System and methods for measuring propulsive force during ambulation and providing real-time feedback

Abstract

The invention measures propulsive force of an ambulating subject to provide real-time feedback, which may be used for clinical assessment or rehabilitation/training such as that related to walking ability, or any other form of ambulation. Subjects with propulsive deficits have a considerable and underutilized propulsive reserve available during level ambulation. The invention uses real-time propulsive feedback as a therapeutic strategy to encourage a subject to access the propulsive reserve and improve forward propulsion during ambulation.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 61 / 820,743 filed May 8, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to measuring and using propulsive forces in rehabilitation or gait training. More specifically, the invention comprises a system and methods that provide real-time output, or feedback, of the propulsive force resultant from an ambulating subject. The feedback may be used for clinical assessment and / or rehabilitation such as that related to ambulation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Reduced propulsive function during the push-off phase when ambulating plays a central role in the deterioration of ambulation ability. For example, an injured person may have difficulty walking at the same speed as before the injury. Specifically, a patient may have difficulty walking after stroke, amputation, or joint replacement. A disabled perso...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]Another objective of certain embodiments of the invention is to provide information regarding the propulsive effort being made by a person while ambulating in a form that is easy to understand and thereby permit the person to make real-time corrections and increase their forward propulsion.

[0017]An additional objective of the invention is to provide information to a person during ambulation such that the person can improve his or her strength, health, and independence.

[0018]One advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that through the use of the ambulation propulsion system a person may improve their overall ambulation, including for example, walking or running speed.

[0019]Another advanta

Problems solved by technology

Specifically, a patient may have difficulty walking after stroke, amputation, or joint replacement.

Also, an elderly person may walk at a slow speed due to age or fatigue.

Furthermore, all of these subjects may have even greater difficulty walking or running uphill.

For example, among older adults, compromised walking ability is ultimately predictive of health problems and reduced survival.

Eventually, the propulsive deficits of old adults

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