Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to procedures and methods of using a system having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a non-nutritive suck (NNS) pattern in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. The methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized NNS pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using a therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to procedures and methods of using a system having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a non-nutritive suck (NNS) pattern in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. The methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized NNS pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tactile stimulation device. The tactile stimulation device can include at least one pneumatic switch, an applicator connected to the at least one pneumatic switch, and a controller operatively connected to the at least one pneumatic switch. The controller is configured to control the at least one pneumatic switch to connect the applicator to at least one of high pressure, vacuum pressure, and atmospheric pressure to stimulate a nerve ending of a user.

Abstract: A system and method are described for assessing muscle parameters (e.g., force(s) exerted, force dynamics, strength, voluntary muscle movement, etc.) in a diagnostic or therapeutic environment. The muscle parameter assessment system includes a force-gauging device and a computing device. The force-gauging device includes at least one pressure-sensing component (e.g., transducer, pressure sensor, etc.) configured to respond to a force applied by a subject and produce one or more output signals. The force-gauging device can further include electronic circuitry configured to convert the output signals into data indicative of a muscle parameter. The computing device is configured to build a muscle assessment protocol based on one or more patient characteristics and/or user input. The computing device is further configured to execute one or more muscle assessments via the force-gauging device, receive data from the force-gauging device, and determine one or more muscle measurements for a subject.

Abstract: A neural analysis and treatment system includes a computing device with a memory for storing an application that is executable on a processor to receive amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and range-EEG (rEEG) measurements associated with a patient. The systems determine a spectral edge frequency (SEF) measurement from the received EEG measurements, and determine one or more neural characteristics of the patient according to the determined SEF, aEEG, and rEEG measurements. These neural characteristics may then be used to identify and implement an appropriate therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: A neural analysis and treatment system includes a computing device with a memory for storing an application that is executable on a processor to receive amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and range-EEG (rEEG) measurements associated with a patient. The systems determine a spectral edge frequency (SEF) measurement from the received EEG measurements, and determine one or more neural characteristics of the patient according to the determined SEF, aEEG, and rEEG measurements. These neural characteristics may then be used to identify and implement an appropriate therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: A system and method are described for assessing muscle parameters (e.g., force(s) exerted, force dynamics, strength, voluntary muscle movement, etc.) in a diagnostic or therapeutic environment. The muscle parameter assessment system includes a force-gauging device and a computing device. The force-gauging device includes at least one pressure-sensing component (e.g., transducer, pressure sensor, etc.) configured to respond to a force applied by a subject and produce one or more output signals. The force-gauging device can further include electronic circuitry configured to convert the output signals into data indicative of a muscle parameter. The computing device is configured to build a muscle assessment protocol based on one or more patient characteristics and/or user input. The computing device is further configured to execute one or more muscle assessments via the force-gauging device, receive data from the force-gauging device, and determine one or more muscle measurements for a subject.

Abstract: A device for stimulating mechanosensory nerve endings can include: a housing having an internal chamber and first and second openings; optionally, a membrane covering the first opening of housing, the membrane being sufficient flexibility to vibrate upon receiving vibratory stimulation from a vibratory mechanism; and a coupling mechanism at the second opening configured for being fluidly coupled to the vibratory mechanism, wherein the entire device is magnetically unresponsive materials. The housing can be cylindrical, or any polygon shape. The membrane can be integrated with the housing or coupled thereto, such as with adhesive. Optionally, the membrane can be removably coupled to the housing. The membrane can be omitted such that the skin of a subject coupled to the device oscillates in response to the fluid vibrations.

