Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame, a sensor, and an electric stimulator. The frame is removably couplable to a portion of a limb. The sensor is configured to produce a first signal associated with a gait characteristic at a first time, and a second signal associated with the gait characteristic at a second time, after the first time. The electric stimulator is removably coupled to the frame and is in electrical communication with an electrode assembly and the sensor to receive the first signal substantially at the first time and the second signal substantially at the second time. Based in part on the gait characteristic at the first time, the electric stimulator sends a third signal to the electrode assembly to provide an electric stimulation to a portion of a neuromuscular system of the limb substantially during a time period defined between the first time and the second time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an orthopedic device, which supports a first body part of a wearer and has at least one controllable actuator, wherein the method includes a) determining a chronological progression of at least one parameter, which allows a conclusion to be drawn regarding a state of motion of the wearer, from measurement values of at least one sensor, b) detecting the state of motion from the at least one determined chronological progression and c) controlling the at least one controllable actuator depending on the detected state of motion, wherein, for detecting the state of motion, at least the chronological progression of at least one parameter of a second body part of the wearer is also used.

Abstract: A training method is provided to train changing muscle contribution in a human subject while the human subject is performing a complex movement. Feedback is provided in a simple understandable fashion by one or more data points calculated based on electromyography signals obtained over e.g. a stance phase of a walking cycle. The training method showed a significantly increased training effect in subjects performing these complex movements where these subjects were able to change the muscle activation given a specific goal. The training could be setup of a single muscle or multiple muscles. The data point feedback could be a measure for the single muscle or some relative measure for the multiple muscles. The training method results in improved coordination strategies and could be useful for retraining purposes as well as intervention methods for musculoskeletal pathologies or movement disorders.

Abstract: A mobility augmentation system assists a user's movement by determining a corresponding electrical stimulation for the movement. A wearable stimulation array includes sensors, electrodes, an electrode multiplexer, and a controller that executes the mobility augmentation system. The sensors measure movement data, and the mobility augmentation system applies a movement model to the measured movement data. The model can determine different electrical actuation instructions depending on the movement stimulated. For example, to stimulate a knee flexion, the movement model output enables a first set of the electrodes to operate as cathodes and a second set of electrodes to operate as anodes. To stimulate a knee extension, the first set of electrodes can be enabled to operate as anodes and a third set of electrodes as cathodes. The user can provide feedback of the applied stimulation, which the system can use to retrain the model and optimize the stimulation to the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an assisted exoskeleton rehabilitation device, comprising: a back structure comprising a back crossbeam, a back supporting panel with an adjustable length, and a shoulder pneumatic muscle element mounted on the back supporting panel; an arm structure; a shoulder joint assembly, by which the arm structure is connected to an upper end of the back structure; and a waist structure. An upper end of the back supporting panel is fixedly connected to the back crossbeam, and a lower end thereof is fixedly connected to the waist structure. The shoulder joint assembly comprises a curved shoulder joint connecting panel, a shoulder traction wheel, a shoulder traction line, a first hinge mechanism and a second hinge mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for real-time gait modulation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a functional electrical stimulation (FES) device is disclosed comprising one or more elastic wearable articles, a control unit comprising a wireless communication module, one or more processors, one or more memory units, a portable power supply, an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) generator, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprising at least a gyroscope and an accelerometer. The FES device can also comprise one or more electrode arrays configured to be in physical contact with the limb of the user. The processors can be programmed to execute instructions to retrieve readings from the IMU, calculate a gait cycle percentage by inputting at least the IMU readings into a machine learning algorithm, and instruct the EMS generator to provide electrical stimulation via the one or more electrode arrays based in part on the gait cycle percentage calculated.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for stimulating peripheral nerves, comprising a memory, at least one electrode attached to the patient's body for generating pulses, and a control unit connected with an electrode for setting at least one electrode pulse parameter. The device further includes a detector of response to neuromodulation connected with a control unit for transmitting information on a frequency of movement of at least a part of the body to the control unit, and a controller connected with the control unit for acquiring a user input. The control unit of the device further sets flow of current of electrode pulses automatically, depending on information on a frequency value of movement of a part of the body. The invention further provides a method for treating the syndromes of an overactive bladder using a neuromodulation device. And method of collecting information of such devices.

