Muscle memory training appartus and method of use

A muscle memory training apparatus mitigates movement disorders by restoring muscle memories, aka motor learning, that have become aberrant. It restores reflex stabilization muscle memories thereby providing a stable platform upon which voluntary muscle memories are restored. It is based on the universally accepted fact that muscle memories may be improved with practice and the yet to be accepted fact that reflexes execute muscle memories that may likewise be improved. The muscle memory training apparatus is attached to the user and generates centrifugal forces of adjustable amplitude, frequency, duration, and direction, to emulate forces, perturbations, stabilization systems are designed to countervail. Each perturbation, applied several times per second, effectuates reflex muscle memories that contract muscles that countervail the perturbations. Reflex muscle memories and voluntary muscle memories are practiced concurrently as they interact with each other and are integral to the biological movement system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/233,317, filed on Aug. 12, 2023, and currently pending; the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for mitigating movement disorders, and more specifically relates to restoration of aberrant stabilization reflex and voluntary muscle memories with practice.

Background

Drugs

Drug treatment is the best-known therapy for mitigation of movement disorders. However, in addition to disastrous side effects and possible drug dependency issues, they can cause movement disorders. Levodopa and dopamine agonists are known to cause proprioception deficits and drug induced dyskinesia. A drug taken to mitigate some symptoms is likely to exasperate other symptoms. Treatment for tremor may cause balance defects. In fact, drugs taken to mitigate movement disorders affect other organism regulatory systems. For example, the same drug used to suppress tremor is used to limit blood pressure. One cannot treat one without inadvertently treating the other. The unintended consequences are called side effects.

Deep Brain Stimulation [DBS]

DBS requires a pacemaker type device to be surgically implanted in the brain. Experts are unclear how DBS works, but by sending high frequency electrical impulses into specific areas of the brain it can mitigate symptoms. DBS is regarded as a last resort means of mitigating movement disorders.

Devices for Tremor

Tremor mitigation devices are attached or worn. Some dampen tremors with gyroscopes or utilize viscous liquids, elastic materials, and magnetic fields. Such devices may attenuate tremor; however, they inadvertently dampen voluntary movement as well. Tremor cancellation devices apply a countervailing force that cancels the tremor. Such devices include exoskeletons that are worn over the arm or hand. They are affixed with active mechanisms that sense tremor motion and produce countervailing forces. Such devices may be uncomfortable, expensive and suppress intentional motion. Tremor Isolation devices isolate the tremor from a stabilized object. The subject grasps a platform that is loosely coupled to the object platform. As the object attempts to follow the tremor motion, its motion is sensed and converted to electrical output that drives actuators attached to the object platform with opposing forces thereby preventing the object from moving. Such systems do not attempt to suppress tremors but allow them to be insulated from an object. Buildings are isolated from earthquakes, weapon systems from vibrating platforms and handheld devices isolate a person's tremor from a utensil, spoon, scalpel, or paint brush. Such devices are only effective while being worn and activated. There is little or no persistent, long-term effect, following their use.

Devices for Balance

Wearable devices are used to mitigate balance or gait disorders. They are attached to a person's body close to the center of mass. Some use variable-speed control moment gyroscopes (VSCMGs). The VSCMGs generate offsetting forces that counteract a fall to any direction. Such devices are alternative balancing systems that supplement or bypass the biological balance system. To prevent dependency and maladaptation of the biological stabilization system on such devices, they should only assist as needed to provide only the support that is necessary to fulfill a task, such as recovering balance during a falling event.

Other systems do not provide counteracting forces. They sense and communicate early warning signals i.e. vibration, to the user indicating the user is starting to or is falling in a particular direction. The user may “actively compensate”; use voluntary movement, to countervail imbalances. They use voluntary movement to do the job that reflexes are designed to do.

Some devices randomly perturb a user's balance that a user anticipates and prepares for by tensing muscles and assuming defensive postures then responds to with voluntary movements intended to countervail the perturbations. They also “actively compensate”; use voluntary movement, to do the job that reflexes are designed and designated to do.

