Abstract: Connectors interfacing a mechanical circulatory system with a patient's natural vasculature are provided herein. Such connectors include aortic connectors that facilitate fluid coupling of an outflow graft tube from an implanted blood pump with a patient's aorta. Aortic connectors can include a substantially planar portion configured for sealed attachment with a wall of the aorta and a tubular connector portion extending from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. The substantially planar portion can include a flexible membrane for attachment to an outer surface of the aorta and/or a flange for engagement with an inner surface of the aorta. The tubular connector can extend from the substantially planar portion at a pre-determined angle and include one or more attachment features to facilitate rapid fluidly sealed attachment to the outflow graft tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intravascular blood pump. The blood pump comprises a pump section and a flow cannula. A proximal end portion of the flow cannula is connected to the pump section such that blood can enter the blood flow inlet, and a distal end portion of the flow cannula includes at least one blood flow-through opening for blood to enter the flow cannula. The distal end portion comprises an enlarged diameter portion, with at least a major portion of the blood flow-through opening being disposed in the enlarged diameter portion. The blood pump further comprises a sleeve overlapping the enlarged diameter portion. The sleeve has a structure that prevents its distal end from bending radially inwards into the blood flow-through openings.

Abstract: Damage from autoimmune diseases can be prevented or minimized by positioning a plurality of electrodes in or on a subject's body, and applying an AC voltage between the plurality of electrodes so as to impose an alternating electric field through the tissue that is being attacked by the autoimmune disease and/or draining lymph nodes associated with that tissue. The frequency and field strength of the alternating electric field are selected such that the alternating electric field inhibits proliferation of T cells in the tissue to an extent that reduces damage that is caused by the autoimmune disease.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead including a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length, wherein the distal end of the lead body is formed into a hook or coil shape; a plurality of electrodes disposed along the hook or coil at the distal end of the lead body; a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead body; and a plurality of conductors, each conductor electrically coupling at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The lead can be used to stimulate, for example, a dorsal root ganglion with the hook-shaped or coil-shaped distal end disposed around a portion of the dorsal root ganglion.

Abstract: A distal electrode of an electrode assembly, for example, employed by an implantable medical electrical lead device, extends distally from a distal terminal end of a sleeve of the assembly; and the sleeve, which defines a longitudinal axis of the assembly, includes a plurality of channels that provide fluid communication between a steroid eluting component, which is seated in an external groove of the sleeve, and an area distal to the distal terminal end of the sleeve. Floors of some or all of the sleeve channels may angle toward the longitudinal axis of the assembly, being closer to the axis at the distal terminal end of the sleeve. The assembly may further include a proximal electrode secured to a proximal end of the sleeve, wherein the proximal electrode may be mounted around an outer surface of the sleeve or coupled to the sleeve by means of a coupling component.

Abstract: The present invention provides advancements in the art of cardiac pacemakers. The invention provides a pacemaker system that comprises at least one pacemaker and that is, to a large extent, self-controlled, allows for long-term implantation in a patient, and minimizes current inconveniences and problems associated with battery life. The invention further includes a mechanism in which at least two pacemakers are implanted in a patient, and in which the pacemakers communicate with each other at the time of a given pacing or respiratory event, without any required external input, and adjust pacing parameters to respond to the patient's need for blood flow. The invention further provides a design for a pacemaker in which the pacemaker electrode is connected to the pacemaker body by a lead that is configured to allow the pacemaker to lie parallel to the epicardial surface and to reduce stress on the pacemaker and heart tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for epicardial pacing are provided. For example, this document provides epicardial pacing using a percutaneously delivered bifurcated pacing lead that has multiple electrodes that are directionally insulated to prevent extracardiac stimulation, including prevention of phrenic stimulation. In addition, the devices, systems, and methods provided can be used for ablation, defibrillation, and/or defibrillation in combination with pacing.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of generating a biologically effective unipolar nanosecond electric pulse by superposing two biologically ineffective bipolar nanosecond electric pulses and related aspects, such as electroporation and/or therapeutic applications of these methods to non-invasively target electrostimulation (ES) selectively to deep tissues and organs.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrical non-invasive stimulation of a nerve, such as the vagus nerve. A stimulator comprises a contact surface for contacting an outer skin surface of a patient and a pulse generator coupled to the contact surface. The pulse generator is configured for attachment and electrical coupling to a mobile device configured to receive a wireless signal, such as a mobile phone. The pulse generator is further configured to generate an electrical impulse and to transmit the electrical impulse through the contact surface and the outer skin surface of the patient to modulate a nerve within the patient.

