Human motor control device and methods

Abstract

Devices and methods of use for providing somatosensory stimulation are disclosed, and are useful for increasing motor control of wearers having certain dysfunctions, e.g., autism. One embodiment of the present invention includes a pliable pressure member adapted to receive a digit. The pressure member has at least one flap extending therefrom, the flap adapted to conform the pressure member to a base of the digit and to secure the pressure member to the digit. The flap can be tensioned and coupled to a cuff worn by a wearer, thus providing a continuous pressure to the base of the digit and/or intermetacarpal areas therebetween. The device can be effective to alter motor control by providing increased sensory input to the joint, nerves or tendons in proximity to the pliable pressure member for treatment of motor control dysfunction.

1 . A human motor control device for assisting a wearer's motor control comprising: 
 a pressure member adapted to receive a wearer's extremity and conform in shape to the extremity; and    a flap having a proximal end coupled to the pressure member and a distal end having a fastener, the flap adapted to transmit a tension on the pressure member;    whereby the device provides a pressure on the wearer's extremity increasing somatosensory awareness for assisting the wearer with motor control.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the extremity is any of a digit, wrist, forearm, ankle and lower leg.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a cuff adapted to be releasable secured around a portion of the wearer and apply a pressure thereto, and adapted to releasable couple to the fastener of the flap.    
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the cuff further comprises: 
 a flap having a proximal end coupled to the cuff, and a distal end having a fastener, the flap of the cuff adapted to releasable secure the cuff to the wearer.    
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the cuff is constructed of a pliable material.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the material is elastomeric.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the cuff further comprises: 
 an outer surface adapted to releasably receive the fastener of the flap and constructed of a pliable material; and    an inner surface adapted to be disposed on a the wearer's skin and constructed of a pliable material.    
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flap is comprised of a pliable foam material.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the material is substantially elastomeric.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener of the flap further comprises hook and loop fabric on a portion of at least one surface.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure member comprises a substantially circular ring having an open center.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is substantially constructed of a polymeric material.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure member comprises: 
 a substantially elongated structure adapted to wrap around the wearer's extremity, the structure pliable to conform with the extremity; and    a fastener disposed on at least one end of the structure, and adapted to secure the structure to the wearer's extremity.    
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is adapted to apply a pressure to the base of a wearer's digit.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is adapted to apply pressure to an intermetacarpal area between digits.  
   
   
       16 . A system for altering somatosensory input comprising: 
 a pliable first cuff adapted to be positioned around a portion of a wearer and to provide a pressure thereon; and    a human motor control device for applying a pressure to at least one of wearer's digits, the control device releasably couples to the first cuff and provides a pressure to the digit;    whereby the pressure provided by the first cuff and the control device increase the wearer's somatosensory input thereby assisting in motor control.    
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the control device comprises: 
 a pliable pressure member adapted to receive the digit of the wearer and conform to a portion thereof; and    at least one flap extending from the pressure member and adapted to releasably couple to the first cuff.    
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the control device is adapted to provide pressure to a base of the wearer's digit.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the control device is adapted to provide pressure to an intermetacarpal area in proximity to the wearer's digit.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising a further pliable cuff adapted to be positioned around a further portion of the limb and provide a pressure thereon.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the further cuff is adapted to be coupled to the first cuff.  
   
   
       22 . A method for assisting human motor control comprising: 
 applying a cuff to an extremity of a wearer;    disposing a pliable pressure member in proximity to any of a joint, nerve and tendon of the wearer;    tensioning a flap coupled to the pliable pressure member to create a pressure between the pliable pressure member and the wearer's joint, nerve or tendon; and    releasably coupling a distal end of the flap to the cuff to provide a pressure on the pliable pressure member.    
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising wrapping the cuff around the extremity of the wearer and securing the wrap thereto.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , further comprising applying tension to a flap attached to the cuff, and releasably securing a distal end of the flap to a portion of the cuff so as to secure the cuff to the wearer.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising sliding the pliable pressure member over a digit of the wearer and disposing the pressure member in proximity to the base of the digit.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising wrapping the pliable pressure member around a digit of the wearer in proximity to the base of the digit.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising adjusting the pliable pressure member to provide a pressure to the base of the digit.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising applying a further cuff to the wearer in proximity to the cuff.