U.S. patent application number 17/693756 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-23 for systems and methods for providing sensory feedback during exercise.
The applicant listed for this patent is COVENANT HEALTH, THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA. Invention is credited to Gabriela CONSTANTINESCU, Mark Vernon FEDORAK, Benjamin Ronald KING, Herman LUNDGREN, Mark James REDMOND, Jana Maureen RIEGER, Dylan Kyle SCOTT.
Application Number | 20220192584 17/693756 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220192584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RIEGER; Jana Maureen ; et
al. |
June 23, 2022 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING SENSORY FEEDBACK DURING
EXERCISE
Abstract
Devices and methods for providing sensory feedback during an
exercise are disclosed. An exertion target is set, for a user
performing the exercise, based on a self-calibration that estimates
the user's ability using signal amplitudes of surface
electromyography (sEMG) data, wherein the exertion target includes
a target signal amplitude of muscle contractions to be reached
during the exercise. sEMG data are received from a measurement
device attached to the user as the user performs the exercise. Upon
processing the sEMG data, sensory feedback is generated at a
computing device operated by the user, wherein the sensory feedback
has an intensity proportional to the user's exertion level as the
user performs the exercise, and wherein the sensory feedback
changes over a course of the exercise in dependence on a duration
that the user maintains a muscle contraction at or above the target
signal amplitude, and the change in sensory feedback is configured
to encourage the user to prolong the duration.
Inventors: |
RIEGER; Jana Maureen;
(Edmonton, CA) ; CONSTANTINESCU; Gabriela;
(Edmonton, CA) ; REDMOND; Mark James; (Edmonton,
CA) ; SCOTT; Dylan Kyle; (St. Albert, CA) ;
KING; Benjamin Ronald; (Beaumont, CA) ; FEDORAK; Mark
Vernon; (Edmonton, CA) ; LUNDGREN; Herman;
(Goteborg, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
COVENANT HEALTH |
Edmonton
Edmonton |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/693756 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15313892 |
Nov 23, 2016 |
11304651 |
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PCT/CA2015/000342 |
May 22, 2015 |
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17693756 |
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62002833 |
May 24, 2014 |
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International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 7/00 20060101 A61B007/00; G16H 20/30 20060101
G16H020/30; A61B 5/389 20060101 A61B005/389; A61B 5/22 20060101
A61B005/22 |
Claims
1. A method of providing sensory feedback during an exercise, the
method comprising: setting an exertion target, for a user
performing the exercise, based on a self-calibration that estimates
the user's ability using signal amplitudes of surface
electromyography (sEMG) data, wherein the exertion target includes
a target signal amplitude of muscle contractions to be reached
during the exercise; receiving sEMG data from a measurement device
attached to the user as the user performs the exercise; and upon
processing the sEMG data, generating sensory feedback at a
computing device operated by the user, wherein the sensory feedback
has an intensity proportional to the user's exertion level as the
user performs the exercise, and wherein the sensory feedback
changes over a course of the exercise in dependence on a duration
that the user maintains a muscle contraction at or above the target
signal amplitude, and the change in sensory feedback is configured
to encourage the user to prolong the duration.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensory feedback is
responsive to the duration that a muscle contraction is maintained
at or above a pre-defined quantum higher than the target signal
amplitude.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensory feedback includes
audible feedback.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensory feedback includes
visual feedback.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: generating a
graphical user interface for presentation of the visual
feedback.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensory feedback provides an
indication of the muscle contraction to the user.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the indication includes an
indication of a duration of the muscle contraction.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensory feedback is presented
in a form of a game playable by the user.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: controlling functions
of the game based on said processing the sEMG data.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: computing an average
and a range of the signal amplitudes received for the
self-calibration.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the self-calibration estimates
the patient's ability for a particular day to set at least one of
the exertion targets for the exercises of the particular day.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the self-calibration estimates
the patient's ability for a particular exercise session to set at
least one of the exertion targets for the exercises of the
particular exercise session.
13. A computer-implemented device for providing sensory feedback
during an exercise, the device including: a communication
interface; at least one processor; memory in communication with the
at least one processor, and software code stored in the memory,
which when executed by the at least one processor causes the device
to: set an exertion target, for a user performing the exercise,
based on a self-calibration that estimates the user's ability using
signal amplitudes of surface electromyography (sEMG) data, wherein
the exertion target includes a target signal amplitude of muscle
contractions to be reached during the exercise; receive, via the
communication interface, sEMG data from a measurement device
attached to the user as the user performs the exercise; and upon
processing the sEMG data, generate sensory feedback that has an
intensity proportional to the user's exertion level as the user
performs the exercise, and wherein the sensory feedback changes
over a course of the exercise in dependence on a duration that the
user maintains a muscle contraction at or above the target signal
amplitude, and the change in sensory feedback is configured to
encourage the user to prolong the duration.
14. The computer-implemented device of claim 13, wherein the
communication interface is configured for wireless communication
with the measurement device.
15. The computer-implemented device of claim 13, wherein the
wireless communication includes Bluetooth communication.
16. The computer-implemented device of claim 13, wherein the
sensory feedback is responsive to the duration that a muscle
contraction is maintained at or above a pre-defined quantum higher
than the target signal amplitude.
17. The computer-implemented device of claim 13, wherein the
sensory feedback includes audible feedback.
18. The computer-implemented device of claim 13, wherein the
sensory feedback includes visual feedback.
19. The computer-implemented device of claim 13, wherein the device
is a portable computing device.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon
machine interpretable instructions which, when executed by a
processor, cause the processor to perform a computer implemented
method for providing sensory feedback during an exercise, the
method including: setting an exertion target, for a user performing
the exercise, based on a self-calibration that estimates the user's
ability using signal amplitudes of surface electromyography (sEMG)
data, wherein the exertion target includes a target signal
amplitude of muscle contractions to be reached during the exercise;
receiving sEMG data from a measurement device attached to the user
as the user performs the exercise; and upon processing the sEMG
data, generating sensory feedback that has an intensity
proportional to the user's exertion level as the user performs the
exercise, and wherein the sensory feedback changes over a course of
the exercise in dependence on a duration that the user maintains a
muscle contraction at or above the target signal amplitude, and the
change in sensory feedback is configured to encourage the user to
prolong the duration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/313,892, having a 35 U.S.C. 371(c) date of
Nov. 23, 2016, which is the National Stage of International Patent
Application No. PCT/CA2015/000342, filed May 22, 2015, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/002,833
filed May 24, 2014. This application claims all benefit including
priority to each of the foregoing patent applications, the entire
contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for
diagnosing and treating muscle-related disorders also such as
dysphagia and more particularly to providing a device that may be
used to diagnose and treat such disorders.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Swallowing disorders (e.g., dysphagia) are serious medical
conditions that have detrimental effects to the mental and physical
well-being of individuals. Swallowing impairments can lead to
serious health problems, such as malnutrition and aspiration
pneumonia, as well as psychosocial concerns and poor quality of
life.