Abstract: A system for providing electrical stimulation to a patient includes a processor configured to: provide a time-ordered arrangement of multiple stimulation instances, where each of the stimulation instances is configured to produce a different stimulation field from each other stimulation instance in the arrangement; provide an ON/OFF switch pattern that includes alternating ON periods and OFF periods; generate an intermittent stimulation program that corresponds to repetition of the arrangement of stimulation instances with omission of each of the stimulation instances occurring during the OFF periods; and initiate a signal that provides a pulse generator with instructions that enable the pulse generator to generate stimulation according to the intermittent stimulation program using an electrical stimulation lead coupled to the pulse generator.

Abstract: A method of enhancing binaural representation for a subject includes receiving a first signal and a second signal in response to a plurality of sound sources, generating a number of estimated interaural time differences using the first signal and the second signal, converting each of the number of estimated interaural time differences to a corresponding interaural level difference, using one or more of the corresponding interaural level differences to generate an adjusted first signal, and using the adjusted first signal to generate a number of signals delivered to the subject for enhancing the hearing of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical dephosphorylation technique for treating Alzheimer's disease and a use thereof. It comprises a gold electrode provided with a negative potential of ?0.2 V to ?0.6 V on a surface thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating cardiac arrhythmias are disclosed. In one embodiment, an SICD comprises two or more electrodes, a charge storage device, and a controller operatively coupled to two or more of the electrodes and the charge storage device. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to monitor cardiac activity of the heart of the patient, detect an occurrence of a cardiac arrhythmia based on the cardiac activity, and determine a type of the detected cardiac arrhythmia from two or more types of cardiac arrhythmias. If the determined type of cardiac arrhythmia is one of a first set of cardiac arrhythmia types, the controller sends an instruction for reception by an LCP to initiate the application of ATP therapy by the LCP. If the determined type of cardiac arrhythmia is not one of the first set cardiac arrhythmia types, the controller does not send the instruction.

Abstract: An implantable system, and methodology, for improving a heart's hemodynamic performance featuring (a) bimodal electrodes placeable on the diaphragm, out of contact with the heart, possessing one mode for sensing cardiac electrical activity, and another for applying cardiac-cycle-synchronized, asymptomatic electrical stimulation to the diaphragm to trigger biphasic, diaphragmatic motion, (b) an accelerometer adjacent the electrodes for sensing both heart sounds, and stimulation-induced diaphragmatic motion, and (c) circuit structure, connected both to the electrodes and the accelerometer, operable, in predetermined timed relationships to the presences of valid V-events noted in one of sensed electrical and sensed mechanical, cardiac activity, to deliver diaphragmatic stimulation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing multiple measurements and diagnoses include a data acquisition module, a data processing module, an optional treatment output module, a user control module, and a user display system, where the data acquisition module sends a plurality of measurement data simultaneously to the data processing module. The data processing module provides a plurality of outputs which can be made available to the user or combined in the diagnostic module. A treatment algorithm in the treatment module can affect the patient through a feedback mechanism. In response, the data processing module generates treatment information needed by the treatment output module. In one embodiment, the data acquisition module sends multiple different measurement data relating to one or more diseases to the data processing module. In response to further measurements of the parameters, an effectiveness of the treatment can be determined and the treatment regimen can be modified, as necessary.

Abstract: Methods and devices for tying management of an implantable medical device to the activities of a primary care physician are described, including access control, simplified parameter optimization, support for tuning a device in response to the effects of other treatments in parallel, and support for helping a primary physician and a patient work together to tune device configuration to the activity and performance needs of the patient. In some embodiments, a medical device is self-configuring in a device parameter domain, based on inputs provided in a patient performance domain. The self-configuring of the medical device is based, for example, on an automatically applied transformation of inputs derived from patient performance domain observations into changes in the configuration of the medical device which affect technical parameters of its operation.

