Rehabilitation and Exercise Device

Abstract

A rehabilitation and exercise device having patient engagement members on opposite sides of a rotary member. The device includes a motor connected to the rotary member by a clutch linked to the motor. The motor is configured to desirably rotate the rotary member so that the device may serve to move the feet/legs or other extremities of a patient through a range of motion, but do not require any application of muscle force by the patient. The clutch is also operable to disconnect the motor so that the only force applied to rotary member is the muscle force of the patient. The clutch is also advantageously operable to provide continuous passive motion and enable powered movement of a desired and adjustable amount provided by the motor, yet enable desired participation by the patient in application of muscle force.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of rehabilitation devices. More particularly, this disclosure relates to rehabilitation devices capable of providing continuous passive motion for improved rehabilitation options.

BACKGROUND

Improvement is desired in the construction of rehabilitation and exercise devices. Conventionally, rehabilitation and exercise devices are either powered solely by the patient by muscle force of the patient, or are solely powered by a powered motive force such as supplied by an electric motor for provision of continuous passive motion (“CPM”).

The powered devices simply rotate pedals to which the feet of the patient are secured and the patient is a passive participant or are a CPM device of known construction and configuration. The powered devices serve to move the feet/legs of the patient through a range of motion, but do not permit or require any application of muscle force by the patient. These devices are typically utilized in early stages of rehabilitation just to impart motion to the legs or as CPM treatment is otherwise indicated by the patient's condition, diagnosis or treatment/rehabilitation plan. Once the patient is better able to exert muscle force, a conventional muscle powered device with variable resistance is utilized. Alternatively, a home medical company, durable medical equipment company or mobile rehabilitation company may have the need to treat multiple patients requiring different treatment or rehabilitation protocols. In some instances, certain patients may have been prescribed CPM protocols while other patients have been prescribed patient muscle powered treatment protocols and it would be useful to be able to provide both types of protocols with a single device.

Presently, no known device exists that provides continuous passive motion, powered or powered movement assistance and yet enables participation by the patient in application of muscle force in a manner in which the motor used in the CPM or powered mode is selectively engageable. Such a device is desired and provided by the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides a rehabilitation and exercise device that provides continuous passive motion, powered or powered movement assistance and yet enables participation by the patient in application of muscle force in a manner in which the motor used in the CPM or powered mode is selectively engageable.

In one aspect, the device includes a rotary member mounted for rotary motion and having a patient engagement member operatively associated therewith; a motor having a force output; and a clutch having a linkage connecting the motor to the rotary member.

The motor and the clutch are operable to:(1) apply the force output of the motor to rotate the rotary member at a first motor rotational rate without application of any muscle force by a patient, (2) not apply the force output of the motor to the rotary member so that muscle force must be applied by the patient to rotate the rotary member at a first patient rotational rate, or (3) apply the force output of the motor to the rotary member in a varying amount, to provide the output force of the motor in amount to provide a second motor rotational rate to provide continuous passive rotational motion of the rotary member, yet enable desired participation by the patient to apply muscle force to rotate the rotary member, wherein when the patient applies muscle force, the motor and the clutch may be operated to (a) maintain the rate of rotation the rotary member the same as when the patient is not applying muscle force, with the amount the force output of the motor being decreased in an amount corresponding to the amount of muscle force applied by the patient, or enable the rate of rotation of the rotary member to increase corresponding to the amount of muscle force applied by the patient.

In another aspect, the motor and clutch are operable to (1) apply rotational force from the motor to the rotary member without requiring use of muscle power of a patient; (2) disengage the motor is completely from the rotary member so that the rotary member is capable of free motion; or (3) apply rotational resistance from the motor to the rotary member to resist muscle powered rotation of the rotary member with a selectable amount of resistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the disclosure are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1D show rehabilitation and exercise devices according to the disclosure that provide continuous passive motion and enables powered movement, yet enable participation by the patient in application of muscle force.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIG. 1A, there is shown rehabilitation and exercise device 10 configured to provide continuous passive motion and enable powered movement, yet enable participation by a patient in application of muscle force. The term patient is broadly used to refer to any user of the device. The device 10 is particularly configured to rehabilitate a patient post-surgery or accident or injury.

The device 10 is described herein configured as a bicycle structure for exercising the legs of a patient. The device 10 may be configured for interacting with a patient to be rehabilitated for various conditions, and may be configured for use with lower body extremities such as the feet, legs, or upper body extremities such as the hands, arms, and the like. For example, the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B are configured for engagement by the legs of the patient, whereas the embodiments of FIGS. 1C and 1D are configured for engagement by the hands of the patient.

The rehabilitation and exercise device 10 of FIG. 1A may take the form as depicted of a traditional exercise/rehabilitation device which is more or less non-portable and remains in a fixed location, such as a rehabilitation clinic or medical practice.

