SmartVNS – Intelligent brain stimulation to promote neurorehabilitation

SmartVNS – Intelligent brain stimulation to promote neurorehabilitation

Conditions such as a stroke often lead to a loss of mobility due to brain damage. Research shows that brain stimulation during rehabilitation can accelerate recovery, yet few stimulators are suitable for clinical use. In the SmartVNS project, the Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (RELab) at ETH Zurich is developing an intelligent and easy-to-use system for non-invasive brain stimulation in neurorehabilitation. SmartVNS consists of a wearable sensor worn on the affected arm and a non-invasive stimulator attached to the ear to activate the vagus nerve – safely and painlessly. By combining motion detection and brain stimulation, the SmartVNS system aims to boost movement therapy, increase efficiency and enable faster recovery. Based on preliminary results, the RELab is integrating SmartVNS into clinical workflows and conducting pilot studies with patients suffering from neurological conditions, with a larger clinical trial planned. The vision: Make SmartVNS a standard in neurorehabilitation and turn everyday activities into effective therapies.