Abstract: One aspect is a medical lead interconnect system. The medical lead interconnect system is configured to selectively electrically couple a linear array of contact rings of an implantable medical lead to an electrical outlet coupling. The medical lead interconnect system includes a housing with an electrical outlet, a pair of plates position within the housing and has a plurality of connector pins, a biasing member configured bias the pair of plates toward one another, and a cam configured to rotate between an open position in which the pair of plates are biased towards one another, and a closed position in which the pair plates are forced apart.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing. A first ID tag is secured relative to the housing at a first position and defines a first radiopaque manufacturer code section that visually identifies a manufacturer of the implantable medical device. A second ID tag is secured relative to the housing at a second position that is offset from the first position in at least one dimension. The second ID tag defines a second radiopaque manufacturer code section that also visually identifies the manufacturer of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: This accessory adapts external cardiac defibrillation systems to enable safe defibrillation, pacing, and cardioversion inside the MRI bore with minimal effect on MR image quality. Commercially available external defibrillators are not designed to work in the MRI environment. An MR-compatible defibrillator is needed to safely perform cardiovascular MRI, in particular MR-guided interventional cardiovascular procedures, such as cardiac electrophysiology studies and cardiac catheterization. This accessory includes nonmagnetic defibrillator housing with MRI safety features, provides interface for MRI-compatible physiological monitoring, and optimizes defibrillator operation for the MRI environment. The accessory may include MRI-compatible modules for monitoring/recording electrocardiogram, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and other physiological signals. It may also include a wireless transmitter and at least one module for electrical energy generation and/or stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a detection architecture for use in implantable cardiac rhythm devices. The detection architecture of the present invention provides methods and devices for discriminating between arrhythmias. Moreover, by exploiting the enhanced specificity in the origin of the identified arrhythmia, the detection architecture can better discriminate between rhythms appropriate for device therapy and those that are not.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a pulsed electromagnetic field system having planar microcoil arrays integrated into clothing. Preferably, each of the planar microcoil arrays has two or more planar microcoils positioned on a substrate. The planar microcoil arrays are connected to a controller configured to generate an electrical current and transmit that electrical current, in accordance with a particular stimulation protocol, to each of the planar microcoil arrays.

Abstract: A method of treating an ischemic event in tissue of a subject in need thereof, includes applying light to a tissue susceptible to ischemic reperfusion injury, the light having a wavelength selected from two wavelength ranges selected from 730-770 nm, 850-890 nm, 880-920 nm, and 930-970 nm, thereby to reduce ischemic reperfusion injury in the tissue of the subject.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for reduction of muscle fatigue, enhancement of wound healing and tissue repair and/or reduction of pain. The methods comprise irradiating a muscle or an injured tissue of a subject, as applicable, with pulsed blue and/or red light having an average irradiance that ranges from 0.1 mW/cm2 to 20 mW/cm2 at a radiant exposure that ranges from 0.5 J/cm2 to 60 J/cm2. The pulsed blue and/or red light is preferably applied with a flexible light source that includes a flexible light emitter positioned between a flexible anode and a flexible cathode. The flexible light emitter may comprise a printed LED film or OLEDs that emit blue and/or red light, or a printed LED film or OLEDs that emit blue light in combination with a quantum dot film that converts a portion of the blue light emission into red light.

Abstract: There is provided a phototherapy apparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through or in proximity to one or more massage components. The massage component provides mechanical massage to the subject biological tissue and modifies the properties of the subject tissue in thickness, density, etc. to facilitate the absorption of the therapeutic light and enhance the effect of the phototherapy procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for activating a mask pack, a photon therapy mask pack device, and a fiber based light emitting lighting device. The device for activating a mask pack includes: a first fiber fabric layer having a shape corresponding to that of a face of a wearer and having ductility for being closely adhered to the face of the wearer; a metal pattern layer attached to one surface of the first fiber fabric layer; an insulating resin adhesive layer attaching the first fiber fabric layer and the metal pattern layer to each other; a light emitting diode element attached onto the metal pattern layer and irradiating photon therapy light; an adhesive film layer covering the metal pattern layer and the light emitting diode element and in contact with the mask pack; and a power supplying module supplying power to the light emitting diode element to allow components of the mask pack to be better permeated into a skin of the wearer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring properties of the cornea and controlling the crosslinking treatment. The thickness of the cornea during crosslinking may be measured by using ultrasonic reflections to determine an anterior distance (D1?) between a reference location (37) on a device resting on the eye and an anterior surface (66) of the cornea and to determine a posterior distance (D3?) between a posterior surface (63) of the cornea and an element of the eye such as an anterior surface (72) of the lens of the eye. These distances are subtracted from a reference distance (D0) between the reference location and the element of the eye. The reference distance (D0) may be determined using ultrasonic reflections to determine the corresponding anterior and posterior distances and the thickness (D2) of the cornea prior to crosslinking. The speed of sound in the cornea during crosslinking may be derived using the thickness (D2?) and time of flight of ultrasound through the cornea.

