Abstract: Techniques are provided for controlling a human-exoskeleton system including an ankle-foot orthosis by receiving system parameters for the human-exoskeleton system, receiving generalized coordinates such as an orientation of the foot, and determining a joint torque for controlling the ankle-foot orthosis to compensate for one or more components of forces acting on the foot. Forces selected for compensation include gravitational forces as well as external forces such as ground reaction forces. Techniques are provided for determining an ankle joint torque for partial or complete compensation of forces acting on the foot about an axis of rotation. The provided techniques mitigate the amount of interference between voluntary control and assist control, thereby allowing humans to quickly humans adapt to an exoskeleton system.

Abstract: A control device for a walking assist device is provided. The control device has a means that decides whether the total sum of measured values of treading forces of the legs of a user is greater than a predetermined value and a means which determines a predetermined ratio according to observed values or desired values of reference parameters obtained immediately before a negative determination result by using supporting forces acting on the leg links from the floor side as the reference parameters. This is in the case where the determination result of the decision means is negative and is a process undertaken instead of determining the predetermined ratio between the supporting forces acting on the leg links according to the measured values of the treading forces of the legs of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of methods for extending a subject-controllable range of joint motion, and for increasing subject control of joint movement within a range of motion. Embodiments include fastening a powered device around a joint so as to be able to control the joint, allowing the subject to move the joint within a range of volitional motion, and then engaging the powered device to support movement of the joint into an expanded, rehabilitative range. In some embodiments, the device supports joint movement by substantially providing the force to move the joint beyond the volitional boundary. In other embodiments, supporting movement includes the subject substantially providing the force, and the device allowing movement only in a desired direction. The invention further relates to a system for increasing the functional capability of a joint by implementing embodiments of the method.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system is delineated for rehabilitating a knee of a patient when the patient sits on a seating surface. The system includes a base having a surface for supporting a portion of the patient in proximity to or including the knee of the patient where the surface does not move during operation of the system. In addition, the system includes a member rotatably coupled to the base for selectively moving a lower extremity of the patient, a driver for moving the member, and a controller for controlling the driver.

Abstract: A passive gravity balancing assist device for human sit-to-stand motion is provided. The design combines the use of auxiliary parallelograms with springs to produce an orthotic device wherein the total potential energy of the system is constant during standing and sitting motion.

Abstract: An active-passive rehabilitation device is disclosed providing natural and relatively unconstrained motion of the treated joint, which promotes drainage and mitigates edema in the extrema. This active-passive rehabilitation device enables the application of adjunctive therapeutic modalities such as cryotherapy units and pneumatic sequential compression devices. Electronic controls allow the active-passive rehabilitation device to be programmed to provide resistive load for Active Range of Motion or Active Resistive Range of Motion (AROM or ARROM) for prescribed therapeutic cycles. Speed, range of motion and therapeutic torque limitations are some of the parameters that may be user controlled and/or programmable. Historical data can be stored in the device and can be downloaded electronically in real-time or at discrete intervals, allowing caretakers to monitor progress and even modify load cycles via electronic communication means.

Abstract: A knee extension treatment apparatus for applying a downward force to an upper surface of a user's leg while the leg is supported by the knee extension treatment apparatus, for facilitating the straightening of the leg when bent at the knee, according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base frame assembly, an ankle support connected to the base frame assembly, first and second strap assemblies secured to the base frame assembly, each strap assembly being secured at one end and constructed and arranged to lay over the upper surface of the user's leg, a corresponding opposite end of each strap assembly being moveable by the user whereby pulling each corresponding opposite end creates a corresponding downward force on the upper surface of the user's leg.

Abstract: A hand, wrist and arm exercise and therapy device includes a finger push bar pivotally connected to a base and a wrist support with massagers for massaging the wrist during movement of the push bar. The push bar is moveable between a neutral position, an extended position and a locked stretching position. The massagers may be moved by movement of the push bar to better massage the wrist.

Abstract: Passive gravity balancing orthosis apparatus for assisting and training patients suffering from muscle weakness by relieving the patients afflicted member of its weight using a plurality of articulated supporting members. Relief is obtained by identifying and fixing the center of mass of the combined articulated equipment members and supported weight of the patient's member in space using a defined parallelogram mechanism and once so identified making the total potential energy for any configuration of the articulated members of the system constant. At least one zero free length spring is used to connect the center of mass to a support outside the articulated members. Additional springs connect the center of mass to the articulated members.