[0004] Limited clinical capacity and service-delivery models that
require clinician-supervised therapy imply that patients receive
potentially sub-optimal treatment or, even worse, no treatment at
all. Furthermore, this limited access to swallowing therapy has
resulted in literature scarcity concerning the relative
effectiveness of alternative therapies and the treatment dose
necessary for clinically significant improvements.
[0005] Dysphagia (i.e., difficulty swallowing) affects two in ten
Canadians over the age of 50. Patients with a swallowing impairment
often are unable to consume a normal diet, which can lead to
dependence or semi-dependence on tube feeding. This alteration in
eating affects social interactions, and overall quality of life.
The distress and social isolation can lead some patients to risk
eating foods unsafe for them to swallow. For some patients, a
swallowing impairment can be so serious that it results in
significant weight loss and muscle wasting. Furthermore, swallowing
impairments are commonly associated with pneumonia because food and
oral secretions go down the wrong way and into the lungs. Pneumonia
is a costly condition to treat and can result in death.
[0006] Swallowing therapy, especially that using surface
electromyography ("sEMG") for feedback about what the swallowing
muscles are doing, can improve oral intake, reduce aspiration of
food into the lungs, and eliminate the need for a feeding tube.
Typical swallowing rehabilitation is based on theories of intensive
exercise programs that target specific muscular structures and
sequences of physiologically-based movements, and sEMG biofeedback
has been used to monitor muscle activation during therapy as well
as to train more complex treatment techniques. One exercise that
has been coupled with sEMG biofeedback, the Mendelsohn maneuver,
involves the volitional prolongation of a swallow, addressing
laryngeal elevation and cricopharyngeal opening. When using sEMG
biofeedback with the Mendelsohn maneuver, clinicians can set
signal-amplitude goals (targeting muscle activation and force) and
signal-duration goals (targeting duration of muscle contraction).
While sEMG has been the main technology used for biofeedback in
swallowing disorders, another technology, mechanomyography ("MMG"),
may be a viable alternative to sEMG. In some embodiments, MMG can
make use of a sensor capable of measuring mechanical oscillations
originating from muscle contractions to sense muscle contractions.
It some embodiments, such sensors can comprise a microphone. MMG
has been used as a measurement technique for many physiotherapy
applications that monitor the contraction of large muscle groups in
the legs or arms. While reports in the literature are few to
support its use for swallowing, those that do exist suggest that
MMG may be sensitive enough to monitor movement in small muscles
groups such as those in the submental area that contract during
swallowing.
[0007] More than a decade ago, sEMG biofeedback technologies for
treating swallowing disorders were brought into the clinical
mainstream when KayPentax.TM., a leading developer of speech and
swallowing therapy instrumentation, introduced a clinician friendly
version. Since that time, the KayPentax.TM. system has been used
both as a clinical and research sEMG tool. However, the system
costs may make it inaccessible to many clinical units. Furthermore,
it is not transportable to a patient's home and only works with the
packaged computer and operating system.
[0008] In addition to using the KayPentax.TM. system, speech
pathologists involved in sEMG swallowing research have either
devised their own hardware or found other options, such as the
Sys/3 4-channel computer-based EMG system from NeuroDyne.TM.
Medical, Cambridge.TM. MA.TM. or ADInstruments.TM..
ADInstruments.TM. provides a wireless system (PowerLab.TM. hardware
and LabChart.TM. software), which is used to record and analyze
sEMG signals. This technology, although wireless, is still costly
and requires training to set up and use. The sensors themselves are
larger than the sEMG adhesive pad used with the KayPentax.TM.
system described above (37 mm.times.26 mm.times.15 mm) and weigh
14.7 g. Although these systems may be more cost-effective than the
KayPentax.TM. system, it is unlikely that the typical
speech-language pathologist has access to biomedical engineers who
can provide the necessary engineering and computer-programming
support for these systems to be functional. Therefore, few options
remain for the typical clinician.
[0009] Dr. Catriona Steele, speech pathologist in the Swallowing
Rehabilitation Research Laboratory at the Toronto Rehabilitation
Institute, has tried to meet the need for inexpensive alternatives
by developing software (BioGraph Infiniti.TM., Thought
Technology.TM., Montreal) that can be paired with existing sEMG
hardware (MyoTrac Infiniti.TM., Thought Technology.TM., Montreal).
The device is still relatively large (61 mm.times.112 mm.times.25
mm) and weighs 71 g. Further, in order to use this equipment,
clinicians are encouraged to take a fee-based course through the
Biofeedback Foundation of Europe, which leads them through a
standardized swallow treatment protocol progressing from regular
swallow tasks to those involving the Mendelsohn Maneuver. Although
this option may provide clinicians with a more cost-effective
option, it does not address concerns related to accessibility of
treatment, especially in the home environment with an engaging
interface. Furthermore, the current technologies produce highly
complex data that are not meaningful to the patient, affecting
their motivation and engagement. Finally, data output for the
clinician is not automated, requiring manual translation of data
points.
[0010] Thus, swallowing therapy with the use of sEMG may be scarce
due to the cost of the existing equipment, lack of equipment
portability and taxed clinician availability. Furthermore,
swallowing treatment occurring at a clinic does not happen as often
as it should because: 1) there are not enough clinicians to meet
the demand; 2) current treatment technology is costly and not
readily available in many clinics; and 3) many patients live in
remote areas, limiting access to major rehabilitation centers. In
the current Albertan population, approximately 1.1 million people
are over the age of 50, meaning that more than 220,000 Albertans
are affected by a swallowing disorder. Unfortunately, the current
workforce of just over 1,000 speech-language pathologists in
Alberta is not sufficient to treat this population using
conventional rehabilitation. On top of the aging population,
patients prefer to remain home as much as possible, or simply
cannot travel to treatment centers, calling for remote provision of
treatment and management of chronic health issues, such as
dysphagia.