Abstract: There is provided a method for treating pigmented lesions comprising a composition which comprises at least one oxidant, at least one photoactivator capable of activating the oxidant. The composition may further comprise at least one healing factor chosen from hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and allantoin, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning device for use in a compound portable phototherapy device to contain and enhance therapeutic treatment to a subject. The positioning device comprises an inner surface composed of a non-porous, light reflective material, as well as an outer surface that may be opaque. Use of the positioning device in conjunction with a phototherapy device secures advantages of increased incident light directed on a subject and a controlled thermal environment for the subject. The positioning device may be portable and may be pliable, capable of being rolled or compressed. The positioning device may optionally include a visor, venting, and stabilizing cushioning. The positioning device may optionally include a thermal regulation element.

Abstract: A phototherapy device includes a blanket for use in phototherapy treatment that integrates a light emitting panel and a light receiver such that the amount of treatment light delivered to the infant patient can be determined. The light emitting panel includes a plurality of woven optical fibers that each receive treatment light from a light source. A second plurality of receiving optical fibers are woven into the light emitting panel. A reflective element is positioned on the light emitting panel to reflect a portion of the therapy light into the light receiver. A light detector determines the intensity of the treatment light being delivered to the infant patient during phototherapy.

Abstract: A light based system for treating an eye includes a mask that is configured for positioning on the eye and a light source that is configured to deliver therapeutic light. The mask has an inner surface that is positionable against the eye and an outer surface that is opposite the inner surface. The mask is optically opaque to prevent transmission of light through the mask and the mask includes at least one transparent opening that allows transmission of light through the mask to target tissue of the eye posterior the transparent opening. The light source is positioned relative to the mask so that the delivered therapeutic light irradiates at least a portion of the mask and the transparent opening. Therapeutic light traverses through the transparent opening to the target tissue positioned posterior the transparent opening.

Abstract: The treatment planning engine empowers radiation treatment decision makers, such as a physician, to efficiently identify effective radiation treatment outcomes for a given patient during the contouring stage. Specifically, using the treatment planning engine, the physician may iteratively and in real-time evaluate different treatment outcomes for a patient before selecting an optimal outcome that will guide the delivery of radiation treatment to the patient. By providing real-time information as to potential toxicity and treatment efficacy during the contouring stage, the physician is empowered to make informed decisions at the preliminary contouring stage.

Abstract: A radiation therapy planning system (100) includes a radiation therapy optimization unit (124), which receives at least one target structure and at least one organ-at-risk (OAR) structure segmented from a volumetric image, and generates an optimized plan (126) based on at least one modified objective function. The optimized plan (126) includes a planned radiation dose for each voxel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calculating radiotherapy dose distribution are provided. The systems and methods include operations for receiving data representing at least one of particle trajectories or a dose deposition pattern in a simulated delivery of a radiotherapy plan; applying a dose calculation process to the received data to generate a first radiotherapy dose distribution having a first level of detail; and processing the first radiotherapy dose distribution using a trained machine learning technique to generate a second radiotherapy dose distribution having a second level of detail that enhances the first level of detail.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, it is presented a method for determining a treatment plan comprising a distribution of spots for use with ion beam therapy for providing the spots in a target volume. The method comprises the steps of: selecting energy layers to be used in the treatment plan; determining a number of spot sizes to use; generating, for each energy layer, one copy of the energy layer for each spot size to use and populating each copy with spots of the spot size for that copy; optimizing spots of all copies of all energy layers, by repeatedly varying a weight of at least a subset of the spots and calculating an effect on a performance measurement, wherein the performance measurement is calculated by combining a plurality of evaluation criteria, comprising a first criterion related to total treatment time and a second criterion related to a desired dose distribution.