Abstract: A knee extension treatment apparatus for applying a downward force to an upper surface of a user's leg while the leg is supported by the knee extension treatment apparatus, for facilitating the straightening of the leg when bent at the knee, according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base frame assembly, an ankle support connected to the base frame assembly, first and second strap assemblies secured to the base frame assembly, each strap assembly being secured at one end and constructed and arranged to lay over the upper surface of the user's leg, a corresponding opposite end of each strap assembly being movable by the user whereby pulling each corresponding opposite end creates a corresponding downward force on the upper surface of the user's leg.

Abstract: In order to provide a walking assistance device that can improve the force transmission efficiency from the assisting force generator disposed at a position corresponding to a hip joint to the leg while reducing the load upon the user's body, there is provided a walking assistance device comprising an assisting force generator (hip joint actuator 10) disposed at least on a side of a hip joint to provide an assisting force to a movement of a lower limb, comprising: a hip support member (1) for securely mounting the assisting force generator on the side of the hip joint; a lower leg support member (2) worn on a lower leg portion; and a force transmitting member (link bar 25) connecting the assisting force generator and the lower leg support member.

Abstract: Gait training apparatus and method for use thereof for providing leg swing assistance to a patient. The apparatus comprises a support structure and one or more leg orthoses attached to the support structure, each leg orthosis comprising a thigh member attached to the support structure at a hip joint, and a shank member attached to the thigh member at a knee joint. Both members have respective connectors for securing them to the corresponding body parts of the patient. The hip joint and knee joint are each biased by biasing members. The support structure may comprise a frame defining a patient activity region, including a base, a back support, a pair of support handles, and a weight support member mounted above the activity region. A method of using the device comprises selecting parameters for the biasing members using information about the patient.

Abstract: A rehabilitation apparatus with at least three degrees of freedom of motion, comprising: a plurality of brakes; a motor, wherein the motor is operationally connected to the brakes; a plurality of surfaces, wherein each of a plurality of the surfaces correlates to a brake; and, wherein when the motor is activated, the brakes are selectively advanced to make contact with the surfaces causing friction between the brakes and the surfaces and thus causing variable resistance in the three degrees of freedom to the apparatus based on the extent of advancement of the brakes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a therapeutic device comprising a mechanical orthotic element (2, 3, 4) designed to constitute a contact surface with at least the patient's lower limbs and a neuromuscular stimulation element (33) including at least a pair of electrodes (37, 38) designed to act on the muscle or muscular group concerned of said patient's limb. The orthotic element comprises two orthoses including each three segments (2, 3, 4) designed to co-operate (11, 13; 12, 14; 15) with respectively the patient's thigh, leg and foot. The first segment is connected at one of its ends through a first motorised articulation (9) to an element (10) designed to co-operate with the patient's body at his hips and at its other end through a second motorised articulation (7) to one of the ends of the second segment. The other end of the second segment is linked through a third motorised articulation (8) to the third segment.

Abstract: An active, patient-implementable, angular range-of-motion recovery practice, and associated structure, usable with respect to a knee including, from a methodologic point of view, (a) a occupying a sitting position, (b) by such occupying, defining a common swing plane for the upper and lower leg, (c) supporting the foot for back-and-forth, defined-swing-plane, rolling-contact motion over and in contact with an underlying motion-guidance surface, with such motion taking place generally within the defined swing plane, and (d) then swinging the lower leg in a fore-and-aft manner within the defined plane. The structure of the invention includes a rolling-motion traveler for supporting the underside of a patient's foot during practice of the invention, and a cooperative instruction set describing proper patient use of the traveler.

Abstract: A powered orthotic device includes a brace having a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section operationally coupled at a pivot, the first and the second sections moving about the pivot to define flexion and extension directions, such directions defining inside and outside regions of the brace respectively. The device further includes at least one set of straps that removably attach the first section and the second section to a corresponding limb segment such that the pivot is proximate to a joint between each limb segment.

