NU 2013-011
Inventors
Marc Slutzky*
Eric Lindberg
Zachary Wright
Short Description
A myoelectric computer interface to help impaired movement by reducing co-activation of muscles that do not normal activate together
Abstract
Northwestern researchers have developed a myoelectric computer interface (MCI) that uniquely targets the co-activation of different muscle groups so that patients are able to reduce abnormal co-activation of muscles that do not normally activate together and cause impaired movement. With this new MCI, the patient uses highly specific feedback of muscle activity to regain more normal activation patterns of the muscles and improving arm or leg function. The MCI translates the user's electrical muscle activity from multiple muscles, processes the signals, and displays them to the user. The user iteratively attempts to reduce the co-activation between the muscles, leading to improved function in the arm or leg. This technology offers an effective, inexpensive and portable treatment that can be used widely, including developing countries. A portable MCI could also be monitored remotely by a therapist, allowing more frequent training without increased cost of direct therapist intervention. In contrast to conventional rehabilitation techniques which predominantly benefits patients with less severe impairments, MCI training would only require electrical muscle activation, not movements, such that severely-impaired stroke survivors could be targeted as well. Such patients are often excluded from clinical trials and are the most in need of new therapies.
Applications
Advantages
IP Status
Issued US Patent No. 10,175,755