Method and system for altering body mass composition using galvanic vestibular stimulation
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsPaul Duncan MCGEOCH, Vilayanur S. Ramachandran
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Abstract
A device and method are provided for altering body mass composition in a human subject by applying galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) using electrodes placed in electrical contact with the subject's scalp at a location corresponding to each of the subject's left and right vestibular systems. The current source includes a feedback loop for measuring a resistance across the subject's scalp and adjusting a voltage output to maintain a constant current across the subject's scalp. GVS may be applied for a predetermined period of time at regular intervals.
Claims18
A device for altering body mass composition in a human subject, the device comprising:
- electrodes disposed in electrical contact with the subject's scalp at a location corresponding to each of the subject's left and right vestibular systems;
- and
- a current source in electrical communication with the electrodes for applying galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) to the subject, wherein the current source produces a current within a range of approximately 0.001 mA to approximately 5 mA.
A method for altering body mass composition in a human subject, the method comprising:
- applying galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) to the subject, wherein altering body mass composition comprises decreasing total body fat, increasing relative percentage lean muscle mass, and increasing bone mineral density in the human subject.
A device for altering body mass composition in a human subject, the device comprising:
- electrodes disposed in electrical contact with the subject's scalp at a location corresponding to each of the subject's left and right vestibular systems;
- and
- a current source in electrical communication with the electrodes for applying galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) to the subject, wherein the current source produces a constant current within a predetermined voltage range.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.