Abstract: A method for providing vestibular stimulation includes: providing an infant in a vestibular stimulation device; associating sensors to the infant; moving the vestibular stimulation device to provide vestibular stimulation treatment; and obtaining sensor data during the treatment. The vestibular stimulation device includes a holder member; a platform; a mechanical system coupling the holder member to the platform; sensors configured to detect one or more parameters of the infant; and a computing system having a user input and/or output interface operably coupled to the mechanical system and the sensors to provide mechanical data to the mechanical system in order to control movement of the holder member relative to the platform and to collect the one or more parameters of the living subject from the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic system and methods of using the therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to systems having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a neuromuscular pattern or behavior in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. In one embodiment, the system and methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized neuromuscular pattern or behavior.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for using the system. In particular, the present invention relates to an application, executable by a processing device to assess the organization of a non-nutritive suck (NNS) pattern of a patient and to entrain an organized NNS pattern in the patient. The software system receives data from an orofacial stimulation appliance to assess the patient's natural NNS pattern and generates a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized NNS pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic system and methods of using the therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to systems having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a neuromuscular pattern or behavior in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. In one embodiment, the system and methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized neuromuscular pattern or behavior.

Abstract: This application discusses systems and method for entraining oromotor pattern development, such as the suck, in the orofacial system of an infant having neurological impairments or developmental disabilities. The system includes a baglet, an entrainment device, and a processor. In varying examples, the system additionally includes one or a combination of: a baglet pressure sensor, a memory, a timing circuit, a valve, a receiver assembly, a display device, and one or more data acquisition, data analysis, and stimulus-control software. Options and variations for each feature of the system are various. The present systems provide patterned, rhythmic stimulation to the infant's orofacial system to stimulate and entrain brain development, such as oromotor pattern development.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic system and methods of using the therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to systems having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a neuromuscular pattern or behavior in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. In one embodiment, the system and methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized neuromuscular pattern or behavior.

Abstract: A neural analysis and treatment system includes a computing device with a memory for storing an application that is executable on a processor to receive amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and range-EEG (rEEG) measurements associated with a patient. The systems determine a spectral edge frequency (SEF) measurement from the received EEG measurements, and determine one or more neural characteristics of the patient according to the determined SEF, aEEG, and rEEG measurements. These neural characteristics may then be used to identify and implement an appropriate therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for generating an index associated with non-nutritive suck pattern stability. An example apparatus can include an STI generator configured to generate a plurality of non-nutritive suck (NNS) pressure samples using a non-nutritive pacifier and a pressure transducer, and to sum a plurality of standard deviations based on the plurality of NNS pressure samples to provide a spatiotemporal index (STI) of non-nutritive suck pattern stability, wherein the STI is configured to provide a composite indication of variability of amplitude, and duration of a plurality of portions of the NNS pressure samples.

Abstract: A method for providing vestibular stimulation includes: providing an infant in a vestibular stimulation device; associating sensors to the infant; moving the vestibular stimulation device to provide vestibular stimulation treatment; and obtaining sensor data during the treatment. The vestibular stimulation device includes a holder member; a platform; a mechanical system coupling the holder member to the platform; sensors configured to detect one or more parameters of the infant; and a computing system having a user input and/or output interface operably coupled to the mechanical system and the sensors to provide mechanical data to the mechanical system in order to control movement of the holder member relative to the platform and to collect the one or more parameters of the living subject from the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic system and methods of using the therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to systems having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a neuromuscular pattern or behavior in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. In one embodiment, the system and methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized neuromuscular pattern or behavior.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for generating an index associated with non-nutritive suck pattern stability. An example apparatus can include an STI generator configured to generate a plurality of non-nutritive suck (NNS) pressure samples using a non-nutritive pacifier and a pressure transducer, and to sum a plurality of standard deviations based on the plurality of NNS pressure samples to provide a spatiotemporal index (STI) of non-nutritive suck pattern stability, wherein the STI is configured to provide a composite indication of variability of amplitude, and duration of a plurality of portions of the NNS pressure samples.

Abstract: The present subject matter is suited for evaluating biomechanics and electrophysiology of an infant's orofacial system during sucking. The present subject matter includes at least one orofacial sensor and a processor. In various examples, the present subject matter additionally includes one or a combination of: a pacifier having a baglet, a receiver assembly, a stimulation device, a memory, a display, and data acquisition and analysis software. Advantageously, the present subject may non-invasively sample and analyze suck and may stimulate nerve endings in the face of an infant.