Abstract:
There is provided a machine for rehabilitation or exercise, comprising: a frame; a first arm movably secured to the frame via a first actuator; a first force sensor for measuring a force exerted by a user on the first arm; and a control unit adapted for controlling a displacement speed for the first arm via the first actuator as a function of the force and for increasing the displacement speed of the first arm via the first actuator when the force is superior to a target force. In one embodiment, there is further provided an electromyograph for location on the exercised muscle for measuring an electrical potential generated by the muscle and for lowering the target force when the electrical potential is superior to a predetermined maximum electrical potential. There is further provided a method for operating an exercise machine and a system for exercising a muscle.
Abstract:
A portable, self-contained compression device is wearable by a person for applying intermittent compression on a limb of the person. The compression device comprises a sleeve having a longitudinal axis and adapted for placement on the limb. The device includes an actuator assembly on the sleeve comprising a flexible shaft operably connected to the sleeve and extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The shaft is flexible to allow for conformance of the shaft to the limb when the sleeve is on the limb. The actuator assembly also comprises an actuator for rotating the flexible shaft in a first direction to constrict the sleeve to apply compression on the limb and for rotating the flexible shaft or allowing the flexible shaft to rotate in a second direction to relax constriction of the sleeve to relieve compression on the limb. Springs or elastic sections may be used to impart sequential, gradient compression on the limb.
Abstract:
An improved electronic braking system for walkers that incorporates one or more electrically-operated brakes controlled by an electronic controller is disclosed. The controller is responsive to touch-sensitive switches for easy operation, and is adjustable and responsive to operator patterns of use to provide individualized control of the brake operation. The controller may also be responsive to environmental conditions such as the slope of the ground over which the walker is moving, to its rate of motion, or to the distance between the walker frame and the user, and may be adjusted to accommodate for the weight of the user or to set limits to the speed at which it can move.
Abstract:
A pelvic support unit is coupled to a base by a powered vertical force actuator mechanism. A torso support unit, which is affixed to the patient independently of the pelvic support unit, is connected to the base by one or more powered articulations which are actuable around respective axes of motion. Sensors sense the linear and angular displacement of the pelvic support unit and the torso support unit. A control unit is coupled to these sensors and, responsive to signals from them, selectively control the displacement actuator and articulation(s). Wheel modules are independently powered to both rotate and steer, and, responsive to the control unit, are capable of rolling the exercise device in a direction of travel intended by the patient.
Abstract:
A system for managing exercise of an animal such as a human being so that the motion of the animal is induced with an appropriate scale and rhythm in accordance with the physiological conditions of the animal is provided. According to the exercise management system (1) of the present invention, during the process where the user's walking motion is induced by an operation of a walking motion induction device (20), a walking ratio (k) and a physiological variable such as consumed energy are measured. Then, the walking ratio (k) in the state where the physiological variable attains an appropriate value in consideration of activation of physical functions or reduction of body load of the user is set as a recommended walking ratio (k0). This ensures that the recommended walking ratio (k0) is set as appropriate in consideration of activation of the physical functions of the user or the like. As the walking motion is induced based on this recommended walking ratio (k0) by the walking motion induction device (20), the induction scale and rhythm can be controlled appropriately so that the step width (q) and the walking rate (p) are appropriate in consideration of activation of the physical functions of the user or the like.
Abstract:
An apparatus for assisting a rescuer in performing CPR on a victim. The apparatus comprising at least one of a pulse sensor for measuring the pulse rate of the victim and an SpO2 sensor for measuring blood oxygenation; electronics for processing the output of the sensor or sensors and determining one or more actions that the rescuer should perform to improve the CPR being performed; and a prompting device for conveying the one or more actions to the rescuer.
Abstract:
There is provided an orthosis or exoskeleton system (200) comprising: one or more body mounting modules (102), the or each body mounting module being structured and arranged to, in use, be mounted to one or more parts of a body of a patient, the body mounting modules having different sizes or configurations with respect to each other; and one or more function modules (104), the or each function module being structured and arranged to provide a different sensing, charging or control function; the body mounting modules and the function modules each having an interfacing structure such that any said body mounting module is interchangeably couplable to any said function module.
Abstract:
An apparatus for assisting a rescuer in performing chest compressions during CPR on a victim, the apparatus comprising a pad or other structure configured to be applied to the chest near or at the location at which the rescuer applies force to produce the chest compressions, at least one sensor connected to the pad, the sensor being configured to sense movement of the chest or force applied to the chest, processing circuitry for processing the output of the sensor to determine whether the rescuer is substantially releasing the chest following chest compressions, and at least one prompting element connected to the processing circuitry for providing the rescuer with information as to whether the chest is being substantially released following chest compressions.
Abstract:
An active rollator includes an auxiliary frame, a driving assembly, a sensing assembly, and a controller. The sensing assembly is configured to sense an operation area and output a sensing signal. When a user holds handlebars of the auxiliary frame and stands in the operation area, the controller is configured to, according to the sensing signal and a sensing threshold, control the driving assembly to make the auxiliary frame have a motion. Therefore, the active rollator aids the travel of the user.
Abstract:
A method of operating an information processing apparatus may include collecting gait information of a walking assistance apparatus; determining a gait feature of a user of the walking assistance apparatus based on the collected gait information; and controlling the walking assistance apparatus by determining a gait group of the user based on the determined gait feature.