Abstract: Methods for treating, reducing or reversing a motor deficit in a subject after a stroke comprising administering continuous electrical stimulation to the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) of the subject under sufficient conditions so as to treat, reduce or reverse the motor deficit of the subject are provided.

Abstract: Methods comprising applying electrical stimulation to patients in conjunction with physical training are described.

Abstract: Subcutaneous implantable medical device (IMD) recharging system, including a flexible rechargeable subcutaneous IMD and a charger transmitter, the flexible rechargeable subcutaneous IMD implanted in a patient and including at least one receiver antenna and at least one rechargeable battery, the charger transmitter including at least one transmitter antenna and a modulator, the charger transmitter for providing electromagnetic (EM) radiation to the receiver antenna wirelessly for recharging the rechargeable battery, the transmitter antenna being encased in a structure for temporarily coupling the transmitter antenna to the skin of the patient and the modulator being for modulating the EM radiation and for simultaneously transmitting programming information to the flexible rechargeable subcutaneous IMD as modulated EM radiation.

Abstract: Improving motor function in spinal cord injury patients (among others) via electrical stimulation, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative method includes, in a patient having a spinal cord injury, improving the patient's gait response by delivering an electrical signal that includes repeating pulse packets delivered at a first frequency of from 2 Hz to 200 Hz. The electrical signal is delivered from an epidural location at the patient's spinal cord, and the individual pulse packets include a first period during which pulses are delivered at a first frequency of from 1 kHz to 5 kHz and a first pulse width of from 80 microseconds to 400 microseconds and a first amplitude from 0.1 mA to 20 mA, followed by a second period during which pulses are (a) not delivered, or (b) delivered at a second frequency higher than the first frequency, and/or a second pulse width shorter than the first pulse width, and/or a second amplitude less than the first amplitude.

Abstract: A stimulation device for activating at least one muscle involved in raising the foot while an individual is walking, comprising sensors which are to be placed on a lower limb of the individual, permitting calculation of a flexion angle of the knee; electrodes which are to be placed on the one or more muscles to be activated and able to electrically stimulate the one or more muscles, and a processing unit with computing means for calculating the value of the flexion angle of the knee on the basis of the measurement signals and for determining the oscillation phase in a walking cycle of the individual, and control means for the electrodes, the control means being designed to activate the electrodes only in the oscillation phase of a walking cycle of the individual, such that the electrodes generate an electrical stimulation with an intensity depending on the flexion angle of the knee, the intensity increasing as the flexion angle of the knee decreases, during the re-extension of the knee during the oscillation

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame, a sensor, and an electric stimulator. The frame is removably couplable to a portion of a limb. The sensor is configured to produce a first signal associated with a gait characteristic at a first time, and a second signal associated with the gait characteristic at a second time, after the first time. The electric stimulator is removably coupled to the frame and is in electrical communication with an electrode assembly and the sensor to receive the first signal substantially at the first time and the second signal substantially at the second time. Based in part on the gait characteristic at the first time, the electric stimulator sends a third signal to the electrode assembly to provide an electric stimulation to a portion of a neuromuscular system of the limb substantially during a time period defined between the first time and the second time.

Abstract: The invention provides a retraining system that requires EM sensors, programmable computers and mechanical structures that are controlled by the programmable computers so that injured body parts of injury subjects are moved by the mechanical structures. The retraining methodology proposes the use of electromyograph (EMG) signals from a healthy subject having a healthy body part to control the mechanical structures that are coupled to the injured body parts of injury subjects. As part of the retraining system, the EMG signals of the same injured subject are also sensed by an EM sensor coupled to said injured subject in order to move the mechanical structures coupled to the injured subject. The system is calibrated to store in the programmable computers specific motions associated to the EMG signals of the healthy subject and to ensure that the EMG signals of the healthy subject and the EMG signals of the injured subject are significantly matched.

