Motor training with brain plasticity

Abstract

A rehabilitation device, comprising a movement element capable of controlling at least one motion parameter of a portion of a patient; a brain monitor which generates a signal indicative of brain activity; and circuitry including a memory having stored therein rehabilitation information and which inter-relates said signal and movement of said movement element as part of a rehabilitation process which utilizes said rehabilitation information.

1 . A method of rehabilitation using a rehabilitation device, comprising:
 first instructing a person to carry out certain movements while being coupled to a robotic spatial manipulator using at least one of an audio prompt, an audio instruction, a display, stimulation of a nerve, CNS stimulation and mechanical vibration using the device; and,   second instructing said robotic spatial manipulator to guide said person to perform an incorrect motion using the device.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising defining a rotational or translational mapping between said movements and said incorrect movements. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising measuring a cortical response to said person detecting said incorrect motion. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , where the incorrect motion is contrary to a planned motion of the person. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising instructing the spatial manipulator to guide the person to perform part of a planned motion. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5 , further comprising making the manipulator less active during the planned motion to see if the patient can at least one of compensate for the less active manipulator and complete the planned motion. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6 , where making the manipulator less active means making the manipulator passive. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 3 , further comprising assessing the person's response by analyzing the measured cortical response. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 4 , further comprising choosing the planned motion to generate at least one of an intended cognitive activation to train a first, certain brain area. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9 , further comprising changing the planned motion to generate at least one of an intended cognitive activation to train a second, certain brain area. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 4 , further comprising using a graphical interface to at least one of plan and change the planned motion. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 4 , further comprising showing feedback comprising an indication of brain activity during planning of the planned activity to the person. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12 , further comprising showing the person progress in planning ability using the feedback. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising using the manipulator as an input device of the person interacting with the device. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 4 , where the planned motion of the person is instigated by the device stimulating the person to perform the planned motion. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15 , where the planned motion of the person is previously stored on a database for at least one of selection and retrieval by the device as part of a rehabilitation process. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 4 , further comprising ensuring mental imagery, comprising,
 providing the first instruction to a person which guides a mental imagery of the person to perform the planned motion;   measuring movement of a person in response to the imagery;   comparing said first instruction to the motion; and   providing feedback to the person regarding said imagery.   
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17 , comprising measuring brain activity corresponding to said imagery. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18 , comprising comparing said brain activity to brain activity collected during said motion. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 17 , comprising changing the first instruction to prevent habitation of said person.