University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a novel technology that uses amplitude modulated high-frequency (AM-HF) stimulation to elicit asynchronous and stochastic neural spiking activity. This novel approach has significant potential for improving sensory feedback in prosthetics and reducing muscle fatigue in functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapies.
Description
The AM-HF Stimulation technology is an innovative approach to neuromodulation that induces asynchronous and stochastic neural activity. Unlike traditional electrical stimulation, which often leads to synchronous neural responses, this technology uses amplitude-modulated high-frequency sinusoidal currents to create more naturalistic neural firing patterns.
Applications
- Neural Prosthetics
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) in Rehabilitation
Advantages
The AM-HF stimulation protocol offers several significant advantages over traditional stimulation methods. By inducing asynchronous and stochastic neural responses, it mimics more natural neural activity, which can lead to more effective and comfortable therapeutic outcomes for patients. This is particularly beneficial in reducing muscle fatigue during functional electrical stimulation and avoiding the unnatural sensory experiences sometimes reported by users of neural prosthetics. The technology’s ability to fine-tune the frequency and amplitude of stimulation allows for a more personalized approach to neurostimulation, potentially improving patient comfort and therapy efficacy.
Invention Readiness
The development of this stimulation technology is currently at the conceptual stage, supported by experimental data that demonstrates its potential to elicit more naturalistic neural activity. Preliminary studies have shown that AM-HF stimulation can successfully create asynchronous neural responses, differing significantly from the synchronous activity typically induced by square pulses. The technology has been conceptualized with the intent of overcoming the limitations of existing electrical stimulation methods, such as muscle fatigue and unnatural sensory feedback. Researchers are preparing for further development, including prototype creation and clinical testing, to validate the efficacy of this novel approach in real-world applications. This stage of readiness ensures that the technology is poised for future development and potential commercialization.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2022235687A1
