Abstract: A seating system for providing spinal motion and support. The system comprising a substantially static structure adjacent to the back of a user, a moving apparatus supplying a motive force, wherein the moving apparatus is adjacent to the buttocks and thighs of the user and is powered by the lower extremities of the user, a force applying structure disposed between the static structure and the back of the user, the force applying apparatus including a back engaging surface for increasing and decreasing a force applied to the back of the user in response to the supplied motive force, and a structure for locking the moving apparatus in place. Various embodiments of moving apparatus, force applying structure, and locking and/or motion limiting structure are presented.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous passive motion back support for a person comprising a fluid-inflatable bag disposed between a static structure and the back of a person, the fluid-inflatable bag including a back-engaging surface cyclically moveable to increase and decrease the distance between the static structure and the back-engaging surface thereby to cycle the lower back through a substantial range of lordosis, a conduit adapted to conduct the fluid between the reservoir or the atmosphere and the fluid-inflatable bag, and programmable circuitry for adjusting a voltage supplied to an electrically-powered pump, whereby fluid flow in the conduit is effected by adjustably operating the electrically-powered pump. Various multiple bag embodiments are disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a baseline support pressure during continuous passive motion for the lower back of a person.

Abstract: A seating system for providing spinal motion and support. Said system comprising a substantially static structure adjacent to the back of a user, a moving apparatus supplying a motive force, wherein the moving apparatus is adjacent to the buttocks and thighs of the user and is powered by the lower extremities of the user, a force applying means disposed between the static structure and the back of the user, the force applying apparatus including a back engaging surface for increasing and decreasing a force applied to the back of the user in response to the supplied motive force, and a means for locking the moving apparatus in place. Various embodiments of moving apparatus, force applying means, and locking and/or motion limiting means are presented.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous passive motion back support for a person comprising a fluid-inflatable bag disposed between a static structure and the back of a person, the fluid-inflatable bag including a back-engaging surface cyclically moveable to increase and decrease the distance between the static structure and the back-engaging surface thereby to cycle the lower back through a substantial range of lordosis, a conduit adapted to conduct the fluid between the reservoir or the atmosphere and the fluid-inflatable bag, and programmable circuitry for adjusting a voltage supplied to an electrically-powered pump, whereby fluid flow in the conduit is effected by adjustably operating the electrically-powered pump. Various multiple bag embodiments are disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a baseline support pressure during continuous passive motion for the lower back of a person.

Abstract: Apparatus for cycling the lower back of a person through a substantial range of lordosis. The apparatus includes a substantially static structure adjacent to the back of a person and a force applying apparatus disposed between the static structure and the back of the person. The force applying apparatus includes a back engaging surface cyclically movable to increase and decrease the distance between the static structure and the back engaging surface so as to cycle the lower back through the range of lordosis. A transducer has an output responsive to the force between the back engaging surface and the lower back and the output of the transducer is utilized by the force applying apparatus to control the force applied to the back. Timing circuitry provides a force increasing period to increase the force applied to the back up to a preselected maximum and a force decreasing period to decrease the force on the back.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing force feedback in continuous passive motion systems for use in treating or preventing low back pain. A mechanism adjacent to a static back support is provided to initiate continuous passive motion for the lumbar area in order to produce substantial lordotic motion for the spine. A force measuring apparatus is provided for continuously measuring the force exerted by the mechanism on an individual's lumbar area and a system controls the force exerted by the mechanism in order to build up to and then maintain a predetermined force on the lumbar area of the user. Thereafter, a predetermined time is selected to allow the lordotic position of the spine to be returned to its original state.

Abstract: A method for providing cyclic mobilization of the lumbar spine of a person includes providing a fluid-inflatable bag, positioning the bag behind and adjacent the lumbar region of the person, and alternately directing fluid to flow into and out of the bag to inflate and to deflate the bag to vary forces applied to the spine of the person thereby moving the spine through a range of degrees of lordosis. Also, apparatus for providing support and spinal movement to the lower back of a person includes a fluid-inflatable bag adapted to be positioned behind and adjacent the lumbar region of the person, a source of fluid under pressure, a conduit adapted to conduct the fluid between the source and the bag, and a regulator adapted for controlling the flow of the fluid in the conduit; the flow of fluid alternately causes inflation and deflation of the bag, and the inflation and deflation of the bag applies greater and lesser forces to move the spine of the person through a range of degrees of lordosis.