Biometric Hip Rehabilitation Device with Guided and Controlled Resistance

Abstract

A hip rehabilitation device with controlled motion through a foothold truck and track system with adjustable resistance for strengthening hip flexion and abduction muscles, that may include a secondary ramp with a 180° rotated foothold truck to strengthen hip extension and adduction muscles and a sensing and feedback system which records and communicates data related to motion on the track systems.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a method, system and device for muscle strengthening hip rehabilitation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method, system and device for muscle strengthening hip rehabilitation.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a hip rehabilitation device comprising: a primary ramp with controlled motion through a foothold truck and track system with adjustable resistance for strengthening hip flexion and abduction muscles, a secondary ramp with a 180° rotated foothold truck and reversed direction of resistance for strengthening hip extension and adduction muscles, a height adjustable hand hold system acting as a balance support during use of the ramp, a semi-soft platform with a gripping surface which other components are attached to and stabilized with, lightweight and durable stacking blocks acting as a seat and step for additional manual exercises and a sensing and feedback system which records and communicates data related to motion on the track systems.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a hip rehabilitation method, system and device that increases strength and range of motion by using guided and assisted hip abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension exercises.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a hip rehabilitation method, system and device that can be used to build hip strength while collecting and communicating relevant biometric data (i.e. angle, velocity, form, etc.) with the patient and their physical therapist.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a hip rehabilitation method, system and device wherein a service provider is able to determine the angle, velocity and proper form of an ideal exercise repetition and monitor the patients' progress either in a medical facility or remotely for rural patients.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a hip rehabilitation method, system and device wherein data can be transferred through an associated and secure app, or physically.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a hip rehabilitation method, system and device that can utilize a telehealth component to assist the user with at home rehabilitation after surgery, pre-habilitation before surgery, and preventative muscle strengthening.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a hip rehabilitation method, system and device that can provide feedback by collecting angle of motion, velocity, and video data for form inspection.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a hip rehabilitation method, system and device that improves strength and range of motion, by targeting muscle groups that would ordinarily be weakened both pre-and post-surgery. Resistance ramps are used to help guide the patient's hip exercises in a way that is both easier and more effective than using resistance bands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of substantially similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, a detailed description of certain embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an abduction assembly for an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an adduction assembly for an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a combined adduction and adduction assembly for an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an additional possible embodiment of resistance mechanism including customized setup taking advantage of mechanical properties of pulley to work around limited space and displacement of shock absorber.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sensing and feedback system which records and communicates data related to motion on the track systems.

FIG. 11 shows a sensor system that may be used with the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a foot truck which can swivel and lock into place at different angles so that the user can target different muscles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed method, structure, or system. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention provides a muscle strengthening hip rehabilitation device 100 for medical facilities, institutional settings, or in-home use comprised of five primary components: a primary ramp 110, which may be curved, with controlled motion through a foothold truck 112, base 113 and track system 114 with adjustable resistance for strengthening hip flexion and abduction muscles. In use, user 115 stands upright with a foot positioned in truck 112 and on base 115. Muscle strengthening is accomplished by moving the foot in truck 112 against the resistance generated by track system 112.

In a preferred embodiment, resistance is provided in a controlled manner when the user's foot is moved away from the body's midline (abduction) and toward the midline of the user's body (adduction). In a preferred embodiment, the curve of the ramp 110 may be designed to accommodate 55 degree range of motion for the user along a variable arc length. Therefore, the dimensions of a curve are subject to change based on the user height/leg length. A possible embodiment of the device may implement adjustable ramp height and length components which may allow the user to adjust the arc length of the curved surface to their preference.

Furthermore, the ramp may be able to be height and length adjustable to accommodate varying patient sizes. This adjustment may be implemented through the use of tracks and a locking mechanism or other mechanisms that allows for the desired changes. Another possible embodiment of the ramp component may also implement retractable and/or locking wheels/castors and a handle so that it may be easily transported or moved. Another additional embodiment of the ramp may include a ramp with altered dimensions and curvature such that hip flexion could be performed in tangent with a flexed knee in order to achieve a larger degree of hip flexion. This embodiment may include a steeper incline and alternative foot truck design.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides module 190 displays information collected by the sensors.

In another embodiment, module 190 has enhanced features such as a camera and display. These systems may be used by a service provider to determine the angle, velocity and proper form of an ideal exercise repetition and monitor the patients' progress either in a medical facility or remotely for rural patients. Module 190 may further be used to provide feedback by collecting angle of motion, velocity, and video data for form inspection. It may also be used to convey information to a patient.

