System and method for neuro-stimulation

Abstract

A neuro-stimulation system employs a includes a stimulator which may include electrode devices and/or vibration elements. A controller may be employed to drive the stimulating elements with an electrical signal. In response to the electrical signal, the stimulating elements deliver electrical and/or mechanical stimulation to the body part. The stimulation may be an aperiodic stimulation and/or may be a subthreshold stimulation. In one embodiment, the stimulator is disposable and the processor determines usage of the stimulator and ensures that the stimulator is limited to a certain amount of use. Neuro-stimulation systems may be applied to sensory cells of body parts during movement of the body parts to induce neuroplastic changes. Such movement may involve a variety of therapeutic applications, e.g. in stroke patient therapy.

1 - 80 . (canceled) 
     
     
         81 . A method, comprising:
 generating at least one bias signal using a system for providing sub-threshold stimulation, the system comprising an application body with a stimulating element generating the at least one bias signal;   inputting the at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a muscle of a subject, wherein the muscle changes position; and   inducing a neuroplastic response in the nervous system of the subject by inputting the at least one bias signal for at least a period of time whereby the subject's sensation of the position of the muscle is improved.   
     
     
         82 . The method according to  claim 81 , wherein the at least one bias signal is continuously applied to the at least one sensory cell area of the muscle. 
     
     
         83 . The method according to  claim 81 , wherein the at least one bias signal is non-continuously applied to the at least one sensory cell area of the muscle. 
     
     
         84 . The method according to  claim 81 , wherein the at least one bias signal is a modulated bias signal applied to the at least one sensory cell area of the muscle. 
     
     
         85 . The method according to  claim 81 , wherein the at least one bias signal is a modulated bias signal that is continuously applied to the at least one sensory cell area of the muscle. 
     
     
         86 . The method according to  claim 81 , wherein the at least one bias signal is a modulated bias signal that is non-continuously applied to the at least one sensory cell area of the muscle. 
     
     
         87 . A method, comprising:
 generating at least one bias signal using a system for providing sub-threshold stimulation, the system comprising an application body with a stimulating element generating the at least one bias signal;   inputting the at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a body part of a subject, wherein the subject is experiencing pain at the body part; and   inducing a neuroplastic response in the nervous system of the subject by inputting the at least one bias signal for at least a period of time whereby the subject's management of the pain at the body part is improved.   
     
     
         88 . The method according to  claim 87 , wherein the pain is caused by musculoskeletal hyperextension or excursion resulting from proprioceptive deficit in the body part. 
     
     
         89 . The method according to  claim 87 , wherein the body part is a back of the subject. 
     
     
         90 . The method according to  claim 87 , wherein the at least one bias signal is continuously applied to the body part of the subject. 
     
     
         91 . The method according to  claim 87 , wherein the at least one bias signal is non-continuously applied to the body part of the subject. 
     
     
         92 . The method according to  claim 87 , wherein the at least one bias signal is a modulated bias signal applied to the body part of the subject. 
     
     
         93 . The method according to  claim 87 , wherein the at least one bias signal is a modulated bias signal that is continuously applied to the body part of the subject. 
     
     
         94 . The method according to  claim 87 , wherein the at least one bias signal is a modulated bias signal that is non-continuously applied to the body part of the subject.