Abstract: A passive motion exercise and/or treatment apparatus is provided which includes a main support assembly for supporting at least the head and torso of a user. The main assembly includes three support members which, in one mode of operation, are disposed in a common plane. The second and third members are movably connected to the first member, which is a backrest support member, and are movable relative thereto so as to respectively provide passive movement of both the head and, and the lumbar region, of a user. Cervical side bending and rotational movements and lumbar side bending and rotational movements can all be provided. A separable leg support assembly is adjustable to support the calves of the user in a plane elevated with respect to the common plane while the apparatus provides the aforementioned passive body movements.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: (a) a stationary base; (b) a drive assembly providing a drive member and means for reciprocating the drive member along a fixed linear path; (c) a femoral support extending between a first end connected to the base and a second end; (d) a tibial support extending between a first end connected to the second end of the femoral support and a second end; (e) a rigidly mounted, cantilevered femoral cradle slidably connected to the femoral support; (f) a rigidly mounted, cantilevered tibial cradle slidably connected to the tibial support; (g) a connecting member having an upper end connected to the tibial support second end and a lower end connected to the drive member; (h) a footrest structure mounted forwardly of the tibial cradle; and (i) the above elements arranged such that a person's leg is cyclically flexed and extended in response to reciprocation of said drive member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for supporting a human limb during the application of physical therapy to the limb, the device comprising a base, the base defining a base plane; a support member comprising an attachment end separated from a limb support end by a support distance, wherein the attachment end is movably engaged with the base such that the support member is moveable in a plane of motion essentially perpendicular to the base plane; and wherein the limb support end is conformable to a human limb and capable of supporting the human limb when physical therapy is being applied to the human limb. A method of stretching a human knee using the instant device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A physiotherapeutic apparatus includes a bed, a sliding mechanism, and a connecting rod combination; the bed has thereon a threaded rod, an actuating device for causing rotation of the threaded rod, and a circuit controller for controlling motion of the actuating device; the bed has two lateral rails, and a lengthways-extending rail, which are parallel to the threaded rod; the sliding mechanism has rolling wheels thereon, which fit in and roll along each one of the rails for increasing motion smoothness and steadiness, preventing tilting and reducing wear; a threaded sleeve is secured to the sliding mechanism and positioned around the threaded rod so that rotation of the threaded rod will cause forward and backward motion of the sliding mechanism; the connecting rod combination is foldable and used to fix a user's lower limbs, and it is pivoted to the bed and the sliding mechanism two ends thereof.

Abstract: A knee extension apparatus comprising a base, a pad assembly and at least one strap member. The base includes a first end and a second end. The pad assembly includes a pad member and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly facilitates attachment of the pad member in at least two different locations along the upper surface of the base, proximate the second end thereof, so as to vary the distance between the first end and the pad member. The at least one strap member is associated with the base and positioned between the first end and the second end of the base member. The at least one strap member is capable of encircling a leg of a patient proximate a knee portion thereof.

Abstract: This massage machine comprises a seat 20, a leg-rest 50, a footrest 60, an electric extendable mechanism 80, a link mechanism 70, and a controller. The footrest is movably linked to a lower end of the leg-rest to be movable relative to the leg-rest, and is provided with air bags 63 configured to restrain a foot of the user. The electric extendable mechanism and the link mechanism are configured to move the footrest relative to the leg-rest. The controller gives the user a leg stretching mode, and in the leg stretching mode, the controller controls the electric extendable mechanism and the air bags such that the electric extendable mechanism moves the footrest relative to the leg-rest while the air bags restrains the foot of the user.

Abstract: A portable medical device suitable for use in continuous passive motion (CPM) rehabilitation programs has a lightweight modular frame for ease of storage and portability. In one embodiment a proximal sling module is pivotally connected to a distal sling module with is pivotally connected to a heal plate module. Another embodiment includes a base module is pivotally connected to a proximal sling module which is pivotally connected to a distal sling module pivotally connected to a link pivotally connected to the base. The joint of a patient's limb is flexed through a range of motion by pivoting the distal sling module relative to the proximal sling module. The device is powered by a motor and worm gear directed by a controller.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is disclosed a leg stretching device 10 characterized by a leg support arm 34 mounted to a primary shaft 36 at a first end, the leg support arm having a leg support 38 secured to the leg support arm at a second end; and structure for rotating the primary shaft from an initial position to a final position so that the leg support arm moves through a range of about 30 to 70 degrees and preferably about 40 to 60 degrees. In addition, there are provided structure for adjusting the location of the initial position of the leg support arm 34. In addition, the length of leg support arm 34 is adjustable.

Abstract: A standing single leg press exercise machine is comprised of a single movable step arranged to move up and down along an inclined path for exercising only one leg at a time. A resistance mechanism is connected to the movable step for providing resistance to movement. Two stationary steps are positioned on either side of the bottom position of the movable step. Hand rails are also positioned on either side of movable step. A shoulder pad is positioned above the movable step. A method for using the leg press is comprised of standing on one of the stationary steps with a stationary leg, and repeatedly operating the movable step up and down with an active leg. The active leg is exercised until it is tired, and the legs are switched to exercise the previously stationary leg while the previously active leg is rested.