[0011] In addition to the systems described above, Dysphagia
iOS.TM. Applications are currently available. iSwallow.TM. and
Swallow Now.TM. are iOS.TM. applications intended to be used by
patients outside a clinic. iSwallow.TM. allows the clinician to
create a personalized treatment regimen by selecting from a set of
swallowing exercises. While the application provides patients with
video instructions for various swallowing exercises, it is not
coupled with sEMG biofeedback. One problem with eHealth
applications (and more generally, at-home regimens), such as
iSwallow.TM. is adherence; namely, accurately recording the
patient's commitment to the regime and/or use of the application at
home. Patient adherence to a treatment regimen is an important
factor in improving health outcomes, but simply tracking patient
activity does not ensure, or even motivate, adherence. The example
devices described herein may use game concepts and design
principles to motivate patients to use maximal effort in practice
and to adhere to the complete treatment regimen.
[0012] It is, therefore, desirable to provide a system that
overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0013] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, there is provided a
method of providing sensory feedback during an exercise, the method
including: setting an exertion target, for a user performing the
exercise, based on a self-calibration that estimates the user's
ability using signal amplitudes of surface electromyography (sEMG)
data, wherein the exertion target includes a target signal
amplitude of muscle contractions to be reached during the exercise;
receiving sEMG data from a measurement device attached to the user
as the user performs the exercise; and upon processing the sEMG
data, generating sensory feedback at a computing device operated by
the user, wherein the sensory feedback has an intensity
proportional to the user's exertion level as the user performs the
exercise, and wherein the sensory feedback changes over a course of
the exercise in dependence on a duration that the user maintains a
muscle contraction at or above the target signal amplitude, and the
change in sensory feedback is configured to encourage the user to
prolong the duration.
[0014] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the sensory feedback is
responsive to the duration that a muscle contraction is maintained
at or above a pre-defined quantum higher than the target signal
amplitude.
[0015] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the sensory feedback
includes audible feedback.
[0016] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the sensory feedback
includes visual feedback.
[0017] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method further
includes: generating a graphical user interface for presentation of
the visual feedback.
[0018] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the sensory feedback
provides an indication of the muscle contraction to the user.
[0019] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the indication includes
an indication of a duration of the muscle contraction.
[0020] Broadly stated, in some embodiments the sensory feedback is
presented in a form of a game playable by the user.
[0021] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method further
includes: controlling functions of the game based on said
processing the sEMG data.
[0022] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method further
includes: computing an average and a range of the signal amplitudes
received for the self-calibration.
[0023] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the self-calibration
estimates the patient's ability for a particular day to set at
least one of the exertion targets for the exercises of the
particular day.
[0024] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the self-calibration
estimates the patient's ability for a particular exercise session
to set at least one of the exertion targets for the exercises of
the particular exercise session.
[0025] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, there is provided a
computer-implemented device for providing sensory feedback during
an exercise, the device including: a communication interface; at
least one processor; memory in communication with the at least one
processor, and software code stored in the memory, which when
executed by the at least one processor causes the device to: set an
exertion target, for a user performing the exercise, based on a
self-calibration that estimates the user's ability using signal
amplitudes of surface electromyography (sEMG) data, wherein the
exertion target includes a target signal amplitude of muscle
contractions to be reached during the exercise; receive, via the
communication interface, sEMG data from a measurement device
attached to the user as the user performs the exercise; and upon
processing the sEMG data, generate sensory feedback that has an
intensity proportional to the user's exertion level as the user
performs the exercise, and wherein the sensory feedback changes
over a course of the exercise in dependence on a duration that the
user maintains a muscle contraction at or above the target signal
amplitude, and the change in sensory feedback is configured to
encourage the user to prolong the duration.
[0026] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the communication
interface is configured for wireless communication with the
measurement device.
[0027] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the wireless
communication includes Bluetooth communication.
[0028] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the device is a
portable computing device.
[0029] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, there is provided a
non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon
machine interpretable instructions which, when executed by a
processor, cause the processor to perform a computer implemented
method for providing sensory feedback during an exercise, the
method including: setting an exertion target, for a user performing
the exercise, based on a self-calibration that estimates the user's
ability using signal amplitudes of surface electromyography (sEMG)
data, wherein the exertion target includes a target signal
amplitude of muscle contractions to be reached during the exercise;
receiving sEMG data from a measurement device attached to the user
as the user performs the exercise; and upon processing the sEMG
data, generating sensory feedback that has an intensity
proportional to the user's exertion level as the user performs the
exercise, and wherein the sensory feedback changes over a course of
the exercise in dependence on a duration that the user maintains a
muscle contraction at or above the target signal amplitude, and the
change in sensory feedback is configured to encourage the user to
prolong the duration.
[0030] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a system can be
provided for use in the diagnosis and treatment of a swallowing
disorder of a patient, the system comprising: a computing device;
and a measurement device configured for attaching to the patient,
wherein the measurement device is configured to transmit surface
electromyography ("sEMG") or mechanomyography ("MMG") data to the
computing device.
[0031] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the measurement device
can further comprise a chin attachment configured for attachment to
a chin of the patient.
[0032] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further
comprise a wearable computing device.
[0033] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further
comprise a housing configured for attachment to a chin of the
patient, wherein the measurement device and the wearable computing
device are disposed in the housing.
[0034] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the wearable computing
device can be configured for amplifying and filtering a sEMG signal
derived from the sEMG data or a MMG signal derived from the MMG
data.
[0035] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the wearable computing
device can be configured for transmitting the sEMG or MMG signal to
the computing device.
[0036] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the computing device
can comprise one or more processors configured for: receiving the
sEMG signal or the MMG signal; and generating a graphical user
interface based on the received sEMG or MMG signal.
[0037] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the graphical user
interface can be configured for indicating the duration of
submental muscle contraction in the patient.
[0038] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the computing device
can comprise one or more processors configured for calculating an
average and a range signal amplitude of the sEMG or MMG signal
during a calibration phase.
[0039] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the computing device
can comprise one or more processors configured for determining one
or more of a group consisting of: time of log-in, duration of
session, length of time since last session, session's target
amplitude, type of exercise practiced, number of trials, amplitude
for each trial, duration for each trial, average for each type of
exercise, duration average for each type of exercise, and range for
each type of exercise.
