[0286] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, desired
rehabilitation time and/or type are assessed. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a baseline is set for one or both of
motion ability and cortical electrical activity. The performance of
a patient is compared to one or both baselines, for example to
determine a rehabilitation stage, rehabilitation block (e.g.,
certain brain area not progressing) and/or a progress rate. In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, the baseline is set by the
same patient for a healthy limb. Alternatively or additionally, the
baseline is set by a healthy person. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, a patient is compared to progress and measurements
of other patients with similar healthy brain scans (e.g., for
unimpaired motion) and/or patients with similar organic damage.
[0287] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, diagnosis is
carried out by having a patient try out a same motion with a
healthy and a paretic arm. As the amplitude of CNV generally
reflects preparation for contra-lateral motor activity, this may
provide a way to assess performance of a damaged side (in case of
hemi-paretic subject). Optionally, such diagnosis is continued
during rehabilitation, for example to establish and/or quantify the
degree of recovery reached.
[0288] A set of uses of some embodiments of the invention relates
to assisting cognitive rehabilitation using a robotic manipulation
system.
[0289] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, selective
treatment of brain areas is provided. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, a manipulation and measurement system optionally as
described herein is used to identify the edge of a damaged area in
the brain, so that plasticity and rehabilitation efforts may focus
on that area. Optionally, such an edge area is identified by its
having a ragged activation profile.
[0290] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, local
activation is provided, for example, by one or more of heating,
magnetic brain stimulation, electrical stimulation and/or drug
delivery. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, selective
activation of the relevant brain area is provided by cognitive
feedback training of the patient to activate a brain area and then
provision of a drug or other generalized treatment. Optionally,
such selectively is applied before, during and/or after a physical
rehabilitation exercise which addresses that area. Optionally, the
timing and/or relative triggering are provided by a manipulator
system which measures brain activity and/or physical activity.
[0291] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a manipulation
device is used for providing direct cortical rehabilitation. In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, SCP signals recorded from a
single point of the scalp, (for instance Cz), are used in a
biofeedback fashion to teach the patient to control the negativity
(cortical activation) or positivity (cortical deactivation) of the
signal at that point. Once the patient is able to control the SCP
signal at a single point, one feature of the signal (for instance
its negativity) is optionally used to drive a manipulator in space,
for example, in a mono-directional fashion in one plane. Later,
after further progress of the patient, optionally, the various
features of the signal are translated into a binary code used to
drive the manipulator in space in a mono-directional fashion in one
plane. Later after yet further progress, optionally, by measuring
at various different points over the scalp, the patient is trained
to control the SCP signal at each one of them simultaneously and
that information is translated into binary codes used to teach the
patient to drive the manipulator in space in a multidirectional
fashion; optionally, first in a single plane and later in a three
dimensional mode. The manipulator may be used for one or both of
producing a movement as a response to the particular combination of
cortical signals and/or enhance and amplifying traces of movement
conquered by the patient. Optionally, the patient is selectively
instructed to try and carry out motions and/or image the
motions.
[0292] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at a later
stage in rehabilitation after the patient learns to move the
manipulator with his/her SCP signals, the next step is to be able
to detect which of the movements is associated with the production
of residual sEMG signals in relevant muscles. Then, by allowing the
manipulator movement only when there is the required mixture of
central (e.g., SCP or MAC) and peripheral (sEMG) measurements, the
system can teach the person to integrate cortical activation and
muscular performance
[0293] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a target of the
rehabilitation process is brain reorganization. Optionally, after a
minimal amount of reorganization is detected, this reorganization
is used to rehabilitate one or more limbs. Optionally, this "brain"
rehabilitation of the limb starts even when there is little or no
residual limb movement in a paretic limb.
[0294] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more
cognitive activities (but optionally a limited number) are
supported by a physical system. Optionally, such support allows a
patient to focus his energies and/or attention on damaged brain
areas, reduce fatigue and/or enable the execution of an otherwise
too-complex exercise. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
cognitive support is provided by one or more of visual feedback or
anticipatory display (e.g., a 3D movie), audio feedback,
kinesthetic feedback from the same or other arm (e.g., by moving
the arm before the exercise or by applying an external force to aid
in recognizing when the arm is off-line), providing a power boost
so patient is not required to concentrate on details of carrying
out and/or correcting the motion, exemplifying complex motions so
less memory is needed to recall and/or understand such motions
and/or assisting in overcoming pain, for example by allowing
patient to feel the pain ahead of time or by reducing muscle
activity of the patient and thus pain.
[0295] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, rehabilitation
is enhanced by replacing one or more brain functions by a physical
manipulation system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
kinesthetic feedback analysis is augmented or replaced by a
manipulation system providing such feedback and/or closing the
correctional loop of the motion. Alternatively or additionally,
other activities, such as planning are provided by the system. In
an exemplary embodiment of the invention, kinesthetic feedback is
provided as audio or visual feedback or using tactile feedback
(e.g., vibration of vibrator patch on a limb). Optionally, such
replacing is reduced as rehabilitation progresses and/or as part of
a rehabilitation plan for kinesthetic sense.
[0296] A set of uses of some embodiments of the invention, relates
to the use of a manipulator to improve measurement capabilities. In
an exemplary embodiment of the invention, repetitive or selectively
different motions by the manipulator are used to better detect
brain activation and/or tease apart different sources of brain
activity.
[0297] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, repetitive
specific motion is used to define a cortical signal, for example,
for comparison or for deciding on treatment. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, the fact that a repetitive manipulator
is used, allows brain signals recorded over multiple trials to be
combined and averaged. Optionally, the manipulator is used to
trigger the movement, so that the signals can be aligned in time.
Optionally, the motion includes motion of a healthy arm and of a
paretic arm. The healthy arm movements are optionally detected by
the manipulator and used as the above trigger.
[0298] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, multiple
motions are carried out to determine a motion which is associated
with maximal central activation (e.g., of areas of the brain
associated with the paretic limb). Such determined motions may be
used as a starting point for rehabilitation, personalized for that
patient. Optionally, a range of different motions are selected,
including motions with minimum activation and motions with
intermediate activations. Optionally, this allows rehabilitation to
selectively attempt easy motions and hard motions, motions where
fast improvement is expected and motions where slow improvement is
expected. Possibly, starting with a maximal signal motion will
provide significant plasticity. Optionally, the lesser signal
strength motions are used to assess general progress of the
patient. Optionally, weak signal motions are used to generate a map
of patient ability and lack thereof.
[0299] Optionally, for a particular motion, electrode placement,
configuration and/or signal processing may be varied to enhance
measurement quality.
[0300] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a BCI interface
is improved using repetitive motion. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, by providing multiple repetitions, a better
optimization of filtration algorithms and/or feature extraction
algorithms can be provided. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, this allows a better interface to be defined for
prosthetic devices. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
using a controlled manipulator allows a test to be made of the
effect of small changes in signal detection on movement and vice
versa. Optionally, by improving filtration and/or implanting
electrodes, detection thresholds can be reduced. Optionally,
coherent and pattern based signal processing techniques as known in
the art of signal processing are used. Optionally, prosthesis
tuning is carried out at a rehabilitation session, for example, to
help train the patient in the use of the device while at the same
time possibly determining more optimal BCI parameters.
[0301] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the number of
repetitions provided for training a motion (e.g., in one or a small
number of session over less than a month and optionally less than a
week or less then a day, or possibly less than an hour) varies
between 10 and 1000 or more, optionally more than 30, optionally
more than 100.
Signals Used
[0302] Various cortical signals may be used. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, event-related potentials are used.