Abstract: Techniques for modulating peripheral nerves using focused ultrasound (FUS) are provided. Methods include locating a peripheral nerve in a subject using an imaging probe, providing a FUS having one or more ultrasound parameters to a location on the peripheral nerve, and modulating the peripheral nerve. The methods can further include eliciting and measuring a physiological response from the FUS modulation, generating tissue deformation in the vicinity of the FUS modulation, and imaging the nerve and the tissue deformation simultaneously with FUS modulation. Systems for use in the modulation of peripheral nerves are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deactivating pulmonary nerves extending along the main bronchi of a mammalian subject to reduce ARDS effects by advancing an ultrasound transducer into the right and subsequently left main bronchus. The ultrasound transducer emits circumferential ultrasound so as to heat a circumferential tissue volume encompassing the right and left main bronchus. The energy of <10 W acoustic for <5 sec will not be sufficient to cause tissue necrosis but sufficient to inactivate nerve conduction. This treatment can be performed without locating or focusing on individual pulmonary nerves.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a respiratory protection device that includes a valve assembly operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In some exemplary embodiments, the respiratory protection device includes a mask body having a first air chamber, a second air chamber, and a breathable air zone. A valve assembly is operable to a closed configuration to prevent airflow from the first and second air chambers into the breathable air zone.

Abstract: A fire protection external vehicle cover including a plurality of panels of a fire retardant material or textile. Each panel is configured to cover an adjacent portion of the cabin of the vehicle; with one or more panels including a retention mechanism to secure the panels by gripping between closed doors and door frames of the cabin. A storage and deployment mechanism is configured to store and deploy the cover from one or more locations on the vehicle; wherein in operation, when deployed, the cover forms an enclosure over the cabin thereby protecting external surfaces of the cabin and thus its occupants and an internal lining of the vehicle from exposure to radiant heat, burning embers and flames if the vehicle is moving through or becomes trapped in a fire.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to a front end of the chassis, a rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis, a pair of front downriggers coupled to the front end of the chassis forward of the front axle, a pair of rear downriggers coupled to the rear end of the chassis rearward of the rear axle, and an outrigger assembly coupled to the chassis between the front axle and the rear axle. The pair of front downriggers is selectively extendable to engage a ground surface. The pair of rear downriggers is selectively extendable to engage the ground surface. The outrigger assembly includes a pair of outriggers that are selectively extendable laterally outward at an angle relative to a horizontal.

Abstract: A sprinkler assembly (10) having a receiving member (12), a fluid tight seal (44) and a sprinkler frame (14). The receiving member includes an inner surface (22) defining an internal passageway and a central axis (A-A) of the assembly. The frame of the sprinkler includes an internal surface (38) that defines a fluid passage. The sprinkler assembly includes cooperating positioning elements (28, 40) which engage and couple the sprinkler frame to the receiving member for at least one of an axial and rotational adjustment between the frame and receiving member. The engaged positioning elements facilitate formation or location of the fluid tight seal between the sprinkler frame and receiving member, the seal being spaced from the engaged positioning elements. In one aspect of the assembly, the sprinkler frame and receiving member are made of plastic material (e.g. CPVC).

Abstract: A sprinkler includes a sprinkler frame and a deflector. The deflector is disposed about the sprinkler and centered along a sprinkler axis with an internal deflecting surface circumscribed about the sprinkler axis, the internal deflecting surface having a central region, a peripheral region and an arcuate annulus region between the central region and the peripheral region, the central region being a planar surface disposed perpendicular to the sprinkler axis and contiguous with the arcuate annulus to define a first diameter of the deflector, the arcuate annulus being contiguous with the peripheral region to define a second diameter of the deflector and the peripheral region including a plurality of spaced apart planar surfaces skewed outwardly with respect to the sprinkler axis to form an outermost discontinuous peripheral edge of the deflector to define a third diameter of the deflector.

