Abstract: There is provided a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine with integrated mechanical deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis for providing simultaneous CPM therapy and DVT prophylactic therapy to a human patient. The passive motion machine may include a base, at least one motor, one or more hinged frame rails, one or more support or suspension structures and a roller assembly. The hinged frame rails are driven to impart CPM to a patient's limb. The roller assembly can be a single roller, a multiple roller unit, or a belt and roller apparatus. A motor and connecting drive rotates the roller assembly. The roller assembly engages the patient's limb and the one or more rollers apply a mechanical DVT prophylaxis therapy to the limb, reducing the risk of blood clotting.

Abstract: A muscle force assisting can increase a bending angle of a second attachment with respect to a first attachment. The muscle force assisting device includes the first attachment arranged along one bone of a joint, the second attachment arranged along the other bone of the joint, and an artificial muscle having one end provided on the first attachment and having the other end provided on the second attachment, an actuator that is extensible or contractible by supplying or discharging a substance such as gas, liquid and solid, or a mixture thereof is used as the artificial muscle, and the muscle force assisting device assists motion of a user's elbow, knee and wrist, the one end of the artificial muscle can be displaced with respect to the first attachment, the one end of the artificial muscle is displaced, and a bending angle of the second attachment with respect to the first attachment is increased as compared with a case where the one end of the artificial muscle is not displaced.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides an exercise device for rehabilitation. The exercise device comprises at least two handles for securing hands of a user; a front rest and a back rest to position a body of the user; and at least two foot pedals for securing feet of the user. A reduction electric motor is used to power the exercise device. Additionally, the exercise device is fitted with wheels to allow the device to be moved. Typically, a user is lifted to a standing position and positioned between the back rest and front rest and secured. The user's hands are then secured to the handles via gloves and the user's feet are secured to the foot pedals via straps. The device is then powered on to exercise muscles of the user.

Abstract: A leg assist device with a control law suitable for assisting standing up motion is provided. The leg assist device is provided with an upper leg link, a lower leg link, a rotary joint, and a controller. The upper leg link and the lower leg link is attached to a leg of a user. The rotary joint rotatably connects the lower leg link to the upper leg link. The rotary joint also has an actuator which rotates the lower leg link. The controller controls the actuator so that the lower leg link angle matches a target angle. The controller has a torque limiter that limits the magnitude of the command torque that is output to the actuator. The controller sets a standing position angle corresponding to a user's standing position to the target angle, and raises an upper limit of the torque limiter as a user's hip height rises.

Abstract: A device for increasing the range of motion of a patient's knee joint comprising of a longitudinal track frame, having a sitting platform at one end and a movable leg and foot platform at the other end, driven back and forth by a foot actuation mechanism in a flexion-extension motion, linearly along the longitudinal track by an electronically controlled motor in accordance with user defined settings and operable in a passive, active or resistive mode in either a supine or sitting position.

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: In a walking assistance device (10) including a main frame (22) supporting a power generator (26, 28) and worn on a pelvic part of a user, the main frame is provided with an opening (23) in a middle part thereof, and an electronic unit (25) is received in the opening. As the electronic unit is placed in the middle part of the main frame which is relatively free from deformation, the electronic unit is protected from deformation or stress that could impair the reliability of the electronic unit. To achieve both an easy access to the electronic unit, and an attractive appearance, the opening may be provided with a lid (24) that selectively closes the opening from a side adjacent to the user, and the lid may be formed as a back support member for supporting a back part of the user. As the lid serves the dual purposes, the weight and cost of the device can be minimized.

Abstract: A biomechanical stimulation device is presented. The biomechanical stimulation device comprises a base that supports an adjustable height arm and an easily removable drum connected to the arm. The drum is driven by a motor to provide an elliptical stimulation motion. An anti-rotation device prevents rotation, but allows orbital translation of drum. The drum may connect to the arm at a single attachment point. The arm 20 may be pivotally attached to the base and selectively movable to a desired position. A pair of struts may support the arm to assist in positioning the arm. The struts may be locked to prevent movement of the arm, or unlocked by a release button to allow selective positioning of the arm. The biomechanical stimulation device may further include a hand controller and other peripheral devices to provides a convenient interface for controlling the speed and run time of the biomechanical stimulation device.