Early waves include: PSW Positive slow wave potential (which
appears to represent the evaluation of the stimulus: ("I hear a
sound; what is it?")) and NSW Negative Slow Wave potential (which
appears to represent the orientation reaction i.e. the process of
deciding what to do next: ("That sound means to move my left
hand"). Optionally, early waves are not used, but rather later
waves are used, for example, CNV (which represents the motor
response preparation that takes place after PSW and NSW) when the
response to be taken after S1 is "clear": ("Let's move my left hand
when S2 appears"). It should be noted that each stage is centered
at a different part of the brain: PSW (Parietal) NSW (Frontal) and
CNV (Central). The recording in FIG. 2 is in C3 and C4 (C3: left
central area of the brain; C4 right central area of the brain);
there CNV is very prominent. However, any part and/or multiple
parts of event related and non-event related signals may be used.
For example, attention related signals may be used, as may alpha
and/or other rhythms.
[0303] In one example, BP is used. BP represents a physiological
response similar in nature to CNV (brain activation as preparation
to execute a motor response). However, in the case of BP, there is
no neural processing/examination related to processing the nature
and meaning of the stimulation. Therefore, BP typically involves
mainly the activation of motor and areas in the cortex while CNV
involves the activation of other sites in the brain as frontal and
central cortex.
[0304] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, CNV is
particularly used when device 600 provides sound stimulation to
indicate to the patient various stages of the movement loop to
alert him/her that another step in a rehabilitation exercise is
about to begin. This may assist in entraining the patient to
perform movement in sync with pre-planned exercise. This is similar
to the S1 S2 type of paradigm involving CNV.
[0305] As described above, the signals are optionally composite
(scalar) signals. However, a grid array or other multi-value
structure, such as a vector, may be used as the signal which is
measured and/or trained. Optionally, exact grid positions and
associated values are aimed for and/or acquired. Alternatively or
additionally, a relative pattern, for example, greater activation
on one motor area, is a target of the rehabilitation. Optionally,
selecting grid area targets may be used to help shift brain
activity. For example, causing a patient to prefer to have
pre-motor activity 1 cm away from its "natural" location, may be
used to shift the pre-motor area and allows for use of the freed
area for another purpose. In another example, control of an
activation area is used to intentionally suppress taking over of
brain areas by functions which it is not desired for them to take
over, for example, a function which the patient is not exercising
and might otherwise regress. Optionally, moving an activation area
is used to intentionally "erase" existing activity, for example,
activity associated with a phantom limb.
[0306] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, desired
activation areas are decided by a treating physical, for example,
based on areas which are known to be damaged or undamaged and/or
based on a plan for reorganization of the patient's brain.
Optionally, the plan is changed as the ability of the patient to
exhibit motion and/or other types of plasticity is assessed.
[0307] Optionally, incorrect and/or undesirable activation is
"rewarded" by a bad-sounding sound and/or by preventing motion.
Optionally, a continuous feedback is provided, in degree of
resistance to motion and/or assistance to motion being dependent on
degree of undesirability or desirability of an activation.
Optionally, different stages in an activation (e.g., BP, PMP) are
entrained separately.
Detailed Examples of Use of System 600
[0308] The following sections describe exemplary uses of system 600
for rehabilitation in association with cognitive measurements, in
accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention. More
detailed and explicit examples are described first. It should be
appreciated that these are only examples and not all the details
described need to be provided in every embodiment of the
invention.
Exemplary Recording Setup
[0309] FIG. 6B shows a proposed recording arrangement to monitor
MAC and the expected signals related to a left arm movement (deeper
BP and higher MP recorded over the right hemisphere). It should be
noted that (unlike previous Figures) negative deflection is
upwards.
Example of Calculation of Bilateral Cortical Activation
[0310] This exemplary exercise features the synchronized bilateral
movement of arms, (paretic and healthy), in a mirror like fashion;
so that the same set of bilateral homologous muscles are activated
in the same progressive fashion along the movement path. In some
cases, these requirements may be relaxed somewhat. Generally,
however, a matching of the muscles which actually do the motion is
desired, for example, so that the motion plans and/or feedback
analysis are easier for the patient to transfer.
[0311] During each cycle (movement loop) and for each one of the
peripheral muscles monitored by the sEMG facility, (e.g., a four
muscle sEMG arrangement) system 600 performs/displays the following
methodological/processing stages (also shown as a flowchart 700 in
FIG. 7), with the caveat that (a) the particular numbers shown are
only intended to be examples and (b) some of the acts described
below may be omitted and/or changed in order and/or replaced by
other acts: [0312] 1. Upon each start of each movement loop,
display a special audio-visual stimulus that acts as t0
synchronization cue of the movement loop. At t0 all data is
refreshed and an internal clock starts to count (702). [0313] 2.
Record continuously a self-refreshing time series of optionally
pre-filtered and/or smoothed (e.g., using a suitable moving average
method) slow cortical data (optionally recorded from electrodes C3
and C4) over X1=500 msec (the X1 variable is optionally changed
according to experimental adjustment). This data has a length that
can cover the late part of BP (BP2) and the beginning of the
muscular activation (MP) (FIG. 1.). The sequence of data in each
MAC signal between BP2 and MP typically shows a sudden shift from
maximal negativity at the end of BP2 to a maximal positive value
after the muscle starts to contract. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, this change is used for detection and quantification
purposes, as it is typically easily discernable in MAC signals.
This may be alternative or additional to a conventional
experimental approach to MAC in which the interest is in the actual
shape of the MAC, particularly with respect to the degree of
negativity of the BP and CNV. In order to improve signal to noise
ratio a summation and averaging process over repeated similar
signals/trials is used so that noise cancels out and a cleaner
averaged signal emerges from the process. In this embodiment
(detecting the transition), reliable data is optionally extracted
form a single (or small number) trial and the BP2-MP transition
shift possibly provides the means to execute
quantification/biofeedback steps for every single muscle
contraction of a single trial (704). [0314] 3. Identify the onset
of the sEMG on the healthy side as trigger (TM) (706). [0315] 4.
Store time of TM (t1) in the internal clock (708). [0316] 5.
Calculate the delay to contraction (D=t1-t0) and compare with an
expected value (optionally provided from previous loops and/or a
"personal signature", described below). Each one of the
agonist/antagonist muscles involved sequentially in a fixed (in
time and space) movement will typically have its own characteristic
time of contraction. The series of Ds over each movement loop
optionally serves as a measure of the synchronization control of
the movement as a whole. (710) [0317] 6. Upon monitoring TM, (for
each muscle), calculate the differential values from the data
present in the self-refreshing time series data array recorded
continuously (see act 2). Store discrete differential values for a
period from 250 msec before TM until 250 msec after TM (DIFF TM).
Here the marked deflection between the largely negative late BP2
stage and the largely positive early MP stage gives a series of
differential values with a positive spike-like peak shape over this
phase of the MAC. (720) [0318] 7. Establish maximum value of DIFF
TM (DIFF TM Max). This event should generally take place
immediately after the start of muscular contraction t1. (716)
[0319] 8. Calculate and store time of DIFF TM Max (t2) (718) [0320]
9. Calculate t2-t1=SYNC. Values of SYNC <0 and >50 msec are
possibly erroneous and may indicate bad synchronization between
cortex activation and motor performance or may be an artifact. SYNC
is optionally used as a self-testing parameter. (712) [0321] 10.
