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

[0023]Other embodiments described herein provide for a DAP system for improving mobility of a disabled individual only able to stand with assistance where the DAP system has a pressure chamber with a seal interface configured to receive a portion of a disabled user's body and to form a seal between the user's body and the chamber; a blower and valve control system configured to apply pressure to the portion of the user's body while the user's body is sealed in the chamber; an exercise device within the pressure chamber, wherein the exercise device is configured to contact the user's body while a portion of the user's body is within the seal interface; an access assist device configured to assist the disabled user's ingress and egress to the chamber; a first load sensor positioned in the pressure chamber below the user's torso and configured to measure the weight of the user in the chamber and communicate the measurements to a processor; a second load sensor positioned on the system outside the pressure chamber and configured to measure the weight of the user exerted on the access assist device and communicate the measurements to a processor; a processor configured to receive weight input from inside and outside the pressure chamber, wherein the processor calibrates the system for the user system by generating a relationship between pressure in the chamber and actual weight of the user, wherein the actual weight of the user is provided by the total weight measured by the load sensors at pressure points, the processor regulating the pressure of the chamber according to said relationship.

[0052]Other embodiments provide for a differential pressure system for improving mobility of a disabled individual, with a pressure chamber with a seal interface configured to receive a portion of a disabled user's body and to faun a seal between the user's body and the chamber, the chamber configured to apply pressure to the portion of the user's body while the user's body is sealed in the chamber; a platform in the pressure chamber, wherein the platform is configured to contact the user's body; a first load sensor positioned substantially underneath the user's torso and configured to measure the load applied by the user while the user is in the chamber and to provide an output signal; a second load sensor coupled to the differential pressure system at a position that is different from the first load sensor, the second load sensor configured to provide an output signal; a processor configured to receive the output signals from the load sensors and to calibrate the system for use by the disabled user by generating a relationship between pressure in the chamber and actual weight of the user while the user is sealed in the chamber, wherein the actual weight of the user is the total weight of the user measured by the first and second load sensors at pressure points, the processor regulating the pressure of the chamber according to said relationship.

[0062]Other embodiments provide a differential pressure system for improving mobility of a disabled individual, comprising a pressure chamber with a seal interface configured to receive a portion of a disabled user's body and to form a seal between the user's body and the chamber, the chamber configured to apply pressure to the portion of the user's body while the user's body is sealed in the chamber; an exercise device placed in the pressure chamber, wherein the exercise device is configured to contact the user's body while the exercise device is in operation; at least one load sensor on the exercise device, the load sensor configured to measure the load applied by the user to the exercise device while the user is in the chamber and to provide an output signal; at least one load sensor not on the exercise device and positioned on the differential pressure system above the user's lower extremities, the load sensor configured to provide an output signal; a processor configured to receive the output signals from the load sensors and to calibrate the system for use by the disabled user by generating a relationship between pressure in the chamber and actual weight of the user while the user is sealed in the chamber, wherein the actual weight of the user is the total user weight measured by the load sensors at pressure points, the processor regulating the pressure of the chamber according to said relationship.

[0068]Other embodiments provide for a differential pressure system for improving the mobility of a disabled individual comprising: a pressure chamber with a seal interface configured to receive a portion of a disabled user's body and to form a seal between the user's body and the chamber, the chamber configured to apply pressure to the portion of the user's body while the user's body is sealed in the chamber; an exercise device placed in the pressure chamber, wherein the exercise device is configured to contact the user's body while the exercise device is in operation; a load sensor coupled to the exercise device, the load sensor configured to measure the weight applied by the user to the exercise device while the user is in the chamber and to provide an output signal for weight measurements; a calibration device configured to measure the weight of the user's body exerted outside the pressure chamber, the calibration device providing an output signal for weight measurements; and a processor configured to receive the output signals from the load sensor and the calibration device to calibrate the system for use by the disabled user by generating a relationship between pressure in the chamber and actual weight of the user while the user is sealed in the chamber, wherein the actual weight of the user is the total user weight measured by the load sensor and the calibration device at pressure points, the processor regulating the pressure of the chamber according to said relationship.

[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 chamber according to the relationship.

[0073]Other embodiments provide for a method of improving a stroke patient's motor skills comprising supporting a portion of the patient's weight with a calibration device; supporting another portion of the patient's weight inside a sealed pressure chamber; sealing the chamber around an area of the patient's body; calibrating the differential pressure system; and regulating the pressure in the chamber according to the relationship.

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 without a great deal of assistance.

Accordingly, these patients with varying levels of impaired mobility may not be able to take advantage of the many benefits of differential air pressure therapy because of the difficulty in getting in and out of the systems.

In addition, another obstacle to providing treatment for the mobility impaired user is the proper calibration of a DAP system for the disabled user.

Such calibration methods may be used for patients with a high degree of mobility requiring none or minimum assistance, but are difficult or impossible to employ for individuals who require greater assistance, especially for those who cannot bear their own weight upright.

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