Differential air pressure systems and methods of using and calibrating such systems for mobility impaired users

Abstract

Described herein are various embodiments of differential air pressure systems and methods of using and calibration such systems for individuals with impaired mobility. The differential air pressure systems may comprise an access assist device configured to help a mobility impaired user to stand in a pressure chamber configured to apply a positive pressure on a portion of the user's body in the seals pressure chamber. The system may further comprise load sensors configured to measure the user's weight exerted inside and outside the chamber. The system may be calibrated by determining a relationship between the actual weight of the user and the pressure in the chamber, where the actual weight of the user may be measured by more than one load sensor and at least one load sensor is not in the chamber.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit to U.S. Application No. 61 / 454,432 filed on Mar. 18, 2011.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0002]All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.FIELD[0003]Described herein are various embodiments of differential air pressure systems for use by individuals with impaired mobility and methods of calibrating and using such systems.BACKGROUND[0004]Methods of counteracting gravitational forces on the human body have been devised for therapeutic applications as well as physical training. Rehabilitation from orthopedic injuries or neurological conditions often benefits from precision unweighting (i.e. partial weight bearing) therapy. One way to counteract the effects of gravity is to suspend a person using a bod...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0072]Other embodiments provide for a method of improving cardiovascular function in a paralyzed user comprising lifting the paralyzed user; lowering and sealing the user into a pressure chamber of a differential pressure system; supporting a portion of the user's body such that the user is substantially upright; sealing the pressure chamber; calibrating the differential pressure system to generate a pressure-weight relationship; and regulating the pressure in the...

Problems solved by technology

However, harness systems may cause pressure points that may lead to discomfort and sometimes even induce injuries.

However, the upward supporting force provided by such water-based systems distributes unevenly on a user's body, varying with the depth of the user's body from the water surface.

Moreover, the viscous drag of the water may substantially alter the muscle activation patterns of the user.

In some instances, an individual may have limited or low degree of mobility which may hinder his ability to access the chamber.

For example, patients who have suffered a stroke or physical injury may be wheelchair-bound or bedridden and unable to walk or stand independently...

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