Integrate (mean) values for 400 msec; 200 msec before and 200 msec
after DIFF TM
[0322] Max (Imax) and store this bit of data for each muscle
bilaterally. The window of differential data to be integrated is
optionally "trimmed" from 500 msec in previous stages to 400 msec
in order to avoid the influence of semi-raw data above (before),
the maximal negativity point during BP2 or data below (after), the
maximal positivity point during MP. (714) [0323] 11. Calculate Imax
Paretic/Imax Healthy*100=% HCA (% of Homologous Cortical
Activation) for each part of Homologous muscles in the upper arm. %
HCA optionally provides an immediate value for the degree of
activation opposite to the paretic side in relation to the healthy
control. (722) [0324] 12. % HCA is translated into a suitable 1-100
(an arbitrary scale) variable pitch sound delivered at the end of
each contraction of each muscle as audio feedback to patient. Since
it can be important to provide accurate on-line biofeedback there
is optionally provided a "safety valve" that will prevent the
display of erroneous biofeedback: Audio biofeedback results are
displayed, and % HCA are stored for subsequent post-processing only
if SYNC <0 and >50 and D is as expected from personal
signature. The series of audio displays, (one after each muscle
contraction), described in this section represent a form of
continuous audio biofeedback along the movement loop. This feature
may enable the user to identify particularly difficult stretches
along the path. When a continuous series of high pitch sounds are
heard all through the loop the user can understand that that
particular movement is now learned. Other audio feedback may be
used instead. Optionally, visual or tactile feedback is used, for
example, to complement audio feedback for or patients with hearing
problems. (724) 13. Upon the completion of each device operation
cycle, calculate mean values of % HCA for all muscles during the
loop (CYCLE % HCA). Store CYCLE % HCA for each loop and sound (730)
a rather longer 1-100 variable pitch sound which represent the
sound feedback for the whole cycle. In this way the user can be
provided with online continuous feedback, feedback at the end of
each cycle and/or an assessment feedback value at the end of a
series of cycles at the end of a rehabilitation session. HCA is
optionally used as an assessment measure. (728)
[0325] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, short windows
(e.g., 200 msec) are used so as to better compare pairs of muscles.
As the window is made longer, the difference may become less
distinguishable. The actual delays may change, for example, based
on the patient and/or previous records thereof.
[0326] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, various
thresholds are defined as quality indicators if thresholds are not
met (e.g., for a measurement), then the recording is optionally
dropped as potentially suffering from a quality problem.
Example of Calculation of Mono-Lateral Cortical Activation
[0327] This exemplary exercise involves the work with a single
paretic arm. In this embodiment the methodology/processing is
similar to the one describe previously (for bilateral activation)
but the results are optionally compared with those of a trial
completed previously with the healthy contra lateral arm.
[0328] If the patient is unable to carry out the exercise loop with
the strength of his own muscles, system 600 may become active and
move the arm (totally or just partially, adding its force to the
one generated by the subject). The triggering schedule in this case
is optionally provided by system 600 using pre-programmed time cues
calculated from the patient signature with the healthy arm in
previous trials. For example, the timing of various muscle
movements for a healthy arm may be stored and then used for the
paretic art, optionally slowed down to match a generally slowed
down condition of the arm. The slowing down is optionally
determined by measuring a short sequence of motion of the paretic
arm and comparing this sequence to the stored values for the
healthy arm.
[0329] An example of an exercise follows, again, with the numbers
and/or the acts being exemplary only: [0330] 1. Before the start of
each movement loop, display a special audio-visual stimulus (S1)
that acts as t0 synchronization cue of the movement loop. At t0 all
data is refreshed and a device internal clock starts to count. For
this type of exercise the user is instructed that after t0 s/he
will be asked to contract a muscle and start a movement by
displaying a second time cue t1 (described in act 3.) [0331] 2.
Record continuously a self-refreshing time series of optionally
pre-filtered and/or smoothed (e.g., using a suitable moving
average) slow cortical data (recorded from electrode over the
contra lateral central zone; C3 or C4) over X1=500 msec (X1 value
can be changed, for example, according to experimental adjustment).
[0332] 3. Relate to a time (t1) for the contraction of a particular
muscle. (This time has been previously calculated for the healthy
arm). At this stage system 600 provides another time cue (S2)
signaling the start of the contraction. [0333] 4. Calculate the
differential values from the data present in the self-refreshing
time series data array recorded continuously (see act 2.). Store
discrete differential values for a period from 250 msec before S2
until 250 msec after S2 (DIFF S2). [0334] 5. Establish maximum
value of DIFF S2 (DIFF S2 Max). This event should generally take
place immediately after the start of muscular contraction t1.
[0335] 6. Integrate (mean) values for 400 msec; (200 msec before
and 200 msec after) DIFF S2 Max (Imax) and store this bit of data
for each muscle. [0336] 7. Calculate Imax Paretic/Imax Healthy
(previously recorded)*100=% HCA (% of Homologous Cortical
Activation) for each part of Homologous muscles in the upper arm.
[0337] 8. % HCA is translated into suitable 1-100 variable pitch
sound delivered at the end of each contraction of each muscle as
audio feedback to patient. [0338] 9. Upon the completion of each
device operation cycle, calculate mean values of % HCA for all
muscles during the loop (CYCLE % HCA). Exemplary Activation of
Damaged Side of Cortex from Healthy Contra Lateral BP
[0339] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, another mode of
operation of system 600 is the detection and use of a BP2-MP time
cue from the healthy side, (as described above), in order to
stimulate the contra lateral (damaged side) of the cortex.
Stimulation can be, for example, with an electromagnetic coil
similar to the ones used in conventional EM Cortex Stimulation.
Alternatively or additionally, stimulation is provided by using
system 600 to move the paretic limb.
[0340] This embodiment exemplifies a kind of FES (Functional
Electro Stimulation) that is based on the activation of the
contra-lateral healthy side while performing a bimanual mirror like
type of movement as mentioned above.
[0341] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, what is desired
is not to provoke a contraction but just to stimulate below the
threshold of contraction so as to assist any endogenous production
of MP to achieve over-threshold values and be effective in order to
produce movement. This particular arrangement may help the user
also to associate central activation with peripheral movement,
possibly encouraging plasticity. Optionally, actual motion is also
helped by manipulator 604, possibly further reducing the threshold
of activation in the brain and/or muscles.
[0342] Alternatively or additionally to electromagnetic or
electrical stimulation (e.g., using a DC current), in an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, mental imagery or other cognitive
activity caused by system 600 has an effect of activation,
optionally a visual display and/or a physical motion. Optionally,
the assistance of system 600 acts to lower the threshold, rather
than to activate muscles. Optionally, the assistance of system 600
acts to reduce mental concentration required for planning the
details of the motion and/or performing real-time feedback to
ensure the motion is correct and, instead, a patient is freer to
concentrate on planning of the motion. In an opposite usage, the
fact that system 600 moves a limb allows a patient to clearly
mentally image the motion, so the planning stage is made easier,
leaving more attention to other stages.
[0343] In one example, assistance is by the system providing a
power boost to motions generated by the patient. In another
example, assistance is by the system applying a force that returns
the limb to the correct path (e.g., instead of or in addition to
such force applied by the patient). In another example, assistance
is by the system moving the limb through the required motion, to
help create suitable mental imagery or learn the expected
kinesthetic feedback. Similarly, a patient, by such assisted
motion, can learn when to expect pain, or which parts of the motion
might require more concentration and/or planning. In another
example, the system provides one dimensional property of the
motion, such as the tempo of the motion (e.g., velocity amplitude)
with the patient providing another dimensional property of the
motion, such as direction, or vice-versa. In another example, the
system repeats a motion carried out by the patient with the same or
opposite limb, allowing the patient to "merely" repeat a previous
planning or execution activity.
[0344] The system optionally provides a score during such a
pre-test, showing the patient where more effort will be required
during voluntary motion. Alternatively or additionally, as noted
above, such feedback can be provided during motion, for example to
assist in attention.
Example of Using SCP as Part of a Rehabilitation Process
[0345] Slow Cortical Potentials (SCP) represent another type of
electrophysiological signal recorded from the scalp that can be
translated into parameters able to interact with the mechanical
and/or processing modules of system 600, especially for use in
rehabilitation.