Abstract: Some embodiments and methods described herein relate to fire training systems and to fire simulators or fire training apparatus. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing with a surface and an interior volume. A smoke generator is disposed within the interior volume of the housing and is configured to selectively generate smoke. A port is extended between the smoke generator and the surface of the housing and is configured to permit at least a portion of the smoke to be discharged through the port from the smoke generator to an exterior of the housing. A light emitter is coupled to the housing and configured to emit a light. The light and the portion of smoke are collectively configured to simulate a flame or electric arc above the surface of the housing such that the simulated flame or electric arc is viewable from more than 180 degrees about the surface of the housing.

Abstract: A multimodal fitness bar with a bar assembly and resistance assembly is disclosed. Exemplary implementations may further include a hanging member, a weighting assembly, a toggle assembly, a furling member, and/or other components. The resistance assembly may include a flexible fabric sheet with an opening configured to receive a user's foot and the bar assembly may include handles configured to be gripped by a user.

Abstract: An elliptical machine includes: a transmission mechanism disposed a the base, one end of the lateral swing track disposed on both sides is pivoted at the base, and each lateral swing track can swing laterally; a connecting rod and a stepping mechanism are disposed on both sides of the transmission mechanism, and the front end of the front connecting rod in each mechanism is pivotally connected to the base; a front end is connected to the rear connecting rod of the front connecting rod in a universal joint type, the rear connecting rod is disposed on the corresponding track; the rear connecting rod free end part is pivoted to the pedal. When the pedal is stepped on, the front connecting rod is reciprocally extended with the transmission mechanism, and the user can freely manipulate the swing angle of the lateral swing track through the lateral force applied to the pedal.

Abstract: An exercise machine ergonomic handle system for providing hand-holds for the performance of exercises with reduced flexion and/or extension of the hand and wrist and reduced ulnar and/or radial deviation so as to reduce injury and allow application of full strength to the exercise machine. The exercise machine ergonomic handle system generally includes a longitudinally extending frame, a carriage that moves upon a first longitudinal portion of the frame, and at least one pair of ergonomic handles positioned on a second longitudinal portion of the frame. The ergonomic handles rotate about an axis to prevent flexion and/or extension, and can be positioned at a width and/or angle that reduces ulnar and/or radial deviation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device including a communicator configured to communicate with an external apparatus that operates for a workout of a user; a display configured to display an image; and a controller configured to determine workout conditions of the user, and control the communicator to transmit a control signal to the external apparatus so that the display can display a corresponding image and the external apparatus can change the operation in accordance with the determined workout conditions of the user.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a stationary exercise apparatus which not only can a user exercise alternately with one leg lifting and the other leg pressing but the exercising paths thereof are capable of being adjusted so that the user is capable of exercising with different postures and motions and having more abundant exercise types. For the sake of safety, stability, and convenience, the supporting portions for the user to step on have specific orientation angles and don't rotate arbitrarily to different positions at every point of the exercising path.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in an exercise system that can allow its user to counterbalance the effects associated with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle though a fitness device that comprises a combination of (a) supporting the lower body in a manner that permits a user's upper body to act as a third class lever with the user's hips operating as fulcrum and (b) engaging in resistance exercises with the upper body in a horizontal position, unsupported above the greater trochanter.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, a neck and spine strengthening device. The strengthening device includes a spinal resistance assembly configured to apply a resist force or to resist rotation about at least a first axis, and a head affixing assembly configured to secure to a head of a user during use. The strengthening device is instrumented with sensors and an embedded computing system configured to securely exchange exercise performance and configuration data with local client devices, and to monitor and record exercise activity and exercise performance data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for testing motor skills involved in locomotor, non-locomotor, and manipulative activities. The system utilizes joint data created by a motion sensor during a subject's performance of an activity to determine the subject's motor skill proficiency for that activity. The system compares the subject's joint data to benchmark data to detect one or more phases of the activity. Based on the comparison, the system also determines the subject's proficiency in the particular motor skill tested. The system is embodied in a computer-implemented application that provides various user interfaces for navigating through the user interfaces, accessing a database of the system, testing a subject's motor skills, analyzing a subject's proficiency, and facilitating practice of motor skills.