System and method for neuro-stimulation

A method for providing neuro-stimulation to a body part with a neuro-stimulation device having a stimulator configured to provide at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation, the method comprising the step of applying, via the stimulator, at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation to at least one body part to mitigate muscle tension, contracture, or spasm resulting from neurodegenerative disease.

A method for providing neuro-stimulation to a body part with a neuro-stimulation device having a stimulator configured to provide at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation, the method comprising the step of applying, via the stimulator, at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation to an intercostal muscle in a chest area of an asthmatic patient to improve lung function.

A method for providing neuro-stimulation to a body part with a neuro-stimulation device having a stimulator configured to provide at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation, the method comprising the step of applying, via the stimulator, at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation to an area where pain is felt by a subject.

A method for providing neuro-stimulation to a body part with a neuro-stimulation device having a stimulator configured to provide at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation, the method comprising the step of applying, via the stimulator, at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation to a joint of a subject with a sensory deficit to enhance awareness of body movement and increase muscle strength.

A method for providing neuro-stimulation to a body part with a neuro-stimulation device having a stimulator configured to provide at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation, the method comprising the step of applying, via the stimulator, at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation to swallowing organs to improve swallowing function.

A method for improving cardiac function with a neuro-stimulation device having a stimulator configured to provide at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation, the method comprising applying, via the stimulator, at least one of an aperiodic stimulation and a subthreshold stimulation to a heart muscle, whereby resistance to overfilling is enhanced.

The system according to claim 50, wherein the controller has an operational mode in which the electrical signal has an aperiodic waveform.

The system according to claim 53, wherein the attachment element is a mesh.

The method according to claim 56, wherein the step of attaching the attachment element comprises attaching the attachment element to the body part via sutures.

The mat according to claim 59, further comprising force sensors to detect a position of the foot, wherein the stimulator focuses delivery of the stimulation to the position.

A catheter comprising:

• an elongate body,
• a plurality of stimulators positioned along the elongate body,
• wherein the one or more of the stimulators are configured to provide a stimulation, wherein the stimulation is at least one of an aperiodic stimulation or subthreshold stimulation.

A system for enhancing sensorimotor performance in a subject comprising:

• a wearable device to which is secured at least one signal input device, wherein the at least one signal input device is repositionable on the wearable device;
• and
• a signal generator for generating a bias signal, wherein the signal generator is communicatively coupled to the at least one signal input device.

The system of claim 62, wherein the signal generator includes a power source, a signal processor and a controller.

The system of claim 63, wherein the signal processor includes a calibration module for adjusting the bias signal produced by the signal processor.

A method of increasing growth hormone release in a subject comprising the step of:

• increasing afferent signaling to the pituitary gland and growth hormone release by inputting at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a subject while the subject is performing a physical activity utilizing sensory cells within the sensory cell area, the bias signal causing the sensory cells to produce the growth hormone.

A method of increasing growth hormone release in a subject comprising the step of:

• increasing afferent signaling to the pituitary gland and growth hormone release by inputting at least one bias signal to at least one sensory cell area of a subject while the subject is performing a physical activity which utilizes sensory cells within the sensory cell area,
• wherein inputting the at least one bias signal improves the function of the sensory cells, the system comprising a wearable device to which at least one respositionable signal input device is secured, and a signal generator communicatively coupled to the at least one signal input device.

The system of claim 72, wherein the signal generator includes a power source, a signal processor and a controller.

The system of claim 73, wherein the signal processor includes a calibration module for adjusting the bias signal produced by the signal processor.

A method of enhancing sensorimotor performance in a subject comprising the steps of:

• moving, according to a virtual reality system, at least one body segment of the subject relative to another, wherein the at least one body segment utilizes sensory cells within the sensory cell area that is involved in the sensorimotor performance to be enhanced;
• and
• inducing neuroplastic changes in the nervous system of the subject by moving the at least one body segment according to the virtual reality system for a period of time long enough that the subject's sensorimotor performance is enhanced.