Abstract: Continuous passive body motion is efficiently and effectively treated by a therapy device which includes at least one movable body carrying element which is driven by a controlled motion drive to produce the desired movement. The motion drive controller includes at least data reading element which cooperates with a program data media to provide individualized control of the therapy device. This individual control will be specifically adapted for each particular patient, thus allowing therapy to occur without the need for operators.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing congestion comprises a seat body 1, air bags 5g and 5h for energizing muscles of the legs of an occupant seated on the seat body 1, air supply/ exhaust device 6 for expanding and shrinking the air bags 5g and 5h and a control circuit 8 for controlling the air supply / exhaust apparatus 6.

Abstract: A passive motion exercise and/or treatment apparatus is provided which includes a main support assembly for supporting at least part of the body of a user of the apparatus. The assembly includes a first support member and a second support member disposed in a common plane. The second support member is pivotably connected to the main support member and is movable relative thereto so as to provide passive movement of a part of the body of a user supported by the second support member relative to a part of the body supported by the first support member. A separable leg support assembly is adapted to be connected, in use, to the main support assembly at either end so as to support the calves of the legs of the user in a plane parallel to, and elevated with respect to, the common plane while the apparatus provides the passive body movement referred to above. A motorized drive arrangement is used to provide the aforementioned relative movement of the second support member.

Abstract: A muscular-force supplementing device of the present invention includes an artificial muscular-force generating section and a control section that controls the driving of the artificial muscular-force generating section. The artificial muscular-force generating section includes a pair of mounting portions worn at two positions on both sides of a wrist joint of the user, and an actuator hinged on connecting portions of the mounting portions. The actuator is a device having therein a plurality of hydraulic cylinders to be operated in a dual-stroke manner. When hydraulic oil serving as the fluid is supplied to pressure chambers, a pair of piston rods are extended, and linear actuator force is transmitted to the connecting portions of the mounting portions, thereby transmitting bending force to the joint of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus which actively moves the legs of a disabled person in a movement pattern that is similar to physiological walking. The inclination of the standing table can be adjusted between a horizontal and a vertical position as desired. The patient is fixed to the standing table by means of a belt gear. The aim of this kind of rehabilitating locomotion therapy is to activate the locomotion structures in the spinal cord in order to improve the muscular situation in a time optimal manner, to prevent the intensity of spasticity and to improve the circulatory conditions.

Abstract: A powered gait orthosis is provided for exercising the legs of a patient, and includes a treadmill for acting on the feet of the patient and a pair of gait simulation assemblies disposed adjacent to the treadmill. Each gait simulation assembly includes a support arm including pivotally movable first and second depending arms, which further include drive means for movement thereof about first and second horizontal axis. The device further includes first and second attachment means on the first and second depending arms, for attachment to a patient's thigh and ankle, respectively. A lifting means including a drive means is supported in a vertically extending tower, which houses a gait simulation assembly. The lifting means lifts and holds a patient on the treadmill. Control means is provided to operate the depending arms in a controlled manner to cause the legs of the patient to move in a desired gait.

Abstract: A passive exercise apparatus for use in an erect, non-recumbent seating position that provides an unstable platform capable of encouraging an omni-directional involuntary rocking motion that will result in the involuntary contractions of muscles involved in maintaining muscle tone and promoting proper posture (viz., the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles, external oblique muscles, and other muscles in the abdominal, lumbar/sacral, and pelvic regions) in order to counterbalance the rocking forces. The purpose of the device is to provide continuing involuntary contractions of these muscle groups (a recognized form of EXERSITTING, which is the combined execution of concentric and isometric muscle exertion and contractions performed while sitting on the apparatus of the present invention in order to help maintain muscle tone and encourage good seated posture.

Abstract: Rehabilitation of an upper limb. The splint comprises: an arm (8) that is supported by a frame (10) consisting of at least one upper extension (20) that is provided at the end of a pivot (21) of a substantially vertical axis, an arch that is mounted on the pivot by means of a flexion-extensional drive motor (26) for the upper member, and an upper structure (31) that supports the anti-brachial and brachial segments and is comprised of a housing (34) that is adapted onto said arch, an abduction-adduction drive motor for the upper arm and an arm (40) that links said motor to the brachial segment. The invention can be used for passive motion splints.

