Range of Motion Tracking System

Abstract

A method for range of motion (ROM) tracking, that determines with a ROM tracking system, an exercise identified by a caregiver to be performed by a subject by positioning a sensor of the ROM tracking system to allow the sensor to detect at least one movement by the subject during a performance of the exercise, and then detecting, through the sensor, at least one movement of the subject. The system further analyzes the movement by the subject to determine a range of motion of the at least one movement; recording through a user interface an indication by the subject of an experiential narrative; and finally, providing a report to the caregiver, where the report contains the results of at least one movement in conjunction with at least a portion of the experiential narrative.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 537,777 filed Jul. 27, 2017. It is also related to applications Ser. No. 15 / 284,157, Ser. No. 14 / 149,158 and 61 / 750,390. Applications 62 / 537,777, Ser. No. 15 / 284,157, Ser. No. 14 / 149,158 and 61 / 750,390 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUNDField of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to systems that allows a caregiver to monitor a patient and more particularly to a range of motion tracking system.Description of the Problem Solved[0003]In the care of the elderly, it is difficult to accurately access a person's condition. It would be very advantageous to have an automated system that could accurately access and record a person's condition and range of motion.Definitions[0004]A “subject” is any person using the application of the present invention. A subject could be a patient, a customer, or client who is seeking an exercise program.[0005]A “caregiver” is an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Further, a goal of the present improvement is to create both an educational and an evaluation system that can be easily employed and used by a single person at home without the aid of another person. Note that a subject might be alone at the time of exercise and evaluation.

[0016]The spatial map is shown in one summary diagram, either animated or still, of the subject's movement with a color scheme from red to blue, with red as the highest pain level. Also, a series of summary diagrams are shown to the caregiver showing the subject's progress over time. This allows the caregiver to quickly and easily assess the subject's status.

[0018]The subject's voice will be recorded and time stamped so that the subject's words regarding pain, or other attributes as mentioned above, can be correlated with the subject's own movements; however, the voice recognition process does not need to be in real time, and may be processed locally or remotely (e.g., “in the cloud”) at some reasonable time during, or after, the evaluation period. Remote voice recognition processing allows the application to take up less memory and processor power, compared with that processing taking place on the smartphone.

[0023]A flexible band with velcro fastening, or other mounting, can be used to attach the sensor or smartphone to a limb. Instruction for attaching the sensor or smartphone to the limb or body portion indicates a consistent positioning and orientation on the limb or body portion. Consistency will provide the best results over a series of sessions. In the preferred embodiment a small motion sensor, rather than a phone, will be inserted into or contained in the band that is attached to the limb. Preferably, the velcro fastening allows the band to be to be secured in position, or released, with only one hand.

[0035]In one embodiment, the subject's avatar appears to move the target limb through a prescribed movement path as indicated by the caregiver. This will help the caregiver understand the path and the pain points along the path. In another embodiment, the inventors envision large data and predictive algorithms helping to coach the subject based on the real time measurements of range of motion and the pain description and historical data about similar subjects and similar injuries. Again, this technology will also pertain to healthy individuals who are trying to maintain or improve their strength and balance and endurance.

[0038]Using the envisioned technology and system the caregiver will gain improved data about their subjects that will help improve the overall process, and help the caregiver or trainer make the most informed treatment and exercise decisions optimized for their subjects.

Problems solved by technology

In the care of the elderly, it is difficult to accurately access a person's condition.