System and method for neuromuscular reeducation
A system and a method that promotes the restoration of physical functions of the neuromuscular system by incorporating into one device the treatment modalities of biofeedback based repetitive practice, includes an actuator, a joint position measurement system, a force sensing measurement system, an EMG measurement system, a neuromuscular low-level stimulation system, a controller, and a display device.
1. A system for assisting neuromuscular function comprising:
at least one EMG sensor for detecting self-actuation of a neuromuscular system;
at least one joint position sensor for detecting self-actuation of a joint;
at least one force sensor for measuring a parameter indicative of muscle resistance;
a computer processor for implementing a protocol responsive when self-actuation or attempted self-actuation is detected by the at least one EMG sensor and is not detected by the at least one joint position sensor; and
a motion causing device for assisting the at least one joint in movement, said motion causing device following the protocol implemented by the computer processor.
2. The system of claim 1 further including an electronic memory system for storing information regarding the patient.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the protocol is based on previous measurements recorded from at least one of the EMG sensor, joint position sensor, and force sensor.
4. The system of claim 1 further including at least one neuromuscular electrical stimulating (NMES) system for providing neuromuscular stimulation to the at least one neuromuscular system.
5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the motion causing device is an air-muscle.
6. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the air-muscle includes at least one port for supplying pressurized air to inflate said air-muscle.
7. The system according to claim 6 , wherein the computer processor controls at least one valve for controlling the supply of pressurized air to the air-muscle.
8. The system according to claim 1 , further including a first display for depicting the electrical activity from the EMG sensor.
9. The system according to claim 8 , further including a second display indicating a degree of flexor resistance torque measured by the at least one force sensor.
10. The system according to claim 9 , wherein the displays provide a means for the patient to monitor the compliance and performance.
11. The system according to claim 10 , wherein the controller updates the displays in a predetermined manner to provide a mechanism for the patient to improve said performance and said compliance.