80 results about "Physical therapist" patented technology

The invention relates to a rehabilitation device which guides a patient to perform a motion with a correct spatial trajectory, by the device applying one or more pushing, assisting, reminding, responding and / or resisting forces during a motion (or intent to move) by the patient. The forces are applied by an actuator, for example, a robotic articulated arm or a spherically jointed lever. The applied forces act as a force fields, optionally continuous, which impeded and / or guides a patient. The device can be programmable with various trajectories (paths and / or velocities) and / or forces. The forces at one point in the trajectory can vary responsive to an actual trajectory by the patient and / or responsive to a rehabilitation plan and / or improvement of the patient. The device can learn a motion entered by a physiotherapist and replay it for the patient.

A process is disclosed to visually capture a person doing a set of steps for an exercise, and then to compare that person during exercise to those steps, measuring the results. Each exercise is tailored to the individual patient, rather than to an “ideal” or “generic” standard. This flexibility allows a physical therapist to optimize treatment for patients progressively, and / or to accommodate multiple physical problems in one patient. This invention can be used as a medical software product under the guidance of a physical therapist for rehabilitation exercises. It may alternatively be used as a fitness or sports training device under the guidance of a trainer or coach. By providing visual data and tracking results, it enhances communication between the physical therapist and the patient (or trainer and athlete), and optionally, the physician.

The invention provides a wearable 7-degree-of-freedom upper limb movement rehabilitation training exoskeleton which comprises a supporting rod and an exoskeleton training device which are fixed on a base, wherein the exoskeleton training device is formed by connecting a shoulder adduction / abduction joint, a shoulder flexion / extension joint, a shoulder medial rotation / lateral rotation joint, an elbow flexion / extension joint, an elbow medial rotation / lateral rotation joint, a wrist adduction / abduction joint and a wrist flexion / extension joint in series. The joints are directly driven by a motor, wherein the shoulder and elbow rotating joints are additionally provided with a spur-gear set, the structure is simple, and the response speed is high. Compared with the prior art, the exoskeleton provided by the invention has more degrees of freedom of movement and can adapt to standing and sitting training. The length of an exoskeleton rod can be adjusted according to the height of a patient, thereby ensuring the wearing comfort. A spacing structure is adopted by the joints, thereby improving the safety. Angle and moment sensors at the joint points can acquire kinematic and dynamic data of each joint in real time, thereby being convenient for physical therapists to subsequently analyze and establish a training scheme to achieve an optimal rehabilitation effect.

The invention relates to a rehabilitation device which guides a patient to perform a motion with a correct spatial trajectory, by the device applying one or more pushing, assisting, reminding, responding and / or resisting forces during a motion(or intent to move)by the patient. The forces are applied by an actuator, for example, a robotic articulated arm or a spherically jointed lever. The applied forces act as a force fields, optionally continuous, which impeded and / or guides a patient. The device can be programmable with various trajectories(paths and / or velocities)and / or forces. The forces at one point in the trajectory can vary responsive to an actual trajectory by the patient and / or responsive to a rehabilitation plan and / or improvement of the patient. The device can learn a motion entered by a physiotherapist and replay it for the patient.

A rehabilitation and training apparatus is built based on the empirical law by introducing physical therapists' experiences into the apparatus to simulate the therapy with hands in the course of rehabilitation. The apparatus includes a multi-axis robotic arm, and a high-precision control system. The control system provides three operating modes, including an active, a passive, and an auxiliary mode; receives and computes information about a patient's movements and produced force detected by potentiometers and force sensors provided in the multi-axis robotic arm; and accordingly, drives actuators to apply an aiding force or a resisting force to assist the patient in completing and repeating rehabilitation exercises. The apparatus also includes a humanized operating interface, via which a doctor or a physical therapist may obtain related rehabilitation data for assessment and adjustment of rehabilitation therapeutic courses. A method of controlling the apparatus is also provided.

The invention discloses a somatosensory control method for an upper limb rehabilitation robot and a rehabilitation training strategy. Kinect is used for collecting upper limb motion data, an upper computer is used for processing the motion data and obtaining a control signal, and a lower computer is used for transmitting the control signal to a servo driver to drive a wearable exoskeleton mechanical arm to drive injured limbs to carry out rehabilitation training. The rehabilitation training strategy includes bilateral limb mirror image synchronized rehabilitation training under the mirror image somatosensory control, master-slave rehabilitation training under the synchronized somatosensory control and semi-active rehabilitation training. Body movement somatosensory control is adopted, the control mode is more intuitive and natural and simpler, multi-joint real-time coordinated control can be carried out, and training of complex motions is convenient to achieve; a somatosensory master-slave real-time control mode is convenient for physical therapists to adjust rehabilitation training plans in real time; patients can drive the injured limbs to carry out healthy limb and injured limb bilateral coordination synchronized mirror image motions through own healthy limb motions, repairing of the cerebral neurons is more conveniently promoted, and the therapeutic effect of a mirror image therapy on the whole injured limbs is improved.