Abstract: A hand movement device comprises a glove for positioning about a hand of a user, a first anchor element adapted to be positioned about a base surface of glove, a second anchor element adapted to be positioned at a tip of a finger portion of the glove, an active spring member positioned between the first and second anchor elements, said active spring member being fixedly secured to said first anchor element and moveable through said second anchor element to thereby allow said spring member to bend about a joint of the finger when said finger is flexed, an activating element positioned adjacent the active spring member to heat or cool said active spring member thereby causing the spring member to bend or straighten, and an intermediary support device for housing said spring element and for connecting the first anchor element to said second anchor element.

Abstract: In a walking assistance device for providing a walking assistance force to a femoral part of a user, the walking assistance force generated by a power generator is effectively transmitted to the femoral part of the user while avoiding the user from experiencing any undue pressure or discomfort. The walking assistance device includes a rigid femoral support frame having a base end connected to an output end of an electric motor unit and a free end extending from the base end to a position opposite to a front part of the femoral part of the user, and a flexible belt attached to the free end of the femoral support frame to be releasably worn around a circumference of the femoral part of the user at a height corresponding to the free end of the femoral support frame.

Abstract: A walking assist device which assists the knee joint with well synchronizing with the upper leg motion during the swing phase at low cost may be provided. The walking assist device comprises an upper link, a lower link, a rotary joint, an actuator, and a controller. The upper link is to be attached to an upper leg of a user. The lower link is to be attached to the lower leg of the user. The rotary joint swingably connects the lower link to the upper link. The rotary joint is coaxially aligned with the user's knee joint when the user wears the walking assist device. The actuator swings the lower link relative to the upper link. The controller controls the actuator so that the lower link guides the user's walking motion.

Abstract: A compression garment for applying compression therapy to a wearer's body including a compression sleeve having a proximal edge and a distal edge. The sleeve includes at least one bladder. A tube is attached to the bladder. A connector on the tube connects the tube to a source of compressed fluid for inflating the bladder. The distal edge of the compression sleeve has a first portion and a second portion jutting distally from the first portion.

Abstract: A therapeutic exercising device that can simultaneously increase temporomandibular joint range of motion and strengthen jaw muscles comprises two bite members with bite portions for insertion between a user's teeth and a bellows between the bite members that moves them relative to each other toward an open position that separates the user's upper and lower jaws. A spring exerts a predetermined opening force on the bite members open, and one or more elastic members attached between the bite members exert an opposing closing force. A user-operated pneumatic pump introduces air under pressure into the bellows to open the bite members when the closing force is sufficient to overcome the opening force. The device can be used with air bladders that massage the jaw muscles, with the optional application of heat or cold. The device is usable with a mandible translation adapter to exercise a user's mandible in the posterior-anterior direction.

Abstract: A wearable action-assist device which assists or executes an action of a wearer by substituting for the wearer is provided with an action-assist tool 2 having an actuator 201 which gives power to the wearer 1, a biosignal sensor 221 which detects a wearer's biosignal, a biosignal processing unit 3 which acquires from a biosignal “a” detected by the biosignal sensor a nerve transfer signal “b” for operating a wearer's muscular line skeletal system, and a myoelectricity signal “c” accompanied with a wearer's muscular line activity, an optional control unit 4 which generates a command signal “d” for causing the actuator 201 to generate power according to the wearer's intention using the nerve transfer signal “b” and the myoelectricity signal “c” acquired by the biosignal processing unit 3, and a driving current generating unit 5 which generates a current according to the nerve transfer signal b and a current according to the myoelectricity signal “c”, respectively, based on the command signal “d” generated by th