[0346] The use of SCP recordings integrated into system 600 (or
other rehabilitation system) can be particularly useful in the very
early stages of rehabilitation, when no sign of movement or
muscular activity are present. In this case the SCP signals can be
used to move the robot and hence to allow movement of the paretic
hand accordingly. Thus, a patient can receive feedback on
intentions, possibly assisting in the plasticity process. It should
be noted that feedback can be provided visually and/or by moving a
robot affecter. However, actually moving a patient's limb may
assist in the rehabilitation or motor control.
[0347] By using system 600 with SCP, the patient can learn to
control the SCP by observing the effects of brain activation or
inhibition on the position of a limb. Optionally, a pre-selected
flexion/extension path is used for such training. Alternatively,
more complex motions, such as circular motion may be used. In some
embodiments of the invention, brain signals are used to initiate
and/or stop motions. In others, they are used to modify existing
motions. Alternatively or additionally, they are used to allow a
motion to continue, as long as the brain activity matches a desired
pattern.
[0348] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, signals from
the brain are acquired by electrodes on the scalp, (SCP), and
processed to extract a parameter directly proportional to the sign
and/or amplitude of the signal. This parameter is then used to
direct the manipulator 604 to change position of the arm according
to the various levels of brain activation and/or inhibition in a
pre-selected flexion/extension path. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, at the beginning of rehabilitation the movement
follows a very simple mono-directional path and reflects the
activity recorded from a single electrode over the scalp. FIG. 8
shows actual SCP signals recorded from a subject producing cortical
activation, and cortical inhibition, which signals may be used to
drive mechanical motion in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention.
[0349] Optionally, the larger the degree of activation the more
complete the degree of flexion from a middle point, the larger the
degree of extension from a middle point of the motion.
[0350] Optionally, in later stages, the patient can use a multiple
electrode arrangement covering several sites over the scalp. The
combined activity from all these electrodes can be then analyzed
and processed so to facilitate the entrainment of more complex
movement paths.
Mu Rhythm Exemplary Implementation
[0351] Alternatively or additionally to SCP signals, Mu rhythm
recordings provided by system 600 (or another rehabilitation
system) may be particularly useful in the very early stages of
rehabilitation, when no sign of movement or muscular activity are
present. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, some movement
of the robot will be triggered by the learning and manipulation of
one or more of Mu, SMR and/or Beta rhythms.
[0352] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, signals from
the brain are acquired optionally by electrodes over C3 and C4 on
the scalp, and processed to extract a parameter directly
proportional to the degree of desynchronization of the recorded
rhythm. This parameter is then used to direct the mechanical
modules of the rehabilitation device to change position of the arm
accordingly.
[0353] Optionally, the Mu rhythms implementation is used in the
early stages of rehabilitation primarily to move the robot in a
purely mono-directional fashion and without much involvement of
peripheral structures (nerves and muscles). Optionally, different
movements are used to train different types of control over the
brain and/or different control for different movement conditions
(e.g., different limbs and/or different trajectories). As also
described herein, manipulator 604 and/or FES 622 may be used to
provide motion enhancement (or motion) synchronized to the cortical
activity.
Examples of Linking of Central Activation and Movement
Use of MAC Potentials Related to Voluntary Movement
[0354] Briefly, MAC potentials include the early Readiness or
"Bereitschaft" Potentials related to the planning of a movement
which involves two negative waves preceding the movement: the early
one which appears to the related to the activation of mesial
frontal cortex and the "supplemental motor area" which is symmetric
and bilateral in nature, a later negative wave just before the
execution of the movement related to the activity of
cortical-spinal tract concerning efferent discharges of pyramidal
tract which is maximal contra-lateral to the movement. The
beginning of the movement is marked by a strong positive wave that
starts with the onset of muscle contraction and includes further
positive waves reflecting first central and later peripheral
feedback from muscle and joints. These positive waves are maximal
when recording at the top of the scalp at Cz.
[0355] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the recording
of bilateral MAC is used to monitor assess and/or entrain with
system 600. This approach optionally compares the performance of
both arms (one normal and the other paretic) and the link with the
movement (muscular contraction) is intrinsic to this approach.
Use of SCP Signals in BCI Device Entrainment
[0356] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, SCP signals are
trained to control a BCI device. Such signals may be based on
generalized thalamo-cortical and intra-cortical
activation/inhibition. The more the thalamo-cortical and
intra-cortical activation the bigger the "negativity" of the SCP
signal; the less the thalamo-cortical and intra-cortical activation
the bigger the "positivity" of the SCP signal.
[0357] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, SCP training
& control is used to add a neurological dimension to the
therapeutic use of system 600.
[0358] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, manipulator 604
is moved according to the characteristics of the SCP signal and/or
according to the integration of features of various SCP signals
recorded from various electrodes placed at different sites of the
scalp. This approach can facilitate the creation of movement even
when there is total paresis. This may have significant
psychological and physiological positive implication for the
patient.
[0359] Optionally, an ultimate purpose of system 600 is to
encourage brain healing and plasticity in order for the patient to,
first, initiate movement of a paretic member and eventually to
regain full movement. Optionally, this is achieved, at least in
part, by linking the active neuronal loops in the brain cortex
related to activation/inhibition as reflected in the SCP with the
motor knowledge/rehearsal/activation that takes place while
planning and executing the movement.
[0360] Optionally, a temporal and/or intentional linkage is created
between two or more of the following three factors:
[0361] (a) the cortical activity being manipulated (by the patient)
to control the BCI device;
[0362] (b) the passive or active movement, generated or monitored
by system 600 and its various triggering facilities; and
[0363] (c) the exact sequence of neurological events taking place
at central and peripheral cells of the motor path involved in that
particular movement.
[0364] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sequence of
neurological events is detected using EEG and/or fMRI and linked to
the other rehabilitation activities, for example, by providing
positive feedback using system 600. Optionally, the positive
feedback is by motion. Alternatively or additionally, the positive
feedback is by visually presenting whether a correct neural pathway
is being activated. Optionally, the neural pathway that should be
generated is estimated by viewing pathways for motions that do not
involve paretic limbs or those for which some motion is carried out
in a paretic limb.
[0365] Optionally, once the BCI is entrained, it may be used for
controlling a prosthesis, not during a rehabilitation session.
[0366] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the ability to
repeat a motion exactly many times is used to acquire more complete
statistics of brain activation. Optionally, the use of repetitions
allows a better filtering and/or averaging of noise. Optionally,
this allows a more precise pattern recognition and/or signal
processing for detecting particular SCP (or other) signals for the
BCI system.
[0367] Other linking methods are described herein and may also be
used for controlling prostheses.
Use of Residual sEMG to Modulate SCP Based Device Movement
[0368] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, residual (e.g.,
without contraction) sEMG is used to modulate SCP based
movement.
[0369] Optionally, after the patient learns to move manipulator 604
with his/her SCP signals, any residual sEMG peripheral signal
detected over relevant muscles is used as a co-trigger, (e.g., with
the related central signal SCP or MAC), to move the manipulator 604
and in this way the patient possibly integrates cortical activation
and muscular performance.
Use of Agonist/Antagonist sEMG Discrimination to Modulate SCP Based
Movement
[0370] Another optional method of linking cortical activation and
muscular performance takes into consideration the particular
features of the movement the patient is trying to learn to
execute.
[0371] In this approach the degree of contraction and relaxation of
the muscles involved in a particular movement, (e.g., as reflected
in the amplitude of the RMS sEMG signal recorded over each muscle),
is used as biofeedback information that is provided to the patient
(e.g., by display) to activate or inhibit SCP (by the patient).
[0372] Contraction is defined as an increase of sEMG above an
average RMS baseline level established beforehand, and relaxation a
decrease of sEMG below the average RMS baseline.
