Brain response to focal vibro-tactile stimulation prior to muscle contraction

This paper presents a single case study of an on-going study evaluating cortical association with facilitation and management of vibro-tactile stimulation applied prior to voluntary muscle contraction. The study consisted of three repetitions of relaxation phase during which vibrations are applied, and a contraction phase. EEG and EMG data was collected to determine muscle and brain activation patterns. The EEG analysis of the mu waves during relaxation + vibration phase seem to indicate sensory cortex activation during focal muscle vibrations. With repetitiveness of vibrations, an increase in maximal calculated mu power was observed that could suggest optimization of the muscle fibers prior to the contraction. When contraction is performed, mu waves are desynchronizing with the movement execution. The analysis of the last relaxation period indicate that the muscle itself facilitates the last contraction locally possibly due to cortical learning

VIBROfocus: Design of a focal vibro-tactile robotic-assistive system for spasticity rehabilitation

The main focus of spasticity treatment is to alleviate pain, improve function and reduce risk of additional complications. In this paper the design of a robotic system with enhanced focal vibro-tactile stimulation for the treatment of spasticity in the upper limbs is presented. Building on emerging evidence on the use of vibrations in the treatment of spasticity, we propose a new integrated approach. Our design combines the use of vibro-tactile stimulation of the high tone muscle with robotic movement assistance to augment rehabilitation outcomes in patients with spasticity in the upper limbs