Alternatively, the device 10 may be configured to be smaller and more portable unit so that it is able to be easily transported to different locations at which rehabilitation or treatment is to be provided, such as a plurality of patient's homes, alternative care facilities, at a patient's bed, or the like. This is seen, for example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1C and 1D. Along these lines, it will be appreciated that devices according to the disclosure may be equipped with adaptive structure to enable location of the devices on or adjacent a bed, wheelchair, or the like of a patient.

Returning to FIG. 1A, the device 10 includes an electric motor 12, yet enables participation by the patient in application of muscle force. The device 10 includes a rotary device such as a wheel 14 or flywheel or the like rotatably mounted such as by a hub located at the center of the wheel 14 to a frame 16 or other support. It will be appreciated that the wheel 14 will include patient engagement members, such as a pedal 14a. Preferably, one of the wheels 14 with a pedal is mounted on either side of the frame 16.

The pedal 14a is desirably adjustably positionable on the wheel 14. As shown, the wheel 14 includes a plurality of spaced apart and elongated slots 14b, with a mount adjustably connecting the pedal 14a to one of the slots so that the pedal location is radially adjustable to hub or the center where the wheel is mounted. Thus, the ability to select amongst the slots 14b and the radial location along the slot 14b for the pedals 14a on the wheels 14 on either side of the device 10, a user may adjust the location of the pedals 14a relative to the hub and angularly with respect to one another. Thus, a therapist or the like may adjust the locations of the pedals for a desired therapeutic effect.

The motor 12 is connected to the wheel 14 as by a clutch 18, such as a slip differential clutch. The clutch 18 may be electronically or manually linked to the motor 12 as by a linkage 20. The motor 12 is configured to desirably rotate the wheel 14 so that the device 10 may serve to move the feet/legs of the patient through a range of motion, but do not require any application of muscle force by the patient. If desired, the clutch 18 may be operated to disconnect the motor 12 from the wheel 14 so that the only force applied to the wheel 14 will be the muscle force of the patient.

The clutch 18 is also advantageously operable to provide continuous passive motion and enable powered movement of a desired and adjustable amount provided by the motor 12, yet enable desired participation by the patient in application of muscle force. When the clutch 18 is disengaged it is desirable for adjustable resistance to be applied to resist the muscle powered rotation of the patient engagement members in a conventional fashion to facilitate the smooth rotation of the patient engagement members and/or to facilitate exercise of the patient's extremities.

The motor and the clutch are operable to:(1) apply the force output of the motor to rotate the rotary member at a first motor rotational rate without application of any muscle force by a patient, (2) not apply the force output of the motor to the rotary member so that muscle force must be applied by the patient to rotate the rotary member at a first patient rotational rate, or (3) apply the force output of the motor to the rotary member in a varying amount, to provide the output force of the motor in amount to provide a second motor rotational rate to provide continuous passive rotational motion of the rotary member, yet enable desired participation by the patient to apply muscle force to rotate the rotary member.

When the patient applies muscle force, the motor and the clutch may be operated to (a) maintain the rate of rotation the rotary member the same as when the patient is not applying muscle force, with the amount the force output of the motor being decreased in an amount corresponding to the amount of muscle force applied by the patient, or enable the rate of rotation of the rotary member to increase corresponding to the amount of muscle force applied by the patient.

In addition, the device 10 may be operated to apply rotational force from the motor to the rotary member when in a patient selected continuous passive motion (CPM) mode without requiring use of muscle power; freewheel when in a patient selected freewheel mode so that the motor is completely disengaged from the rotary member; or apply rotational resistance from the motor to the wheel when in a patient selected exercise mode to resist muscle powered rotation of the wheel with the amount of resistance being selectable by the patient, such that the motor functions in the nature of a generator.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that devices according to the disclosure are configured to provide continuous passive motion, powered or powered movement assistance, yet enable participation by the patient in application of muscle force in a manner in which the motor used in the CPM or powered mode is selectively engageable.

With reference now to FIG. 1B, there is shown a variation of the device 10, which further includes a computer processor 22 in electrical communication with both the motor and a plurality of patient sensors 24. The computer processor 22 is able to wirelessly receive signals from the sensors 24, and is programmable to enable desired actions to be taken in response to the signals received from the sensors 24. For example, one of the sensors 24 is shown on the knee of the patient. This sensor may be a range of motion sensor. Another sensor is shown on the chest area. This may be a heart rate sensor. Another sensor is shown on the foot of the user. This may be a blood flow or oxygen sensor. As will be appreciated, a number of different sensors may be utilized. The computer processor 22 may be programmed to sound alarms, increase or decrease the force output of the motor, and the like based on the combination of inputs from the sensors. It will be further appreciated that data associated with the output of the sensors 24 may be stored and utilized in monitoring the patient and collecting data about the patient and the exercise and rehabilitation of the patient.