Rehabilitation Therapy

People automatically rehabilitate by adopting compensatory measures. For example, irregular posture and movement is assumed to avoid falling. People crouch or lean forward, outstretch hands, position feet apart, and avoid unnecessary movement to keep their center of gravity low and over a large base of support. They deploy defensive movements like moving slowly, avoiding sharp turns, and walking backwards. They shuffle their feet while walking so that both feet are always in contact with the floor. Freezing reduces the risk of falling.

Other measures include behavioral changes like avoidance of difficult motor tasks and movements, like standing, walking, or threading a needle. The use of assistive devices like walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and care givers, are common ways of coping.

Prescribed therapies like physical therapy, Tai Chi, dancing, boxing, and practicing fine motor skills are evolved and optimized methods of rehabilitation. They train voluntary muscle memories to adapt to an unstable platform.

Compensatory Measures

Whether adapted automatically or as a prescribed treatment, drugs, assistive devices, and rehabilitation therapies are compensatory mechanisms that provide symptom relief and do not correct underlying causes of movement disorders. They are interventions that interfere with or modulate and thereby accelerate the deterioration of biological systems and processes. For example, active compensation, the use of voluntary movement to compensate for deficit automatic movement, diverts cognitive resources from thinking to control of movement normally handled by reflexes. When the brain becomes preoccupied with micromanaging functions normally delegated, cognitive demands must wait. That is why people with movement disorders appear to not being able to walk and talk at the same time. In another example, using a walker reduces demand on neurons, muscles, and muscle memories, causing them to atrophy. Paradoxically, the more effective the treatment, the more ineffective endogenous processes become. The aberrant movements become the new “norm”. Such treatments may be the only recourse for some people; however, biological systems are capable of healing themselves!

Restoration Therapy

Some forms of rehabilitation restore reflex stabilization. For example, Romberg maneuvers and balance board training perturb balance that effectuates reflexes that can restore balance muscle memory.

The difference between current therapies and the invention that both use training of muscle memories to mitigate movement disorders, is which muscle memories are being trained, voluntary or reflexive. Current therapies train voluntary muscle memories to compensate for deficit reflex muscle memories. The invention trains reflex muscle memories that stabilize limb positions, balance, and muscle tension so that voluntary movement and muscle memories may perform upon a stabilized platform. The invention apparatus specifically trains reflex muscle memories that restore stabilization. Voluntary muscle memories are retrained concurrently to readapt from an unstable to stable platform.

Restoration is a Form of Self-Healing.

Plasticity makes restoration possible. It makes instantaneous to long-term changes in biological cells, organs, systems, and behaviors to protect, repair, and adapt processes to environmental conditions.

Neuroplasticity is the modification of the nervous system by changing the structure and thereby the functionality of individual neurons and their connectivity to other neurons and effectors. Muscle plasticity can make muscles bigger, stronger, and faster. Perhaps the most important feature of plasticity is that changes to individual components are made in concert with each other to achieve acceptable performance of systems. Movement is a system, from reflexes to motor skills to spontaneous voluntary movement, and it is plastic. Movement can be trained by practicing it. Movement is improved, restored, and performed with efficiency, accuracy, and automaticity. That is the natural way organisms are designed to be restored and plasticity produces long-term, persistent changes, restorations, and perhaps cures.

The invention provides the environmental conditions and challenges that effectuate plasticity to improve movement.

The Invention is Restoration Therapy.

Stabilization System

Reflexes are closed loop mechanisms that sense, respond to, and countervail unintentional movement. There are many manmade examples of such systems. For example, Battleship guns are mounted on stabilized platforms that isolate them from the movement of the ship. Whereas the ship may pitch, roll, yaw, and move in response to wind and shifting weights, the platform does not. Sensors detect the ship movement and actuators attached to the platform produce forces that countervail the ship movement.

In this manner, aiming the gun is greatly simplified as it is mounted on a stable rather than a moving platform. Similar technology is used with buildings that are stabilized against earthquakes and active suspension systems that stabilize an automobile against variations in road surface and reflexes that stabilize balance and joints against unintended movement.

Biological Stabilization Systems

Reflexes sense and execute muscle memories that countervail unintentional movement. When stabilization systems fail to do their job, or worse yet, cause rather than mitigate perturbations, intended movement is impaired. Aberrant reflex muscle memories cause voluntary muscle memories to become aberrant because they attempt to adapt to an unstable platform. Motor skills are extremely difficult to maintain when stabilization systems become deficit. A person with tremor, rigidity, imbalance, or inability to automatically sense and respond to unintended movement may practice a motor skill and never achieve adequate performance.

