Remote monitoring of a patient

• US 20070155588A1
• Filed: 03/06/2007
• Published: 07/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/01/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Oyen, Duane, Stark, John, Boyd, Joel, Bybee, Thomas, Lohmann, Arthur
• Granted Patent: US 8,678,979 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0102 specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0494 primarily by articulating the knee joints A63B23/0405, A63B23/0476 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: G16B 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

Orthoses with microprocessor control placed around the joint of a patient are used to perform and to monitor isometric, range-of-motion, proprioception and isotonic exercises of the joint. A variety of improved hardware elements result in an orthosis that is easier to use and interacts more efficiently with the controller to allow the monitoring of a greater range of motions while holding down cost and provide suitable accurate evaluation of the exercises. Efficient ways of programming the exercises, monitoring the exercises and evaluating the exercise provide a comprehensive program for the rehabilitation of an injured or weakened joint.

Claims

1. A method of evaluating an exercise program comprising:

prompting responses by the patient to a series of inquiries using a portable controller;

transmitting the responses to a remote health care facility; and

evaluating the condition of the patient in an exercise program by examining the responses to the questions.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the questions relate to the pain felt by the patient.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the questions relate to the degree of pain, the location of pain or changes in pain.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the transmitting of responses to a health care facility is performed through a web site.

5. A portable controller comprising:

a keypad;

a display;

a communications port in communication with a remote health care facility; and

a computer processor that is programmed to display inquiries on the display, receive answers on the data entry device and transmit the answers over the communications channel to the remote health care facility.

6. The portable controller of claim 5 wherein the communications port comprises a modem.

7. The portable controller of claim 5 wherein the communications port comprises a radio transmitter.

8. The portable controller of claim 5 wherein the programming of the processor displays questions relating to pain on the display.