Method and apparatus for improving human balance and gait and preventing foot injury
US10076460B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0476
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and wearable system and for enhancing human balance and gait and preventing foot injury through neurological stimulation of the foot and the ankle. Subthreshold stimulation for neurosensory enhancement is provided via electrodes or vibrational actuators, or combination thereof, disposed in or on a wearable a platform, such as an insole, sock shoe, removable shoe insert, or applied without the support of a platform, to the skin surface of an individual. Suprathreshold stimulation for therapeutic purposes, such as improving blood flow, is also provided by the vibrational actuators. The actuators and electrodes are driven by bias signals generated by a bias signal generator that is coupled to a controller. The signal generator under the control of the controller is adapted to generate a non-deterministic random signal, a repetitive pattern or series of patterns. The controller optionally includes a communication port for interfacing with an external computer for purposes of optimizing and programming the controller. The wearable system is powered by a power source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.