Abstract: A wearable maintenance therapy device (10, 12, 14) imparts vibratory stimuli to appendicular muscles of a patient's limb during daily life activity of the patient to reduce symptomatic relapse of spasticity. A vibrator actuator (20) contained in a sup port housing (24) and configured for placement in operational contact with appendicular muscles of a limb (28) of a patient imparts localized vibration to one or more of the patient's appendicular muscles. The localized vibration produces proprioceptive input from the vibrated muscle or muscles (90t) to activate sensory areas of the patient's central nervous system. Programmable electrical control circuitry (50) controls vibration characteristics of the localized vibration and includes memory sites for storing operating values of the vibration characteristics.

Abstract: A method and device assist in the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered loss of motor control of an appendicular joint due to neurological damage. The method includes attempted contraction by a patient of a muscle that serves to move an affected joint coupled with the production of a perception by the patient that the joint is being moved more than it really is. The method results in dramatic non-transient improvements in motor control of the joint. The device provides an apparatus for performance of the method.

Abstract: A method and device assist in the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered loss of motor control of an appendicular joint due to neurological damage. The method includes attempted contraction by a patient of a muscle that serves to move an affected joint coupled with the production of a perception by the patient that the joint is being moved more than it really is. The method results in dramatic non-transient improvements in motor control of the joint. The device provides an apparatus for performance of the method.

Abstract: A method and device for the rehabilitation of patients that have suffered loss of motor control of an appendicular joint due to neurological damage. The method includes attempted contraction by a patient of a muscle that serves to move an affected joint coupled with the production of a perception by the patient that the joint is being moved more than it really is. The method results in dramatic non-transient improvements in motor control of the joint. The device provides an apparatus for performance of the method.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitating a patient suffering partial or total loss of motor control of an appendicular joint caused by injury or neurological disorder but exhibiting clinically plegic (i.e., paralyzed) muscles and retaining minimal ability to weakly contract the muscles develops overt movement at a joint and ultimately leads to improved functionality. The method entails use of feedback in which the patient views and/or hears a signal related to the intensity of electromyographic (EMG) activity the patient produces in the appropriate muscles while attempting to move the paretic or plegic joint. The method is intended as an alternative form of feedback for highly disabled patients while they receive therapy using an Assisted Movement with Enhanced Sensation (AMES) device providing joint torque feedback.

Abstract: A method and device for the rehabilitation of patients that have suffered loss of motor control of an appendicular joint due to neurological damage. The method includes attempted contraction by a patient of a muscle that serves to move an affected joint coupled with the production of a perception by the patient that the joint is being moved more than it really is. The method results in dramatic non-transient improvements in motor control of the joint. The device provides an apparatus for performance of the method.

Abstract: A method and device for the rehabilitation of patients that have suffered loss of motor control of an appendicular joint due to neurological damage. The method includes attempted contraction by a patient of a muscle that serves to move an affected joint coupled with the production of a perception by the patient that the joint is being moved more than it really is. The method results in dramatic non-transient improvements in motor control of the joint. The device provides an apparatus for performance of the method.