SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING MOTOR FUNCTION WITH ASSISTED EXERCISE

• US 20110082397A1
• Filed: 12/10/2009
• Published: 04/07/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Original Assignee: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Inventors: Alberts, Jay L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,562,488 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 601/26
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/02 Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 1/0214 by rotating cycling movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5007 computer controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5035 Several programs selectable
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/04 Heartbeat characteristics, e.g. E.G.C., blood pressure modulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/06 Heartbeat rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/30 Blood pressure A61H2230/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/40 Respiratory characteristics
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/50 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0065 Evaluating the fitness, e.g. fitness level or fitness index
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• 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 2071/0675 Input for modifying training controls during workout
• 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 21/0058 using motors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/285 in cooperation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0076 Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system seats moving during exercise A63B22/0087; training appliances for rowing or sculling on boats A63B69/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/54 : Torque
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/58 : Measurement of force related parameters by electric or magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 : heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/30 : blood pressure A63B2230/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/42 : rate
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/433 : partial CO2 value
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/50 : temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 : calorie expenditure
• 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 24/0075 : Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for alleviating symptoms of a medical disorder of a patient by forced exercise. The system includes an exercise machine having movable portions that move in response to a first contribution by a patient and in response a second contribution by a motor. The system further includes at least one mechanical sensor and a control system programmed to alter the second contribution by the motor in response to the sensed data.

Claims

1. A system for improving motor function in a patient exhibiting abnormal motor function, said system comprising:

an exercise machine having a movable portion that moves in response to a first contribution to movement of said movable portion by a patient; and

a motor coupled to said exercise machine that provides a second contribution to said movement of said movable portion;

at least one mechanical sensor on the exercise machine that senses speed, cadence, torque, or power; and

a control system coupled to said motor and said mechanical sensor, said control system programmed to;

receive data from said mechanical sensor, and

alter the amount of the second contribution based on the data from said mechanical sensor.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one mechanical sensor comprises a plurality of sensors that sense speed or cadence, torque generated by the patient, torque generated by the motor, and power generated by the motor.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein altering the amount of the second contribution alters a speed of the motor.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said control system is further programmed to:

compute a patient summary score based on the data from the mechanical sensor, wherein the summary score comprises the following weighted factors;

(a) an intensity of the exercise movement, and

(b) a patient contribution to the exercise movement, or a motor contribution to

the exercise movement, or both; and

compare the patient summary score to a predetermined desired summary score range.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the patient summary score includes the patient contribution to the exercise movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the intensity, as expressed in terms of cadence rate in per minute units, is greater than the weighting for the patient contribution to the exercise movement, as expressed in terms of watts of power.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the patient summary score includes the patient contribution to the exercise movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the intensity is greater than the weighting for the patient contribution to the exercise movement.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the patient summary score includes the motor contribution to the exercise movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the intensity, as expressed in terms of cadence in per minute units, is greater than the weighting for the motor contribution to the exercise movement, as expressed in tenets of watts of power.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the patient summary score includes the motor contribution to the exercise movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the intensity is greater than the weighting for the motor contribution to the exercise movement.

9. The system of claim 4, wherein the patient summary score includes both the patient contribution to the exercise movement and the motor contribution to the exercise movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the patient contribution to the exercise movement is greater than the weighting for the motor contribution to the exercise movement, as expressed in the same units of measure.

10. The system of claim 4, wherein the patient summary score includes both the patient contribution to the exercise movement and the motor contribution to the exercise movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the patient contribution to the exercise movement is greater than the weighting for the motor contribution to the exercise movement.

11. The system of claim 3, wherein said system further comprises a physiological sensor that senses a physiological condition of the patient indicative of aerobic activity.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the physiological condition sensed is one of heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and brain activity.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein said control system is further programmed to:

compute a patient summary score based on the data from the physiological sensor and the mechanical sensor, wherein the summary score comprises the following weighted factors;

(a) an intensity of the exercise movement,

(b) a patient contribution to the exercise movement, or a motor contribution to the exercise movement, or both, and

(c) a patient'"'"'s heart rate; and

compare the patient summary score to a predetermined desired summary score range.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the intensity of the exercise movement is speed or cadence, the patient'"'"'s contribution to the exercise movement is power generated by the patient, and the motor'"'"'s contribution to the exercise movement is power generated by the motor.