It is virtually impossible to develop or maintain motor skills on an unstable platform!

Voluntary Muscle Memory

Muscle memory is generally described as a voluntary movement that is essentially automatic and requires little or no cognitive intervention. Practicing movement with intent to improve and knowledge of performance increases accuracy, efficiency, and automaticity.

Reflex Muscle Memory

Reflex muscle memory can be improved the same way. But how do you cause a reflex to be effectuated? Unlike voluntary muscle memories that respond to conscious decision, reflex muscle memories respond to stimulus of sensory neurons. The apparatus stimulates sensory neurons the way they are designed to be stimulated. It delivers perturbations to stabilization reflexes. It stretches muscles effectuating stretch reflexes, perturbs balance effectuating balance reflexes and does so under varying load conditions that effectuate muscle tension reflexes. The perturbations and thereby the execution of the muscle memories is repeated over a protracted period and practiced multiple times per second. Practice improves the performance of the stabilization reflexes thereby restoring stabilization.

Stimulate Sensory Neurons the Way they are Designed to be Stimulated.

A System of Movements

Whether voluntary, reflexive, or imposed by external forces, movement causes multiple stabilization reflexes to be effectuated. For example, walking is voluntary, intentional movement, the execution of multiple voluntary muscle memories, that continuously change the center of gravity, the size and position of the base of support, and their relationship to each other, thereby perturbing balance and effectuating balance reflexes. Limbs are repositioned and that effectuates stretch reflexes. Shifting weight causes muscle tension reflexes. Walking would be countervailed, opposed, by reflexes, but for the system's ability to distinguish between forces caused by voluntary movement which are not to be countervailed and forces caused by perturbations to stabilization which are to be countervailed. Walking movements are not countervailed whilst the perturbations to stabilization caused by walking are.

In another example, a reflex causes movement that effectuates other reflexes. A person steps on a tack causing a withdrawal reflex, that contracts muscles lifting the foot to prevent further injury. That movement causes a shift in the body's center of gravity and a substantial shift in position and size of the base of support. But for other reflexes, the person would fall.

In another example, a person holds a barbell against their thighs while standing. The person extends their arms forward parallel to the floor and holds that position. The person changed the tension on several muscle groups including those in the back, shoulder, arms and hands, effectuating muscle tension reflexes, changed their center of gravity and its relationship with the base of support effectuating balance reflexes, and changed the intentional position of limbs effectuating stretch reflexes. The person assumed a new posture, and remains in balance, the barbell is not moving, and this change in posture is made without tension, balance and stretch reflexes countervailing the voluntary movement that got them there. Nor did the person lose stability during the voluntary movement. All the movement processes interact with each other, and all are integral to a plastic biological system that may be trained with practice and restored with practice when they become aberrant.

When perturbation is combined with voluntary movements like those of daily living activity or prescribed movements like exercises or practicing fine motor skills like writing or engaging in cognitive activity like carrying on a conversion, the entire movement system may be practiced.

It is the deficit system that must be restored and that is why it is the system that is should be practiced!

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Purpose

The purpose of the invention is to mitigate movement disorders by restoring aberrant muscle memories which may be restored with practice. Reflex muscle memories are practiced by attaching an apparatus to the user that provides passive movement that repeatedly effectuates stabilization reflexes. Voluntary muscle memories that have maladapted to aberrant stabilization are practiced concurrently and readapted to an improving stabilized platform.

Reflex Restoration

The invention is directed to a muscle memory training apparatus that is attached to the user and generates perturbation forces of adjustable amplitude, frequency, duration, and direction to emulate forces, perturbations, stabilization systems are designed to countervail. Each perturbation, applied several times per second, effectuates reflex muscle memories that contract muscles that countervail the perturbations. Reflex muscle memories are practiced and thereby improved.

The apparatus consists of three assemblies, Perturbator that produces the perturbations, Motor Control that provides power, rotational direction, and rotational speed [RPM] to the Perturbator, and an Attachment that couples the perturbator to the user.