In a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, provides a muscle strengthening hip rehabilitation device 200 comprising a first ramp 210, which may be curved, with controlled motion through a foothold truck 212, base 213 and track system 214 with adjustable resistance for strengthening hip flexion and abduction muscles. In use, user 115 stands upright with a foot positioned in truck 112 and on base 115. Also provide is a secondary ramp 220 similar to the ramp 110 but with a 180° rotated foothold truck and reversed direction of resistance for strengthening hip extension and adduction muscles.

A height adjustable hand hold system 230 and 232 serve as a balance support during use of the ramps. Base 213 may be a semi-soft platform with a gripping surface where other components may be attached to aid and stabilize a user. Such components include lightweight and durable stacking blocks 240-245 acting as a seat and step for additional manual exercises.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention which provides a muscle strengthening hip rehabilitation device 300 comprising a first ramp 310, which may be curved, with controlled motion through a foothold truck 312 adapted to provide adduction resistance through horizontal platform 317 and vertical edge 319. Track system 314 provides adjustable resistance for strengthening hip extension and adduction muscles. Base 313A may include access ramp 313B. Second ramp 350, which may be curved, with controlled motion through a foothold truck 352 adapted to provide abduction resistance through horizontal platform 357 and vertical edge 359. Track system 364 is provides adjustable resistance for strengthening hip flexion and abduction muscles. Foot steppers 390 are integrated into the seat 392 to reduce needed material and complexity.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment provides a compact version of the present invention were both the abduction portion and the adduction portion are on the same side to reduce required floor space. The ramps may also be inset into the base to increase accessibility to a user and to allow a user to hold both bars and use the rail system at the same time.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, muscle strengthening hip rehabilitation device 400 comprising a first ramp 410, which may be curved, with controlled motion through a foothold truck 412 adapted to provide adduction and extension resistance through horizontal platform 417 and vertical edge 419. Track system 414 is provides adjustable resistance for strengthening hip extension and adduction muscles. Second ramp 450, which may be curved, with controlled motion through a foothold truck 452 adapted to provide abduction and flexion resistance through horizontal platform 457 and vertical edge 459. Track system 464 is provides adjustable resistance for strengthening hip flexion and abduction muscles.

FIG. 6 shows a system adapted to for abduction. FIG. 7 shows a system adapted to for adduction. Resistance may be applied in a number of ways as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 such as by attaching cord 600 and pulley systems 610 and 612 to foothold truck 620 which is guided by track 616 which follows the arc of motion in the ramp. Resistance device 620 may be a spring, piston, elastic band or other means that provides a controlled resistance. The system needs to have an option of no resistance for exercising range of motion without extra force in the beginning stages of rehabilitation. The system of resistance also needs to have a variable amount of resistance so that absolute muscle strength can be increased during the exercise program.

Method of Resistance Implementation

A. Resistance bands which connect the arc of motion to a stable position through a pulley system. Resistance bands of variant elasticity can be placed in the system as the load needs to be adjusted.

B. Springs which connect the arc of motion to a stable position through a pulley system. Springs of variant stiffness can be placed in the system as the load needs to be adjusted (FIG. 7).

C. As shown in FIG. 8, a free weight system 800 is connected to the track systems 810. In the abduction track system 810, bar 820, which holds the free weights is attached to truck 830. In the adduction track system 850, truck 860 is attached to one or more pulleys 861 and 862 which would then lift a rack of free weights 870. The truck would be able to be locked into the weight pulley system at various angles of the track system.

FIG. 9 shows another resistance system 900 that may be implemented in various configurations to provide resistance strength training to the patient. System 900 includes wire 910 and 920 wherein pulley 920 is attached to threaded rod 930. Rod 930 is attached to plate 940. Plate 940 is attached to shock absorber 950 which provides resistance in two opposing directions.

Layout of Ramps and Platform

A. Ramps can be placed in multiple orientations around the platform of the device according to the user's preferences, preserve floor space or to allow modification based on the patient's exercise requirements.

B. An incline of the platform allows for easy egress and ingress to the platform and use of the device.

C. The stacking seat/step up blocks can be attached to the platform to aid in flexion and extension exercises and sit to stand exercises, as well as removed from the platform to allow more space for standing exercises.

Sensor system: As shown in FIG. 10, a color strip 1000 is affixed to track system 1002 and is read by a RGB sensor 1010 to properly identify the range of motion depending on the frequency of the color that corresponds to the predetermined angle of motion on the ramp for the patient.

Patient Feedback and Physical Therapist Communication

A. A screen (i.e., LCD, digital display) which indicates motion metrics (repetitions, sets, angle etc.) during the exercise.

B. Two light emitting diodes (LEDs) to indicate approaching the goal angle (yellow) and when the angle has been achieved (green).

C. A microcontroller saving data to an SD card that can be sent digitally or physically to pertinent medical personnel.

The feedback system may provide real time data to the patient via the LCD display including, but not limited to, angle of motion, velocity of motion, force applied, and quality of repetition. Feedback system may also incorporate a learning component where, based on range of motion and velocity data from previous exercise sessions, it may indicate the user could increase target range of motion and resistance based on a consistent increase in range of motion and velocity achieved over multiple exercise sessions.