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation system (1) for correction of drop-foot, comprising: a device (3) to be placed on a paretic leg, provided with a plurality of multi-pad electrodes (315) on one side (31), at least one of said electrodes (315) being configured to provide a stimulating electric signal on the point of the leg on which it is positioned, wherein said corresponding stimulating electric signals form a stimulation pattern; and at least one sensor (8) to be positioned on either said leg or corresponding foot, the sensor (8) being configured to, measure information during movement and emit sensor signals indicative thereof.

Abstract: Methods of treatment of disorders of the knee, such as medial osteoarthritis and knee instability due to anterior cruciate ligament deficiency, are provided herein.

Abstract: A feedback device for measuring pressure related information, and for providing that information in a way that is useful to the wearer of the device. At least one sensor detects pressure information and transmits at least one pressure information signal to a signal processing subsystem. The signal processing subsystem converts the received pressure information signal into at least one stimulation control signal. The signal processing subsystem then transmits the stimulation control signal to at least one stimulator, which provides stimulation to a wearer of the device reflecting the stimulation control signal received from the signal processing subsystem.

Abstract: The invention according to the application relates to a locomotion therapy and rehabilitation device developed for patients whose locomotion function is either lost or declined due to spinal disorders, orthopaedic surgeries and central nervous system disorders to redevelop and improve their walking ability.

Abstract: Improved neuromodulation control of neurological abnormalities associated with effector organs in vertebrate beings using direct current stimulation for modulating spinal cord excitability, having a peripheral-current supplying component for providing direct current peripheral nerve stimulation and a spinal-current supplying component providing direct current for spinal stimulation, and a controller managing such functions.

Abstract: An system includes, but is not limited to, a control system; and a device including a deformable substrate, a sensor assembly including one or more identity sensors configured to generate identity sense signals associated with a physical characteristic of an individual subject, circuitry configured to receive the identity sense signals, the circuitry including an identity comparison module configured to compare identity sense signals to reference data indicative of physical characteristics associated with an identity of at least one individual to determine whether the identity sense signals correspond to the identity of the at least one individual, and a reporter configured to generate communication signals associated with a comparison of the identity sense signals to reference data, the reporter including a transmitter or transceiver configured to transmit the communication signals to a system for association with a file corresponding to at least one of the individual subject or the device.

Abstract: A system, including: an implantable neural stimulator including electrodes, at least one antenna and an electrode interface; a radio-frequency (RF) pulse generator module comprising an antenna module configured to send an input signal to the antenna in the implantable neural stimulator through electrical radiative coupling, the input signal containing electrical energy and polarity assignment information that designates polarity assignments of the electrodes in the implantable neural stimulator; and wherein the implantable neural stimulator is configured to: control the electrode interface such that the electrodes have the polarity assignments designated by the polarity assignment information, create one or more electrical pulses suitable for modulation of neural tissue using the electrical energy contained in the input signal, and supply the electrical pulses to the electrodes through the electrode interface such that the electrodes apply the electrical pulses to the neural tissue with the polarity assignmen

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for brain-controlled body movement assistance devices. In one aspect, a device includes a brain-controlled body movement assistance device with a brain-computer interface (BCI) component adapted to be mounted to a user, a body movement assistance component operably connected to the BCI component and adapted to be worn by the user, and a feedback mechanism provided in connection with at least one of the BCI component and the body movement assistance component, the feedback mechanism being configured to output information relating to a usage session of the brain-controlled body movement assistance device.

Abstract: A feedback device for measuring pressure related information, and for providing that information in a way that is useful to the wearer of the device. At least one sensor detects pressure information and transmits at least one pressure information signal to a signal processing subsystem. The signal processing subsystem converts the received pressure information signal into at least one stimulation control signal. The signal processing subsystem then transmits the stimulation control signal to at least one stimulator, which provides stimulation to a wearer of the device reflecting the stimulation control signal received from the signal processing subsystem.

Abstract: An interactive exoskeleton robotic knee system for assist walking and gait training. The system comprises of an exoskeleton framework to be attached to the thigh and shank of the user's leg; electric motor; mechanical lock; motion sensor assembled on the lower limb unit, and a control box. The system provides extension and flexion movement in the knee joint.