[0040] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method can be
provided for use in the diagnosis and treatment of a swallowing
disorder of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
providing the system described above; attaching the measurement
device described above to a chin of the patient; and measuring
muscle contraction of the patient when the patient swallows.
[0041] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further
comprise the step of providing audible or visual feedback to the
patient, wherein the feedback provides an indication of the muscle
contraction to the patient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1A is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a
system used for the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders
in which the sensor and wearable computing device are separated and
connected by a cable.
[0043] FIG. 1B is a block diagram depicting another embodiment of
the system of FIG. 1A in which the sensor and wearable computing
device are enclosed in the same housing.
[0044] FIG. 2A is a top plan view depicting a wearable computing
device for use with the system of FIG. 1 A.
[0045] FIG. 2B is an exploded elevation view depicting the wearable
computing device of FIG. 2A.
[0046] FIG. 3A is a top plan view depicting a wearable computing
device use with the system of FIG. 1B.
[0047] FIG. 3B is a perspective view depicting the wearable
computing device of FIG. 3A.
[0048] FIG. 3C is a front elevation view depicting the wearable
computing device of FIG. 3A.
[0049] FIG. 3D is a rear elevation view depicting the wearable
computing device of FIG. 3A.
[0050] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view depicting the
wearable computing device of FIG. 3A.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting a patient wearing the
wearable computing device of FIG. 3A.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a
wearable computing device for use with the system of FIG. 1A or
FIG. 1B.
[0053] FIG. 7A is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a
sEMG signal processing module for use with the system of FIG. 1A or
FIG. 1B.
[0054] FIG. 7B is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a MMG
signal processing module for use with the system of FIG. 1A or FIG.
1B.
[0055] FIG. 7C is a block diagram depicting another embodiment of a
sEMG signal processing module for use with the system of FIG. 1A or
FIG. 1B.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a
computing device for use with the system of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a block depicting one embodiment of applications
for use with the computing device of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] In general, this disclosure describes a system for use in
diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders.
[0059] In some embodiments, the devices described herein, unlike
current in-clinic technology, can be portable and relatively
inexpensive and can allow a patient to complete therapy at home,
and can allow a clinician to monitor a patient's activity remotely
through access to a data warehouse and/or an online portal.
Further, in some embodiments, unlike current technology,
applications described herein can provide meaningful feedback to a
patient about what their swallowing muscles are doing. This can be
done by incorporating game concepts and design, such as goal
setting, patient position relative to goal, creation and
personalization, connections and ways to share results, practice
reminders and progress bars into the application. In some
embodiments, de-identified home practice data can be sent
instantaneously to a central server so that the clinician can
monitor progress and change the course of therapy. In addition,
uploaded data can be used to create an evidence-base for this type
of treatment that will ultimately guide clinical decision-making.
Further, in one example, devices described herein can incorporate
feedback from additional clinicians outside the core clinical or
research group, as well as patients and health administrators. The
mobile health devices described herein can be used to: improve
quality of life in patients with swallowing difficulties by
providing more consistent, motivating and accessible swallowing
therapy; address an unmet clinical need in the health system; and
provide an effective technological solution to reduce the burden of
costs on patients, and the health care system.
[0060] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are block diagrams illustrating
embodiments of systems that can implement one or more techniques of
this disclosure. System 100 can be configured to treat and diagnose
swallowing disorders in accordance with the techniques described
herein. System 100 can be configured to observe the sEMG or MMG
signal of patients practicing the Mendelsohn maneuver or other
swallowing exercises and through an associated mobile application
motivate, record and analyze individual trials and sessions and
provide feedback to the patient. In some embodiments, the
application can comprise a game. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1A, system 100 can comprise measurement device 200, computing
device 300, communications network 400, data warehouse and
clinician portal 500 and clinical site 600.
[0061] Components of system 100 can comprise and be implemented as
any of a variety of suitable hardware and software, such as one or
more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors
("DSPs"), application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), field
programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"), discrete logic, analog
circuitry, software, software modules, hardware, firmware or any
combinations thereof as well known to those skilled in the art.
System 100 can comprise software modules operating on one or more
servers. Software modules can be stored in a memory and executed by
a processor. Servers can comprise one or more processors and a
plurality of internal and/or external memory devices. Examples of
memory devices can comprise file servers, FTP servers, network
attached storage ("NAS") devices, a local disk drive or any other
type of device or storage medium capable of storing data as well
known to those skilled in the art. Storage medium can comprise
Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, flash memory or any other suitable
digital storage media as well known to those skilled in the art.
When the techniques described herein are implemented partially in
software, a device can store instructions for the software in a
suitable, non-transitory computer-readable medium and execute the
instructions in hardware using one or more processors.
[0062] In some embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 1A, measurement
device 200 can comprise chin attachment sensor 202 and a wearable
computing device 206, where chin attachment sensor 202 and wearable
computing device 206 can be electronically coupled. In some
embodiments, a wire can be enclosed in rubber wiring enclosure 204
disposed between sensor 202 and device 206. In some embodiments,
the length of the wire between chin attachment sensor 202 and
wearable computing device 206 can be as short as possible to reduce
signal noise while still allowing some slack for movement. Rubber
material encasing the wires can be chosen to protect the wires and
prevent unnecessary bending or fraying. In some embodiments as
illustrated in FIG. 1B, measurement device 200 can have both the
chin attachment sensor 202 and wearable computing device 207
contained in the same enclosure so as to remove the requirement for
rubber wiring enclosure 204.
[0063] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of wearable
computing device 206 that can be used with system 100 as shown in
FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, device 206 can be designed to
accommodate users with limited shoulder range of motion, i.e., the
neck-piece may be flexible and not require an overhead arm motion.
In some embodiments, device 206 can comprise collar 203 further
comprise casing halves 211 and 213 disposed on an end thereof.
Casing halves 211 and 213 can enclose printed circuit board 221
disposed therein, where printed circuit board 221 can comprise the
electronics and functionality, as described in further detail
below. In some embodiments, casing halves 211 and 213 can be easily
separated for repairs as necessary.
