ETH Zurich researchers have developed a smart earphone that helps people recover faster and easier
Scientists use a motion sensor thatworks like a smart watch. Stroke patients place sensors on parts of the body where they have impaired motor function, such as the arm. With the help of special software, the device analyzes movements in real time and “informs” the earpiece when the patient performs them with the highest quality.
The electrical action of the earpiece on the outer ear can cause a nerve signal that travels along the vagus nerve to the brain. Animation: Donegan and Viskaitis / ETH Zurich
When receiving a signal from the sensor, the earphonetriggers stimulation of the vagus nerve in the outer ear. This helps the brain remember the correct sequence of movements faster and more efficiently. In essence, such influence is reinforcement learning.
It's like reconfiguring the softwareBrain Support: Nerve stimulation promotes neuroplasticity, helps form new synapses, and promotes relearning of physical actions.
Dane Donegan, development co-author
Previous clinical studiesshowed that vagus nerve stimulation plays a critical role in the rehabilitation of brain areas damaged by stroke, the authors of the development say. Such stimulation allowed stroke patients to recover the ability to move faster and more efficiently.
Traditional methods requirean expensive operation under general anesthesia to implant a vagus nerve stimulation device under the skin. Headphones are a safer and more affordable alternative. In addition, they do not require supervision in the hospital and can be used by the patient at home.
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