Methods and apparatuses for rehabilitation and training

• US 8,177,732 B2
• Filed: 02/05/2006
• Issued: 05/15/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Einav, Omer, Einav, Haim, Mahoney, Richard M., Zohar, Ester
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Michael A.
• Application Number:
  US11/883,663
• Publication Number:
  US 20080161733A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,291 Days
• Field of Search: 602/16, 602 20- 23, 601/5, 601/23, 601/26, 601/101, 601/148, 482/51, 482/57, 482/101, 482/148
• US Class Current: 601/5
• 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 method of exercising 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.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein advancing at least one brake is based on patient ability.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein advancing at least one brake is based on a predetermined exercise program.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein advancing at least one brake is based on measured patient performance.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the patient is elderly.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said patient exercise is a wellness exercise.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein when variable friction is created based on the extent of advancement of said brakes.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein creating variable friction on a first surface causes variable resistance in at least one degree of freedom.

9. A method according to claim 7, wherein creating variable friction on a second surface causes variable resistance on at least a second axis.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said motor is activated automatically.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein said motor and at least one brake are used to provide frictional force against the patient during exercise.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein said friction is created in accordance with patient ability.

13. A method according to claim 1, further comprising compensating for inaccuracy between the motor and at least one said brakes using a spring.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein said commencing, activating and advancing are controlled by a controller.

15. A method according to claim 14, further comprising predicting exercise performance of the patient using the controller.