Harnessing the Power of Neuroplasticity to Restore Function
How the Neubie & NeuFit Method Can Help Multiple Sclerosis
Welcome Letter from NeuFit Founder, Garrett Salpeter
How does the Nervous System Work?
Somatosensory System Function
How can the NeuFit Method Impact the Nervous System?
How does this Pertain to Multiple Sclerosis? Neuroplasticity
Basic Session Flow
About the Neubie
Improving Gait Quality in MS Patient
How does the Nervous System Work?
Somatosensory System Function
How can the NeuFit Method Impact the Nervous System?
How does this Pertain to Multiple Sclerosis?
Neuroplasticity
The Neubie & Autonomic Nervous System
Welcome Letter from Garrett Salpeter
NeuFit is born out of a belief in the power that exists within all of us humans – the power to heal, adapt, overcome challenges, and grow as a result. In many experiences, we see the healthcare industry taking that power away They tell us we need to rely on a pill, surgery, or supplement, but they never tell us how to activate our own internal power to heal We are here to change that dynamic
When trying to affect change in the body, the nervous system is a great place to start The nervous system controls virtually everything about us, including functions as diverse as pain signaling, muscle strength and weakness, balance, flexibility, sleep, digestion, waste elimination, blood pressure, anxiety, and more. Because of these broad effects, working neurologically provides a bridge to affect positive, far-reaching change in your life.
In this e-book, we will dive into the nervous system and how it functions And we will share what we believe to be some of the most powerful tools to affect its function and improve quality of life for yourself and your patients
Yours in health and high performance,
Garrett Salpeter
Founder and CEO, NeuFit
NOTE:
The NEUBIE is FDA CLEARED for the following uses:
or increasing range of motion
Preventing atrophy
Reducing Spasms 6 Preventing venous thrombosis after surgery
7 Management or relief of chronic pain
8 Management of post-surgical and post-traumatic acute pain
CONTRAINDICATIONS for use of the Neubie include:
PRECAUTIONS for use of the Neubie include:
FOUNDATIONAL NEUROLOGICAL CONCEPTS
In order to understand how we can most effectively influence the nervous system, it helps to have a model to understand how the nervous system works. We use the concept of a feedback loop to describe the function of the nervous system.
This four step model shows us the possible places where we can influence nervous system function. Ultimately, we wish to improve the speed, accuracy, and overall bandwidth at all four stages. And, as you will see, by focusing on one in particular we are able to get the greatest impact.
How Does the Nervous System Work?
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTIONS AS A BIG LOOP:
1. Receive inputs from internal and external environment.
2. Transmit inputs to the Central Nervous System
3. Process, integrate, and decide how to act on those inputs
4. Send an output to the muscle, organ, or wherever the action will take place
Somatosensory System Function and Threat
The Somatic Nervous System is one part of the nervous system that “senses” the inputs that begin the feedback loop
“Somato” - means body
“Sensory” - the process of gathering information through detection of a stimulus
It controls our perception of touch, pressure, pain, temperature, position, vibration, and movement When the body and nervous system is working normally, it perceives these input signals sent from the somatosensory system clearly, and in turn results in normal outputs (in this case, movement) However, when the body is feeling threatened (pain, injury, etc), there is poor perception in the somatosensory system of these input signals, where it's literally as if the brain's image of the body in space is more "blurry" -- as shown in the image below This decreased ability to perceive the body in space results in poor movement
Poor Perception
Increased Threat
Poor Movement
Improved Perception
Decreased Threat
Improved Movement
How Can The NeuFit Method Impact the Nervous System?
ALMOST ALL FITNESS AND REHABILITATION SYSTEMS ARE OUTPUT-BASED
• If asymmetrical, “Move more to that side”
• If limited mobility, “Stay in position to increase flexibility”
• If weak, “Try harder!”