Abstract: A tunable and adjustable device for stabilizing tremors includes a rigid splint for receiving a patient's hand, wrist and forearm, and at least one gyroscope removably and rigidly attachable to said splint and positionable for countereffecting the tremors. Also, a method for tuning and adjusting the device is provided which includes assessing the dynamic characteristics of the patient's tremors, assessing at least one activity the patient intends to perform with his/her hand, wrist, and arm which is subject to tremors, attaching the splint to the patient's hand, wrist, and arm that he/she intends to use for the at least one activity, and attaching and positioning the at least one gyroscope to the splint at least one location which countereffects the patient's tremors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for repeatably positioning a forearm at a plurality of angular positions for medical analysis. A forearm of a patient is positioned in a support channel within reach of a rotatable handle. The handle can be locked in a number of angular positions, providing a counteractive force as the handle is rotated. The patient rotates and applies a torque force to the handle at selected rotational angles. The forearm and wrist can be scanned in these locked position, and applied torque can be measured to evaluate joint stability.

Abstract: A cervical therapy device for providing continuous passive motion to the head or neck of a patient includes a patient's support such as a chair and an upwardly extending frame which extends upwardly above the chair. The frame supports a two piece neck bracket for fitting around a patient's neck. The neck bracket also includes a chin support and occipital cuff for positioning the patient's head within the bracket. The device also includes an actuator and controller for providing continuous passive motion to the head and neck of the patient. The device also includes a pair of double pivotal joint assemblies which allow a movement about two perpendicular axes with linear movement along one of the axes so that the head and neck are moved through a series of prescribed movements to relieve neck pain and/or disfunction.

Abstract: A portable intelligent stretching device for use by patients suffering from spastic and contractured joints and limbs. The intelligent stretching device has a motor and a motor shaft for rotating the joint or limb. The variable velocity and stretch distance of the device is determined by a torque sensor on the joint or limb that communicates information to a controller which subsequently instructs the motor as to the variable velocity and stretch distance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing range of motion control devices, and particularly relates to an apparatus for providing control of the range of motion of a human shoulder.

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: A cervical therapy device for providing continuous passive motion to the head or neck of a patient includes a patient's support such as a chair and an upwardly extending frame which extends upwardly above the chair. The frame supports a two piece neck bracket for fitting around a patient's neck. The neck bracket also includes a chin support and occipital cuff for positioning the patient's head within the bracket. The device also includes an actuator and controller for providing continuous passive motion to the head and neck of the patient. The device also includes a pair of double pivotal joint assemblies which allow a movement about two perpendicular axes with linear movement along one of the axes so that the head and neck are moved through a series of prescribed movements to relieve neck pain and/or disfunction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of rehabilitating a person who has suffered spinal cord damage comprising the steps of: 1) providing exercise equipment capable of exercising a person's limbs, 2) providing functional electrical stimulation to the person's limbs to be exercised in order to operate the exercise equipment, 3) reducing the level of functional electrical stimulation as the person's muscles tire, 4) decreasing a resistance provided by the exercise equipment or providing assistance to maintain an acceptable speed of the exercise equipment, and 5) completely removing functional electrical stimulation to the person's limbs and providing assistance to maintain an acceptable speed of the exercise equipment.

Abstract: An automated therapy table having various support portions capable of being independently and automatically actuated by a physical therapist or other medical practitioner in order to move parts of a person's body medially/laterally, posteriorly/anteriorly and rotatably without causing physical stress to the medical practitioner.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electromechanical arm and accessories which are mountable on a battery powered wheelchair and used to grasp objects in the personal environment of the operator. The device is designed for simplicity of operation and comprises lower arm, mid arm, and forearm components which are rotationally and pivotally interconnected and selectively rotated through the utilization of a controller which is preferably disposed upon the battery powered wheelchair. The accessories include end-effectors (also called grippers), with features that are task specific or for general manipulation, other tools and means of holding tools, baskets, pouches, holders and other means of storing objects and tools, a variety of input devices that are tailored to the needs of the operator, a sleeve for protection, aesthetics, and increased functionality (with pockets and other means of holding objects), and mounting hardware for the electromechanical arm and associated components.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for preventing and/or treating carpal tunnel syndrome are disclosed. One such apparatus comprises a splint (20) for wearing on a portion of an upper extremity of an individual, a warning mechanism (16, 19) carried by the splint and a switch mechanism carried by the splint and electrically coupled to the warning mechanism. The switch mechanism (15) is operable to activate the warning mechanism upon extension or flexion of the hand beyond a predetermined range of motion and thereby alert the user of such undesirable motion of the band.