Abstract: A tremor-reduction system is provided that delivers electric current to a body region of a subject that is associated with a tremor. A computing device stores received data associated with a tremulous movement of the body region and determines measurements associated with the stored data. If a magnitude of the most recent tremulous movement is the same as or greater than magnitudes associated with prior tremulous movements, characteristics of a subsequent electric current to be applied to the body region may be adjusted.

Abstract: Some implementations provide an implantable wirelessly powered device for implantation in a patient's body, the device including: two or more electrode arrays configured to apply at least one electrical pulse to an excitable tissue, each electrode array including at least one electrode; two or more connector contacts, each integrally wired to a particular electrode array, each configured to drive the at least one electrode of the particular electrode array integrally wired thereto with the at least one electrical pulse and to set a polarity for each of the at least one electrode of the particular electrode array integrally wired thereto; a first antenna configured to: receive, from a second antenna and through electrical radiative coupling, an input signal containing electrical energy as well as polarity assignment information, the second antenna located outside the patient's body; and one or more circuits electrically connected to the first antenna and the connector contacts, the circuits configured to: crea

Abstract: An electric walking aid and control method thereof are disclosed. A location of the electric walking aid, and a distance between the electric walking aid and the user, are dynamically controlled and adjusted to provide the user with static and dynamic support function, so as to support the user under static and dynamic situation of interaction between walk and stand, during the walking training process.

Abstract: A method of providing electrical stimulation to the sole of a patient's foot is disclosed. An assembly is disclosed that comprises a non-conductive mat having an aperture and a piezoelectric device positioned to fill at least a portion of the aperture. A flexible conductive material is positioned to be in electrical contact with a first and a second primary surface of the piezoelectric device, and with the surface of the skin, providing an electric current to the skin when the piezoelectric is mechanically compressed.

Abstract: A feedback device for measuring balance related information, and for producing a stimulation of the skin that encodes that information in a way that is useful to the wearer of the device. At least one sensor detects balance information and transmits at least one balance information signal to a signal processing subsystem. The signal processing subsystem converts the received balance information signal into at least one stimulation control signal. The signal processing subsystem then transmits the stimulation control signal to at least one stimulator, which provides stimulation to a wearer of the device reflecting the stimulation control signal received from the signal processing subsystem.

Abstract: Neuroprosthetic device for restoring daily-life action movements of upper limbs in patients suffering from motor impairments. The neuroprosthetic device comprises several non-invasive electrodes adapted to be fixed on a patient body, in a way as to stimulate at least two separate muscles which participate to the movement execution of the upper limb, an electrical stimulation device for injecting electrical current into said electrodes and a controller unit for regulating said currents through said electrodes. The neuroprosthetic device is characterized by the fact that the controller unit comprises transducing means which are adapted to convert an input current. The input current is regulated according to the intention to execute a movement, into a plurality of electrical currents defined in a way as to generate and modulate the movement execution, in order to generate complex goal-oriented movements for performing daily-living activities.

Abstract: Methods of enabling locomotor control, postural control, voluntary control of body movements (e.g., in non-weight bearing conditions), and/or autonomic functions in a human subject having spinal cord injury, brain injury, or neurological neuromotor disease are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for electrical stimulation of muscle tissue. Electrodes (12) of an electrode array (13) are activated in accordance with a sequence of activation patterns, each pattern defining a subset of the electrodes (12) to be activated, each subset consisting of at least one electrode (12), by providing an electrical muscle stimulation signal to the muscle tissue via the subset of electrodes (12). Alternately with said activating of electrodes (12), a response signal associated with the respective activation pattern is received from a sensor (30; 12). Optionally, at least one electrode (12) is then selected for stimulation, corresponding to a location determined as being suitable for stimulation, and the muscle tissue is stimulated. The process may be repeated in order to track the location suitable for stimulation in a dynamic situation. Optionally, the orientation of body part is estimated from the measured response signals.