[0064] Device 206 can further comprise silicone hand grip 215
configured to releasably attach to casing halves 211 and 213 when
assembled together. In some embodiments, device 206 can comprise
USB 223 connector disposed on casing half 213 and operatively
connected to printed circuit board 221 for connecting to an
external computing device (not shown). Device 206 can also comprise
connector jack 225 operatively connected to printed circuit board
221 for providing a connection between chin attachment 202 and
printed circuit board 221. Device 206 can also comprise chin
attachment 202 configured to house a sEMG sensor or a MMG sensor
and to attach to the chin of a patient, wherein chin attachment
sensor 202 is operatively connected to printed circuit board 221
via electrical wires or cables disposed in rubber wiring enclosure
204 disposed between casing half 213 and chin attachment 202. In
some embodiments, chin attachment 202 can be a universal fit device
or can be custom-fitted to the patient.
[0065] FIGS. 3A to 3D and 4 illustrate one embodiment of wearable
computing device 207 that can be used with system 100 as shown in
Figure IB. In this embodiment, sensor 202 and wearable computing
device 206 can be included in the same enclosure to form device
207. As shown in FIG. 4, the casing for device 207 was designed to
be mindful of the challenge that patients might have in aligning
the device under the chin. In some embodiments, device 207 can
comprise one or both of distinct recesses 208 and 209, each recess
relating to the location of potential sEMG electrodes disposed in
device 207. In some embodiments, singular circular recess 208 can
be aligned vertically with a reference electrode, while longer
rounded recess 209 can be vertically aligned with two active
electrodes. This embodiment can provide both a visual and a tactile
reference for proper alignment with the required anatomy. Other
considerations from the patient's perspective involved referencing
human factors measurements to ensure the device is appropriate for
a variety of hand sizes, grip strengths and motor skills.
[0066] In some embodiments, device 207 can comprise top casing half
218, wireless transceiver module 220, battery 222 for providing
electrical power to the electronics disposed in device 207, cradle
224 for housing battery 222 and module 220, printed circuit board
226, lower casing half 228 and sensor pad 230. In some embodiments,
transceiver module 220 can be a Bluetooth.TM. transceiver. In some
embodiments, casing half 218 can comprise tangs 219 to releasably
attach to tang recesses 229 disposed in casing half 228 to enable
easy disassembly of device 207 for repairs as necessary. In some
embodiments, lower casing half 228 can comprise slidable button 234
to operate switch 235 disposed on circuit board 226 when installed
in casing half 228. In some embodiments, lower casing half 228 can
comprise opening 236 to provide access to electrical connector 238
disposed on circuit board 226 when installed in casing half 226. In
some embodiments, sensor pad 230 can comprise electrodes 232 for
connection to circuit board 226. In some embodiments, casing halves
218 and 228 can be approximately 50 mm in diameter, and can be
comprised of materials that are easy to clean with hospital
disinfectants, as well known to those skilled in the art.
[0067] In some embodiments, the enclosure can be designed to house
battery 222, and circuit board 226 that can comprise charging
circuitry, analog conditioning circuitry, connection to a plurality
of electrodes 232 that can further comprise sEMG or MMG sensors, an
onboard microcontroller unit, wireless transceiver module 220 that
can comprise a wireless connection method such as, but not limited
to, Bluetooth.TM. or Zigbee.TM., which can be all on one or more
printed circuit board(s) 226. In some embodiments, the device can
comprise all analog electronics necessary for signal acquisition
and conditioning, as well as all digital electronics necessary for
signal digitization and wireless data transfer. Some embodiments
can comprise, located on the housing, a button or switch to turn
the device off and on or indicate some other functionality to the
internal electronics such as wake up or to change the current
operational mode. In some embodiments, the device can comprise one
or more indicators 216 which can comprise one or more of the
following: light emitting diodes, a small screen, an audio
indicator such as a speaker or piezo-electric indicator, a
vibratory device and a haptic indicator, all of which can be used
to indicate such things as whether the device is off or on, if it
is charging or finished charging, if the wireless module is
connected, battery charge level, if the device is taking a reading,
as well as if the device is properly aligned on the individual.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of device 207 is shown
attached to chin C of patient P, as an example.
[0069] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example
measurement device 200 that can implement one or more techniques of
this disclosure. Measurement device 200 can be configured to filter
and amplify sEMG or MMG signals, and send those remotely to a
mobile device, such as, for example, computing device 300. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, wearable computing
device 206 can comprise includes chin attachment sensor 202,
electrode(s) 201, signal processing module 210, microcontroller
217, power supply 212, wireless transceiver 214, and indicators
216. In some embodiments, electrode(s) 201 can comprise three
electrodes. In other embodiments, electrode(s) 201 can be replaced
with, or can further comprise, one or more MMG sensors. In some
embodiments, electrodes can be coupled to sEMG adhesive pads. In
one example, the sEMG adhesive pads can be light and inexpensive
single-use pads that do not require cleaning, or they can comprise
a medical-grade reusable solvent-based or non-solvent based
adhesive or a silicon adhesive to provide for many uses before
replacement. In other embodiments, the sEMG pads can all be
included in the same adhesive pad to simplify the application. In
other embodiments, this combined sensor pad can comprising one or
more sEMG or MMG sensors can be connected to the enclosure, and
then the enclosure and the sensors can be applied to the patient's
chin together. In other embodiment, the sEMG pad can be coupled
with a chin mold housing the leads. Further, the design of the chin
mold can make the placement of the pad intuitive, and can further
prevent incorrect connection of the adhesive pad to the leads. In
some embodiments, an MMG sensor can comprise a MEMS microphone and
an amplifying chamber created out of a biocompatible plastic or
metal. The diameter of the chamber can have a diameter of
approximately 7 mm and a height of approximately 10 mm. Further,
aluminized Mylar.TM. can be used as the membrane (having 10 mm
diameter) that can cross the amplifying chamber. In one example,
power supply 212 can comprise a lithium battery. Further, power
supply 212 can comprise USB port 238 or another custom connector to
allow for the measuring device 200 to be charged. This port can
also be used to move collected patient data off of the device,
download new firmware into the device, and/or perform tests on the
device. Alternatively, the device can be charged by induction
through a wireless inductive link. The power supply 212 can also
include circuitry to prevent the use of the system while the device
is charging. Signal processing module 210 can be configured to
capture and process a signal from electrodes. Wireless transceiver
214 can comprise a wireless transmitter that can communicate the
captured signal to the mobile application for analysis. In one
example, wireless transceiver 214 can comprise a Bluetooth.TM.
transceiver and the transmitted data can comprise serial data.