Abstract: An apparatus for applying movement to the joints of a human patient is provided. The apparatus includes an exoskeleton assembly with segments that can be secured to the patient. One or more motor modules are removably coupled to a supporting structure of the exoskeleton assembly, and each motor module includes multiple motor drives. A plurality of actuating members is operatively connected to each motor module. A first end of each actuating member is connected to one of the motor drives and a second end of each actuating member is coupled to a segment of the exoskeleton assembly. Each actuating member can be driven by a respective motor drive to impart movement in multiple degrees of freedom to individual joints.

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: A passive exercise therapy station moves a patient's limb or body part through a prescribed range of motion without stress to the patient's limb or associated joints. A frame is formed of a pair of arches joined in parallel to one another, with a pair of overhead horizontal rails. One or more main cables extend over guide pulleys on the frame and past an adjustable guide carriage that travels along the overhead rails. An actuator positions the guide carriage at a desired location on the overhead rails. An exercise cable descends from the guide carriage to the patient. The exercise cable may be a web attached to the main cable. The exercise therapy station may be wheeled between rooms for therapy of a given patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for controlling of movement of limbs of a user in a substantially mirror symmetrical manner, a user's limb or limbs being held in position via support arms, said device comprising a bar (or bars) adapted to move about a point of rotation, said bar (or bars) having a first end and a second end, said ends separated by the point of rotation, a first support arm(s) operatively coupled at or towards one end of said bar and a second support arm(s) operatively coupled at or towards a different end of the bar wherein the first and second support arms are adapted to substantially support and/or hold the limbs of a user of said device, the first and second support arms and the bar (or bars) configured such that, in use, as the bar (or bars) rotate(s) the support arms move in a substantially tandem synchronised manner with respect to each other.

Abstract: A pelvis interface may include a subject attachment module including a waist attachment and a back attachment. The interface may further include an arm assembly coupled to the subject attachment module, the arm assembly including a plurality of arms so coupled to one another and/or to the subject attachment module as to permit the subject attachment module at least one pelvis translation degree of freedom and at least one pelvis rotation degree of freedom. The interface may further include motors so coupled to the arm assembly as to actuate at least one pelvis translation degree of freedom and at least one pelvis rotation degree of freedom.

Abstract: In a walking assistance device configured to apply a walking assistance force to a femoral part of a user, a walking assistance force provided by a power generator mounted on a pelvic support assembly is transmitted to a femoral part of the user via a femoral support assembly. The femoral support assembly includes a swing arm (60, 62) having a base end connected to an output end of the power generator and a free end opposing a front part of the femoral part of the user, a femoral support member (68, 70) pivotally connected to the free end of the swing arm and having a support surface engaging the front part of the femoral part of the user, and a femoral belt (73, 74) passed around the femoral part of the user and having two ends attached to corresponding lateral ends of the femoral support member. Thereby, the femoral support member is enabled to accommodate changes and/or variations in the contour of the femoral part of the user.

Abstract: A wrist assisting apparatus can smoothly bend and stretch a joint even if a turning shaft of a joint and a rotation shaft of a wearing tool are deviated from each other. Also, an excessive load is not applied to a user. The wrist assisting apparatus of the present invention includes a palm support member for supporting a hand, angle changing members connected to sides of the palm support member, a front arm wearing tool disposed along the front arm, and joint members for forming a rotation shaft of the angle changing member with respect to the front arm wearing tool, wherein the angle changing members are provided on both sides of the palm support member, the joint members are provided on the angle changing members, respectively, and the joint members are located on both sides of a wrist.

