System and method for applying physiotherapeutic focused ultrasound

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Physical Therapy
• Acoustics

Background:

• Clinical efficacy of ultrasound physical therapy for musculoskeletal injuries remains debated despite positive in vitro and animal model results.
• Current commercial ultrasound systems may not deliver the precise ultrasonic dose to the intended anatomical location.
• There is a need for advanced ultrasound technology to improve therapeutic outcomes in physical therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, realize, and test a new ultrasound system concept for physiotherapy.
• To enable focused ultrasound delivery for non-thermal therapeutic effects.
• To ensure accurate and targeted energy application at specific physiological points.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel ultrasound system featuring piezocomposite arrays with metallic delay lines.
• Implementation of multi-pulser electronics for precise emission focusing.
• Integration of parallel robots for accurate transducer positioning and steering.
• Utilisation of linear and angular encoders for physiotherapist-guided targeting.
• Computer control via graphical interface software for system operation.

Main Results:

• The designed system enables focused ultrasound beam delivery.
• The system allows for precise control over ultrasonic energy dose and targeting.
• The integrated components facilitate accurate positioning and steering of transducers.
• The graphical interface provides intuitive control for physiotherapists.

Conclusions:

• The novel ultrasound system concept shows promise for targeted non-thermal physiotherapy.
• This technology has the potential to address the efficacy concerns of current ultrasound treatments.
• Accurate energy delivery and precise targeting are key advancements for musculoskeletal ultrasound therapy.