The invention provides a myoelectric signal-controlled master-slave wireless functional electric stimulation rehabilitation system in the technical field of rehabilitation medical treatment. The system comprises a master unit and a slave unit, wherein the master unit is connected with a master side to transmit myoelectric information; the master unit is in wireless connection with the slave unit to transmit motion mode information; and the slave unit is connected with a slave side to transmit electrical pulse information. The master unit comprises a plurality of EMG electrode plates, an amplifier, a filter, an encoder and a wireless transmitter; and the slave unit comprises a wireless receiver, a controller, an electrical stimulator and a plurality of FES electrode plates. By using the system, a physical therapist assists a paralyzed patient to do training without physical contact, and a plurality of patients can do rehabilitation trainings following the same physical therapist, so the workload of the physical therapist is greatly lightened; meanwhile, the system can keep the muscle vitality of the patient, prevent muscular atrophy, reduce convulsion and help the patient achieve more ideal rehabilitation effect.

An exercise glove for intrinsic muscles and method of use. The exercise glove incorporates rigid ribs having rib distal end angles corresponding to patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles. The ribs passively hold the patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles in extension, while the patient actively flexes the proximal interphalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints to obtaining optimal intrinsic muscle stretching. The rib distal end angles may be set by a physical therapist to correspond to individual patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles, or alternately an array of ribs of different rib distal end angles may be provided with the exercise glove, from which rib assortment the physical therapist may choose ribs having appropriate rib distal end angles ribs to attach to the exercise glove. The method includes the steps of using the exercise glove to passively hold metacarpal phalangeal joints in extension, while actively flexing proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.

The invention discloses a somatic sensory controlled upper limb exoskeleton mirrored rehabilitation robot. The robot comprises a Kinect sensor, a main control computer, a three degree-of-freedom exoskeleton wearable mechanical arm and a somatic sensory controlled system for the mechanical arm. The Kinect sensor is used for collecting information about a joint angle of the upper limb on the uninjured side of the human body; the exoskeleton wearable mechanical arm comprises an elbow bend and stretch structure, a shoulder flexion and extension structure and a shoulder abduction and adduction structure. The robot has the characteristic of being directly controlled by the somatic sensory, no signal collection device needs to be worn, and the robot is convenient to operate; the injured limb of a patient can be driven by the movement of the health limb of the patient to carry on novel bilateral mirrored synchronous rehabilitation training with the assistance of the robot, and in addition, master-slave type rehabilitation training can be carried out through the movement of the limb, on the same side of the injured limb of the patient, of a physical therapist.

An exoskeleton includes a control system which incorporates a feedback system used to establish and communicate orthosis operational information to a physical therapist and / or to an exoskeleton user. The feedback system can take various forms, including employing sensors to establish a feedback ready value and communicating the value through one or more light sources which can be in close proximity to joints of the exoskeleton joints.

In-field kits and systems for self-directed therapeutic pulley-based muscle rehabilitation methods. The in-field kit and system comprises ring-shaped fasteners that can be removably coupled to preselected locations on a stationary structure, such as a chain link fence. Pulleys are coupled to the ring-shaped fasteners and an inelastic tether spans the pulleys. The tether has a proximal end portion to which a handle is coupled and a distal end portion to which a weight is coupled. The weight and pulleys provide resistance when a person uses the handle to perform any one of a multiplicity of exercise routines. Use of the invention obviates a need to have a physical therapist present at all times during rehabilitation of an injured user because the invention is a pulley-based system usable at home or at an athletic field.

Persons recovering from injuries or surgeries today generally undertake physical therapy to regain usage of their muscles, joints and other portions of their body. Unfortunately such treatments often do not fully restore the patient's function, at least within constraints of the funds available. Added costs are also incurred by patients for transportation, time off work and the like. Disclosed are systems and methods to provide greatly improved and much more cost effective physical therapy regimens utilizing an interactive approach which makes possible physical therapy at home in a controlled manner. The physical therapist using the system instructs the patient and this instruction is incorporated into an intelligent camera-based system usable by the patient in the home or workplace. Dialog may take place between the patient and therapist using the system and the internet. Other features of the system increase motivation of the patient to perform the exercises prescribed.

Wheelchair-accessible fitness systems are described to provide total body strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular training to users in retirement and rehabilitation settings. Resistance is provided through a collection of resistance bands that are designed for low-stress and high-efficacy use. Additional system functionality can be incorporated to provide physical-therapist options for controlled rehabilitation exercises. Sensors can be connected to the resistance bands to provide important user-generated data, which can be collected and managed. The systems can accommodate any type of chair, rehabilitation ball, or wheelchair assembly. The systems are optionally collapsible and portable.