Indicators 216 can comprise one or more light emitting diodes to
indicate an operating mode to a patient. In some embodiments, all
of these components can be controlled by a firmware application
running in microcontroller 217.
[0070] FIG. 7C is a block diagram illustrating an example sEMG
signal processing device that can implement one or more techniques
of this disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 7C, signal processing
device 210 can comprise some or all of the following: signal
acquisition module 250, amplification module 252, bandpass filter
254, rectification module 256 and envelope detection module 258.
From signal processing device 210, the signal can be digitized by
analog to digital converter 253, and then microcontroller 217 can
send the digitized signal out through transmission interface module
249. In some embodiments, microcontroller 217 and analog to digital
converter 253 can be disposed on the same integrated circuit.
[0071] FIG. 7A illustrates an alternative sEMG signal processing
device 210 that can comprise only high pass filter 255 instead of
bandpass filter 254, and can further comprise AC Coupling module
257 as well as DC Biasing module 259. In some embodiments, the
output signal of signal processing device 210 can comprise a
smoothed muscle response curve that is ready for digitization.
[0072] FIG. 7B illustrates another embodiment of the system
comprising MMG signal processing device 210, further comprising
microphone 251 to gather the MMG signal. In some embodiments of
device 210 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, high pass filter 255 can
comprise a cut-off frequency of 10 Hz. Referring back to FIG. 7C,
in some embodiments, amplification module 252 can comprise an
amplification factor of 1000. In some embodiments, bandpass filter
254 can comprise a 10 Hz to 500 Hz bandpass filter. In some
embodiments, rectification module 256 can comprise a diode. In some
embodiments, the amplification, filtering and rectification can be
done via software on either measurement device 200 as shown in FIG.
6, or on computing device 300 as shown in FIG. 8. In some
embodiments, the analysis and characterization of a swallow event
of a patient can be done entirely on the measurement device 200,
entirely on the computing device 300 or shared between both of
these devices.
[0073] Referring again to FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, measurement
device 200 can send sEMG signals to computing device 300; computing
device 300 and clinical site 600 can be connected to data warehouse
500; and communications network 400 can comprise any combination of
wireless and/or wired communication media as well known to those
skilled in the art. In some embodiments, communication network 400
can comprise routers, switches, base stations or any other
equipment well known to those skilled in the art that can
facilitate communication between various devices and sites. In some
embodiments, communication network 400 can form part of a
packet-based network, such as a local area network, a wide-area
network or a global network such as the Internet. In some
embodiments, communication network 400 can operate according to one
or more communication protocols, such as, for example, a Global
System Mobile Communications ("GSM") standard, a long term
evolution ("4G LIE") standard, a Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access ("WiMAX") standard, a Evolved High-Speed Packet
Access ("HSPA+"), a code division multiple access ("CDMA")
standard, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project ("3GPP") standard,
an Internet Protocol ("IP") standard, a Wireless Application
Protocol ("WAP") standard, and/or an IEEE standard, such as, one or
more of the 802.11 standards, as well as various combinations
thereof.
[0074] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of
computing device 300 that can implement one or more techniques of
this disclosure. In some embodiments, computing device 300 can be
configured to transmit data to and receive data from data warehouse
500 and execute one or more applications (for example, swallowing
diagnosis and treatment application 316). In some embodiments,
computing device 300 can comprise, or be part of, a portable
computing device (e.g., a mobile phone, smart phone, netbook,
laptop, personal data assistant ("PDA")), or tablet device or a
stationary computer (e.g., a desktop computer, or set-top box or
any other computing device as well known to those skilled in the
art. In some embodiments, computing device 300 can comprise
processor(s) 302, memory 304, input device(s) 306, output device(s)
308, network interface 310 and wireless transceiver 311. In some
embodiments, each of processor(s) 302, memory 304, input device(s)
306, output device(s) 308, network interface 310 and wireless
transceiver 311 can be interconnected (physically, communicatively,
and/or operatively) for inter-component communications. In some
embodiments, operating system 312, applications 314 and swallowing
diagnosis and treatment application 316 can be executed by
computing device 300. It should be noted that although computing
device 300, as shown in FIG. 8, is illustrated as having distinct
functional blocks, such this illustration is for descriptive
purposes only, and does not limit computing device 300 to any
particular hardware architecture. The functions of computing device
300 can be realized using any combination of hardware, firmware
and/or software implementations as well known to those skilled in
the art.
[0075] In some embodiments, processor(s) 302 can be configured to
implement functionality and/or process instructions for execution
in computing device 300. In some embodiments, processor(s) 302 can
be capable of retrieving and processing instructions, code, and/or
data structures for implementing one or more of the techniques
described herein. Instructions can be stored on a computer readable
medium, such as memory 304. In some embodiments, processor(s) 302
can comprise digital signal processors ("DSPs"), general purpose
microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits
("ASICs"), field programmable logic arrays ("FPGAs") or other
equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry as well known to
those skilled in the art.
[0076] In some embodiments, memory 304 can be configured to store
information that can be used by computing device 300 during
operation. Memory 304 can comprise a non-transitory or tangible
computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 304
can provide temporary memory and/or long-term storage. In some
embodiments, memory 304 or portion thereof can comprise volatile
memory, that is, in some cases; memory 304 may not maintain stored
contents when computing device 300 is powered down. Examples of
volatile memories can include random access memories ("RAM"),
dynamic random access memories ("DRAM") and static random access
memories ("SRAM"). Memory 304 can be comprised as internal or
external memory and, in some embodiments, can comprise non-volatile
storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements
can include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash
memories, forms of electrically programmable memories ("EPROM") or
electrically erasable and programmable ("EEPROM") memories and
other non-volatile storage elements as well known to those skilled
in the art.
[0077] In some embodiments, input device(s) 306 can be configured
to receive input from user operating computing device 300. Input
from a user can be generated as part of the user running one or
more software applications, such as swallowing diagnosis and
treatment application 316. In some embodiments, input device(s) 306
can comprise a touch-sensitive screen, a track pad, a track point,
a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone, a video camera, or any other
type of device configured to receive input from a user as well
known to those skilled in the art.