Abstract: A passive therapy device useful for bringing back mobility to the wrist, forearm and/or elbow after immobilization. The device provides therapy to restricted tissue in the wrist, forearm and/or elbow while applying passive tension during therapy. The therapy device is able to readily convert from supination therapy to pronation therapy. In addition, the device can be converted for either right hand use or left hand use.

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: 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 muscular-force supplementing device of the present invention includes an artificial muscular-force generating section and a control section that controls the driving of the artificial muscular-force generating section. The artificial muscular-force generating section includes a pair of mounting portions worn at two positions on both sides of a wrist joint of the user, and an actuator hinged on connecting portions of the mounting portions. The actuator is a device having therein a plurality of hydraulic cylinders to be operated in a dual-stroke manner. When hydraulic oil serving as the fluid is supplied to pressure chambers, a pair of piston rods are extended, and linear actuator force is transmitted to the connecting portions of the mounting portions, thereby transmitting bending force to the joint of the user.

Abstract: Machines for treating neuromuscular pain conditions and injuries by slow patient-controlled 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: The apparatus provides active and passive exercise to the hand, wrist and forearm of the patient. It has dual handles and an attached inertia apparatus such that both the affected arm and the non affected arm are subjected to the therapy. It is theorized that in the retraining of nerve, muscle and ligament/tendon function there is cross-training of right-left part of the systems and the healthy system can assist the afflicted part of the system in retraining. The apparatus addresses specifically the range of motion of the wrist, both for flexion-extension and pronation-supination. For pronation-supination, two conical handles, one for each hand is attached through an axis to a gear system connected to a flywheel. The gear/flywheel system allows for clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the flywheel. The patient puts the system in motion by rotating the handles in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The rotary (oscillating) motion is transferred to the flywheel through the gears.

Abstract: A device for carrying out motional training by continuously flexing and extending a joint of the body comprises a mounting piece for mounting the device in the vicinity of a joint, a drive unit arranged on the mounting piece including a reversable rotation motor having a motor output shaft, a manual switching clutch connected to the motor output shaft, a power transmission connected to the motor output shaft and a transmission output rotating shaft, a swinging arm having a base portion mounted on the mounting piece, and a free end portion of the device including another mounting piece for mounting the free end side of the device to a portion of the shaft body in front of a joint. The swinging arm is coupled to the transmission output rotating shaft and subjected to a reciprocating swing motion during regular and reverse rotation of the transmission output rotating shaft. A movable range setting copying mechanism sets the first swing end and the second swing end of the swing arm.

Abstract: A centrifugal force device and method for treating neck and back pain associated with intervertebral disc disorders is described. The patient is secured to a table in vertical position with the table being oriented about its vertical axis so as to maximize the delivery of centrifugal force along an appropriate vector. The patient is then rotated about the vertical axis of the device in a speed and time duration controlled manner so as to subject the patient's spinal column to a predetermined level of centrifugal force. Under these conditions intervertebral discs and/or disc material pathologically displaced in a manner to cause the patient signs or symptoms will be forced away from the pathological positions within the spinal column toward a more desirable position as determined by an appropriate clinician. The table can be made with a top section movable upwards in relation to a fixed bottom section.