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for measuring the lateral curvature of the human spine to indicate the presence and degree of scoliosis and is useable by non-medical personnel and medical practitioners, including doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, nurses and the like. The system includes a low cost quick operating hand held device based on the operating structure of a standard computer mouse to immediately determine the curvature of the spine. The hand held device scans the length of a patient's spine by contacting the patient's back as it is drawn along the length of the spine to provide a reading of the lateral curvature as X-Y coordinate information which is then graphed by a computer software program which can be run on a standard PC of the desktop, laptop, tablet or other type. The software program allows repeated readings to be saved and compared thereby providing a patient history over time.

The invention discloses a variable-rigidity ankle rehabilitation orthosis and a motion control method thereof. The variable-rigidity ankle rehabilitation orthosis comprises a puttee, a calf bracket, afoot plate, a variable rigidity magnetorheological elastic driver, a man-machine interaction system, sensors and a control system, wherein the variable rigidity magnetorheological elastic driver consists of a motor element, a magnetorheological brake and a rigidity regulatory mechanism, can regulate the rigidity of the system in a real-time manner, can buffer earth shock and can improve the system energy efficacy and safety; the man-machine interaction system is based on an intelligent terminal application program, is used for assisting in the orthosis, and is used for providing varied interactive functions of orthosis condition monitoring and operation, on-line voice feedback, motion performance summarization and the like. The control method is based on hemiplegic patient walking state analysis and requirements, and functions of driving through the variable rigidity magnetorheological elastic driver, braking, mixed braking, rigidity regulation and the like, and can output anticipantauxiliary moment and motion, so as to realize ankle rehabilitation training of patients.

A system of monitoring impact stress, or acceleration forces on a user while exercising is disclosed. An exercise machine is equipped with sensing apparatus that measures the downward force exerted on the supporting surface by the lower extremities of the user. In this way, the corresponding impact forces are determined as a function of the user's body weight and communicated via a display monitor as "G-forces" or "Earth Gravity Units." This allows the user to keep exercise impact within limits desired by the user, a physical therapist, or other qualified professional.

A Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy (PT / OT) system, method, and environment using game embodiments is disclosed. The game embodiments are created by qualified astute and assertive game developers, and thus are games first and foremost. This results in the games having a higher level of entertainment value, yet still providing important PT / OT functionality. The embodiments transform standard PT / OT exercises into fun and immersive virtual reality games which increases efficacy, patient retention, and value to physical therapists. The embodiments also enhance patient experience, ultimately resulting in better patient outcomes. Consequently, the embodiments drive up patient retention and reduce cancellations / no shows while stabilizing clinic cash flow.

Disclosed is a hybrid personal training method and system according to an exemplary embodiment of the system, a personal trainer or physical therapist works remotely or locally with clients in conjunction with an automated self-learning / self-assessing system for supervising the progress of the clients in the absence of the trainer.

A lower extremity orthosis, including at least one actuator configured to control a motion of at least one joint of a person wearing the orthosis, is provided with a handle including a force sensor configured to produce a signal representing a force applied to the handle. A controller, which is in communication with the force sensor and the at least one actuator, is configured to modify the motion based on the signal from the force sensor. The system can be particularly employed to enable a physical therapist to have input in controlling and modifying the positions and / or forces prescribed by the lower extremity orthosis during rehabilitation of the person.

The present invention relates to a rehabilitation robot and a tutorial learning method for the rehabilitation robot. The rehabilitation robot comprises a robotic device, a rehabilitation mode control unit, and a driving unit. The robotic device comprises at least a motor capable of controlling the joints of the robotic device. The rehabilitation mode control unit further comprises a tutorial learning module capable of enabling the rehabilitation robot to learn a rehabilitation operation of a physiotherapist in a tutorial manner as he / she is operating the rehabilitation robot while registering the rehabilitation operation as an operation mode of the same. When the rehabilitation robot is used for performing a therapeutic session on a patient and a tutorial learning mode is selected for the rehabilitation robot, it is required to have a physiotherapist operate the rehabilitation robot and the same time that the rehabilitation robot will register motor actuation parameters corresponding to the therapeutic session into the tutorial learning module. On the other hand, when an automatic rehabilitation mode is selected, the rehabilitation robot will access the motor actuation parameters registered in the tutorial learning module so as to reproduce the therapeutic session simulating the physiotherapist.

