Joint rehabilitation device and method

Abstract

A device for exercise rehabilitation and evaluation of a joint between bone elements of the hand, of the arm or of the leg of a user includes: a portable housing (1), and magnetically controllable resistance devices (10,11,13). A rotable output shaft (9) is directly connected to the controllable resistance devices. Controllers (18) control for controlling at least the supply of current to the controllable resistance devices. Tools (40, 41) mount on the output shaft (9) and are gripable by or attached to the user during the rotation of the output shaft (9). The tools (40, 41) are in direct connection with the rotable output shaft (9) extending out of the housing (1). Mechanical positioners (20, 21, 22) are adapted to user's morphology that enable positioning the joint at a pre-determined position (x,y,z) in a three dimensional reference system attached to the housing (1). Mechanical constraints (30,31) block at least one bone element of the hand, the arm, or the leg at the position (x, y, z) while at least one degree of freedom is given to the joint.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is related to a joint rehabilitation device permitting the evaluation of the joint of the leg or the arm such as the hand, the wrist, the foot, the ankle, the knee or the elbow.[0002]The present invention is also related to a method for using such rehabilitation device as a telemedicine tool.[0003]Finally, the present invention is related to a computer program for performing such method.TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND[0004]Joints are essential components of the human skeleton that enable humans to perform plenty of actions that are essential for their survival and the quality of their life. Preventing joints from accelerated ageing or rehabilitating joint after injury, surgery or illness are then a key action in the field of human well-being.[0005]Joint dysfunction may result from injury, trauma, illness or other causes and usually requires, among other therapies, some physical rehabilitation involving ranges of motion and strength exercise...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]A further aim of the present invention is that it still permits the therapist or the practitioner to perform an evaluation of said exercises performed at home.

[0019]Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a device and a method for rehabilitation which offer a reproducibility of the measurement relating to the exercises performed by the patient. Said device and said method should of course be a device and a method which are particularly safe and can not be misused by the patient in particular when he is alone.

[0039]Preferably, said (precision) mechanical positioning means achieve an accurate and repeatable human joint location relatively to the output shaft.

[0055]Preferably, the practitioner is able to remotely modify parameters of the control means through the external interface of the user programmed using the external interface of the practitioner.

[0059]Preferably, the practitioner is able to modify parameters of the control means or device in real-time using the external interface of the practitioner by the communication interface.

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, rehabilitation devices are usually large, heavy, expansive and stationary which again forces patient to perform exercises in clinics or medical private offices.

The device described in this document does not allow to properly control the path of the movement as recommended by the practitioner for ensuring a suited therapeutic effect.

Indeed, the user can only control the resistance of brake but does not control the rotating speed of the brake which does not allow to use the device in isokinetic mode.

Moreover, the device does not allow to program a predefined isotonic pattern.

Finally, the device described in this document does not allow keeping track of user's performances, letting user exercising on his own without any feedback to the practitioner.

The device described in this document does not allow an accurate and repeatable human joint location relatively to the output shaft.

Moreover, the said device does not allow processing and storage of user's performances, and cannot be programmed.

To date, no telemedicine tools achieves these requirements.

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