Abstract: A therapy apparatus to restore range of motion to joints and limbs. The apparatus is useful for elbow joints and includes a beam on which the elbow joint rests. A tension cord extends through and beyond the length of the elongated hollow beam with a handle at the distal end of the tension cord to be grasped by the user. The proximal end of the cord is pulled by the user's other hand to rotate the elbow. A ratchet clamp forming a part of the beam retains the tension on the elbow. Since it is a ratchet clamp, the cord may be freely pulled in the proximal direction to impart more tension to the elbow, but to release the tension, the ratchet clamp must be disengaged manually. The beam has segments that are telescopically extendable and retractable to accommodate limbs of different lengths and for portability and storage.

Abstract: A powered orthotic system includes a wearable component having a brace with a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are coupled to each other at a pivot. Each section is adapted to be removably attached to a corresponding first and second limb segment such that the pivot is proximate to a joint between each limb segment. The first and the second sections are movable with respect to each other to define flexion and extension directions. The wearable component also includes an electromyographic sensor, an electrically powered actuator assembly in communication with the electromyographic sensor, and a controller in communication with the actuator assembly that provides system parameters to control operation of the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is coupled to the first and the second sections so as to apply a force that moves the first and the second sections in the flexion and/or extension directions and the force is based on signals from the electromyographic sensor.

Abstract: A method for reducing an exerted energy associated with muscles acting across a joint is provided. The method including: storing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; and at least partially returning the stored energy to the muscles during one or more periods of the periodic motion in which the muscles are performing work.

Abstract: Provided is a walking supporting apparatus for supporting a user walking by using a multi-sensor signal processing system that detects a walking intent. A palm sensor unit detects a force applied to a palm through a stick to generate a palm sensor signal. A sensor unit detects a force applied to a sole through the ground to generate a sole sensor signal. A portable information processing unit checks a user's walking intent by using the palm sensor signal, and if it is checked that the user has a walking intent, the portable information processing unit generates a driving signal in response to the sole sensor signal. A walking supporting mechanism includes a left motor attached to a user's left leg and a right motor attached to a user's right leg to support the user's walking when the left and right motors are driven in response to the driving signal.

Abstract: A rehabilitation system for training hand movement of a user, the system comprising: a platform to be attached to the hand of the user; a plurality of finger assemblies operatively connected to the platform, each finger assembly having: a motor, a proximal follower assembly for a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint having a proximal rail guide operatively connected to the motor, and an intermediate follower assembly for a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint having an intermediate rail guide operatively connected to the proximal follower assembly; wherein a knuckle joint indicator of the proximal rail guide corresponds to a first virtual center and knuckle joint indicator of the intermediate rail guide corresponds to a second virtual center, the alignment of the knuckle joint indicators to the virtual centers enable motion of the finger to be controlled and maintain rotational axes of the finger about each virtual center when the proximal and intermediate follower assemblies are actuated by the motor.

Abstract: Mobile video-based therapy, using a portable therapy device that includes a camera, a therapy application database, a processor, and a display. The camera is configured to generate images of a user, and the therapy application database is configured to store therapy applications. The processor is configured to select, from the therapy application database, a therapy application appropriate for assisting in physical or cognitive rehabilitation or therapy of the user, to invoke the therapy application, to recognize a gesture of the user from the generated images, and to control the invoked therapy application based on the recognized gesture. The display is configured to display an output of the controlled therapy application.

Abstract: A rehabilitation supporting device 1 includes a first frame 11 arranged along a first skeletal portion extending from a joint, a second frame 12 arranged along a second skeletal portion extending from the joint in a direction different from a direction of the first skeletal portion, an angle sensor 131 arranged to detect a rotational angle position between the first frame and the second frame, a flexion-side biosignal sensor 14 arranged to detect a biosignal of a flexor, an extension-side biosignal sensor 15 arranged to detect a biosignal of an extensor, a calibration unit 31 arranged to determine a flexion-side correction value and an extension-side correction value individually, and a memory unit 34 arranged to store individual correction values of the biosignals different for individuals, the flexion-side correction value, and the extension-side correction value.

