System and related method to restore and/or improve nervous system functions by modifying specific nervous system pathways

摘要

The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for restoring or improving nervous system function of a subject. Provided is a method involving: (i) providing an operant conditioning protocol effective to produce targeted neural plasticity (TNP) in a primary targeted central nervous system (CNS) pathway of a subject; and (ii) administering the operant conditioning protocol to the subject to elicit TNP in the primary targeted CNS pathway and to elicit generalized neural plasticity (GNP) in one or more other CNS pathway. The elicitation of the GNP in the one or more other CNS pathway serves to restore or improve a nervous system function of the subject. Provided is a device comprising a nerve stimulation-electromyographic recording component and a controller for operating the nerve stimulation-electromyographic recording component in accordance with an operant conditioning protocol.

主权项

1. A system for restoring or improving nervous system function of a subject, said system comprising a device comprising:
(a) a nerve stimulation-electromyographic recording component comprising a nerve stimulator for stimulating a primary targeted central nervous system (CNS) pathway in a subject, at least one stimulating electrode array in functional communication with the nerve stimulator and adapted for topical contact with the subject, and at least one electromyographic (EMG) recording electrode array for recording EMG data of the subject produced in response to the stimulation of the primary targeted CNS pathway; and (b) a controller for operating the nerve stimulation-electromyographic recording component in accordance with an operant conditioning protocol, wherein said operant conditioning protocol is effective to produce targeted neural plasticity (TNP) in the primary targeted CNS pathway of the subject; wherein the subject is a human subject.