The perturbator is enclosed and houses a motor that rotates two weights in parallel orbits about a common motor axel. The weights are attached to arms that attach to the motor axel. The size of the weights, their position on the arms, and the motor rotational speed [RPM] are adjustable and control the amplitude and frequency of the perturbation forces. Arm and weight assemblies with fixed weights and positions are an alternative to the adjustable assemblies.

The perturbations may be generated in reverse order by reversing the rotation of the motor thereby changing the sequence in which reflexes are effectuated.

The two attachable arms may be orientated relative to the axel at the same angle wherein their centrifugal forces are in sync and produce no wobble, or at different angles like 180 degrees apart, wherein the centrifugal forces are out of phase thereby producing wobble the user feels as an alternating twisting force.

Attachment

The perturbator is coupled to a backpack worn by the user. The coupler allows the perturbator to set at different angles relative to the user thereby allowing the targeting of selective muscle groups. Note that perturbations caused by normal movement or environmental conditions are multi-directional as well.

Motor Control

In addition to controlling the motor speed and rotational direction as described, it may be programmed to dynamically modulate these parameters to fixed or random sequences.

Voluntary Movement Restoration

Performing daily routines or structured exercise routines whilst using the apparatus retrains voluntary muscle memories to perform in a stable environment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the figures. The figures represent an illustration of some of the embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. Some of the figures may not show all of the features and components of the invention for ease of illustration, but it is to be understood that where possible, features and components from one figure may be an included in the other figures. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now toFIGS.1to3, an exemplary muscle memory training apparatus10has a housing20, which may be an enclosure, for the producing forces to off-balance a person and a plurality of retainers60, configured to retain a strap that extends from the muscle memory training apparatus to a person. There are a back retainers66configured along the back face26of the housing20and side retainers64configured on each of the four side faces24,24′24″ and24″′. Some side retainers are not visible in this view. The front face22, opposite the back face26may have a coupling pad28for comfort.

Referring now toFIG.2, the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus10has a motor36with a first arm40and a second arm50extending from the axle30and extending in the same direction from the axle. Both the first arm40and second arm50are configured to be rotationally adjusted about the axle by a respective first arm axle coupler44and a second arm axle coupler54. As shown the arms are extending in the same rotational direction with respect to the axle30. Each of the arms has a detachably attachable weight, the first arm has a first arm weight42attached to the first arm40by the first arm weight coupler46and the second arm50has a second arm weight52attached to the second arm50by the second arm weight coupler56. The arms coupled to opposing sides of the motor and having weights coupled to the arms that produce an off-balance force. The muscle memory training apparatus10is configured to produce an off-balance force toward and away from the front face22. On the front face22of the housing20, a coupling plate29and coupling pad28may be configured. The coupling pad28may provide comfort and padding between the housing and a person's back. A coupling plate28, may be an angle adjustment plate90as described herein, enabling the housing to be rotated with respect to the angle adjustment plate90. The straps, torso strap70and shoulder straps as shown inFIGS.4and5may be coupled with the coupling plate29or angle adjustment plate90.

Referring now toFIG.3, the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus10shown inFIG.2, is now turned ninety degrees such and the first arm and second arm are now extending in opposing directions, 180 degrees apart, versus the same rotational orientation of the arms as shown inFIG.2. This change in the orientation of the arms and the rotational orientation of the housing will produce different off-balancing forces. A person may don the muscle memory training apparatus10is a first orientation as shown inFIG.2and perform activities and then switch one of the arms and rotate the housing20, 90 degrees and don the muscle memory training apparatus10as shown inFIG.2and perform activities to strengthen their neuromuscular plasticity system and strength muscle memory.

Referring now toFIGS.4to6, a person80has the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus10strapped to their back by the first shoulder strap72, the second shoulder strap74and the torso strap70, that extends around the persons chest or waist, for example. The straps extend through side retainer64on opposing sides of the housing20and around the back side26of the housing20through a pair of back retainers66to effectively restrain the housing to the person's back with the coupling pad28, configured therebetween. The motor36is rotating the first arm40and second arm50with the respective first arm weight42and second arm weight52attached thereto to produce an off-balancing force along a longitudinal axis82(vertical with respect to the person standing) and sagittal axis84(front to back with respect to the person standing) inFIG.4and along a frontal axis86(side to side with respect to the person standing) inFIG.5. The orientation of the muscle memory training apparatus10inFIG.4is like that shown inFIG.2and the orientation inFIG.5is like that shown inFIG.3.