Example of Early Rehabilitation Stage Implementation (Total
Immobility or No sEMG)
[0373] In this exemplary methodology, in early stages of the
rehabilitation process, when no movement or residual sEMG is
available to be recorded from the paretic member, the sEMG
recordings are done on the healthy arm as the movement is performed
by the healthy arm attached to one side of a two sided system 600
(e.g., with two manipulators 604) and according to the force
created in the healthy arm. The other manipulator of the robot is
attached to the paretic arm and is programmed to move (or modify
its movement) to be in a similar path as the contra-lateral healthy
limb ONLY when correct activation or inhibition is recorded over
the relevant SCP signal.
[0374] Following are exemplary acts in such training Not all the
acts are essential and some may be omitted, changed in order, have
parameters changes and/or be replaced by other acts: [0375] 1:
Determination of therapeutic movement: First the physiotherapist
determines the movement loop to be learned according to his/her
professional assessment of the patient's restrictions. Optionally,
system 600 is used to assess the patient's restrictions. [0376] 2:
Definition of the movement in sEMG terms: The agonist and
antagonist muscles involved in that particular movement are defined
and their respective contraction and relaxation periods in the
movement loop are recorded and established. This may be performed,
for example, automatically by system 600 once the motion is
selected. [0377] 3: Relate single (agonist) muscle contraction to
SCP activation: Take major agonist muscle involved in the movement
loop and each time it is about to contract (e.g., 0.5 sec before)
ask the patient to generate a synchronous SCP activation (more
negativity) on an electrode placed over the contra-lateral side of
the motor cortex. This may take some practice. [0378] 4: Reward
synchronous cortical activation: If SCP activation was achieved,
reward by moving paretic arm together with healthy one. Other
rewards may be used as well or instead. [0379] 5: Relate single
muscle relaxation to SCP inhibition: Take same major agonist muscle
involved in the movement loop and each time it is about to relax
(e.g., 0.5 sec before) ask the patient to generate a synchronous
SCP inhibition (more positivity) on an electrode placed over the
contra-lateral side of the motor cortex. [0380] 6: Reward
synchronous cortical inhibition: If SCP inhibition was achieved,
reward by moving paretic arm together with healthy and completing
the loop. Optionally, rewarding is not carried out for every
correct motion. [0381] 7: Relate main antagonist muscle relaxation
to SCP activation; and antagonist muscle contraction to SCP
inhibition: acts 3 and 5 are repeated, with the antagonist muscle.
It should be noted that while agonist contraction is trained with
SCP activation, antagonist contraction is trained with SCP
inhibition; likewise, when agonist relaxation is trained with SCP
inhibition antagonist relaxation is trained with SCP activation.
[0382] 8: Reward accurate synchronous cortical activation and
inhibition while relaxing and contracting the antagonist muscle:
This is similar to acts 4 and 6 but with the antagonist muscle. If
SCP activation was achieved before antagonist relaxation and if SCP
inhibition was achieved before antagonist contraction, reward by
moving paretic arm together with healthy arm. It should be noted
that different rewards and/or feedbacks may be used to signal, for
example, correctness of amplitude, timing and/or type of
activation. [0383] 9: Relate a pair of agonist/antagonist muscle
contraction/relaxation to SCP activation: SCP activation (more
negativity) is trained to be related to agonist contraction and
antagonist relaxation in the first phase of the movement. [0384]
10: Relate a pair of agonist/antagonist muscle
relaxation/contraction to SCP inhibition: SCP inhibition (more
positivity) is trained to be related to agonist inhibition and
antagonist contraction in the second phase of the movement. [0385]
11: Reward accurate synchronous cortical activation and inhibition
while working with a pair of agonist/antagonist muscles. [0386] 12:
Repeat acts 9 to 11 but with two agonist/antagonist pairs of
muscles: This involves the recording of sEMG from 4 (or more)
different muscles, optionally always relating agonist/antagonist
muscles contraction/relaxation to SCP activation and
agonist/antagonist muscles relaxation/contraction to SCP
inhibition. Then reward accurate performance as before. This last
act is shown in FIG. 10.
[0387] Optionally, after the activities of muscle pairs are linked,
additional rehabilitation designed to target single ones of the
muscles is performed.
[0388] FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1100 of an exemplary method of
jumpstarting a rehabilitation process, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment
of the invention, the method of FIG. 11 is configured so that any
motion or intent detected by the system will generate a noticeable
feedback to the patient. Optionally, detection is skewed towards
detecting motion, even if what is detected is noise. Failure to
detect a motion signal is optionally dealt with by changing the
detection method and/or a stimulation method.
[0389] At 1102, a stimulation is optionally provided to the
patient, to cause the patient to move or want to move. Various
stimulation methods may be used, for example, audio prompts, audio
instructions, displays, stimulation of nerves, CNS stimulation
and/or mechanical vibrations. Optionally, stimulation is in
response to a readiness signal detected in the patient.
[0390] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the stimulation
provided is guided mental imagery. Optionally, the patient's eyes
are closed during the imagining. Optionally, visual assistance is
provided to the patient, for example, one or more of a graphic
sequence, a processed image or video sequence and a static display.
Optionally, the processed image or sequence comprises an image of
the patient processed to show motion, for example, by mirror, or by
segmenting the patient's limbs and moving them, in the image.
Optionally, once the movement is completed, a comparison is made to
see if the motion matched the imagery. Optionally, the stimulation
is changed periodically, to prevent habitation by the patient.
Optionally, however, for jumpstarting movement, such comparison is
less important than actually achieving motion at all or which is
anywhere near the intention.
[0391] Alternatively or additionally, the stimulation comprises
moving the limb using device 600.
[0392] At 1104, the patient is expected to try to move and/or try
to initiate a motion or other action plan.
[0393] At 1106, various physiological measurements are made to see
if there are any hints of motion, for example, measuring sEMG
and/or actual motion.
[0394] At 1108, neurological measurements are made alternatively or
additionally to physiological measurements. Optionally, a vector of
neurological measurements is defined, for example including various
signal parameters optionally associated with areas of
measurement.
[0395] At 1110, the measurements are analyzed to see if there are
any indications of motion or intent of motion. If so, a motion or
other feedback is carried out at 1112. Optionally, any existing
motion is amplified.
[0396] At 1114, stimulation parameters are optionally changed, for
example, to prevent habitation or as part of a search among
different stimulation methods and/or parameter values for a
stimulation which will work. Various search methods are known in
the art. A particular optional change in stimulation is an increase
in amplitude of stimulation.
[0397] At 1116, the measurement method and/or signal processing
method is changed. For example, an area to which electrodes are
connected may be changed.
[0398] It is expected that at least for some patients, the method
of FIG. 11, if repeated often enough, will elicit some movements or
at least indications of the generation of an intention to move,
which indications can be a starting point for further
rehabilitation.
Example of Later Rehabilitation Stage Implementation (Some Mobility
or Residual sEMG)
[0399] At a later stage of the rehabilitation process, when some
residual or even effective sEMG is available, the sEMG recordings
are optionally carried out on the paretic arm and the SCP
measurements are, as usual recorded centrally or over the
contra-lateral side over the motor cortex Cz and C3 or C4).
[0400] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the movement is
performed, by the paretic arm attached to a single manipulator
system 600.
[0401] Optionally, the same schedule is followed as before (acts 1
to 12 just described). Optionally, the reward is given in one or
more of the following forms: [0402] System 600 can assist the
patient in performing the movement by starting the motion and
letting the user to continue performing it. [0403] System 600 can
assist the movement by reducing the overall resistance to the
movement loop. [0404] System 600 can assist the movement by
providing suitable supra-threshold FES to enhance contraction of
the various muscles at the expected time and/or part of the
movement loop. [0405] System 600 can provide audiovisual
reward.
Integrated Example
[0406] Arm flexion and extension generally requires the
synchronized action of the Biceps and the Triceps muscles. For
example: Biceps contract/Triceps relax lead to flexion; Biceps
relax/Triceps contracts leads to extension.
