Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating leg movement characteristics of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a base assembly configured to at least partially support the patient's torso; and first and second leg support assemblies independently pivotably mounted about a pivot axis relative to the base assembly. Each leg support assembly is configured to at least partially support a portion of a respective one of the first and second legs, independent of the support of the torso. Each of the leg support assemblies also comprises: a first leg support member including a foot rotation assembly configured to at least partially retain and support an associated foot of the patient and to rotate it about an axis of rotation relative to the base assembly; and a second leg support member configured for supporting a portion of the leg at a location proximal relative to the first leg support member.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide assemblies for manipulating a user's limb with at least one inflatable member. The assemblies comprise a first pliable planar member and a second pliable planar member overlaid atop at least a portion of the first pliable planar member, such that a two ply configuration is provided. The two ply configuration itself comprises at least a distal and a proximal portion and at least one opening configured to accept at least a portion of the user's limb. The first and second pliable planar members combine to define at least one inflatable member, the inflatable member being at least a portion of at least one of the distal and proximal portions, the inflatable member being configured to be selectively inflatable so as to provide at least one inflation force upon the user's limb, such that the joint in the user's limb is manipulated. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating leg movement characteristics of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a base assembly configured to at least partially support the patient's torso; and first and second leg support assemblies independently pivotably mounted about a pivot axis relative to the base assembly. Each leg support assembly is configured to at least partially support a portion of a respective one of the first and second legs, independent of the support of the torso. Each of the leg support assemblies also comprises: a first leg support member including a foot rotation assembly configured to at least partially retain and support an associated foot of the patient and to rotate it about an axis of rotation relative to the base assembly; and a second leg support member configured for supporting a portion of the leg at a location proximal relative to the first leg support member.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating the joint of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises an actuator and a linkage. The actuator itself comprises: 1) a cylinder portion defining an interior cavity; and 2) an inflatable bladder member at least partially inside the cavity of the cylinder portion. The linkage is operatively positioned intermediate the actuator and the joint of the patient, the linkage configured to be activated and to flex the joint upon inflation of the bladder. A piston portion may also be provided and configured to move relative to cylinder portion within the cavity in response to inflation of the bladder. A patient connection and manipulation device may also be provided within the apparatus and configured to be attached relative to the patient, attached intermediate the linkage and the patient, and configured to at least partially assist with treatment upon activation of the linkage.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating leg movement characteristics of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a base assembly configured to at least partially support the patient's torso; and first and second leg support assemblies independently pivotably mounted about a pivot axis relative to the base assembly. Each leg support assembly is configured to at least partially support a portion of a respective one of the first and second legs, independent of the support of the torso. Each of the leg support assemblies also comprises: a first leg support member including a foot rotation assembly configured to at least partially retain and support an associated foot of the patient and to rotate it about an axis of rotation relative to the base assembly; and a second leg support member configured for supporting a portion of the leg at a location proximal relative to the first leg support member.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide assemblies for manipulating a user's limb with at least one inflatable member. The assemblies comprise a first pliable planar member and a second pliable planar member overlaid atop at least a portion of the first pliable planar member, such that a two ply configuration is provided. The two ply configuration itself comprises at least a distal and a proximal portion and at least one opening configured to accept at least a portion of the user's limb. The first and second pliable planar members combine to define at least one inflatable member, the inflatable member being at least a portion of at least one of the distal and proximal portions, the inflatable member being configured to be selectively inflatable so as to provide at least one inflation force upon the user's limb, such that the joint in the user's limb is manipulated. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various orthotic devices for attachment to and for manipulating a user's limb having a joint are provided. The device generally comprises an inflatable motive bladder containing a first fluid and positioned adjacent a first portion of the user's limb, and a separate therapy pad positioned adjacent a second portion of the user's limb. The motive bladder is inflatable from a lesser inflated mode to a more inflated mode, and further configured to provide a motive force to move the first portion of the user's limb so as to cause a flexion in the joint. The therapy pad includes a treatment material configured to provide thermotherapy for the second portion of the user's limb. In certain embodiments, the second portion is the user's joint. Various methods of using the orthotic devices are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating the joint of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises an actuator and a linkage. The actuator itself comprises: 1) a cylinder portion defining an interior cavity; and 2) an inflatable bladder member at least partially inside the cavity of the cylinder portion. The linkage is operatively positioned intermediate the actuator and the joint of the patient, the linkage configured to be activated and to flex the joint upon inflation of the bladder. A piston portion may also be provided and configured to move relative to cylinder portion within the cavity in response to inflation of the bladder. A patient connection and manipulation device may also be provided within the apparatus and configured to be attached relative to the patient, attached intermediate the linkage and the patient, and configured to at least partially assist with treatment upon activation of the linkage.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating leg movement characteristics of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a base assembly configured to at least partially support the patient's torso; and first and second leg support assemblies independently pivotably mounted about a pivot axis relative to the base assembly. Each leg support assembly is configured to at least partially support a portion of a respective one of the first and second legs, independent of the support of the torso. Each of the leg support assemblies also comprises: a first leg support member including a foot rotation assembly configured to at least partially retain and support an associated foot of the patient and to rotate it about an axis of rotation relative to the base assembly; and a second leg support member configured for supporting a portion of the leg at a location proximal relative to the first leg support member.