Abstract: Provided is a walking motion assisting device capable of assisting a leg of an agent in walking motion to alleviate an assisting burden or eliminate an assisting necessity by a caregiver. According to the walking motion assisting device (1), the value of a persistent energy input term (?0) contained in a simultaneous differential equation denoting a second model configured to generate a second motion oscillator (?1) is adjusted so as to limit a landing position (x) of a leg of the agent in a specified range [x1, x2]. Further, the motion state of the leg is recognized on the basis of a variation mode of a second oscillator (?2), and on the basis of the recognition result, the relative motion between the thigh and crus of the leg around the knee joint is assisted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rehabilitation device using a walking assistance device (1) having an actuator which generates and provides torque to a lower limb joint of a wearer wearing the walking assistance device (1), comprising a floor reaction force pattern storing unit (330) configured to store a reference floor reaction force pattern; a control target floor reaction force setting unit (340) for determining a control target floor reaction force based on the floor reaction force pattern stored in the floor reaction force pattern storing unit (330); a target torque calculating unit (350) for calculating a target torque of the actuator to achieve the control target floor reaction force determined by the control target floor reaction force setting unit (340); and an actuator output controller (150) for controlling output of the actuator such that the actuator generates a torque matching the target torque calculated by the target torque calculating unit (350); wherein the floor reaction force that the we

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control system for an exoskeleton haptic device, having: a frame structure, to be coupled to the body of a subject; actuators, carried by the frame structure and operable to cause movement of a number of joints of the body; and sensors, coupled to the body to detect first signals indicative of an intention of movement of the subject. The control system is provided with: a feedback stage, controlling a position of the joints based on a reference position; a feedforward stage, controlling a compliance presented by the exoskeleton haptic device to the subject based on the detected first signals; and a combining block, combining outputs from the feedback stage and feedforward stage in order to generate a driving signal for the actuators, thereby imposing a controlled position to the joints. This primary control action may also be integrated with a posture equilibrium control, for controlling postural equilibrium of the subject during the movement.

Abstract: In the assist device, the output of an actuator is adjusted so that it becomes lower as a state of charge of a battery exceeds a first threshold value, and also so that it becomes lower as the state of charge of the battery becomes lower. The output of the actuator is controlled on the basis of the state of charge of the battery, so that it is possible to make the agent recognize the change in the state of charge of the battery by changing the output of the actuator, and as a result, to avoid the situation where the agent feels strange with respect to stopping the operation of the assist device following thereto.

Abstract: A therapeutic massage chair is reclinable between a horizontal and inclined position. The chair includes an upper back support member and a lower support member that is axially movable along a support frame and is also rotatable about an axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the upper back support member. Electric linear actuators are provided to both axially move and oscillate the lower body support member.

Abstract: A therapy and mobility assistance system used by a patient that includes a leg device worn on the leg of the patient that provides assistance and/or resistance to enhance the mobility of the leg of the patient, a therapy shuttle that facilitates therapeutic extension and flexion of at least one of the joints of the leg of the patient, and an appendage fastener that selectively couples the therapy shuttle and the leg device. The therapy and mobility assistance system may additionally include a guide track that constrains motion of the therapy shuttle along a path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rehabilitation device which guides a patient to perform a motion with a correct spatial trajectory, by the device applying one or more pushing, assisting, reminding, responding and/or resisting forces during a motion (or intent to move) by the patient. The forces are applied by an actuator, for example, a robotic articulated arm or a spherically jointed lever. The applied forces act as a force fields, optionally continuous, which impeded and/or guides a patient. The device can be programmable with various trajectories (paths and/or velocities) and/or forces. The forces at one point in the trajectory can vary responsive to an actual trajectory by the patient and/or responsive to a rehabilitation plan and/or improvement of the patient. The device can learn a motion entered by a physiotherapist and replay it for the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates a system and method to allow users to train different joints of a limb in different planes. The rotation of the system can be driven by a motor to assist or resist the motion for training purpose. By the present invention, the user can use the device to switch training between the vertical and horizontal planes, without changing the device and any module. The system is also adjustable to meet different users' body sizes.