Abstract: A method for controlling movement using an active powered device including an actuator, joint position sensor, muscle stress sensor, and control system. The device provides primarily muscle support although it is capable of additionally providing joint support (hence the name “active muscle assistance device”). The device is designed for operation in several modes to provide either assistance or resistance to a muscle for the purpose of enhancing mobility, preventing injury, or building muscle strength. The device is designed to operate autonomously or coupled with other like device(s) to provide simultaneous assistance or resistance to multiple muscles.

Abstract: A knee extension therapy apparatus is described. The apparatus is designed for use by a patient in a recumbent position having the foot of his leg to be treated elevated to a level above the surface upon which the patient user is resting. The knee extension therapy apparatus can be collapsed for easy transport.

Abstract: A pair of supports for the legs of the user. The supports being movable so that they approach and move away from each other, and the supports being associated with a driving device. The supports are padded and mounted on a height-adjustable plate The driving device includes a motor, the shaft of which is associated with the supports by a pair of connecting rods or a connecting rod and crank mechanism, so that operation of the motor causes joint movement of the supports, which move away from and approach each other alternately. This permits a relaxation movement to be carried out without the intervention of any person.

Abstract: An orthotic apparatus for use in providing improved range of motion is provided which allows the amount of stretch to be hydraulically powered and measured by the device, but controlled by the user. Because the apparatus accurately calculates the amount of stretch, the user, together with the user's physician and therapist, can develop a rehabilitation plan based on accurate measurements. Progress is based on tangible results rather than the user's ability to tolerate pain. This knowledge provides the incentive the user needs to work toward and achieve the user's goal.

Abstract: The present invention is constructed with a driving frame (10), an adjustment frame (4) and a support frame (12), the support frame further comprising a front link part (50) hinged at the moving block and a rear link part (52) fixed at the rotational shaft for being bent or extended according to operations of the moving block, the rear link part (52) still comprising a rear main link (54) hinged at the front link part and a rear length adjustment link (78) fixed at the rotational shall to slide along with the rear main link and change the length of the rear link part, whereas the adjustment frame comprises a driving unit (120) for driving the rear length adjustment link, thereby conveniently adjusting the length of the rear link part to the length of a patient's fractured leg for effective recovery exercises.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable orthotic system that performs predefined or user-controlled limb movements, collects data regarding limb movement, performs data analysis and displays representations of the data and data analysis results in real time, and modifies current operational parameters based upon such data so as to optimize the rehabilitative process performed by the system.

Abstract: A body stretching apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles in the legs of the user. The body stretching apparatus includes elongate leg support members each having first and second ends and also having top and side walls; and also includes foot support assemblies being attached to the first ends of the elongate leg support members; and further includes handhold members being adjustably fastened to the elongate leg support members; and also includes leg extension assemblies being adjustably fastened to the elongate leg support members and being hingedly attached to one another; and further includes knee support assemblies being fastened to the elongate leg support members.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a patient using a device, such as an orthosis system is provided. The system includes a monitor that can be incorporated or otherwise coupled to the device. The monitor can have a position sensor, a temperature sensor, and a device type sensor for monitoring the patient's implementation of a protocol. The data obtained from the monitor can be remotely analyzed by a healthcare professional and the protocol can be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: Through the construction of a system capable of suitably assisting the motion of a connected body connected through joints, such as a leg of a walker, according to the various motional conditions of the connected body, a system is provided that is capable of imparting a suitable torque to the connected body according to the motional situation of the connected body at the time of various turns including the bending of the joints. The torque imparting system comprises a first measuring means 6, a second measuring means 7, a reference work volume determining means 8, and an external torque determining means 10. The first measuring means 6 measures the internal work volume w1 of the around-joint leg (the connected body). The second measuring means 7 measures an external work volume w2 around a joint imparted to the leg. The reference work volume determining means 8 determines a reference work volume w0 on the basis of the internal work volume w1 of the leg measured by the first measuring means 6.

Abstract: The continuous passive motion exercise system enables human's joints to recover speedily to original functioning after injuries or surgeries, and thus shortens the period of time needed for joint rehabilitation. The present invention provides a force or torque monitoring device attached onto a continuous passive motion exercise mechanism to measure the driving force of the repeated joint flexing and extending motion, so as to evaluate the change of the viscosity and the stiffness of the injured joints through different rehabilitation periods. This monitoring device also monitor degrees of joint muscle's active contraction and thus slows down or stops the repeated motions of exercise mechanisms to improve safety concerns.