[0407] Optionally, a patient suffering of total arm hemi paresis
with the right side affected, is treated using the following
rehabilitation acts: [0408] 1. Teach and train patient to generate
SCP activation over C3 (contra-lateral to the paretic arm) or Cz
(central point) 0.5-1 sec before the start of a contraction of the
left Biceps (e.g., identified by increase of sEMG RMS). The patient
is attached to a bi-manipulator system 600 and trying to produce a
bilateral arm flexion. [0409] 2. Reward synchronous cortical
activation by flexing the paretic arm together with the healthy
left arm. [0410] 3. Teach and train patient to generate SCP
inhibition over C3 (contra-lateral to the paretic arm) or Cz
(central point) 0.5-1 sec before the start of a relaxation of the
left Biceps (e.g., detected by decrease of sEMG RMS). The patient
is attached to a bi-manipulator system 600 and trying to produce a
bilateral arm extension. [0411] 4. Reward synchronous cortical
inhibition by extending the paretic arm together with the healthy
left arm. [0412] 5. Teach and train patient to generate SCP
activation over C3 (contra-lateral to the paretic arm) or Cz
(central point) 0.5-1 sec before the start of a relaxation of the
left Triceps (e.g., detected by decrease of sEMG RMS). The patient
is attached to a bi-manipulator system 600 and trying to produce a
bilateral arm flexion. [0413] 6. Reward synchronous cortical
activation by flexing the paretic arm together with the healthy
left arm. [0414] 7. Teach and train patient to generate SCP
inhibition over C3 (contra-lateral to the paretic arm or Cz
(central point) 0.5-1 sec before the start of a contraction of the
left Triceps (e.g., detected by increase of sEMG RMS). The patient
is attached to a bi-manipulator system 600 and trying to produce a
bilateral arm extension. [0415] 8. Reward synchronous cortical
inhibition by extending the paretic arm together with the healthy
left arm. [0416] 9. Teach and train patient to generate SCP
activation over C3 (contra-lateral to the paretic arm) or Cz
(central point) 0.5-1 sec before the start of a contraction of the
left Biceps accompanied by the associated relaxation of the left
Triceps (e.g., detected by increase of sEMG RMS over the Biceps and
decrease of sEMG RMS over the Triceps). The patient is attached to
a bi-manipulator system 600 and trying to produce a bilateral arm
flexion. [0417] 10. Reward synchronous cortical activation by
flexing the paretic arm together with the healthy left arm. [0418]
11. Teach and train patient to generate SCP inhibition over C3
(contra-lateral to the paretic arm) or Cz (central point) 0.5-1 sec
before the start of a relaxation of the left Biceps accompanied by
the associated contraction of the left Triceps (e.g., detected by
decrease of sEMG RMS over the Biceps and increase of sEMG RMS over
the Triceps). The patient is attached to a bi-manipulator system
600 and trying to produce a bilateral arm extension. [0419] 12.
Reward synchronous cortical inhibition by extending the paretic arm
together with the healthy left arm. [0420] 13. Once the above
training is successfully accomplished, more complex movement, such
as involving two pairs of agonist/antagonists may be entrained. For
instance training to regain the flexion of the shoulder (bending
the joint resulting in a decrease of angle; moving the upper arm
upward to the front) and extension of the shoulder (straightening
the joint resulting in an increase of angle; moving the upper arm
down to the rear). The flexion and extension of the shoulder
require the activity of more than one pair of agonist/antagonist
muscles. Optionally, the training is continued recording sEMG over,
for example, the Biceps/Triceps and the Deltoid Anterior/Deltoid
posterior arrangement.
[0421] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a "personal
signature" of parameters for movement, associated MAC (and/or other
brain signals) and/or coexisting sEMG are established for a healthy
arm and even in some cases bilaterally for totally healthy
individuals. These are optionally used as standards against which
performance of paretic arms during the rehabilitation process are
compared and/or assessed, qualitatively and/or quantitatively. In
an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a patient is
rehabilitated to have motion which matches the patient's signature
or match that of an "expert" (e.g., a Tai-Chi expert or a
dancer).
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Embodiment
[0422] As a replacement for the brain's normal neuromuscular output
channels, a BCI depends on feedback and on adaptation of brain
activity based on that feedback. Thus, a BCI system must provide
feedback and must interact in a productive fashion with the
adaptations the brain makes in response to that feedback. In a BCI
apparatus according to some embodiments of the invention, the
feedback will be given by means of robotic movements and
visual/acoustic feedback on the computer screen.
SCP-Robot for Enhancing Cortical Reorganization in Stroke
Patients
[0423] One application of the SCP method is to use it for a direct
treatment-induced cortical reorganization in stroke patients. By
executing robotic movements via SCP control, an SCP-based BCI
method may be used to enhance cortical reorganization directly,
independently from motor capability.
[0424] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, patients will
be trained to modify the lateral difference in precentral slow
potentials using neurofeedback and instrumental learning procedures
(optionally receiving reinforcements, such as the success in moving
the robotic arm with the affected limb). Feedback of the difference
between left- and right-precentral brain activity will be provided
and patients will optionally be reinforced if they will produce the
required changes in brain activity upon discriminative stimuli; for
example, higher negativity in amplitude over the damaged areas than
negativity generated over the contralateral undamaged areas.
[0425] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, changes in
activity of the brain is used as a measure of plasticity, e.g., it
is assumed that patients who achieve higher cortical activity over
the injured areas will exhibit more efficient (e.g. fast, accurate,
preferential) responding with the hand contralateral to the
hemisphere (the affected hand which is attached to the robot), in
which brain activity was increased.
[0426] Brain activity recording is optionally carried out with
single electrodes or a dense electrodes array which will be
attached to the scalp via an EEG-cap. In a case of lesion in the
left hemisphere (affected right hand), for example, the patient
will be asked to increase brain activity over this hemisphere,
and/or over the specifically lesion sites (e.g., if known, for
example using CT, MRI, PET, TMS, HEG, fMRI, transcarnial ultrasound
for blood flow measurement, Magnetoencephalography MEG or any other
brain imaging techniques) in comparison to the intact right
hemisphere and/or specifically undamaged sites, so that a balance
of excitability between the two hemispheres toward a normal
condition can be aimed for, established and/or maintained.
Optionally, in addition to measuring motor outcomes (e.g.,
questionnaires and measurements by system 600), brain imaging
techniques that enable to determine exact damaged sites (before
treatment), as well as alternations in cortical reorganization
during and after treatment, for example, a fMRI scan every week
over several weeks of treatment, are used, for example to determine
treatment-dependent alterations in cortical reorganization over
time.
[0427] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, brain imaging
techniques are used to detect the edge of a damaged area so that
exercises and/or activation can selectively focus on reactivating
this edge. The edge of the damaged area is possibly identified by
its excitation being erratic.
[0428] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, brain
reorganization is assessed without using imaging techniques or is
used to support such measurements. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, cortical reorganization is assessed from alteration
in brain activity. For example, if a patient is able to increase
the level of activity (e.g. higher amplitudes) over the damaged
cortical area during treatment with system 600, and if this
activation correlates with movement improvement of the affected
hand, it is optionally assumed that some underlying cortical
networks became more active than before, which implies brain
reorganization and/or other improvement. In another example, if a
patient increases brain activity over the undamaged hemisphere, and
this activation correlates with better motor functioning of the
affected hand, it is optionally assumed that the motor cortical
regions of the undamaged hemisphere control the hand movements,
which implies brain reorganization.
[0429] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, brain imaging
techniques are applied at various stages of the rehabilitation, for
example, at a start thereof, when stages are complete or goals
reached and/or periodically. Optionally, rehabilitation is carried
out using brain images, such as fMRI. Optionally, the imaging is
not used for all repetitions, but only for some, for example, to
note that an exercise (intra-cranial) is being carried out.
