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.

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 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: Method and apparatus are provided for generating an index associated with non-nutritive suck pattern stability. A method includes measuring a plurality of non-nutritive suck (NNS) pressure samples, generating a plurality of correlation values using the NNS pressure samples, and generating a measure of non-nutritive suck pattern stability using the plurality of correlation values.

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, said 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 consists of 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: Method and apparatus are provided for generating an index associated with non-nutritive suck pattern stability. A method includes measuring a plurality of non-nutritive suck (NNS) pressure samples, generating a plurality of correlation values using the NNS pressure samples, and generating a measure of non-nutritive suck pattern stability using the plurality of correlation values.