Method and apparatus for improving human balance and gait and preventing foot injury

A system for optimizing neurological stimulation, comprising:

• a platform having at least one stimulator adapted to apply a stimulation to a skin surface area of a test subject;
• a controller including at least one bias signal generator providing a driving signal to the at least one stimulator, the at least one stimulator providing a subthreshold bias signal to target cells in response to receiving the driving signal, the subthreshold bias signal having a magnitude that is below a threshold where the target cells are activated by a stimulus;
• a remote external computer for effecting the control of the controller during an optimization procedure;
• a communication means between the remote external computer and the controller;
• and
• a measurement means for measuring the responses of the test subject as stimulation is adjusted,
• wherein the remote external computer is adapted to communicate with the controller to effect varying driving signals inputted into the at least one stimulator, while responses from a subject in contact with the platform and executing a prescribed task are observed and measured,
• wherein the remote computer is adapted to determine the optimal driving signal parameters suitable for the subject based on the observed responses of the subject.

A method for providing neurological stimulation in a wearable system, comprising:

• providing a wearable platform having one or more stimulators a controller including at least one signal generator coupled to the one or more stimulators, and a power supply source for powering the controller;
• adjusting or programming the controller to produce a sensory enhancement bias signal at a subthreshold level via the bias signal generator, the subthreshold level having a magnitude that is below a threshold where target cells are activated by a stimulus;
• and
• activating the signal generator and supplying the subthreshold bias signal to the one or more sources of stimulation to stimulate mechanoreceptors based on a determined therapeutic need of an individual.