For example, data such as pedal revolutions, time of use, pedaling speed, and any other data from other sensors may be tracked via the computer processor and transmitted wirelessly to a data server from which they are uploaded to the patient's medical records. The data can also be pushed to the patient's smartphone where a mobile application tracks and displays the patient's activity, including a graph of usage and progress over time.

These data collection features offer three significant advantages over current CPM units. For example, a physician and/or physical therapist can monitor their patient's use remotely, ensuring the patient is using the device for the duration and frequency directed. The physician or therapist can also be notified in the event a patient is failing to use the device, and contact the patient to follow up via a billable telemedicine video or phone call.

Also, this device enables for the first time, detailed data regarding post-operative therapeutic exercise at home can be collected by both healthcare providers and payors, and correlated with patient outcomes, speed of recovery, and reduction of complications and re-admissions. These features also present a significant value to insurers, to whom specific patient data is particularly valuable.

The sensors 24 may also be configured to be electrodes for electrical muscle stimulation to push electrical current into the muscle tissue below, resulting in a sensory or motor response. For this use, wires may be connected to each electrode to supply electrical current from a controllable source of electrical power. Alternatively, as represented by the dashed lines, a wireless connection may be made to each electrode, with a source of electrical power controlled by the computer processor. Electrical stimulation supplied by the electrodes are utilized for pain relief and muscle re-education, in which the electrical current helps the atrophied muscle(s) contract. Along with increasing muscle function, the contraction of the muscle promotes blood flow to the area that assists in healing.

With reference to FIG. 1C, there is shown a device configured in the manner of the device 10, except of reduced weight and dimension and configured for placement on a table or bed or the like. As shown, the device is configured to exercise the upper body of the patient.

With reference to FIG. 1D, there is shown a device configured in the manner of the device 10, except it is adapted to be mountable adjacent a hospital bed or the like. For example, in this case, the device is adjustably mounted on mount, such as a ceiling track, and may be raised or lowered or moved laterally or longitudinally or otherwise adjusted in position relative to the patient, as depicted by the double-ended arrows. As will be appreciated, this enables the device to be conveniently adjusted in position to the patient, and moved away from the bed or other location when not in use. It will be appreciated that instead of locating the device on a ceiling track, a track or the like may be mounted on the bed or other desired location.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure

Claims

1. A rehabilitation and exercise device, comprising: a rotary member mounted for rotary motion and having a patient engagement member operatively associated therewith;a motor having a force output; anda clutch having a linkage connecting the motor to the rotary member;wherein the motor and the clutch are operable to:(1) apply the force output of the motor to rotate the rotary member at a first motor rotational rate without application of any muscle force by a patient,(2) not apply the force output of the motor to the rotary member so that muscle force must be applied by the patient to rotate the rotary member at a first patient rotational rate, or(3) apply the force output of the motor to the rotary member in a varying amount, to provide the output force of the motor in amount to provide a second motor rotational rate to provide continuous passive rotational motion of the rotary member, yet enable desired participation by the patient to apply muscle force to rotate the rotary member, wherein when the patient applies muscle force, the motor and the clutch may be operated to (a) maintain the rate of rotation the rotary member the same as when the patient is not applying muscle force, with the amount the force output of the motor being decreased in an amount corresponding to the amount of muscle force applied by the patient, or enable the rate of rotation of the rotary member to increase corresponding to the amount of muscle force applied by the patient.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotary member is a wheel and the patient member is a pedal.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the motor is an electric motor.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has a pair of rotary members, each with a patient engagement member, and the patient engagement members are radially adjustable on the rotary members and axially adjustable relative to one another.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a computer processor in electrical communication with both the motor and a plurality of patient sensors.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a mount onto which the exercise and rehabilitation device is adjustably positionable to enable the device to be positioned relative to a patient.

7. A rehabilitation and exercise device, comprising: a rotary member mounted for rotary motion and having a patient engagement member operatively associated therewith;a motor having a force output; anda clutch having a linkage connecting the motor to the rotary member;wherein the motor and the clutch are operable to:(1) apply rotational force from the motor to the rotary member without requiring use of muscle power of a patient;(2) disengage the motor is completely from the rotary member so that the rotary member is capable of free motion; or(3) apply rotational resistance from the motor to the rotary member to resist muscle powered rotation of the rotary member with a selectable amount of resistance.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the rotary member is a wheel and the patient member is a pedal.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the motor is an electric motor.

10. The device of claim 7, wherein the device has a pair of rotary members, each with a patient engagement member, and the patient engagement members are radially adjustable on the rotary members and axially adjustable relative to one another.

11. The device of claim 7, further comprising a computer processor in electrical communication with both the motor and a plurality of patient sensors.

12. The device of claim 7, further comprising a mount onto which the exercise and rehabilitation device is adjustably positionable to enable the device to be positioned relative to a patient.