The perturbation portion21has been rotated 90 degrees about the sagittal axis84fromFIG.4toFIG.5. InFIG.4, the axle30extends in the frontal axis86or generally horizontally with the person standing erect on a horizontal surface with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus10. InFIG.5, the axle30extends vertically or along the longitudinal axis82. As described herein, the perturbation portion21may be configured to rotation with respect to angle adjustment plate90.

As shown inFIG.6, the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus10is strapped to the back of a person80(user) as shown inFIG.5, now with the first arm and second arm extending in opposing directions from the axle, wherein the first arm extends 180 degrees from the second arm from the axle. This configuration may produce a twisting force with one weight pushing forward while the opposing weight on the second arm producing a pulling force, or force away from the user.

Referring now toFIGS.7to13, a person has an exemplary muscle memory training apparatus10strapped to their back to produce an off-balancing force that they must accommodate for while they attempt to perform a task, such as tracing a circle or figure eight with their outstretched arm. As shown in each ofFIGS.7to13, the muscle memory training apparatus is secured to the person by a first shoulder strap72and a second shoulder strap74and a torso strap70. The straps extend through a side retainer64on a side24of the housing20and a pair of back retainers66on a back26of the housing20.

As shown inFIG.7, the axle30of the motor36extends vertically or along the longitudinal axis82with the person standing upright on a horizontal surface. The first arm40and second arm50are configured180offset from each other with respect to the axle30. The motor spins the two weights to produce an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis84(front to back) and also in the longitudinal axis (up and down).

As shown inFIG.8, the axle30of the motor36extends vertically or along the longitudinal axis82with the person standing upright on a horizontal surface. The first arm40and second arm50extend radially from the axle in alignment with each other. The motor spins the two weights to produce an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis84(front to back) and also side to side. This configuration may produce a stronger off-balance force as the weights are aligned with each other.

As shown inFIG.9, the axle30of the motor36extends vertically or along the longitudinal axis82with the person standing upright on a horizontal surface. The first arm40and second arm50extend radially from the axle in alignment with each other. The motor spins the two weights to produce an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis84(front to back). This configuration shows that the direction of rotation of the motor may be reversed, wherein the rotation direction inFIG.9is opposite the direction of rotation shown inFIG.8.

As shown inFIG.10, the axle30of the motor36extends horizontally or along the sagittal axis84with the person standing upright on a horizontal surface. The first arm40and second arm50extend radially from the axle30in opposing directions of offset 180 degrees. The motor spins the first arm weight42and second arm weight52to produce an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis84(front to back) to produce both an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis84and longitudinal axis82.

As shown inFIG.11, the motor36spins the first arm weight42and second arm weight52in an opposite direction from that shown inFIG.10, to produce an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis84(front to back) to produce both an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis84and longitudinal axis82.

As shown inFIG.12, the axle30of the motor36extends horizontally or along the sagittal axis84with the person standing upright on a horizontal surface. The first arm40and second arm50extend radially from the axle30in the same direction, or in radially alignment from the axle. The weights therefore spin in unison together about the axle to produce both an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis84and longitudinal axis82. This configuration may produce a stronger off-balance force as the weights are aligned with each other.

As shown inFIG.13, the motor36spins the first arm weight42and second arm weight52in an opposite direction from that shown inFIG.1, to produce both an off-balancing force, a perturbating force at a perturbating frequency in the sagittal axis84and longitudinal axis82. The perturbating force on a person retrains said reflex stabilization muscle memories by practicing said reflex stabilization muscle memories to the perturbating force while performing voluntary muscle movements, such as trying to point at an object.

As shown inFIG.14, an angle adjustment plate90has an interconnect portion92that is configured to couple with the housing20of the perturbation portion21of the muscle memory training apparatus10, shown inFIG.15. The interconnect portion92shown inFIG.14has a plurality of sides, such as eight sides to enable adjustable angular orientation with the adjustable plate. The eight sides enable adjustment at 45, 90 135, 180, 225, 270 and 360 degrees. Angle adjustment plate retainers94are configured on the angle adjustment plate90around the interconnect portion92and may be slots configured to retain a strap. There are eight angle adjustment plate retainers94, which corresponds with the eight sides of the interconnect portion92.