The transvaginal tactile probe is configured to obtain a high resolution mapping of pressures and strains within the vagina of a pregnant woman prior to birth. The device provides real-time data visualization, analysis tools and information. This data may be used to assist with clinical decisions regarding selecting a preferred method of prevention of severe childbirth injury or altering delivery management, e.g. early induction at term, elective caesarean section in patients with a history of obstetric anal sphincter injury, water-birth, warm compresses to the perineum. The device is intended for use by medically trained personnel who counsels patients regarding risk of severe trauma at childbirth (such as urogynecologists and obstetricians) and regarding the effect of perineal massage and childbirth training device (such as physical therapists).

An exercise method and device for alleviating lower back stiffness through continuous passive motion (CPM) mimicking that experienced by a person mounted on a horse at the walk. The device and method of the present invention are envisioned as being used in gymnasiums as well as health practitioners' offices, by trainers and physical therapists treating subjects with lumbar stiffness and pain, on the one hand, and by those subjects themselves who may seek relief and greater range of motion without professional assistance. With the subject seated upright on a backless seat, with his or her spine self-supported and in proper vertical alignment, the seat is accelerated, alternatingly, forward and backward, thus imposing a horizontal to-and-fro force to the lower part of the subject's body at such frequency and excursion-amplitude that that part of the body is caused to move with respect to the upper part of the body. To permit this greater excursion of the lower body with respect to the upper, the lumbar spine bends; the resultant effect of this lumbar-spine bending is relief of stiffness--and, ultimately, discomfort--in the lumbar spine area.

Provided is a novel pneumatic artificial muscle-driven ankle orthosis instrument. A pair of opposing artificial muscles are adopted as drive elements and fixed to the ankle portion of the human body to conduct tracking exercise on an ankle gait curve in the normal walking state of a normal person, so that the purpose of exercise rehabilitation is achieved; besides, self-rehabilitation can be achieved with the help of a lower limb rehabilitation medical robot without physical therapists or medical workers. Compared with a traditional motor-driven orthosis instrument, the novel pneumatic artificial muscle-driven ankle orthosis instrument has the advantages of being good in flexibility, safe, capable of saving energy, low in price and the like, and has great practical value and market prospects.

The invention discloses a rehabilitation training demonstration method and an upper limb rehabilitation training device, and belongs to the technical field of rehabilitation training. The method comprises the steps that 1, the upper limb rehabilitation training device enters a demonstration mode according to an externally-input demonstration instruction to start a coding unit; 2, the coding unit records location moving of the upper limb rehabilitation training device to form and record a complete location changing track; 3, whether the demonstration mode is finished or not is judged, if yes, the demonstration mode exits, if not, the step returns to the step 2, and the upper limb rehabilitation training device executes all the recorded location changing tracks according to the time sequence of recording the location changing tracks to drive the upper limbs of rehabilitation personnel to perform rehabilitation training. The rehabilitation training demonstration method and the upper limb rehabilitation training device have the advantages that the repeated labor burden of physical therapists is relieved, the labor cost is reduced, and the rehabilitation training effect is improved.

A human function training device comprises a control module (1), a driving and transmission module (2), a stretch exercise module for four limbs (3); a core is formed by the control module (1) that tightly connected and the driving and transmission module (2); the core is connected with the stretch exercise module for four limbs (3) that is connected with four limbs of a human body in a fixing connection method or a movable connection method through connecting a fixing piece (9); fixing points are from 1-20; under the function of the control module (1) and the driving and transmission module (2), the stretch exercise module for four limbs (3) is capable of moving four limbs for exercising. The invention is characterized by low price and plays a partial function of a body exercising therapist or a physical therapist, which is suitable for a partially exercising of a healthy person, human body functions relaxing and exercising or a recovery skill training of four limbs function and hands function for a paralytic or a hemiplegic patient; the invention is characterized by good using effect and possessing a huge economic and social values.

Disclosed is a shoe cover adapted for use during physical therapy. The present invention is comprised of a toe cap and a base connected to the toe cap. The toe cap provides a surface that can slide along the ground to assist patients who have difficulty raising their feet in taking a step. The toe cap is adapted to receive the end of a shoe and is designed so that the shoe is freely removable from the toe cap. The base fits beneath the sole of the shoe, providing a high-fraction material upon which the physical therapy patient may tread. A plurality of fastening means secure the shoe within the device. In the preferred embodiment, a handle extends from the base, allowing a physical therapist to grip the handle and provide assistance to the patient in picking up their foot.

Apparatus and method using two couplings connecting a wheelchair to a walker for safely assisting a patient regaining their ability to walk. Physical therapists use the walker to train patients on walking to build strength, endurance, and balance. The couplings provide a fixed gap between the wheelchair and walker and keeps the wheelchair close to the patient. The patient can easily sit in the wheelchair, and the presence of the wheelchair minimizes the risk of falling, allows the patient to rest when fatigued, provides a sense of security, and eliminates a need for an assistance to push the wheelchair behind the patient.