[0078] In some embodiments, output device(s) 308 can be configured
to provide output to user operating computing device 300. Output
can comprise tactile, audio or visual output generated as part of a
user running one or more software applications, such as swallowing
diagnosis and treatment application 316. In some embodiments,
output device(s) 308 can comprise a touch-sensitive screen, sound
card, a video graphics adapter card or any other type of device for
converting a signal into an appropriate form understandable to
humans or machines as well known to those skilled in the art.
Additional examples of output device(s) 308 can comprise a speaker,
a cathode ray tube ("CRT") monitor, a liquid crystal display
("LCD") or any other type of device that can provide audio or
visual output to a user as well known to those skilled in the art.
In some embodiments where computing device 300 comprises a mobile
device, output device(s) 308 can comprise an LCD or organic light
emitting diode ("OLED") display configured to receive user touch
inputs, such as, for example, taps, drags and pinches as well known
to those skilled in the art.
[0079] In some embodiments, network interface 310 can be configured
to enable computing device 300 to communicate with external devices
via one or more networks, such as communications network 400.
Network interface 310 can comprise a network interface card, such
as an Ethernet card, an optical transceiver, a radio frequency
transceiver or any other type of device that can send and receive
information as well known to those skilled in the art. In some
embodiments, network interface 310 can be configured to operate
according to one or more of the communication protocols described
above with respect to communications network 400. In some
embodiments, network interface 310 can enable a patient computing
device running swallowing diagnostic and treatment application 316
to transmit information to clinical site 600 or to data warehouse
and online clinician portal 500. In some embodiments, clinical site
600 can comprise a server. In some embodiments, the data can be
disposed in the data warehouse and online clinician portal 500 with
the clinician at the clinical site 600 accessing a patient's data
using a web browser through the World Wide Web. In some
embodiments, wireless transceiver 311 can comprise a wireless
transceiver configured to send and receive data to and/or from
measurement device 200. In some embodiments, wireless transceiver
311 and network interface 310 can be integrated. In some
embodiments, the data can be encrypted before transmission to
clinical site 600 or to data warehouse and online clinician portal
500. This encryption can comprise use any number of different
encryption technologies such as, but not limited to, Advance
Encryption Standard ("AES"), Transport Layer Security ("TLS") or
its predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer ("SSL"), RSA, Secure Shell
("SSH"), Data Encryption Standard ("DES") and any other equivalent
encryption technology as well known to those skilled in the art.
The encryption and decryption of data can be done by swallowing
diagnostic and treatment application 316, by operating system 312
or by integrated circuits and processor(s) 302 at a hardware level
that compose computing device 300.
[0080] In some embodiments, operating system 312 can be configured
to facilitate the interaction of applications, such as applications
314 and swallowing diagnosis and treatment application 316, with
processor(s) 302, memory 304, input device(s) 306, output device(s)
308, network interface 310, and wireless transceiver 311 of
computing device 300. In some embodiments, operating system 312 can
be an operating system designed to be installed on laptops and
desktops. For example, operating system 312 can comprise a
Windows.TM. operating system, Linux.RTM. or Mac OS.TM.. In
embodiments where computing device 300 comprises a mobile device,
such as a smartphone or a tablet, operating system 312 can be one
of Android.TM., iOS.TM. and Windows.TM. mobile operating
system.
[0081] In some embodiments, applications 314 can comprise any
applications implemented within or executed by computing device 300
and can be implemented or contained within, operable by, executed
by, and/or be operatively/communicatively coupled to components of
computing device 300. In some embodiments, applications 314 can
comprise instructions that can cause processor(s) 302 of computing
device 300 to perform particular functions. In some embodiments,
applications 314 can comprise algorithms that are expressed in
computer programming statements, such as: for loops, while-loops,
if-statements, do-loops, etc. In some embodiments, applications can
be developed using a programming language. Examples of programming
languages can comprise Hypertext Markup Language ("HTML"), Dynamic
HTML, Extensible Markup Language ("XML"), Extensible Stylesheet
Language ("XSL"), Document Style Semantics and Specification
Language ("DSSSL"), Cascading Style Sheets ("CSS"), Synchronized
Multimedia Integration Language ("SMIL"), Wireless Markup Language
("WML"), Java.TM., Jini.TM., C, C++, Objective C, C#, Perin.RTM.,
Python.TM., UNIX.TM. Shell, Visual Basic.TM. or Visual Basic.TM.
Script, Virtual Reality Markup Language ("VRML") and ColdFusion.TM.
as well as other compilers, assemblers and interpreters as well
known to those skilled in the art.
[0082] In some embodiments, swallowing diagnosis and treatment
application 316 can comprise an application configured to diagnose
and treat a swallowing disorder according to the techniques
described herein. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an
embodiment of swallowing diagnosis and treatment application 316.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, swallowing diagnosis and treatment
application 316 can comprise interface module 352, analysis module
362, training phase module 354, calibration module 356, game module
358 and transmission module 360. In some embodiments, these modules
illustrated in FIG. 9 can comprise software modules and/or can be
implemented using any combination of hardware, software or firmware
as well known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the
modules illustrated in FIG. 9 can comprise software stored locally
on computing device 300. In other embodiments, the modules
illustrated in FIG. 9 can comprise software modules and/or portions
thereof distributed throughout system 100.
[0083] FIG. 9 illustrates a conceptual diagram of an example
operation of an application for treating and diagnosing a
swallowing disorder in accordance with one or more techniques of
this disclosure. In some embodiments, interface module 352 can be
configured to generate graphical user interfaces. In some
embodiments, training phase module 354 can be configured to achieve
the functions associated with first visit training phase. In some
embodiments, calibration module 356 can be configured to achieve
the functions associated with warm-up and self-calibration phase.
In some embodiments, the warm-up phase can tell the user if the
sensor is applied incorrectly. In some embodiments, the
self-calibration phase can record typical swallows for the patient
on any one particular day and use this data to set a target
exertion for the data. In some embodiments, analysis module 362 can
analyze the real time data gathered from the patient to detect,
using an algorithm, and various parameters for each swallowing
exercise. In some embodiments, this algorithm can combine a number
of analysis techniques in both the time and frequency domain to
detect swallowing characteristics as well known to those skilled in
the art. In some embodiments, game module 358 can be configured to
use the outputs of analysis module 362 to achieve the functions
associated with a game, and/or full training mode, and/or to
display the signal to the patient as visual feedback.