As shown inFIG.15, a first angle adjustment feature100, such as a protrusion, extends from the housing20of perturbation portion21of the muscle memory training apparatus10. A second angle adjustment feature110extends from the housing20from a separate face of the housing20, and extends orthogonally from the extension direction of the first angle adjustment feature100. The first angle adjustment feature100and the second angle adjustment feature110each have eight sides, which correlate with the eight sides of the interconnect portion92. The second angle adjustment feature110extends orthogonal to the first angle adjustment feature100. First angle adjustment retainers102extend from the housing20opposite the first angle adjustment feature100. Second angle adjustment retainers112extend from the housing20opposite the second angle adjustment feature110.

The first angle adjustment feature100is received by the interconnect portion92of the angle adjustment plate90to removably connect the housing20to the angle adjustment plate90. The housing20is secured to the angle adjustment plate90by straps76that are configured through the first angle adjustment retainers102and the angle adjustment plate retainers94. Two straps76are used to secure the housing20to the angle adjustment plate90. These two straps76are configured orthogonal to one another.

The orientation of the housing20may be adjusted by removing the housing20or perturbation portion21, from the angle adjustment plate90, rotating the housing20about at least one of the sagittal axis84, longitudinal axis82and frontal axis86, and reconnecting the housing20to the angle adjustment plate90by receiving the first angle adjustment feature100with the interconnect portion92and securing the housing20to the angle adjustment plate90by configuring the straps76through the first angle adjustment retainers102and the angle adjustment plate retainers94.

The orientation of the housing20may also be adjusted by removing the housing20from the angle adjustment plate90and rotating the housing20about the frontal axis86whereby the second angle adjustment feature110, such as a protrusion, is aligned with the interconnect portion92. The housing20may be reconnected to the angle adjustment plate90by receiving the second angle adjustment feature110with the interconnect portion and securing the housing20to the angle adjustment plate90by configuring the straps76through the second angle adjustment retainers112and the angle adjustment plate retainers94.

As shown inFIG.16, the housing20is configured relative to the angle adjustment plate90. The housing20is secured to the angle adjustment plate90by straps76that are configured through the first angle adjustment retainers102and the angle adjustment plate retainers94. As shown inFIG.17, the housing20ofFIG.16is configured at a different angle relative to the angle adjustment plate by rotating the housing20about the sagittal axis84. As shown inFIG.17, the housing20is secured to the angle adjustment plate90by straps76that are configured through the first angle adjustment retainers102and angle adjustment plate retainers94. Since the orientation of the housing20is different inFIG.17than inFIG.16, the straps76inFIG.17are configured through different angle adjustment plate retainers94than inFIG.16to allow for the housing20to be secured in its different orientation.

Referring now toFIGS.18to21, a person80has a muscle memory training apparatus10configured on their back with perturbation portion21configured in different rotational orientations with respect to the angle adjustment plate90via the first angel adjustment portion engaged with the angle adjustment plate90. As shown inFIG.18, the perturbation portion21is configured with the axle30extending horizontally across the person's back, or along a horizontal axis16, and with the first arm40and the second arm50oriented in the same rotational direction from the axle. As shown inFIG.19, the perturbation portion21is configured with the axle30extending at an offset angle120from the vertical axis14across the person's back81, and with the first arm40and the second arm50oriented in the same rotational direction from the axle. The offset angle120is measured from the vertical axis14. The perturbation portion21will produce a force that is offset from the vertical axis14and horizontal axis16in this configuration. The first angle adjustment protrusion (not shown) has been engaged with the angle adjustment plate90. As shown inFIG.20, the perturbation portion21is configured with the axle30extending vertically across the person's back, or along a vertical axis14, and with the first arm40and the second arm50oriented in the same rotational direction from the axle. As shown inFIG.21, the perturbation portion21is configured with the axle30extending at an offset angle120from the vertical axis14with the first arm40and the second arm50oriented in the same rotational direction from the axle. The offset angle120is measured from the vertical axis14. The perturbation portion21will produce a force that is offset from the vertical axis14and horizontal axis16in this configuration. The first angle adjustment protrusion (not shown) has been engaged with the angle adjustment plate90. Note that the offset angle has the same value but is to the opposing side of the vertical axis14from the perturbation portion21shown inFIG.19.