15. The system of claim 4, wherein if the patient summary score is less than the predetermined desired summary score range, said control system is further programmed to:

provide instructions to said patient to increase said first contribution.

16. The system of claim 4, wherein if the patient summary score is more than the predetermined desired summary score range, said control system is further programmed to:

provide instructions to said patient to decrease said first contribution.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein if the patient does not increase the first contribution after a set time interval, said control system is further programmed to:

increase said second contribution.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein said exercise machine is one of a stationary exercise bicycle, a treadmill, a stair climber, a treadmill, a rowing machine, or a motorized bicycle.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the neurological disorder comprises at least one of Parkinson'"'"'s Disease, Alzheimer'"'"'s Disease, dementia, Parkinsonian syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dystonia, stroke, and trauma-induced brain damage.

20. A method for improving motor function in a patient suffering from a neuromotor or neurocognitive disorder, said method comprising:

receiving a first contribution to movement of movable portions of an exercise machine from a patient;

sensing data corresponding to parameters associated with the speed or cadence, torque, or power of the exercise machine;

providing a second contribution to said movement of said movable portions of said exercise machine via a motor that is coupled to said exercise machine;

computing a patient summary score based on the sensed data;

comparing patient summary score with a predetermined desired summary score range; and

altering the second contribution based on the comparison of scores.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the patient summary score comprises the following weighted factors:

(a) an intensity of the movement; and

(b) a patient contribution to the movement, or a motor contribution to the movement, or both.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the patient summary score includes the patient contribution to the movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the intensity of the movement, as expressed in terms of cadence rate in per minute units, is greater than the weighting for the patient contribution to the movement, as expressed in terms of watts of power.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the patient summary score includes the patient contribution to the movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the intensity of the movement is greater than the weighting for the patient contribution to the movement.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the patient summary score includes the motor contribution to the movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the intensity of the movement, as expressed in terms of cadence rate in per minute units, is greater than the weighting for the motor contribution to the movement, as expressed in terms of watts of power.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the patient summary score includes the motor contribution to the movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the intensity of the movement is greater than the weighting for the motor contribution to the movement.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein the summary score includes the patient contribution to the movement and the motor contribution to the movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the patient contribution to the movement is greater than the weighting for the motor contribution to the movement, as expressed in the same units of measure.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein the summary score includes the patient contribution to the movement and the motor contribution to the movement;

and

wherein the weighting for the patient contribution to the movement is greater than the weighting for the motor contribution to the movement.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein the intensity of the movement is the cadence or speed of the patient, and has the highest weight percentage.

29. The method of claim 20, wherein the patient contribution plus the motor contribution equals the total power.

30. The method of claim 20, wherein the patient summary score further comprises a physiological parameter of the patient that is indicative of the patient'"'"'s aerobic activity.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the patient summary score comprises:

(a) an intensity of the movement,

(b) the patient contribution to the movement,

(c) the motor contribution to the movement, and

(d) the patient'"'"'s heart rate.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the intensity of the movement is cadence or speed, the patient contribution to the movement is the power generated by the patient, and the motor contribution to the movement is the power generated by the motor.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein weighting for the heart rate has the lowest weight percentage.

34. The method of claim 20, wherein if the patient summary score is less than the predetermined desired summary score range, altering the second contribution comprises increasing said second contribution;

and

wherein if the patient summary score is more than the predetermined desired summary score range, altering the second contribution comprises decreasing said second contribution.

35. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

obtaining said first contribution by setting said magnitude of said second contribution to approximately zero for an initial period of time.

36. The method of claim 20, wherein if the patient summary score is less than the predetermined desired summary score range, further comprising:

providing instructions to said patient to increase said magnitude of said first contribution.

37. The method of claim 20, wherein if the patient summary score is more than the predetermined desired summary score range, further comprising:

providing instructions to said patient to decrease said magnitude of said first contribution.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein if the first contribution is not increased after a set time interval, further comprising:

increasing said magnitude of said second contribution.