Methods and apparatuses for rehabilitation and training

• US 20060293617A1
• Filed: 08/18/2005
• Published: 12/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Reability Incorporated
• Inventors: Katzir, Eran, Shabanov, Doron, Einav, Omer, Binyamini, Gad, Einav, Haim, Rousso, Benny
• Application Number:
  US11/207,655
• Publication Number:
  US 20060293617A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 601/33
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0274 for the upper limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1261 combined with active exercising of the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/0441 cantilevered about two horizontal axes, e.g. parallelogram systems
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0096 using performance related parameters for controlling electronic or video games or avatars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0638 Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00076 on the fly, i.e. varying the resistance during exercise
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00181 comprising additional means assisting the user to overcome part of the resisting force, i.e. assisted-active exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0085 using pneumatic force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/012 using frictional force-resisters electromagnetically-controlled brakes A63B21/0056
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4034 for operation by feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0233 in 90/90 position, like on a chair
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0252 supine
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/08 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/10 Positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/13 Relative positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/16 Angular positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/803 : Motion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 : Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 : Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 : with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/305 : Remote servicing
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03541 : Moving independently from each other A63B22/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0429 : with guided foot supports moving parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane by being cantilevered about a horizontal axis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 : Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0054 : Features for injury prevention on an apparatus, e.g. shock absorbers mats or the like for absorbing shocks for jumping A63B6/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 : Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 : for local operation

Abstract

A rehabilitation apparatus with at least three degrees of freedom of motion, comprising: a plurality of brakes; a motor, wherein the motor is operationally connected to the brakes; a plurality of surfaces, wherein each of a plurality of the surfaces correlates to a brake; and, wherein when the motor is activated, the brakes are selectively advanced to make contact with the surfaces causing friction between the brakes and the surfaces and thus causing variable resistance in the three degrees of freedom to the apparatus based on the extent of advancement of the brakes.

Claims

1. A rehabilitation apparatus with at least three degrees of freedom of motion, comprising:

a plurality of brakes;

a motor, wherein said motor is operationally connected to said brakes;

a plurality of surfaces, wherein each of a plurality of said surfaces correlates to a brake; and

, wherein when said motor is activated, said brakes are selectively advanced to make contact with said surfaces causing friction between said brakes and said surfaces and thus causing variable resistance in the three degrees of freedom to said apparatus based on the extent of advancement of said brakes.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein variable resistance on a first surface causes variable resistance on at least one axis.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein variable resistance on a second surface causes variable resistance on at least a second axis.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pedal adapted and constructed to be operated by a foot of a user.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said motor is activated manually by a patient using said apparatus.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said motor is activated automatically.

7. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first surface is a curved surface.

8. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said second surface is a rotating disk which is operatively connected to a z axis moving shaft.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one brake is tipped with a friction inducing substance.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said friction inducing substance is rubber.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one brake is biased to provide additional variable resistance power.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said motor and at least one brake are used to provide frictional force against a patient during exercise.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said frictional force is applied in accordance with patient ability.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a spring to compensate for inaccuracy between the motor and at least one of said brakes.

15. A rehabilitation apparatus with at least three degrees of freedom of motion, comprising:

a handle adapted and constructed to be used simultaneously by a plurality of users during a rehabilitation exercise;

a motorized actuator adapted to support a movement by said plurality of users via said handle by at least one of resisting motion, guiding motion and causing motion;

a controller configured to control said actuator; and

,

wherein, said controller is programmed to provide rehabilitation exercising for at least one of said plurality of users in at least one of said at least three degrees of freedom.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a user is a patient.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a user is a therapist.

18. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a user is a family member of a patient.

19. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a user is a friend of the patient.

20. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a user actively participates in said rehabilitation exercise and a user passively participates in said rehabilitation exercise.

21. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said users actively participate in said rehabilitation exercise.

22. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said users passively participate in said rehabilitation exercise.

23. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a user provides motive force for the exercise.

24. A method of rehabilitating a patient using an apparatus provided with at least three degrees of freedom, comprising:

commencing patient exercise on said apparatus;

activating a motor located on said apparatus, wherein said motor is operatively connected to a plurality of brakes, each brake associated with a surface and at least one said degree of freedom;

selectively advancing at least one brake using said motor to create friction between said brake and said surface and to resist movement in at least one degree of freedom.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein advancing at least one brake is based on patient ability.

26. A method according to claim 24, wherein advancing at least one brake is based on a predetermined exercise program.

27. A method according to claim 24, wherein advancing at least one brake is based on measured patient performance.