Referring now toFIGS.22to25, a perturbation portion21of a muscle memory training apparatus10has a variety of adjustments in the arms and weights coupled to the axle30. The first and second arms can be rotated about the axle and locked into a desired rotational position, such as having the arms extending in the same rotational position or opposing rotational positions, or about 180 degrees separated (within 15 degrees of 180 degrees). Also, the magnitude of the weight attached can be changed, as well as the has the first arm40and second arm50configured in the same rotational position with respect to the axle30. As shown inFIG.22, the first arm40and the second arm50are configured or extend in the same rotational orientation from the axle30. Also, the first arm weight42and the second arm weight52may weight substantially the same within about 5%. For example, an exemplary perturbation portion21has a first arm weight42that weighs 0.5 kg and a second arm weight52that weighs 0.5 kg (+/−0.025 kg); thereby being substantially the same weight. Finally, the distance of the arm weight arm may be changed to produce a higher torque force as the weight is spun around the axle.

As shown inFIG.22, a perturbation portion21of a muscle memory training apparatus10has the first arm40and second arm50configured in the substantially the same rotational position with respect to the axle30, wherein the first arm extends from the axle in the same rotational orientation (within about 10 degrees) as the second arm. Also, the first arm weight42and second arm weight52are substantially the same weight and the first arm weight is configured substantially the same offset distance from the axle (within about 10%) as the second arm weight.

As shown inFIG.23, a perturbation portion21of a muscle memory training apparatus10has the first arm40configured in a substantially opposing rotational position as the second arm50or about 180 degrees (within about 10 degrees of 180 degrees). Also, the first arm weight42and second arm weight52are substantially the same weight and the first arm weight is configured substantially the same offset distance from the axle (within about 10%) as the second arm weight.

As shown inFIG.24, a perturbation portion21of a muscle memory training apparatus10has the first arm40configured in a substantially opposing rotational position as the second arm50as shown inFIG.23. However, the first arm weight42and second arm weight52have been changed from those shown inFIG.23to heavier arm weights to increase the amount of force created by the perturbation portion. The heavier weights are represented as larger inFIG.24to those shown inFIG.23, however the weight may be changed but the size of the arm weight may stay substantially the same.

As shown inFIG.25, a perturbation portion21of a muscle memory training apparatus10has the first arm40configured in a substantially opposing rotational position as the second arm50or about 180 degrees, as shown inFIG.23. However, the first arm weight42and second arm weight52are configured a greater offset distance from the axle than the first arm weight and second arm weights shown inFIG.23. The first arm weight arm43and second arm weight arm53may be changed or extended out further from the first arm weight coupler46and second arm weight coupler56to produce said greater offset distance. The torque offset distance47, the distance from the rotational axis38of the axle30and the center of mass of the first arm weight42is shown inFIGS.23and25, wherein this torque offset distance is greater inFIG.25.

FIGS.26,27,28and29are referenced and described to explain why the apparatus and user tremor frequency must be the same within a narrow margin and how tremor frequency is measured.

The frequency of the perturbation is synchronized with the user's natural reflex loop time. In this manner, the frequencies will entrain; their phase relationship will align, and they will summate correctly. The resultant perturbation force applied to the user is the sum of the muscle contraction force produced by the reflex plus the perturbation force produced by the perturbator. In effect, the reflex force is increased by the perturbation force, or the reflex muscle contraction force is amplified by the addition of the perturbator force. The frequency of the muscle memory training apparatus must be substantially the same as (within about 25%) of a tremor frequency, or frequency of involuntary movements, such as about 2 Hz or more, about 4 Hz or more, about 6 Hz or more, about 8 Hz or more, about 10 Hz or more and any range between and including the frequencies provided such as from about 2 Hz to 10 Hz. A perturbation frequency of the muscle memory training may be a frequency of revolution of the arms such as revolutions per minute which would be 60 rpm for 1 Hz, or it may be half of the tremor frequency, or 30 rpm for a 1 Hz tremor frequency, as the arms may create alternating perturbation forces within one revolution. People with Parkinson's disease have tremors with a frequency of about 4 Hz to 6 Hz, and people with essential tremor may have a frequency of about 5 Hz to 8 Hz and therefore a range of about 4 Hz to 8 Hz may cover the range of frequencies for tremors. If the frequencies are not substantially the same, they will not entrain, summate correctly, and produce a resultant force that is irregular and not a replica of the tremor frequency.