Abstract: Apparatus for disabled persons, comprising a skid which optionally may be equipped with wheels, to which skid is connected a device for tightening the user's knees.

Abstract: A shoulder continuous passive motion (“CPM”) device is provided. The shoulder CPM has a motor and a drive mechanism configured to move a slidable arm holder linearly back and forth. The motor can move the drive mechanism linearly back and forth. The drive mechanism can be attached to the arm holder. A user can insert at least a portion of his arm into the arm holder, such that the shoulder CPM device moves his arm linearly back and forth, thereby providing therapeutic treatment to the shoulder of the user.

Abstract: A walking assistance device has a drive mechanism for driving a third joint of a leg link of the walking assistance device, the drive mechanism including a crank arm secured to a lower link member and a linear-motion actuator which has a linear-motion output shaft connected to the crank arm. The angle formed by a straight line connecting a joint axis of the third joint and a connecting portion of the linear-motion output shaft relative to the crank arm and a straight line which passes the connecting portion and which is parallel to the axial center of the linear-motion output shaft changes from an angle closer to the straight angle toward an angle closer to the right angle as the flexion degree of the leg link is increased from a flexion degree corresponding to a state wherein a user is in an upright posture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a device for circumduction of a limb having a base, a vertical support operably coupled to and extending away from the base, a rotary member operably connected to the vertical support, a limb support member operably connected to the rotary member, and a motor drivingly engaged with the rotary member. The vertical support may be a rigid plate member, bracket, or frame. The bracket and/or frame may include at least one vertical member and at least one horizontal member. The rotary member is operably connected to the vertical support such that rotary member is free to rotate. Limb support member receives and supports the limb to be treated and is operably coupled to rotary member at a radial distance from a center of rotation thereby resulting in a circular motion of a limb when the motor is operated.

Abstract: An adjustable stretching system for stretching a leg of a user comprises a base, an adjustable elevation board configured to be adjustable in length, a seat cushion attached to the base, and a cushioned platform connectable to the base. The adjustable elevation board may be configured to be connected between the base and the cushioned platform.

Abstract: A physical therapy system featuring a leg portion and at least one arm portion, wherein the leg portion comprises a base with two half cylinders, each divided into two portions that can pivot via hinges operatively connected to motors, wherein the two half cylinders can also pivot about their first ends via a first central motor, and wherein the arm portion comprises a base with a half cylinder divided into two portions that can pivot via a hinge operatively connected to a motor, wherein the half cylinder can also pivot about its first end via a second central motor.

Abstract: Rotation mechanism for a forearm which includes a moving stay (2) which supports a wrist, which includes at least one guide track in the form of an arc of a circle, a fixed stay (4) which supports the rear end of a forearm, rods (12) that are rigid lengthwise which link the moving stay (2) and the fixed stay (4) and which allow the moving stay (2) and fixed stay (4) to rotate around a longitudinal axis (Z), by means of articulated links which can rotate (14), and a strut (6) rigidly linked at one of its ends to the fixed stay (4), and linked at its other end to a roller-bearing, whose rollers are in rolling contact with the guide track of the moving stay (2), and which cause the moving stay (2) to pivot around a longitudinal axis (Z), where the direction of said longitudinal axis (Z) passes through the centre of the arc of the circle of the guide track and through the centre of a circle defined by the ends of rods linked to the fixed stay.