Abstract: A motorized stationary bike is provided for lower body rehabilitation. The motorized stationary bike has the same general appearance as an ordinary bike. Furthermore, it comprises a motor, a drive shaft, a coupler, a worm gear, and a toothed gear where the motor, the drive shaft, the coupler, and the worm gear are axially aligned one to another, and are horizontally disposed on the bike frame. The motor is connected to the drive shaft, and the drive shaft is coupled to the worm gear by the coupler. The worm gear is engaged to the toothed gear. The motor is coupled to an electrical energy source such that when the motor is turned on, the worm gear drives the toothed gear, which causes each of the step pedal supporting arms and the respective step pedal to turn.

Abstract: A portable extremity support rack that offers a quick, easy, accessible and effective way to apply the standard RICE principle for post traumatic injury management. The extremity support rack collapses into a portable carrying case so it can be easily stored when not in use or quickly transported to different settings where injury management may take place. An upper surface and a lower surface in the extremity support rack are adjustably elevated and positioned to comfortably fit injured limbs of any shape and size.

Abstract: An orthotic apparatus for use in providing improved range of motion is provided which allows the amount of stretch to be hydraulically powered and measured by the device, but controlled by the user. Because the apparatus accurately calculates the amount of stretch, the user, together with the user's physician and therapist, can develop a rehabilitation plan based on accurate measurements. Progress is based on tangible results rather than the user's ability to tolerate pain. This knowledge provides the incentive the user needs to work toward and achieve the user's goal.

Abstract: The invention provides for an apparatus for performing physiotherapy, in particular, it provides an apparatus for stretching the hind leg muscles in isolation from the other muscle groups. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus comprises a seat and backrest mounted to a base. Further, a moveable swing arm with a heel pad at the end is pivotally attached to the base. The swing arm is actuated by actuation means such that the heel pad moves in an arc. In use the user sits on the seat and places their heel on the heel pad. In the initial position the user's leg is bent. The swing arm is then moved to a position whereby the users leg is substantially straight. The leg is held in the straightened position for a period and then is returned to the bent position. The actuation means can be a manually operated hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A leg exercising equipment is disclosed. It mainly comprises a base, a driving system, and a lower leg supporting frame for exercising the legs and lower body of a user. The driving system includes a driving device, a rotary element, a link, a guiding element and a guiding frame. So, it can create a unique substantially 8-shaped smooth reciprocated moving path to overcome the sharp-return problem of the conventional one. This invention's exercise is very smooth, comfortable, and effective. Also, it contains both the horizontal and vertical movements for exercise. And, the starting section and the ending section are added to provide a better exercising effect.

Abstract: Machines for treating or preventing neuromuscular pain conditions and injuries by slow patientcontrolled stretching of a muscle or group of muscles when they and surrounding muscles are in a relaxed state (i.e., with little or no extrafusal muscle fiber contractions). The machines include a fixed support such as seat. An adjustable support, such as a back or side rest is adjusted for the particular patient. A controllable support moved in an alternating motion, under the patient's control, allows the injured or painful muscle to be slowly stretched by gravity, while the muscles are relaxed. The controllable support is preferably moved by a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A device for preventing or relieving pain in the lower back of a human subject includes a body-engaging element configured for engaging a region of the subject's body inferior to the lumbar vertebrae while the subject lies in a supine position. A drive mechanism is configured to move the body-engaging element through a repetitive cyclic motion which includes an operative motion along a first path including a primarily vertical lifting motion followed by a primarily horizontal tensioning motion, and a return motion along a second path, the second path lying generally below the first path. The body-engaging element preferably includes at least one surface configured for engaging a rear surface of both of the subject's legs from the knees downwards.

Abstract: A device for producing a continuous passive motion machine for the bending and stretching of the jointed limb of a person, according to a predetermined motion cycle. The device includes a driving element capable of moving to-and-fro along a linear path defined as a base element and an upper and lower element supporting a jointed limb, linked for pivoting about an axis x-x that is substantially transverse relative to said path. A linking element connects the upper element to the driving element. The linking element is mounted so as to pivot in relation to both said upper support element and the driving element about axes that extend substantially transverse relative to the path. The lower element supporting the limb is adapted to be retained in sliding engagement against the linking element.

