Rehabilitation system
Inventors
LLoyd, David Gavin • Pizzolato, Claudio • Palipana, Dinesh • Saxby, David John • Diamond, Laura Elizabeth
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12330022-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-17
Expiration Date
2040-06-04
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a rehabilitation system for rehabilitating a person with a neurological condition, such as a spinal cord injury (SCI). The system includes exercise equipment for enabling the person to exercise. One or more sensors are provided for sensing information from the person during exercise. The system also includes a model of the exercising person configured to receive the sensed information from the sensors and generate electrical stimulation for the person. Advantageously, the personalized computer model may be used to generate suitable electrical stimulation for the person, and avoid excessive stresses on the person which can lead to the fracturing of bones.
Core Innovation
This invention provides a rehabilitation system designed to assist persons with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury (SCI). The system includes exercise equipment that enables the person to exercise, integrated with a human machine interface featuring sensors that sense information from the person's head, neck, and body during exercise. A personalized computer model of the exercising person receives this sensed information and generates functional or spinal cord electrical stimulation along with motorized assistance to facilitate the exercise.
The problem being solved arises from the challenge in neurorehabilitation where electrical stimulation used to activate muscles can sometimes cause fractures in bones weakened through disuse. Existing motor-driven exoskeleton-based rehabilitation protects against overloading but does not take full advantage of muscle activation through electrical stimulation. The system addresses the complexity of existing methods and the reluctance of health professionals to use them by integrating multiple rehabilitation aspects including biosensors, electrical stimulation, motor assistance, and somatosensory feedback through extended reality, all facilitated by a personalized computer model that aids safety and efficacy.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims centered on a rehabilitation system and method with innovative features regarding exercise equipment, sensing, personalized computer modeling, and feedback mechanisms.
Personalized neuromusculoskeletal model with digital twin
A personalized computer model which is a neuromusculoskeletal model including a digital twin of the person exercising using the equipment, configured to receive sensed body and equipment information, generate electrical stimulation and actuation assistance, and provide somatosensory data through extended reality.
Integration of body and equipment sensors for adaptive stimulation and assistance
The system includes one or more body sensors for sensing information from the person during exercise and one or more equipment sensors for sensing information of the exercise equipment, both feeding the personalized model to generate electrical stimulation and motor assistance.
Human machine interface with brain-computer interface and extended reality feedback
A human machine interface configured to sense the person's intention of movement via a brain-computer interface and provide somatosensory feedback through extended reality feedback including visual, auditory, and tactile means such as virtual or augmented reality headsets and haptic devices.
Rehabilitation method using personalized digital twin for tailored stimulation and assistance
A method involving exercising using lower limbs, sensing body and equipment information, and applying a neuromusculoskeletal personalized computer model including a digital twin to generate electrical stimulation, actuation assistance, and somatosensory data for provision through extended reality.
The inventive features collectively cover a rehabilitation system featuring a personalized neuromusculoskeletal digital twin model that integrates comprehensive sensor data and controls electrical stimulation, actuation assistance, and somatosensory feedback via extended reality interfaces. The method claims support the practical application of these integrated innovations.
Stated Advantages
The personalized computer model generates suitable electrical stimulation while avoiding excessive stresses on the person that could cause bone fractures.
The system facilitates safe rehabilitation by integrating motorized assistance with electrical stimulation to protect against overloading and enhance voluntary movement recovery.
The system is designed for ease of use in clinical settings by integrating multiple rehabilitation technologies into an automatically controlled, personalized digital twin framework.
It enables somatosensory feedback through extended reality, including visual, auditory, and haptic pathways, enhancing the rehabilitation experience.
Documented Applications
Rehabilitation of persons with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, brain injury, cerebral palsy, or spasticity, specifically for lower limb rehabilitation using exercise equipment like recumbent ergometers or cycling systems.
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