For example, if the frequency is greater than the reflex loop time [time from stimulation to completion of muscle contraction]. A tetanic muscle contraction occurs. When repeated stimuli occur at short intervals the muscle doesn't have time to fully relax before it is called upon to contract again. Movement becomes erratic, ceases, or becomes rigid.

As shown inFIG.26, in the first frame or time period (1), a single perturbation effectuates a single reflex. In the second frame, or time period (2), a second perturbation occurs before the first reflex is completed. In the third frame or time period (3), multiple perturbations occur before any reflex is completed. The effect is cumulative. In the fourth frame (4), full tetanus occurs and there is no muscle relaxation between perturbations. A line showing the perturbations8as a function of time is shown in the third frame. A line representing a reflex9is shown as a function of time above the perturbation line. The frequency of perturbation8In the fourth frame (4) are too fast for the reflex9to respond and results in a tectonic state.

Starting a reflex movement before the prior movement is completed is like practicing a golf swing wherein successive swings are started before the current swing is completed. When perturbation and reflex movements of the same frequency are added together, the resultant movement will be the same frequency, maximum amplitude, and consistent.FIG.27shows the desired effect wherein the frequencies and phase are the same. The resultant movement A+B is the sum of both movements A and B.

However, when the movement frequencies differ, the resultant movement will be a complex summation of forces that undergo constant change.FIG.28shows the summation of 2 frequencies, one of which is twice the other. The phase and amplitude relationships do not summate correctly for this application. Every combination of 2 forces occurring at different frequencies or phase relationships, yields a complex movement.

Perturbation frequency is an important setting. The intent is to practice the reflex movement, not some derivative movement that can do more harm than good.

Fatigue

Reflexes occurring at a high frequency over a protracted period can lead to synaptic, muscle, and other forms of fatigue that cause short or long-term deficit performance. Reflexes begin to fail. Stability is inadequate and may even contribute to instability. Practice challenges fatigue and can improve strength and endurance. Not unlike building muscles, subject them to heightened demands and make them bigger, stronger, and less susceptible to fatigue.

As shown inFIG.29, a muscle memory training system11includes a muscle memory training apparatus10that is configured to operate at a frequency measured by a tremor frequency device200. A person is holding the tremor frequency device200that includes a gyroscope204that measures the frequency of the tremor or involuntary movement of the person. The tremor frequency device200may be a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. The tremor frequency device200may have a wireless transmitter208that transmits the measured frequency to the muscle memory training apparatus10. The muscle memory training apparatus10may have a wireless signal receiver228that receives the wireless signal from the tremor frequency device200with the measured tremor frequency. A controller32of the muscle memory training apparatus10may then automatically set the perturbation frequency of the muscle memory training apparatus10to match this measured tremor frequency. The controller32may be located on the housing20or may be coupled wirelessly with the motor or have a wired connection with the motor. The frequency of the muscle memory training apparatus10may be the revolutions per minute of an arm. Also, the muscle memory training apparatus10may have a frequency display and a frequency input224to enable a user to manually input or adjust the measured tremor frequency or a desired perturbation frequency of the muscle memory training apparatus10. A perturbating force may be set automatically or manually to a perturbation frequency that is substantially the same (within 25%) as a tremor frequency.

In summary, the apparatus is designed to deliver programmed perturbations to stabilization reflexes whilst the user is engaged in daily living or planned activities. A muscle memories training system is designed and configured to retrain reflex stabilization and voluntary muscle memories for a person with a movement disorder such as Parkinson's or essential tremor. A movement disorder includes but is not limited to Parkinson's, essential tremor, ataxia, dystonia, Huntington's disease, and Tardive Dyskinesia.