Abstract: A device for producing a continuous passive motion machine for the bending and stretching of the jointed limb of a person, according to a predetermined motion cycle. The device includes a driving element capable of moving to-and-fro along a linear path defined as a base element and an upper and lower element supporting a jointed limb, linked for pivoting about an axis x—x that is substantially transverse relative to said path. A linking element connects the upper element to the driving element. The linking element is mounted so as to pivot in relation to both said upper support element and the driving element about axes that extend substantially transverse relative to the path. The lower element supporting the limb is adapted to be retained in sliding engagement against the linking element.

Abstract: An instrumented orthopedic restraining device is provided. The device includes an ambulatory housing, including first and second distal end portions, and restraining means for restraining movement of the first and second distal end portions relative to one another. The restraining device preferably includes an elongated restraining bar equipped with a stress sensing mechanism for sensing stress on the restraining bar. A control unit is provided for indicating sensed stress based upon outputs from the stress sensing mechanism. Preferred embodiments include a plurality of strain gauges attached to the elongated restraining bar and interconnected with the control unit which preferably includes a recording mechanism and a microprocessor mechanism. The elongated restraining bar alternately includes an adjustable hinge interconnecting distal end sections of the elongated restraining bar, wherein the angle between the respective distal end sections can be adjusted relative to one another.

Abstract: A therapeutic device may be used in providing physical therapy for a patient's knee by moving the patient's leg through a plurality of cycles of motion in each of a number of treatment sessions. The device includes a “Comfort Zone” range of motion feature which allows an operator to temporarily increase the flexion angle (or decrease the extension angle) to alleviate discomfort the patient is experiencing as the upper leg support and lower leg support pivot or attempt to pivot through a portion of the operational range of motion. The preferred embodiment of the device will automatically decrease the flexion angle (or automatically increase the extension angle) at a predetermined rate over a period of treatment time, so that the device may return to operation between the preset operational limits of the range of motion with a lower chance that the patient will experience the same pain or discomfort which necessitated the establishment of a Comfort Zone limit.

Abstract: An orthopedic apparatus for rehabilitation or healing of a knee or the muscles of a leg. The apparatus has a dynamic adjustment mechanism allowing the execution of exercise of different degrees of tension without running the risk of injuring the knee by applying unnecessary or excessive amount of tension on the knee. The dynamic adjustment mechanism is designed to keep the eccentricity of the rotational axes of the leg support member and the leg nil. The orthopedic apparatus may also include a resistance or assistance mechanism for adjusting different degrees of tension during extension and flexion of the leg in order to gain either range of movement or strength. This specially designed mechanism provides a linear type resistance or assistance, which is invariable during the whole range of movement. This particular resistance, applied on the plantar foot, reproduces normal bio-mechanical stress on the lower limb.

Abstract: A therapeutic device which may be used in providing physical therapy for a patient's knee by moving the patient's leg through a plurality of cycles of motion in a treatment session. The device includes a “Fast Back” range of motion feature that permits the machine to be operated at more than one speed or rate per cycle, wherein the patient's knee may pass through a critical or working range of motion at a first rate, and through a non-critical or non-working range of motion at a second rate, so as to increase the portion of time of a treatment session that is spent in the working of the range of motion, as compared to conventional CPM machines.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion device which may be used in providing physical therapy for a patient's knee by moving the patient's leg through a plurality of cycles of motion in a treatment session includes an “Oscillation Zone” range of motion feature that permits the machine to be operated in such a manner that the patient's knee is flexed and his leg extended through a critical or working range of motion more frequently than through the non-critical range of motion, or the remainder of the range of motion of the device, so as to increase the portion of time of a treatment session that is spent in the working range of motion. A preferred embodiment of the device allows the patient's knee to be flexed, extended and held in certain positions a predetermined number of times per cycle, so as to provide a treatment regimen which replicates the holding and stretching one might receive through physical therapy conducted by a therapist or a physician.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in rehabilitation of a patient with a weight bearing restriction on one or both legs includes a pair of vertically movable horizontally elongated platforms and a pair of corresponding vertically fixed platforms. The movable platforms are connected to a mechanism which applies an upwardly directed preselected force so that as the patient walks with a foot on the movable platform, the movable platform will descend if the patient places a greater weight corresponding to the preselected force. A patient may walk with both feet on movable platforms in which case the weights may be selected for each platform or the patient may walk with one foot on the movable platform and one foot on a fixed platform. The platforms move in a vertical plane arcuately in one embodiment and in a vertical plane linearly in a second embodiment. The weights may be moved relatively to the pivot point and, in addition, the movable platform may be locked in its upward position in this latter embodiment.