[0430] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, high cost
imaging techniques (including high resolution EEG) are made more
cost effective by using such techniques to interpret low cost
techniques, such as EEG. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, a calibration session is carried out in which the
patient is caused to produce a certain desired (for tracking) brain
activity and this activity is both imaged using a high cost
technique and by a low cost technique. In this regard cost means
any cost, such as techniques which come at a cost to the patient
(such as radiation imaging) or at a cost to the rehabilitation
process (such as requiring the patient to remain motionless). One
the target activity can be recognized based on the low cost method,
this low cost method may be used for feedback during
rehabilitation. Optionally, the calibration is carried out long
enough and/or repeated to ensure that the low-cost method has an
actual correlation with the high cost method. Optionally, the
calibration session is used to assess the degree of correlation,
which may assist, for example, in deciding during rehabilitation,
which measure to trust and/or what weighting functions to use.
Mu-Rhythm-Robot for Enhancing Cortical Reorganization in Stroke
Patients
[0431] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a series of
exercises the patient is asked to execute robotic movements in
various directions and plans and EEG electrodes or an EEG-cap are
used to measure the mu-rhythm activity over the motor areas in
accordance with the execution of these movements. At the second
stage of these exercises the patient is asked to imagine the
executed movements, trying to cause the manipulator 604 to move in
the desired direction(s). The combination of the sensory
(imagination) and motor (robot movements) channels possibly will
enable to teach the patients to control exactly the neuronal
networks involved in movement executions, possibly achieving a
direct context-dependent neural activity.
Cortical "Fingerprints" of Specific Movements/Movement's
Intention
[0432] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a patient is
trained to distinguish (e.g., generate selectively) between the EEG
patterns associated with imagination of different simple motor
actions, such as right or left hand movements. During the
imagination of motion, specific cortical activity patterns
("cortical fingerprints") for specific movements are identified,
for example a fingerprint for the motion of pushing the hand
forwards, in comparison to a fingerprint which is recorded by
moving the hand leftwards (or backwards, or upwards etc.). In an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, in each of a series of
trials, the patient will imagine one of several actions (e.g. right
or left hand movement, forwards-backwards, left-right, diagonal,
up-down movements) while EEG from electrodes over sensorimotor
cortex (or other recording sites) will be submitted to frequency-
and/or component analysis (or other analysis methods) to derive
signal features. For each imagined action, an n-dimensional feature
vector is optionally defined. These vectors are optionally used to
establish a patient-specific classifier that determines from the
EEG which action the patient is imagining. Optionally, for each
patient a "cortical fingerprints movement related dictionary" that
matches a specific cortical activation to a specific movement is
generated. Optionally, the movements are carried out only in the
mind. Alternatively or additionally, a comparison between imagined
and actual motions is stored. Optionally, a patient stores such
patterns before a paretic event, for example, as part of a regular
checkup or when danger is identified.
[0433] In subsequent sessions, the system can use the classifier
(i.e. the "dictionary") to translate the patient's motor imagery
into a continuous output (e.g. moving the robot arm in the desired
direction), and/or into a discrete output (e.g. initiating robot
movement). This output can be presented to the patient as, for
example, i) a sensory feedback through his hand, and/or ii) through
online visual/acoustic feedback on the computer screen.
[0434] In another variation of this paradigm, the patient will
actually move his unaffected hand and/or the affected hand which is
connected to system 600, or manipulator 604 will move the patient's
hand during the sessions. A set of one or more dense electrodes
arrays may be used to record brain activity during these movements.
This activity will be compared to the activity recorded during the
imagined movements in order to find correlations in brain activity
during imagined and actual movements. These "cortical fingerprints"
of a movement will then be optionally used to "guess" the patient's
intention and to carry out the desired movement.
Dosage
[0435] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cortical
effects are used to define a required dosage of rehabilitation
and/or to control billing. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, a match is made between an amount of activity by a user
(for example, as measured by actual exercise time or cortical
activity) and a therapeutic effect and/or a rehabilitation
condition. In one example, 20 "active minutes" per day may be the
dosage for medium severity pre-motor one damage. Optionally, a
range of possible doses may be defined, for example a low dosage
not having sufficient effect and a high dosage possibly causing
over compensation or undue tiredness. Optionally, the dosage is a
relative dosage dependent on the patient's total ability and/or
total number of rehabilitation issues. Optionally, device 600 is
used to track the actual applied dosage and/or its effect.
Optionally, device 600 can distinguish the actual dosage applied to
each area (or issue) in need of treatment.
[0436] Optionally, the dosage is defined as a function of one or
more of physical exertion mental exertion and/or
attention/engagement.
[0437] Optionally, dosage is measured in units of one or more of
power, force or energy.
[0438] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, device 600 is
designed to apply a known amount of dosage and/or decide on
changing an exercise schedule, once a certain dosage is reached
and/or to prevent over-dosing.
[0439] In some cases, dosage is used to define a minimal level
required to achieve benefit form rehabilitation, for example, a
minimum exertion level or a minimal engagement level may be
required.
[0440] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, device 600 is
used to ensure such minimal attention/exertion levels.
[0441] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, attention is
measured by measuring compliance and/or variation in response time
to instruction. Absolute response time may be of interest, for
example, if there is an expected response time based on previous
activities.
[0442] While the present application focuses on physical
activities, it should be noted that the methods described herein
can also be used for cognitive and perceptive rehabilitation,
including the usage of dosage. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, cognitive and/or perceptive activity is detected
directly. Optionally, a patient is requested to do a physical
activity to indicate the cognitive or perceptive activity.
Optionally, the effect of motor signals in the brain is ignored
and/or used as a trigger to search for brain activity related to a
decision to provide a response.
Mental State
[0443] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, daily
assessment of mental state is carried out as part of
rehabilitation. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, brain
image, blood tests and/or EEG measurements are used to assess an
instant mental state of a patient, for example, depression or
anxiety. Optionally, depending on the motivational state of the
patient additional motivation may be provided and/or lesser
achievements may be expected. It should be noted that this type of
depression relates to a mood, which can change hourly or daily and
not to clinical depression which is a long term illness.
[0444] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, cognitive
rehabilitation progress is assessed using other means, such as
problem solving or other cognitive tests. Optionally, cognitive
progress is used to calibrate expected physical rehabilitation
progression, for example, assuming that a same improvement rate is
expected for areas with similar damage under similar exercise
protocols. Optionally, an improvement template is adjusted to match
a patient based on improvement in one or more functions and used to
estimate expected improvements in other functions. Optionally, a
template includes a correspondence between expected improvement
rates for areas of different degrees of damage and/or degrees of
accessibility to rehabilitation. Optionally, the template is
adjusted according to actual rehabilitation effort.
[0445] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, EEG
measurements are used to determine settings, environmental cues
and/or exercises that promote desired cortical brain activity
and/or reduce noise that interferes with detection thereof.
[0446] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
environmental cues are selected form one or more of colors, images,
language, or other means that have been documented to cause certain
types of emotional reactions in people.
[0447] Optionally, a therapist and/or device 600 provide other
motivational means, such as motivational talks, movies and positive
feedback optionally timed to have a desired effect.
[0448] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, device 600
controls simultaneously two or more of physical rehabilitation,
brain stimulation, emotional control and instructions. Optionally,
a rehabilitation plan is optimized to take into account the
parameters being controlled.
Motion Types
[0449] In device 600 as illustrated, the motion which is controlled
is generally that of a single point, e.g., a tip of the
manipulator. By providing various attachments for the tip, the tip
may be connected, for example to a bone, to a joint or to a
different part of the body. The attachment may be rigid, for
example using a strap or it may depend on cooperation of or action
by the patient, for example, as a handle or a rest. Specific
attachment devices, for example for a hand, arm, elbow, knee, ankle
and/or shoulder may be provided. Further, as described below,
multiple tips (optionally with individual manipulators) may be
provided for attachment at different points of the body, on a same
or different body part.
