Abstract: An ankle exercise device having a lower leg section receiving a calf portion of a lower leg of a user and a foot section receiving a foot of the user. The lower leg section is rotatably connected near the heel end of the foot section. A rigid control rod has one end connectable to the foot section and an opposite end held by the user. Thus, as the user successively pushes and pulls the control rod, the foot section is pivoted with respect to the lower leg section, thereby exercising the ankle-foot complex.

Abstract: Since the electrical impedance of an ultrasonic vibrator may vary according to the contact or non-contact of an application member with the skin, a detection circuit detects the contact or non-contact of the application member with the skin by converting the current the ultrasonic vibrator current into a voltage, and a comparator compares this voltage with a reference voltage. When contact is detected by the detection circuit, a constant-voltage circuit sets the level of the constant voltage output to the ultrasonic oscillation circuit at a standard voltage, but when non-contact is detected, the constant voltage is switched to a lower-level constant voltage. Thus, when non-contact is detected, the level of the ultrasound emitted from the ultrasonic vibrator via the application member is lowered, so that an unnecessary rise in the temperature of the application member is be prevented.

Abstract: An electronic device, system and method to monitor and train an individual on proper motion during physical movement. The system employs an electronic device which tracks and monitors an individual's motion through the use of an accelerometer capable of measuring parameters associated with the individual's movement. The device also employs a user-programmable microprocessor which receives, interprets, stores and responds to data relating to the movement parameters based on customizable operation parameters, a real-time clock connected to the microprocessor, memory for storing the movement data, a power source, a port for downloading the data from the device to other computation or storage devices contained within the system, and various input and output components. The downloadable, self-contained device can be worn at various positions along the torso or appendages being monitored depending on the specific physical task being performed.

Abstract: A joint for an orthotic apparatus is disclosed. The joint includes a main block having arc-shaped grooves formed on opposite sides and a pair of rails separated by each arc-shaped groove. The joint also includes a pair of carriers slidably mounted on the opposite sides of the main block, each carrier having a main rollers in rolling engagement with the arc-shaped groove and a plurality of side rollers adapted to roll on the rails. Attached to each carrier is an arc-shaped rack arranged concentrically with the arc-shaped groove and a base plate for connecting to a long leg supporting member. The joint further includes a pinion gear installed on a bottom part of the main block and in meshing engagement with each arc-shaped rack, and an electric motor for operating the pinion gear.

Abstract: A novel lower extremity support apparatus is comprised of a unit that is designed to allow the individual having a recent lower extremity operation or injury to use the apparatus to limit the loads on the surgically repaired or injured lower extremity. The apparatus also assists in controlling the range of motion for the hip, knee or ankle and provides the protection for those joints. The apparatus has an adjustable, form fitted padded member that dispersed the pressure loads across a broad surface area of the lower extremity. The padded member is connected to a rigid piece that is inserted into a standard or custom made designed lower extremity hinged brace or immobilized or an existing brace or can be attached independently. The rigid piece has an angled portion at its base portion which fits under the brace. An adjustable rope member, having a handle unit, is attached to the base of the rigid piece and is designed for allow assistance in lifting of the lower extremity.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating an orthopedic parameters signal between a remote communication unit and a central site monitoring station is provided. The orthopedic signal includes a value representative of a total torque output by an individual over a period of time as measured by a personal orthopedic restraining device. The restraining device is restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second body portion. Communication is accomplished by receiving the orthopedic parameters signal at the remote unit from the orthopedic device. Subsequently, the received signal is protected from potential transmission errors through encoding. The encoded signal is prepared for transmission through modulation. Finally, the modulated signal is transmitted over a communication channel from the remote unit to the central station such that movement of flexibly connected body portions can be monitored. In addition, the operations of the central site monitoring station are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for stretching the thigh muscles on the front side of one leg (4) of a user, wherein the apparatus includes a back support bench (10, 11), a foot support (19) which lies in a region above one short end (11) of the bench in a position such that the lumbar region (7) and hip of the user (1) will lie generally flat against the bench (10, 11) when the foot of the other leg (3) rests against the foot support (19). One end of a pivotal arm (30) is pivotally mounted (31) on the apparatus and extends generally away from the short end (11) of the bench (10, 11), wherein the underside of the pivotal arm (30) is adapted to support against the upper side of the thigh of the user's one leg (4). The apparatus includes a drive motor (40, 41) which is adapted to swing the pivotal arm (30) such that when swinging downwards about its pivot axis the pivotal arm will swing said one leg (4) rearwardly such as to stretch the thigh muscles on the front side of said one leg.

Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus for a user in a standing position has a base, a pair of upright bars, a leg rest member slidably engaged between the upright bars for movement between selected vertical positions for stretching posterior leg muscles of a user's leg rested thereon, and a linear drive mechanism fixed to the base provided with a drive motor and a linear drive member having an end coupled to the leg rest member. The linear drive member is operated to raise and lower the leg rest member in the vertical direction in a cycle of stretching, holding, and retracting as desired by the user.

Abstract: A device adapted to be placed upon a human for the purpose of counting exercises incident to therapeutically treating and restoring the part of the anatomy being exercised to normal use. The device accurately counts the number of repetitions the part of the anatomy is exercised in a given time period. The accuracy of the total number in a given time period is assured by anti-cheating elements which render the counting mechanism inoperable in the event the device is not on the human anatomy when the device is utilized.

Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus comprises an L-shaped, leg and foot support assembly for receiving the leg in straight and bent positions, and the foot in varying positions, including positions of inversion and eversion, to stretch the muscles of the lower leg. The extended portion of the foot support member is pivotally connected to the leg support member, and is adjustably connected by second-class levers to the leg support member to enable a debilitated person to easily exert sufficient force to stretch the various muscles of the lower leg by causing the foot support member to rotate the foot of a patient about the axis of the patient's ankle and to quickly release the exerted force which is exerted by the second-class lever.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the practice of standing balance. A lower-leg support holds the subject vertical from the knees down, and allows the user to attempt maintaining upright stance as assistance is gradually removed.

Abstract: There is provided an orthopedic device for therapy and rehabilitation of knee joints and the like which includes a flexible wraparound style boot which substantially supports a user's foot and ankle. The boot includes an interior for receiving the user's foot, heel and toe portions, and a substantially open front portion for easy insertion and withdrawal of a user's foot. An adjustable closure spans across the open front portion to help conform the boot to the user's foot without unnecessary binding, and a pair of manipulation straps extend from opposite sides of the toe portion of the boot adjacent the substantially open portion. A pair of grasping handles are attached to respective manipulation straps to provide exercise and flexion control by the patient. The device insures proper line of pull and anatomically correct splay. In a preferred embodiment, the flexion straps are adjustable in length adjacent the handles to facilitate adjustment by the patient for optimal use.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion device comprises a leg support frame actuated by alternately, pneumatically inflating and deflating a bladder assembly. The assembly includes a series of interconnected bladders associated with a pump and a three-way solenoid valve, and provided with flaps secured at a common point which act as a hinge. The secured flaps force movement of the bladders in an arcuate path during inflation and deflation, providing an operating force against pivotal components of the device thus actuating it. A photointerrupter control device is provided that controls the angular limits of the desired therapy.

Abstract: A leg suspension device is provided enabling rehabilitative exercise of the leg, and specifically enabling passive or active range of motion exercise of the knee or hip joint. The leg suspension device includes a bar having proximal and distal segments, and a fulcrum rotatably engaging the bar between the proximal and distal segments to permit rotation of the bar about the fulcrum in a vertical plane. Upper and lower leg cuffs are connected to the proximal and distal segments, respectively, suspending the upper and lower legs while isolating the knee joint. A base is provided to free-standingly support the device during use, or, alternatively, the device is adapted for affixing to an overhead anchor. For passive motion exercise, the thigh and ankle are suspended from the cuffs and the user drives rotation of the bar solely with the upper body muscles about the fulcrum in alternate opposing directions, causing alternate passive flexion and extension of the knee and hip joint.