As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of sensors 1100-1105 may be arranged along ramp 1110 to track the movement of foot truck 1120. The sensor may be limit switches or other sensor such as 9 degrees of freedom sensors, The sensor may be used to detect things such as weight distribution, position, speed, orientation, pressure, etc. It should be understood that various types of sensors and microcontrollers may be implemented in various configurations to aid in the process of data acquisition. Wi-Fi access points and/or Bluetooth capabilities may be implemented to communicate data.

This hip rehabilitation device increases strength and range of motion by using guided and assisted hip abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension exercises. The hip rehabilitation device can be used to build hip strength while collecting and communicating relevant biometric data (i.e. angle, velocity, form, etc.) with the patient and their physical therapist. This device is intended to be used as part of a rehabilitation program for people who have undergone a hip surgery or are seeking to strengthen their lower extremity muscles. The physical therapist will be able to determine the angle, velocity and proper form of an ideal exercise repetition and monitor the patients' progress either in a medical facility or remotely for rural patients. Data can be transferred through an associated and secure app, or physically with the aid of durable medical equipment companies that would collect a physical storage device and bring it to the physician on a regular basis.

This device can utilize a telehealth component to assist the user with at home rehabilitation after surgery, pre-habilitation before surgery, and preventative muscle strengthening. The device can provide feedback to a physical therapist's practice, by collecting angle of motion, velocity, and video data for form inspection. The therapist will be sent the metrics and videos through a secure application. The therapist can then use their discretion to interpret and record the data to provide remote feedback and instruction to the patient. The device improves strength and range of motion, by targeting muscle groups that would ordinarily be weakened both pre-and post-surgery. Resistance ramps are used to help guide the patient's hip exercises in a way that is both easier and more effective than using resistance bands.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a foot truck 1200 that may be used with the embodiments of the present invention. For this embodiment, foot truck 1200 is adapted to swivel and lock into place at different angles so that the user can target different muscles One possible embodiment of the foot truck may rotate up to 45 degrees clockwise/counterclockwise from its current position. It may be able to lock in intervals of 15 degrees.

While the foregoing written description enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The disclosure should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiments, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A hip rehabilitation device comprising: a ramp with controlled motion through a foothold truck and track system with adjustable resistance for strengthening hip flexion and abduction muscles.

2. The device of claim 2 wherein said track system includes a curved ramp along which said foothold truck travels.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said track system is configured to control the movement of said foothold truck in a direction away from the body's midline (abduction).

4. The device of claim 2 wherein said track system is configured to control the movement of said foothold truck in a direction toward the midline of the user's body (adduction).

5. The device of claim 2 wherein said track system is configured to control the movement of said foothold truck in a direction away from the body's midline (abduction) and toward the midline of the user's body (adduction).

6. The device of claim 2 wherein said track system is configured to control the movement of said foothold truck in a direction away from the body's midline (abduction) in an arc of 55 degrees.

7. The device of claim 2 wherein said track system is configured to control the movement of said foothold truck in a direction toward the midline of the user's body (adduction) in an arc of 55 degrees.

8. The device of claim 2 wherein said track system is configured to control the movement of said foothold truck in a direction away from the body's midline (abduction) in an arc of 55 degrees and toward the midline of the user's body (adduction) in an arc of 55 degrees.

9. The device of claim 2 wherein said track system is configured to control the movement of said foothold truck in a direction away from the body's midline (abduction) in a variable arc length by adjusting the length and height of said curved ramp.

10. The device of claim 2 wherein said track system is configured to control the movement of said foothold truck in a direction toward the midline of the user's body (adduction) in a variable arc length by adjusting the length and height of said curved ramp.

11. The device of claim 2 wherein said track system is configured to control the movement of said foothold truck in a direction away from the body's midline (abduction) in a variable arc length by adjusting the length and height of said curved ramp and toward the midline of the user's body (adduction) in a variable arc length by adjusting the length and height of said curved ramp.

12. The device of claims 1 wherein said foothold truck rotates in relation to said track system.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein said foothold truck rotates in increment of 15 degrees in relation to said track system.

14. The device of claim 1 further including sensors that track the movement of said foothold truck.

15. The device of claim 1 further including 9 degrees of movement sensors that track the movement of said foothold truck.

16. The device of claim 1 further including limit switches that track the movement of said foothold truck.

17. The device of claim 1 further including sensors located under said ramp that track the movement of said foothold truck.

18. The device of claim 1 further including 9 degrees of movement sensors located under said ramp that track the movement of said foothold truck.

19. The device of claim 1 further including limit switches located under said ramp that track the movement of said foothold truck.