NEUFIT IS INPUT-BASED
• Change the inputs, and the outputs can change
• Find the right inputs, and the outputs immediately improve
INPUTS
5 Special Senses
Proprioception
Thermo-receptors
Chemo-receptors
Baro-receptors
Mechano-receptors
(Muscle Spindle/ Golgi Tendon Organ)
NEUFIT METHOD INPUTS OUTPUTS
Manual Therapy/Targeted Activation
Strategic Movement & Mobilization
The Neubie
Contract-Relax
Range of Motion
Strength Speed
Pain
Heart Rate
Blood Pressure
Hormones
The NeuFit Method is an Input-Based Approach to Treatment, rehabilitation, and training It involves both manual stimulation and electrical input-based stimulation of the nervous system using the Neubie The diagram above summarizes the Nervous System Inputs and Outputs in the context of rehabilitative/training practice
How Does this Pertain to Multiple Sclerosis?
Restoring Lost Function
Is it possible? How?
If there is damage to the nervous system, we either need to:
1. Repair the damage = structural remodeling
This could be remyelination
Quality of movements - performing the same movement with good quality over and over to repair the damaged pathway to your brain
Evidence for Structural Remodeling
Re-myelination
Thinner sheath, but still effective
Mediated by numerous chemical, cellular, and genetic mechanisms
Tommassini V et al Neuroplasticity and Functional Recovery in Multiple Sclerosis Nat Rev Neurol 8(11): 635-646, 2012
Irvine, K A , Blakemore W F , Remyelination protects axons from demyelination-associated axon degeneration Brain 131: 1464-1477, 2008
2. Compensate for the damage = functional reorganization
This could be substituting other brain areas and creating new pathways
Using higher brain areas to perform certain functions that would have been performed by other, lower, or more specific brain areas. The activity is distributed, using areas that would otherwise be reserved for novel or more complex tasks -- so it gets done, but takes up more “bandwidth” than would be required for someone who does not have MS.
Evidence for Functional reorganization
“Neurons that fire together, wire together”
This describes how we build habits and patterns, which could be good or bad
If we create habits/patterns of good form, quality movements, etc - then we will continue to grow these patterns.
If we create habits of not using certain muscles/pathways, then those muscles and pathways will not be used in our functional life.
Pyramidal tract lesions and movement-associated cortical recruitment in patients with MS Neuroimage 23:141-147, 2004
Lee M et al The motor cortex shows adaptive functional changes to brain injury from multiple sclerosis Ann Neurol 47: 606613, 2000
Tomassini, V Relating Brain Damage to Brain Plasticity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2012
Zeller D et al Rapid-onset central motor plasticity in multiple sclerosis Neurology 74(9): 728-735 2010
Werring, D J , et al Recovery from optic neuritis is associated with a change in the distribution of cerebral response to visual stimulation: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 68: 441-449, 2000
Pantano P et al Cortical motor reorganization after a single clinical attack of multiple sclerosis Brain: a journal of neurology 125: 1607-1615, 2002
Rocca, M A , et al Cortical adaptation in patients with MS: a cross-sectional functional MRI study of disease phenotypes Lancet Neurol 4: 618-626, 2005
Rocca, M A , et al Adaptive functional changes in the cerebral cortex of patients with nondisabling multiple sclerosis correlate with the extent of brain structural damage Ann Neurol 51: 330-339, 2002
How Does this Pertain to Multiple Sclerosis? (Continued)
EVIDENCE FOR FUNCTIONAL REORGANIZATION (CONTINUED)
Depending on what movements, patterns, etc you are doing, neuroplastic changes can be GOOD or BAD.
We always adapt to exactly what we’re doing.
Learned disuse:
• A significant contributor to disability
• Example of neuroplasticity that is maladaptive
Repair and Compensation are examples of neuroplasticity that is maladaptive Neuroplasticity
What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to environmental signals This is achieved through the process of remodeling the nervous system, allowing the brain to change its structure and function to suit the demands of its surroundings.
Do We “Tap Into” Neuroplasticity?
There are a few requirements or prerequisites for triggering neuroplasticity to work in a positive direction.
Amount of Work 2. Specificity of Work
•
Neuroplasticity does not happen overnight
A perfect example is the requirements for olympians or professionals to “master their art” by training consistently for years
It takes hundreds of thousands of repetitions of the same movements for these athletes to become successful in their sports
Therapy sessions require quality movements that are targeted at the exact adaptions being pursued
It is extremely important to perform the same movement, the same way each time for neuroplastic changes to occur This allows the brain to get the point that this movement is important and that it is worth it to invest the resources to build and maintain those particular muscles and neurological pathways
Sleep is another vital piece, as sleep is when the rebuilding and remodeling actually takes place 3. Support
The body must have the raw materials, i e nutrition, to rebuild the nervous system
It is important to reduce inflammation to minimize further damage and allow the body to make consistent progress without reverting
What is Neuroplasticity? (Continued)
4. Caveats that Impact Neuroplasticity
• • Age Degree and location of damage
- Neuroplasticity is more difficult to achieve the older we get. But, it’s still possible!