[0084] In some embodiments, transmission module 360 can be
configured to transmit data to either clinical site 600 or to data
warehouse and online clinician portal 500. In some embodiments,
anonymized or one way identifiable home practice data can be sent
to a central server so that the clinician can monitor progress and
change the course of therapy, if necessary. In some embodiments,
one or more of the following metrics can be collected and saved at
clinical site: (1) time of log-in; (2) duration of session; (3)
length of time since last session; (4) session's target amplitude
(.mu.V); (5) type of exercise practiced and number of trials; (6)
amplitude (.mu.V) and duration (s) for each trial; (7) average
(.mu.V); duration (s) average and range for each type of exercise;
(8) comments made by patient; (9) outputs of the swallowing
detection and characterization algorithm 362; and (10) daily
percent of trials completed from those prescribed, as a metric of
adherence. These measurements can be communicated to the clinician
at the end of each practice; as well, longitudinal analysis over
multiple sessions can enable assessment of patient progress over
time.
[0085] In some embodiments, at the start of every session, a
calibration step can take place where rest and normal swallows are
recorded. The software can then calculate the average and range
signal amplitude across an initial number of normal swallows. In
some embodiments, this initial calibration step can yield the daily
targets for the practice following. In some embodiments, the
training software can be gamified, meaning that game concepts and
design can be used to engage patients and achieve maximal effort.
In some embodiments, game concepts can comprise realistic graphics
instead of childish ones, levels denoting progress to singular
tasks, and feedback relevant to swallowing rather than to the game
goals. In some embodiments, swallowing diagnosis and treatment
application 316 comprise practice reminders and progress bars as
goal setting.
[0086] In some embodiments, the application can connect to the
scheduler or notification section of computing device (300) and can
further schedule an alarm, notification or message to trigger on
their device when the patient is to do their exercises. In some
embodiments, the alarm, message or notification can be scheduled
using an external device, server or third party service to provide
the trigger for the patient to do their exercises.
[0087] In some embodiments, swallowing diagnosis and treatment
application 316 can comprise a fishing game where the depth
travelled by the lure is contingent on the duration of submental
muscle contraction at or above 30% of the daily target amplitude.
The longer the contraction, the deeper the lure travels and the
more fish the player is likely to catch. In some embodiments,
swallowing diagnosis and treatment application 316 can comprise
providing feedback based on auditory or visual stimulus that gets
more intense as the patient exerts energy to complete the exercise
and then returns to a steady state when the patient completes the
exercise. The intensity of this stimulus can be proportional to the
intensity of the patient's exertion. In some embodiments,
swallowing diagnosis and treatment application 316 can use various
aspects of the feedback data to accomplish a progressive task that
builds on the last task or on many of the tasks before it to
provide an interesting experience for the user.
[0088] In some embodiments, swallowing diagnosis and treatment
application 316 can calibrate the practice targets according to the
patient's daily swallowing ability, thereby avoiding frustration if
an arbitrary target is not met. Further, in some embodiments,
patients can practice with regular swallows if swallowing exercises
are too difficult or contra-indicated. In some embodiments, trials
can be summarized at the end of practice, displayed and compared to
previous sessions. This way, the patient can receive quick feedback
on whether or not he/she is improving in their practice. In some
embodiments, swallowing diagnosis and treatment application 316 can
walk patients through device set-up, thereby providing another
level of assurance. Further, a clinician may spend the first
therapy session in the clinic, training the patient on the use of
the device and application, prior to home treatment. The clinician
then will remotely-monitor home practice.
[0089] In some embodiments, the functions described can be
implemented in hardware, software, firmware or any combination
thereof as well known to those skilled in the art. If implemented
in software, the functions can be stored on, or transmitted over,
as one or more instructions or code, a computer-readable medium and
executed by a hardware-based processing unit. In some embodiments,
computer-readable media can comprise computer-readable storage
media, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storage
media or communication media including any medium that facilitates
transfer of a computer program from one place to another, e.g.,
according to a communication protocol as well known to those
skilled in the art. In this manner, computer-readable media
generally can correspond to: (1) tangible computer-readable storage
media which is non-transitory; or (2) a communication medium such
as a signal or carrier wave. Data storage media can comprise any
available media that can be accessed by one or more computers or
one or more processors to retrieve instructions, code and/or data
structures for implementation of the techniques described in this
disclosure as well known to those skilled in the art. A computer
program product can comprise a computer-readable medium.
[0090] By way of example, and not limitation, in some embodiments,
such computer-readable storage media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or
other magnetic storage devices, flash memory or any other medium
that can be used to store desired program code in the form of
instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a
computer as well known to those skilled in the art. Also, any
connection can be properly termed a computer-readable medium. In
some embodiments, if instructions are transmitted from a website,
server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic
cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line ("DSL") or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the
coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave can be included
in the definition of medium. It should be understood, however, that
computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not
include connections, carrier waves, signals, or other transient
media, but are instead directed to non-transient, tangible storage
media. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc ("CD"),
laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc ("DVD"), floppy
disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks usually reproduce data
magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.
Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope
of computer-readable media.
[0091] In some embodiments, instructions can be executed by one or
more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors
("DSPs"), general purpose microprocessors, application specific
integrated circuits ("ASICs"), field programmable logic arrays
("FPGAs") or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic
circuitry as well known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,
the term "processor," as used herein can refer to any of the
foregoing structure or any other structure suitable for
implementation of the techniques described herein. In addition, in
some embodiments, the functionality described herein can be
provided within dedicated hardware and/or software modules as well
known to those skilled in the art. Also, the techniques can be
fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.
[0092] In some embodiments, the techniques of this disclosure can
be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses,
including a wireless handset, an integrated circuit ("IC") or a set
of ICs (e.g., a chip set). Various components, modules or units as
described in this disclosure emphasize functional aspects of
devices configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not
necessarily require realization by different hardware units.
Rather, as described above, various units can be combined in a
codec hardware unit or can be provided by a collection of
inter-operative hardware units, including one or more processors as
described above, in conjunction with suitable software and/or
firmware as well known to those skilled in the art.
[0093] Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various
changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without
changing or departing from their scope, intent or functionality.
The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have
been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and
there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of
excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or
portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined
and limited only by the claims that follow.
* * * * *