Abstract: A system, including: an implantable neural stimulator including electrodes, at least one antenna and an electrode interface; a radio-frequency (RF) pulse generator module comprising an antenna module configured to send an input signal to the antenna in the implantable neural stimulator through electrical radiative coupling, the input signal containing electrical energy and polarity assignment information that designates polarity assignments of the electrodes in the implantable neural stimulator; and wherein the implantable neural stimulator is configured to: control the electrode interface such that the electrodes have the polarity assignments designated by the polarity assignment information, create one or more electrical pulses suitable for modulation of neural tissue using the electrical energy contained in the input signal, and supply the electrical pulses to the electrodes through the electrode interface such that the electrodes apply the electrical pulses to the neural tissue with the polarity assignmen

Abstract: A training device includes an information outputter, an exercise status detector, an arithmetic processor, and a stimulus signal generator. The information outputter includes at least one of an image output unit and an audio output unit. The exercise status detector includes a body portion, a first grip portion and a second grip portion provided on the body portion, and sensors that detect a motion of the body portion. The arithmetic processor issues training action instruction information through the information outputter, and evaluates a matching degree between the contents of the training action instruction information and the motion of the body portion, based on output signals from the sensors of the exercise status detector. The stimulus signal generator applies a stimulus signal to the arm of a trainee.

Abstract: A control device of an electrostimulator is used in the electrostimulator including an electrode and an angular velocity sensor. The control device includes a controller that controls electrostimulation which is output from the electrode and a storage that stores a first threshold value and a second threshold value. The first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value. The controller causes the electrode to output electrostimulation based on a state in which angular velocity reaches one threshold value of the first threshold value and the second threshold value, and then, reaches the other threshold value.

Abstract: Vibration sensing wear for soldiers or law enforcement officers include at least one sensing system having vibration sensors, at least one processing unit, and a user interface unit capable of altering the wearer of surface vibration (e.g., ground, walls, floors, ceilings, etc.), object size, and direction.

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation brace responsive to various positions of an intended wearer's foot. The device includes a plurality of sensors positioned at different locations under the intended wearer's foot to detect the current position of the foot. Outputs from the sensors are fed to a controller that uses logic to activate an electrical stimulation unit that stimulates the peroneal muscles of a patient at the appropriate times during the patient's gait. The device may also employ mechanical stabilization of the ankle in addition to the functional electrical stimulation by means of an ankle foot orthosis with a variable resistance hinge. The electrodes are embedded in fixed locations in the brace upper portion so that optimal location of the electrodes relative to the peroneal muscles is maintained every time the device is applied. Also provided is a method for assistance and rehabilitation for a patient by electrical stimulation of the peroneal muscles.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for determining a regression of a medical condition are disclosed. For example, a method receives characteristics of motion information, wherein the characteristics of motion information is based upon gait information, compares the characteristics of motion information over a time period to a profile of the medical condition, wherein the profile of the medical condition comprises a plurality of signatures associated with different stages of the medical condition, determines a potential presence of the regression of the medical condition when the characteristics of motion information matches one of the plurality of signatures, and transmits a notification of the potential presence of the regression of the medical condition.

Abstract: An alignment device for an external coil in a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system. The device may be adhered to the skin or clothing of a patient and may ensure alignment between an external coil and an internal coil to provide optimal energy transfer in a TET system.

Abstract: An example sensor band configured for attachment to a calf of a mammal and used in measuring track and balance motion of the mammal includes one or more first sensors for sensing muscle circumferential pressure at multiple positions; one or more second sensors for sensing Earth's magnetic field; and one or more third sensors for sensing Earth's gravitational field.

Abstract: Methods of enabling locomotor control, postural control, voluntary control of body movements (e.g., in non-weight bearing conditions), and/or autonomic functions in a human subject having spinal cord injury, brain injury, or neurological neuromotor disease. In certain embodiments, the methods involve stimulating the spinal cord of the subject using an epidurally placed electrode array, subjecting the subject to physical training thereby generating proprioceptive and/or supraspinal signals, and optionally administering pharmacological agents to the subject. The combination of stimulation, physical training, and optional pharmacological agents modulate in real time electrophysiological properties of spinal circuits in the subject so they are activated by supraspinal information and/or proprioceptive information derived from the region of the subject where locomotor activity is to be facilitated.