[0450] When providing rehabilitation various types of motion may be
supported, for example, one or more of:
[0451] a) Passive Motion. The tip is moved (by device 600) and the
patient moves with it.
[0452] b) Resisted Motion. The patient moves the tip and encounters
resistance. The resistance may be of various magnitudes and may be
uniform in all direction or be directional.
[0453] c) Assisted Motion. When a patient moves the tip, a positive
feedback on the manipulator increases the force of motion in the
direction moved by the patient.
[0454] d) Force Field Motion. The patient moves the tip. Along a
certain trajectory one level of resistance (or none) is
encountered. Deviation from the trajectory is not allowed or meets
with resistance. Motion along a "correct" trajectory can be without
resistance, or possibly assisted. An increased resistance is
optionally exhibited in a volume surrounding the trajectory. An
even greater resistance is optionally exhibited in a surrounding
volume. A prevention of motion may be provided in an outside
volume. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a corrective
force vector is applied when not on the trajectory, pointing
towards the trajectory. Optionally, instead of a corrective force,
resistance varies as a function of distance from the trajectory,
thus, motion of the tip is naturally urged back to the trajectory.
Optionally, the force is applied in the direction of the path.
Alternatively, the force maybe a unidirectional force of
resistance.
[0455] This type of motion may be used to help train the patient in
a desired motion.
[0456] e) Mirrored Motion. Motion of the tip is required to mirror
the trajectory of motion of a different element, for example for
dual limb rehabilitation as described below.
[0457] f) Free Motion. Patient moves the tip in any way he desires,
possibly receiving feedback. As the patient (or therapist or
helper) moves the tip, device 600, may record it for future
playback. In a playback mode the prerecorded motion (or path) is
optionally reconstructed using other modes. Optionally, the
recorded path is modified (e.g., smoothed or otherwise edited), for
example automatically or manually.
[0458] g) General Force Field. A force field and/or an assistance
field is defined which is not related to any particular trajectory.
For example, a range of trajectories may be allowed to be practiced
by a user, or a real or virtual situation simulated (e.g., water,
areas with obstacles).
[0459] h) Local Force Field. A force field which is applied to only
a small locality and/or only in one or two dimensions.
[0460] i) Restricted Motion. One or more points of the body of a
subject are supported or prevented from moving. Optionally, the
angles between such points and the moving points on the patient are
measured. In one example the elbow is locked with a dedicated
harness allowing only a shoulder motion. In some embodiments, the
restriction is partial and/or is provided by a movable element
(e.g., the manipulator).
[0461] j) Initiated Motion. The patient initiates the motion (e.g.,
a 1 cm motion or 100 gram force) and device 600 completes or helps
the patient complete the motion in space. The completion may be of
a whole trajectory or of part of a trajectory.
[0462] k) Implied Motion. Device 600 begins the motion and the
patient completes it. Device 600 may assist the rest of the motion
in various manners (e.g., by changing to one of the modes described
herein after the motion starts). If the patient fails to pick up
the motion, device 600 may generate a cue, for example an audio
reminder. Different parts of a single motion trajectory may each
have a machine initiation definition. Optionally, if a patient is
too slow in moving, device 600 begins the motion.
[0463] l) Cued Motion. The patient receives a cue from the system
before motion according to a different mode starts. The cue can be,
for example, vibration of the tip, stimulation pads on the skin,
audio or visual cue. In some embodiments of the invention, the
strength of the cue and/or its timing and/or other ongoing
activities (e.g., a visual display and game) are used to help train
the coordination between different modalities, for example,
hand-eye coordination. A motion cue can be used to train a
kinesthetic sense.
[0464] m) Teach Mode. Device 600 is taught a motion. In one
example, a therapist performs a motion and motion parameters at
each point are recorded and can then be used for an exercise.
Another way of teaching the system is to use a path that the
therapist uses. The therapist may use a control to indicate a point
to be taught or a continuous mode may be defined by which an entire
trajectory is learned. Optionally the path and points are edited
before replay. Optionally, the paths are abstracted, for example,
by smoothing or identifying motion points, before playback.
[0465] n) Step Initiated. The patient initiates the motion (e.g., a
1 cm motion or 100 gram force) and device 600 completes or helps
the patient complete the motion in space, however, patient
initiated motion occurs in steps and/or increments. In some
exemplary embodiments of the invention, a patient generated force
in a predetermined "right" direction and/or range of directions
must be applied at each step in order for device 600 to complete
and/or help the patient complete the motion. A "right" direction is
optionally defined as one in which the patient will receive a
desired therapeutic benefit for moving in that direction.
Optionally, the steps and/or increments are variable. Optionally,
the steps and/or increments are pre-settable. Optionally, there is
more than one "right" direction. The completion may be of a whole
trajectory or of part of a trajectory.
[0466] o) Follow Assist. Device 600 is pre-programmed with at least
one point in a path of motion to be followed by the patient. In an
exemplary mode of operation, patient initiates motion along the
path of motion, optionally assisted by device 600. Motion along the
path is optionally conducted at a pre-set speed in some exemplary
embodiments of the invention. Optionally, the speed is not pre-set.
Upon the arrival of patient at the pre-programmed point, motion by
the patient in a "right" direction causes at least a brief
acceleration in speed instigated by device 600. Optionally, a
plurality of points are used to allow the patient to "connect the
dots" in the motion path. Optionally, "arrival at a point" is
determined considering vector of approach, speed of approach,
elapsed time prior to arrival, and/or accuracy of arrival to the
point. Optionally, the patient must hold at the point steadily
(i.e. no wobble) before being considered to have arrived at the
point. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the patient
is assisted with movement along a predetermined proper path for
therapy. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, device 600
moves continuously at a predetermined speed and whenever the
patient exerts a force above a certain level and/or in the right
direction), the speed of the exercise is increased.
General
[0467] While the above application has focused on motor training
for rehabilitation, the methods and/or apparatus described herein
may also be used for other applications. In an exemplary embodiment
of the invention, motor training is used for enhancing the control
of muscles by athletes. Alternatively or additionally, motor
training is used for enhancing motor control of musicians.
Optionally, musical feedback is provided during training and
corresponding to the exercises. However, it should be noted that
some methods of the present invention find particular utility in
rehabilitation, especially when motor control is weak, patchy
and/or non-existent.
[0468] Various designs for robots and positioning devices (e.g.,
hexapods) are known in the art. It should be appreciated that
various ones of the statements described herein may be adapted for
such robots and/or positioning devices, in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the invention. Alternatively or
additionally, software may be provided for such robots and devices
for carrying out various of the methods described herein, all in
accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0469] In some embodiments of the invention, the systems described
herein are used for uses other than rehabilitation, for example,
task training, testing and/or robotic manipulation.
[0470] It will be appreciated that the above described methods of
rehabilitation may be varied in many ways, including, omitting or
adding steps, changing the order of steps and the types of devices
used. In addition, a multiplicity of various features, both of
method and of devices have been described. In some embodiments
mainly methods are described, however, also apparatus adapted for
performing the methods are considered to be within the scope of the
invention. It should be appreciated that different features may be
combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features
shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every
similar embodiment of the invention. Further, combinations of the
above features are also considered to be within the scope of some
embodiments of the invention. Also within the scope of the
invention are kits which include sets of a device, one or more limb
holding attachments and/or software. Also, within the scope is
hardware, software and computer readable-media including such
software which is used for carrying out and/or guiding the steps
described herein, such as control of arm position and providing
feedback. Section headings are provided for assistance in
navigation and should not be considered as necessarily limiting the
contents of the section. When used in the following claims, the
terms "comprises", "includes", "have" and their conjugates mean
"including but not limited to". It should also be noted that the
device is suitable for both male and female, with male pronouns
sometimes being used for convenience.
[0471] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited by what has thus far been
described. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited
only by the following claims.
* * * * *