– Though neuroplasticity is possible for everyone, the degree and location (within the Central Nervous System) of the damage will impact neuroplasticity.
– Degree of damage:
- Contrast enhancing lesions - represents an area of inflammation in the brain
– Citation: https://www researchgate net/figure/T1-black-holes-in-multiplesclerosis-Axial-T1- weighted-image-shows-multiple-hypointense fig5 331774458
– “Black Holes” - represent a small amount of brain damage Correlate more with long-term disability so that they will impact neuroplasticity more than inflammatory lesions
– Citation: https://www researchgate net/figure/T1-black-holes-in-multiplesclerosis-Axial-T1- weighted-image-shows-multiple-hypointense fig5 331774458
What is Neuroplasticity? (Continued)
– Brain Atrophy
- The amount of brain atrophy can impact neuroplasticity
– Citation: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1474442206703490
• Location Examples:
– Spinal cord lesions are usually more influential on mobility than brain lesions – Left side of the brain will impact speech, but the right side usually does not
5. Health (e.g., Wahls Protocol)
• •
Not only does your quality and amount of movements matter when creating neuroplasticity You need to set your body up for success. This means nutrition, sleep, quality of life, stress levels, etc
The Neubie & Autonomic Function
Autonomic Function can play a large role in neurologic disorders such as MS This can impact fatigue levels, digestion, response time, and our ability to restore function in order to adapt and create NEUROPLASTICITY
The Neubie can be used to impact autonomic function and parasympathetic activation The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a largely unconscious control system that regulates bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal The ANS is the primary mechanism in control of the fight-or-flight response, and supplies information to the vital organs of the body, including including the blood vessels, stomach, intestine, liver, kidneys, bladder, genitals, lungs, pupils, heart, and sweat, salivary, and digestive glands The ANS is composed of two divisions: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic The SNS is generally thought to be what triggers fight-or-flight responses, whereas the PNS triggers rest-and-digest responses The table below summarizes the effects of these systems on the body
SYMPATHETIC PARASYMPATHETIC
OVERALL GOAL
CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECT
Mobilize Energy, spend energy to meet immediate demands, deal with crisis
Increase heart rate, Increase blood pressure
TARGETS FOR BLOOD & ENERGY
Away from visceral and reproductive organs, towards muscles for strength to fight or run away from an attacker
Calm the body, restore and repair, invest resources for longterm projects
Decrease heart rate, Decrease blood pressure
EFFECT ON DIGESTION & ELIMINATION
DECREASE FUNCTION
digestive issues like IBS, constipation
Towards visceral organs for better digestion, waste elimination, reproductive function
INCREASE FUNCTION healthy digestion, consistent waste elimination
THE NEUFIT SYSTEM
The NeuFit Method uses a combination of muscle testing, manual activation techniques, and the Neubie technology to facilitate neuromuscular re-education for improving symptoms of neurological disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis
Basic Session Flow
PHASE 1 = MUSCLE TESTS AND NEUROLOGICAL BODYWORK
1. Muscle Test to Find Weaknesses
We need to make sure that the neurological signal you need to turn on your muscles can actually get where it needs to go in the first place If it can’t, no matter what therapy you do, as soon as you go back out into daily life you will collapse into the compromised area and undo all of your progress If your muscles are turned on and supporting you, then you have a foundation upon which you can actually build something and accumulate progress
2. Once weaknesses are found, go through Activation Hierarchy to get them turned back on.
Garden Hose Metaphor - kink prevents water from flowing, just like the neurological signals can be blocked. The places we are working will allow us to free up the pathway so that signals can be transmitted again.