Abstract: The invention relates to training and can be used for learning and/or developing movement skills, fixing dynamic stereotypes and for training movement coordination. The aim of the invention is to provide a trainee with on-line correcting tactile feedback during training and to improve techniques and rate of a movement by bringing it as close as possible to a reference movement. The inventive training method consists, when learning a movement, in digitizing said movement, in comparing it with the digitized pattern of a reference movement and, if the trainee deviates from the reference movement, in receiving by said trainee a tactile feedback (tactile action) for on-line correcting said movement.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a method and system for facilitating a gait of a user with a functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthotic system. In some described embodiments, the method includes receiving a foot orientation indicator for a foot of the user; receiving a body inclination indicator for the user; determining a motion state based on the foot orientation indicator and the body inclination indicator; and defining signal parameters for a stimulation signal based on at least the motion state. The motion state can indicate a movement status of the user and therefore, the stimulation signal can be applied to the user for facilitating the gait of the user.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a method and system for improving a gait of a user with a functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthotic system. In some described embodiments, the method includes receiving motion information associated with the gait of the user; generating a foot orientation indicator for the foot based on a foot acceleration and a foot angular velocity provided in the motion information; determining a foot condition based on at least the foot orientation indicator and the foot acceleration; and adjusting signal parameters for a stimulation signal based on at least the foot condition. The foot condition can indicate a gait quality of the user and therefore, the stimulation signal is applied to the user to adjust an orientation of the foot when the gait quality of the user requires improvement.

Abstract: A gait modulation system including: (a) a sensor device including a sensor adapted for associating with at least one lower limb of the patient, the sensor for transducing at least one parameter related to a gait of the patient, so as to obtain gait data related to the gait, and (b) a muscle stimulator including: (i) an electrical stimulation circuit, the circuit adapted to supply an electrical stimulation output to an electrode array for performing functional electrical stimulation of at least one muscle of the lower limb, and (ii) a microprocessor, operatively connected to the at least one sensor, the microprocessor adapted for: receiving a stream of gait information based on the gait data; processing the gait information, and controlling the stimulation output based on the processing of the gait information, and wherein the microprocessor is further adapted to identify a failure in the stream of gait information, and to consequently control the electrical stimulation circuit to deliver a fail-safe stimulati

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention resides in the apparatus and technique of dynamically measuring and storing a biological condition or disposition during the time that one set of conditions are imposed on a joint or body area and applying closed-loop therapeutic action so as to re-achieve that same biological condition or disposition during a subsequent time that another different set of conditions are imposed. Furthermore, dynamic potentials surrounding said joint or body area may be created, bolstered, and/or modulated through aspects of stimulation applied which are independent of those aspects utilized to counteract force incident on the joint or body area. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: Methods related to an electrical stimulation orthosis are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method includes disposing a connector of a stimulation electrode assembly through an opening defined by a detachable layer. The connector of the stimulation electrode assembly is reversibly coupled to a connector disposed on an inner face of a frame. The detachable layer is coupled to the inner face of the frame. The method further includes disposing the frame about a limb segment of a body such that the detachable layer is in contact with a portion of the limb segment, and an electrical stimulation electrode of the stimulation electrode assembly is in contact with at least one stimulation point on a surface of the body associated with at least one of a nerve or a muscle.

Abstract: A method and associated stimulation device for ensuring firing of an action potential in an intended physiological target activated by a stimulus pulse generated by an electrode of a non-invasive surface based stimulation device irrespective of skin-to-electrode impedance by: (i) increasing internal impedance of the stimulation device so as to widen a Chronaxie time period thereby ensuring firing of the action potential of the intended physiological target irrespective of the skin-to-electrode impedance; and/or (ii) generating a stimulation waveform that optimizes a non-zero average current (e.g., non-zero slope of the envelope of the stimulation waveform) during preferably substantially the entire current decay of the stimulus pulse.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for automated optimization of muscle stimulation energy. In some embodiments the disclosure optimizes stimulation parameters and/or stimulation location.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a neuromodulation system for inducing locomotor activity in a mammal, in cooperation with a signal generator and an electrode, delivers a signal with an overlapping high frequency pulse to a mammal