Abstract: A device (1) for the passive movement of the fingers for the therapeutic treatment of a patient comprising a plurality of supporting elements (2), each one susceptible to receive a finger of a patient, and a movement unit (5) comprising: a plurality of actuating means (6) each one operatively connected to one respective of the supporting elements (2) so as to move it with movements uncoordinated from the movements of the other supporting elements (2) which are moved with other actuating means (6); a plurality of motion transmission means (7) each one interposed between one of the actuating means (6) and one respective of the supporting elements (2) and all of them designed to move the supporting elements (2) with three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A walk assistance device comprises a thigh unit configured to be arranged on a thigh of the user, a shank unit configured to be arranged on a shank of the user, a foot unit configured to be arranged on a foot of the user, a knee position joint unit configured to couple the thigh unit and the shank unit in a swingable manner, and an ankle position joint unit configured to couple the shank unit and the foot unit in a swingable manner. The shank unit comprises a first replaceable member and a second replaceable member that extend along the shank of the user, and a length of the shank unit is adjustable by replacing each of the first and second replaceable members with another one having a different length.

Abstract: A device for rehabilitating a knee after knee surgery includes a support adapted to support the leg at the popliteal fossa while allowing the knee to be bent about the support with little interference from the support. A method of knee rehabilitation includes the step of supporting the patient's leg on the support and allowing the patient to control to movement in order to overcome muscle guarding. The support is carried by uprights that are spaced apart far enough to allow the patient to be positioned on his back between the uprights with the knee to be rehabilitated disposed over the support and the other leg stretched straight under the support.

Abstract: An operating status of a motor in a drive unit is analyzed to extend the life of the motor. A wearable motion assistive device 1 includes a shoulder joint mechanism 5 and an elbow joint mechanism 6 for aiding a movement of the shoulder joint and the elbow joint, and a control unit 100 having a control circuit for controlling drive units 11 for the shoulder and elbow joint mechanisms 5 and 6. The control unit 100 controls the drive units 11 based on a physical quantity and a biosignal detected by an angle sensor, a torque sensor, and a biosignal detecting sensor. A controller in the drive unit 11 includes a motor monitoring unit for monitoring an operational status of the motor, and a motor control unit for limiting a drive signal supplied to the motor based on a monitoring result provided by the motor monitoring unit, in order to prevent an overload state of the motor.

Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus for rehabilitating a joint, limb, and muscles of a patient recovering from surgery on the joint, includes a continuous passive motion device having at least one support member for supporting the limb, at least one hinge coupled to the at least one support member, and at least one actuator for providing reciprocating motion of the at least one support member about the at least one hinge, a plurality of electrodes transmitting at least four modalities chosen from a group consisting of functional electrical stimulation (FES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), temperature therapy stimulation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylactic stimulation, venous blood flow monitoring, and pain monitoring, and a control unit controlling the at least one actuator and the plurality of electrodes according to a coordinated sequence of the reciprocating motion and transmission of the at least four modalities.

Abstract: An exoskeleton having a first cuff adapted to be coupled to a user's lower limb is disclosed. The exoskeleton also includes a second cuff adapted to be coupled to the user's upper limb and a third cuff adapted to be coupled to the user's body. A first motor is mounted on the third cuff and has a first motor output coupled to the first cuff. A second motor is mounted on the third cuff and has a second motor output coupled to the second cuff. A processor is operatively coupled to the first and second motors to manipulate the first cuff and the second cuff relative to the third cuff such that the first cuff and the second cuff are able to move the user's lower limb and upper limb. A method of operating the exoskeleton is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wearable device (10) to assist with the movement of limbs (50, 51) connected at a joint (52), the device (50) comprising: a linear motion generating unit (20) to generate linear motion, the unit (20) having distal end portions operatively connected to the limbs (50, 51), whereby the linear motion generated by the unit (20) causes the limbs (50, 51) to move and pivot about the joint (52); a force measuring unit (30) to measure a change of force applied to the limbs or linear motion generating unit (20); and a displacement measuring unit (40) to measure the displacement of the linear motion generating unit (20) when linear motion is generated; wherein a predetermined distance of linear motion having a predetermined velocity is generated by the linear motion generating unit (20) to assist with the movement of the limbs (50, 51) based on the change of force measured by the force measuring unit (30) or the displacement measured by the displacement measuring unit (40).