PHASE 2 = NEUBIE FOR NEUROMUSCULAR RE-EDUCATION
1. Scanning Assessment Process to find Compensations
Even though the muscles are working now, you may still have compensation patterns For whatever reason (previous injuries, muscular imbalances, weakness in the neural pathways, etc) your brain may be limiting, governing, or restricting the output of certain muscles With our device, we can find those patterns One of the aspects that makes the NEUBIE unique, and allows us to do this type of work, is the way that wave form is shaped to mimic the body’s own neurological signals It sends the same signals that our bodies send naturally when we move, so when the electrode is on your body it gets interpreted as if movement is taking place Of course you should be able to move anywhere and everywhere But, if you have any of those compensation patterns, they’ll kick in and fight against the signal That’s how we know where to work
2. Re-Education and Reprogramming
Once we have found these spots that are more reactive and have some sort of defensive reflex, we want to turn the machine up to elicit those same responses and have you perform functional movements through it. In doing this, you can break that pattern and reduce or down-regulate that reflex. That allows you to improve the neurological control of that area and restore proper movement.
THE NEUBIE
At NeuFit, we are committed to advancing rehabilitation and fitness through a revolutionary approach to electrical stimulation. With the Neubie and the NeuFit Method, we have helped thousands of people overcome pain and injury, improve performance, and get back to doing what they love as quickly as possible.
About The Neubie
NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (NMES)
The NEUBIE (short for Neuro-Bio-Electric) is a Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) device that uses a Direct Current electrical frequency via pads placed at areas targeted for rehab or training to stimulate muscle, tissue, and nerve activation, and increase blood flow An NMES device elicits muscle contractions using electrical impulses delivered through electrode pads on the skin NMES works by delivering impulses to neuromuscular tissue to mimic action potentials from the central nervous system
The NeuFit Method uses a combination of NMES and functional movements
The NeuFit Method uses a combination of NMES and functional movement because it maximizes the effectiveness of both training modalities The combination works especially well because it generates neuromuscular adaptations while allowing adjustment of motor control in voluntary movement When NMES is used in combination with functional training, clients show greater muscular adaptations, improved performance of dynamic movements, and accelerated recovery of muscle contractility and functional abilities
What does it mean to perform “functional movements”?
Functional movements are movements based on real-world situational biomechanics This means that the movements are specifically designed with a movement goal in mind Many MS patients have the goal to walk more efficiently It would not be reasonable to use the Neubie working on bike riding for the goal of walking Patients must work on movements that mimic the same muscles and functions required for actual walking along with the inputs from the NEUBIE in order to facilitate neuroplasticity
Direct Current (DC) vs. Alternating Current (DC) DIRECT CURRENT:
“Mimics” the current of the human nervous system, supercharging our ability for neuromuscular re-education
Because the signal coming from the device is similar to the body’s own signal, it allows us to work with patients through functional movement, leading to a much higher level of neuromuscular reeducation and a profound patient experience, with most patients (over 90%!) experiencing tangible improvements in pain and/or range of motion after just one session
This is an “overall” nervous system approach, rather than specific nerves/muscles to stimulate. In other words, by optimizing the nervous system, the same stimulus that helps relax or lengthen one person’s muscles could actually help with activation and strengthening of another person’s muscles.
Structurally, the DC electric fields influence the healing process, helping with regeneration of bone, muscle, connective tissue, and nerves
About The Neubie (Continued)
ALTERNATING CURRENT:
• AC devices can be useful for superficial muscle contraction and localized blood flow, but it’s working through more of a “pain-gating” approach, creating a stimulation or “noise” in the body that the brain and nervous system will pay attention to for a little while, but the effects do not last long, and it is not ultimately addressing the root of the problem
DC is more useful to rehab because it requires less intensity to evoke action potentials within the muscles AC creates co-contractions within the muscles, making it more difficult to move through the stimulation “Think about putting your foot on the gas and the break at the same time ” DC achieves more input stimulation compared to AC co-contractions
MS symptoms the Neubie can help with:
• • • • • • Fatigue Pain
Spasticity/Spasms
Muscle weakness
Balance Problems
MS Hug
CASE STUDIES
We are committed to advancing the field of rehabilitation by implementing a revolutionary approach to electrical stimulation. Through the utilization of the Neubie device and the NeuFit method, we have helped countless individuals overcome pain and injury, improve performance, and get back to doing what they love as quickly as possible.