Abstract: A rotator cuff stretching machine with pivoting members provides for simultaneously stretching of the rotator cuff, shoulder and elbow in selective upper arm positions of yaw and pitch angles and selective elbow positions of flexion or extension. The apparatus adjusts to allow internal and external rotation stretching of the shoulder at levels of abduction from 45 degrees to 100 degrees and allows that stretch to be accomplished at various levels of horizontal adduction and abduction. The apparatus comprises an arm assembly which includes a forearm assembly for receiving a forearm of the user pivotably joined to an upper arm assembly for receiving the corresponding upper arm of the user. The arm assembly is attached to a rotating assembly so that rotation of the rotating assembly causes the arm assembly to rotate. The rotation assembly and attached arm assembly is attached to a vertical support that rotates in horizontal yaw on a vertical yaw pivot pin.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion (CPM) device for the synovial joints and surrounding soft tissue of the human body, more specifically to the upper extremities. The device includes an upper arm support suitably fixed to a drive actuator and a adjustable forearm support attached to the rotational center of the drive actuator so that pivotal movement of the output causes the forearm support to pivot about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the forearm support. Various cuffs are provided so a patient can secure their upper arm above the elbow and the upper forearm below the elbow to the device with the actuator located either forward of or behind the elbow. The rotational motion of pronation and supination is created by aligning the rotational center of the actuator output with the anatomical rotational center of the forearm. The rotational centers are concentric to minimize stresses on the affected limb.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a rehabilitation apparatus to alleviate the stiffness for patients suffering from lower limb paralysis caused by acute cerebral vascular impairment or vertebra impairment. The essential mechanisms of the rehabilitation apparatus include a transversely movable slider mechanism which makes use of a transverse slider capable of moving in a predetermined direction and for a predetermined distance to provide the thigh with reciprocal motion of inward retraction and outward expansion by means of a spherical joint which drives the rotation of a longitudinal slide rail, the outward expansion or inward retraction having an angular range between 0.degree.-35.degree.

Abstract: An orthosis is operable to vary the extent of supination or pronation of a hand connected with an arm of a patient. The orthosis includes a lower cuff which grips distal end portions of the ulna and radius in a lower portion of the arm of the patient. An upper cuff grips an upper portion of the arm of the patient. A drive assembly is operable to rotate the lower cuff and the distal end portions of the ulna and radius about an axis which extends through the wrist and elbow of the arm of the patient while the upper portion of the arm of the patient is held against movement by the upper cuff. The drive assembly includes a main gear which is connected with the lower cuff and a base of the orthosis. The lower cuff extends through a central opening in the main gear and is rotatable with the main gear about the axis which extends through the wrist and elbow of the patient. A second drive assembly may be provided to move sections of the base relative to each other to bend the elbow of the patient.

Abstract: An exercising method for stretching the spinal column and strengthening the spinal muscles. The user suspends his body on crutch-like supports and performs a series of exercises by positioning his body and/or the crutches in various angular positions relative to the floor. The crutches may be conventional crutches, or crutches which extend to a level higher than the user's shoulders, straps being provided for holding the body in suspension by the armpits.

Abstract: An apparatus are provided for flexing a body member to rehabilitate the same. For early motion of flexure tendons or the like, very small ranges, for example, 2.degree. to 5.degree. of tension and flexion may be set at opposite ends of a full range of motion for the joint. The drive motor is preferably a stepper motor or the like that is controlled by a microprocessor-based controller to travel through small, variable, early motion ranges for tension and flexion of variable distances and for a variable number of cycles. The illustrated apparatus for pulling a carriage for travel in a forward or reverse direction compresses a slide guide for guiding the carriage for sliding travel thereon about a predetermined path having a curved portion about which the carriage slides when being pulled in a forward direction and in a reverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides continuous passive motion (CPM) devices for joints. An ankle CPM device includes a lower leg support attached at its lower end to a semi-circular track. An actuator slides along the track and can be locked in any desired position on the track. A shaft is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the actuator and a shoe is attached at the other end thereof. When the actuator is positioned at the bottom of the track the ankle joint of the patient undergoes inversion/eversion motion. When the motor housing is rotated 90.degree. and positioned near the top of the track plantar/dorsi flexion movement is obtained. A combination of both types of joint movement are obtained for the actuator in intermediate positions. A wrist CPM device includes a brace for the forearm attached to a semi-circular track on which an actuator is mounted. A hand grip is mounted on a semi-circular bracket and a shaft extends between the actuator and a coupling slidably mounted on the semi-circular bracket.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a power assist device for a partially or totally disabled body member, including: detection apparatus to detect position of the body member; and power assist apparatus, responsive to the detection apparatus, to provide powered assistance to move the body member in response to detection of the position of the body member and in response to the rate of change of position of the body member reaching a predetermined limit and/or in proportion to the rate of change of position of the body member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome includes restraining the elbow of the patient from movement while applying pressure to the wrist to move the wrist in a direction away from the elbow. The method further includes rotating the wrist during movement of the wrist away from the elbow.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion device for the hand and its method of use is disclosed. The continuous passive motion hand device includes a base member which is mounted on the hand. The device also includes a rotatable arm mounted on the base member and a rotatable lever mounted on the rotatable arm. A drive bar is fixedly mounted on the rotatable lever and a plurality of linkages connect the drive bar to a respective finger tip. During a cycle of the device, between a full extension and a full flexion of the hand, the drive bar is moved through two hundred and seventy degrees or more by the concerted rotations of the rotatable arm and rotatable lever. Also, during a cycle, each linkage controls and urges the movement of a respective finger tip. Specifically, the end of each linkage that is attached to the drive bar is prevented from rotating about the axis of the guide bar. Additionally, the linkage establishes a second axis for that end of the linkage which is attached to the finger tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome includes restraining the elbow of the patient from movement while applying a controllable tension to the wrist in a direction away from the elbow. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for rotating the wrist while the forearm is under tension.

