[0023]Other embodiments described herein provide for a DAP system for improving mobility of a disabled individual only able to stand with assistance where the DAP system has a pressure chamber with a seal interface configured to receive a portion of a disabled user's body and to form a seal between the user's body and the chamber; a blower and valve control system configured to apply pressure to the portion of the user's body while the user's body is sealed in the chamber; an exercise device within the pressure chamber, wherein the exercise device is configured to contact the user's body while a portion of the user's body is within the seal interface; an access assist device configured to assist the disabled user's ingress and egress to the chamber; a first load sensor positioned in the pressure chamber below the user's torso and configured to measure the weight of the user in the chamber and communicate the measurements to a processor; a second load sensor positioned on the system outside the pressure chamber and configured to measure the weight of the user exerted on the access assist device and communicate the measurements to a processor; a processor configured to receive weight input from inside and outside the pressure chamber, wherein the processor calibrates the system for the user system by generating a relationship between pressure in the chamber and actual weight of the user, wherein the actual weight of the user is provided by the total weight measured by the load sensors at pressure points, the processor regulating the pressure of the chamber according to said relationship.
[0052]Other embodiments provide for a differential pressure system for improving mobility of a disabled individual, with a pressure chamber with a seal interface configured to receive a portion of a disabled user's body and to form a seal between the user's body and the chamber, the chamber configured to apply pressure to the portion of the user's body while the user's body is sealed in the chamber; a platform in the pressure chamber, wherein the platform is configured to contact the user's body; a first load sensor positioned substantially underneath the user's torso and configured to measure the load applied by the user while the user is in the chamber and to provide an output signal; a second load sensor coupled to the differential pressure system at a position that is different from the first load sensor, the second load sensor configured to provide an output signal; a processor configured to receive the output signals from the load sensors and to calibrate the system for use by the disabled user by generating a relationship between pressure in the chamber and actual weight of the user while the user is sealed in the chamber, wherein the actual weight of the user is the total weight of the user measured by the first and second load sensors at pressure points, the processor regulating the pressure of the chamber according to said relationship.
[0062]Other embodiments provide a differential pressure system for improving mobility of a disabled individual, comprising a pressure chamber with a seal interface configured to receive a portion of a disabled user's body and to form a seal between the user's body and the chamber, the chamber configured to apply pressure to the portion of the user's body while the user's body is sealed in the chamber; an exercise device placed in the pressure chamber, wherein the exercise device is configured to contact the user's body while the exercise device is in operation; at least one load sensor on the exercise device, the load sensor configured to measure the load applied by the user to the exercise device while the user is in the chamber and to provide an output signal; at least one load sensor not on the exercise device and positioned on the differential pressure system above the user's lower extremities, the load sensor configured to provide an output signal; a processor configured to receive the output signals from the load sensors and to calibrate the system for use by the disabled user by generating a relationship between pressure in the chamber and actual weight of the user while the user is sealed in the chamber, wherein the actual weight of the user is the total user weight measured by the load sensors at pressure points, the processor regulating the pressure of the chamber according to said relationship.
[0068]Other embodiments provide for a differential pressure system for improving the mobility of a disabled individual comprising: a pressure chamber with a seal interface configured to receive a portion of a disabled user's body and to form a seal between the user's body and the chamber, the chamber configured to apply pressure to the portion of the user's body while the user's body is sealed in the chamber; an exercise device placed in the pressure chamber, wherein the exercise device is configured to contact the user's body while the exercise device is in operation; a load sensor coupled to the exercise device, the load sensor configured to measure the weight applied by the user to the exercise device while the user is in the chamber and to provide an output signal for weight measurements; a calibration device configured to measure the weight of the user's body exerted outside the pressure chamber, the calibration device providing an output signal for weight measurements; and a processor configured to receive the output signals from the load sensor and the calibration device to calibrate the system for use by the disabled user by generating a relationship between pressure in the chamber and actual weight of the user while the user is sealed in the chamber, wherein the actual weight of the user is the total user weight measured by the load sensor and the calibration device at pressure points, the processor regulating the pressure of the chamber according to said relationship.
[0072]Other embodiments provide for a method of improving cardiovascular function in a paralyzed user comprising lifting the paralyzed user; lowering and sealing the user into a pressure chamber of a differential pressure system; supporting a portion of the user's body such that the user is substantially upright; sealing the pressure chamber; calibrating the differential pressure system to generate a pressure-weight relationship; and regulating the pressure in the chamber according to the relationship.
[0073]Other embodiments provide for a method of improving a stroke patient's motor skills comprising supporting a portion of the patient's weight with a calibration device; supporting another portion of the patient's weight inside a sealed pressure chamber; sealing the chamber around an area of the patient's body; calibrating the differential pressure system; and regulating the pressure in the chamber according to the relationship.