Abstract: A personal orthopedic restraining device for use to restrain flexibly connected body portions of an individual and a method of use are provided. The personal orthopedic restraining device includes a restraining mechanism which restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second flexibly connected body portion. A stress sensor is operatively attached to the restraining mechanism to provide an output signal representative of a sensed stress in the restraining mechanism. A memory storage device is also included. A controller is operatively coupled to the stress sensor and the memory storage device to process the stress sensor output signal according to a previously programmed routine to obtain a routine result. The controller stores the routine result in the memory storage device such that the routine result can be used by the personal orthopedic restraining device to monitor movement of flexibly connected body portions.

Abstract: A pivoting exercise apparatus comprising a structural frame, a thigh engagement member, and optional resistance device and motor, whereby the user may engage the thigh engagement member with the thigh portion of their legs and perform lower body exercise routines while in a relatively reclined position. The thigh engagement member is pivotally coupled to the structural frame to pivot in the forward, backward, and side directions. The user may manually produce motion in the thigh engagement member. A resistance may be included to provide a resistance force against this pivoting motion. A motor may also be used to provide automatic pivoting motion of the thigh engagement member.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion (CPM) device for a limb having pivotally connected first and second body portions. A first carriage member receives the first body portion and is pivotally connected to a second carriage member which receives the second body portion. A drive mechanism reciprocally moves the first carriage member with respect to the second carriage member. A brace is provided for receiving at least the first body portion. A connection device is connected between the brace and the first carriage member for quickly connecting and disconnecting the brace and the first carriage member such that a user can utilize the CPM device without removing the brace from the limb. The connection device connects the brace and CPM device such that the pivot axes of the brace and CPM are aligned during use of the CPM.

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 patella exercise device for continuously exercising the patella during continuous passive movement of the knee includes a patella contact pad mounted to a (CPM) device for contacting the patella while the knee is moved in flexion and extension by the (CPM) device. The patella contact pad is adapted to contact and push the patella from a neutral anatomical position during operation of the (CPM) device. Depending on the positioning of the patella contact pad with respect to the patella, the patella is either pushed superiorly or inferiorly during flexion and extension of the knee. The patella is then compressed and tightened during the opposite movement. The patella contact pad may be driven by a spring like cam member to exert a predetermined force against the patella. The patella exercise device is useful for therapy of a knee following injury or surgery and helps prevent patella baja.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joint controlled training of different motoric units for development of functional muscle strength and proprioceptiviety, wherein the direction of action of the resistance is adjusted in relation to the muscle groups or motoric units to be trained. In the method and apparatus all joint positions are arrested for the joints associated with the groups of muscles or the motoric units to be trained. The apparatus incorporates orthoses (1, 4, 5) for arresting positions of all joints which are affected by the muscle groups or motoric units to-be-trained, as well as a non-resilient strap (8). The strap (8) facilitates adjustment of the angle under which a load (12) is applied.

Abstract: An improved continuous passive motion machine preferably having an ankle lock assembly, an extension lock assembly, and an extended rod or handle to assist in locking/unlocking.

Abstract: A knee stretching machine for physical therapy of the knee is set forth wherein a padded thigh seat is adjustably attached aft on a body length shaft oriented on the floor. Attached across the body length shaft is a transverse member with an eyelet at each end. A winch is secured to the fore of the body length shaft. Aft and in front of the winch are two other eyelets for receiving two ropes. One of the ropes is connected to an ankle collar via the eyelet on one end of the transverse member and the other rope is independently connected to the ankle collar via the eyelet on the other end of the transverse member. A patient lies face down and places the thigh of the knee requiring therapy in the seat and secures the ankle in the collar. The winch is cranked to bend the knee joint behind the patient's back through a tolerable degree of flexion.

Abstract: A portable rehabilitation device employing a suspension system to enable passive or active range of motion exercise of the knee or hip joint. The device has a base adapted to support the suspension system while the patient reclines to perform the respective leg exercises. The suspension system includes a linear track that retains three shuttles slidably positioned in series along the track attached to flexion, extension and leg support lines respectively. A pair of leg cuffs are connected to the leg support line and suspend the leg while isolating the knee joint. For passive suspension exercise, the leg support line is secured and the leg is suspended by only a single cuff at the ankle with the knee joint in a position of full extension. For passive motion exercise, the leg is suspended by both cuffs and the patient alternately pulls on handles attached to the flexion and extension lines causing alternate passive flexion and extension of the knee and hip joint.