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 therapeutic passive motion device for rehabilitating a wrist includes a main housing unit which encloses a reciprocating motion producing device. A yoke member extends outwardly from the main housing unit. A first, generally V-shaped, link mechanism is pivotally connected to an end of the yoke and carries a hand-supporting member. A second link mechanism is pivotally connected to an output member of the motion producing device and to the first link mechanism. An electric motor is advantageously employed to drive the motion producing device, whereby the hand-supporting member is caused to pivot in an oscillating fashion relative to the yoke member and the main housing unit.

Abstract: A self-assistive shoulder stretching and rotation machine for physical therapy of the shoulder wherein a supine person's forearm is secured to a forearm support that is attached to a horizontal support such that the forearm support may be moved in a 90.degree. arc from vertical in either the left or right direction by the supine person's pulling on a rope. One end of the rope is attached to each side of the forearm support such that a continuous loop is formed. The loop is supported on one side by passing it through pulleys or eyelets attached to a vertical support at one end of the horizontal support. The patient lies in a supine position securing one forearm to the forearm support. When the patient pulls near one end of the rope, the forearm support may be moved in as much as 90.degree. or more to one direction. When the person pulls on the opposite end of the rope, the forearm support is moved back through the vertical position, 90.degree. or more in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A universal controller for controlling a plurality of types of continuous passive motion (CPM) devices includes a control panel. Input keys are located within the control panel and provide input parameters which define the limits of operation and modes of operation for a particular CPM device. A microprocessor processes the received input parameters and controls the operation of the particular type of CPM device. Sensors located within the CPM device determine the instantaneous state of the particular CPM device and determine the specific type of CPM device. CPM operating parameters associated with the particular CPM device are stored within a data retention area of the microprocessor. A timer determines time measurements for time dependent calculations.

Abstract: An exerciser for disabled persons has a seat-footrest-arm support system that is driven by a motor and an offset crank drive. This drive works to move the seat and footrest in opposite directions, i.e., when the seat is down, the footrest is up and vice versa. This allows patient to go from a compressed state to a fully extended state during each crank cycle. By securing the patient's arms to stationary support bars, the arms are also similarly flexed and extended during the cycle. The device has speed control to operate at reasonable speeds during the workout. A second embodiment of the invention uses VELCRO covered mitts to secure the patient's hands to a VELCRO covered leg strap. In this way, the patient's arms will follow the movement of the patient's legs.

Abstract: A walker for a handicapped person has a pair of base rails juxtaposed, and a pair of front posts extend therefrom. Each front post is attached to a front of a respective rail. A first pair of rotation-changeable motors drives a pair of actuators, initially pointing upwardly. A first pair of gear reduction devices, which in combination with a pair of rear posts, can be rendered tiltable, has respective input shafts coupled to respective output shafts of the motors. The pair of tiltable rear posts are extendable or retractable by rotation-sense selection of the first pair of motors. A pair of crutch supports are in contact with the rear posts, Which fit under the armpits of the handicapped person. A pair of levers which extend outwardly and downwardly from the pair of crutch supports, respectively, are bent rearwardly, and equipped with handles.