Abstract:
Apparatus for studying the footprint of a person, comprising a receptacle (2) which can be part or not of a housing arranged in the pavement or floor of a room, the receptacle (2) containing a rolling rail or guide (5) on which is arranged a video camera (6), the receptacle (2) having also a frame (7) wherein is placed a pane of glass (8) and a fluorescent lamp (9); the pane of glass (8) and the fluorescent lamp (9) being arranged in housings of the frame (7) which are covered by a flushing (10) provided with ornamentals, the frame (7) bearing at one of its extremities on a beam (11), the camera (6) being displaced at the same speed as the walking speed of the patient above the pane of glass (8), the footprint image collected by the camera (6) being transmitted to external monitors.
Abstract:
In order to analyse the human gait, a given, reproducible walking rhythm and a substantially constant walking phase is found for the test person concerned using a walking belt (1) by measuring the pace frequency and energy consumption. During the constant walking phase, pressure sensors (6) are used to determine the dynamic pressure effect of the feet together with the change of relative position of selected parts of the body by two-dimensional angle measurements (5) and a muscle potential measurement (8) is made. At the same time, the gait of the test person is monitored via video cameras (2). The results of measurement on the test person's movement and supporting members are monitored or imaged on-line (13, 14) by a computer (3).
Abstract:
A device for ulcer prophylaxis and early recognition of neuropathy in the foot of a diabetic consists of a measuring surface, such as a pair of soles or a platform with measuring points, where the measuring points are integrated pressure sensors in the form of hydrocells with microsensors underneath them, where the analog values detected by the pressure sensors are fed to a computer and there evaluated by a program, and where the measuring points are linked to the computer through a preprocessing electronic interface with an A-D converter and the data are evaluated by the program on-line, the data being transmitted from the electronic interface to the computer by cable or in an uncable mode.
Abstract:
An improved tonometric catheter (20) has tubing (22),luer lock (24), closed end (32), and perforations (34). A permeable membrane (36) encloses perforations (34) and forms sampling chamber (40). Also on tubing (22) are sensors (42) located within membrane (36) to sense a desired property.
Abstract:
A capacitive biofeedback sensor including a polyurethane dielectric (72) sandwiched between two wire mesh (68, 74) or carbon impregnated silicone rubber conductors. The sensor is placed within a patient's shoe (52), boot, ankle, brace, crutch (250), hand grip (200), wheelchair (301), etc., and provides biofeedback (64) to help patients relearn function or prevent complications that impede function.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for characterizing the gait of a subject uses a treadmill (1) having a movable support surface with multiple transducers (5) mounted beneath the movable support surface. The subject performs locomotion on the movable surface. The computer (6) accepts a series of signals from each transducer (5) and identifies the occurrence of heel-strike and toe-off. The computer (6) identifies the subject's activity as walking or as running. The computer (6) identifies two non-contiguous groups of transducers that are measuring a force greater than zero associated with the two feet and calculates quantities related to the forces exerted by each foot during each phase of walking or running.
Abstract:
An apparatus which determines the load-displacement and flexibility characteristics of an anatomical joint. The apparatus includes a first frame (28) for receiving a first body portion and a second frame (48) for receiving a second body portion. A pivot assembly (54) is interconnected between the first frame (28) and the second frame (48) such that the second frame is pivotable with respect to the first frame about first and second frame pivot axes (18', 20'). Angular potentiometers (88) are used to determine the angular displacement of the second frame with respect ot the first frame upon application of at least one force to the second body portion. Torque sensors (92, 100, 102) are also provided for determining a torque about at least one of the first and second frame pivot axes upon application of the force. The determined angular displacement and torque are indicative of the load-displacement and flexibility characteristics of the joint.
Abstract:
A skinfold caliper (30) for measuring body fat percentages having two opposing clamping surfaces (38, 40) mounted on rigid arms (32, 34) which are connected at their lower end by a resilient member (36). The caliper (30) includes a cantilever arm (46) having a substantially circular projection (48) engaging a dimple (50) formed in the caliper (30) when the clamping surfaces (38, 40) exert a predetermined pressure level. This creates an audible and tactile signal to the person performing the measurement indicating that the predetermined pressure level has been reached. A slide (58) on a measuring scale (52) is engaged by one (34) of the arms (34, 36) as the clamping surfaces (38, 40) move toward one another and releases the slide (58) as the clamping surfaces (38, 40) move away from one another. The pointer (60) on the slide (58) will thus stay at the point on the scale (52) where the clamping surfaces (38, 40) gauged the thickness of the subcutaneous layer of fat of the skinfold (70).
Abstract:
Disclosed is a process for the production of casts for the visualization of surface features of deformable objects, for instance the surface of the human body, and in which a transparent, light-setting plastic is applied and cured.
Abstract:
Deep tendon reflexes, plantar responses, muscle tone and release signs were studied as 14 individual clinical variables and as 5 summary variables in 135 aged subjects, including 27 controls, 20 subjects with mild cognitive impairment, and 88 subjects with successive stages of probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). Changes in activity of elicited responses were rated on a seven-point scale. Results were analyzed both as prevalence and mean degree of change in activity. Mild cognitive impairment was associated with a significantly higher rating than controls on a variable combining all 14 individual variables. Subjects with early AD had both higher prevalence of increased activity and increased mean scores of deep tendon reflexes and muscle tone. They had a higher prevalence of increased activity on a variable combining three release signs. Patients with late stage AD had significantly increased prevalence and mean scores of muscle tone, grasping and sucking reflexes compared with controls and early AD patients.