Devices and methods for exercise or analysis of the neck region

Abstract

Provided herein are devices and methods for analysis and / or exercise of a body region of a subject. Such devices may include a guide arm supported by a support frame; a receiving surface supported by the guide arm, the receiving surface for receiving input force from the subject; and a motor assembly in communication with the guide arm, the motor assembly controlling movement of the receiving surface based on received input force. Exercise and / or analysis methods described herein may include steps of instructing the subject to apply an input force to a receiving surface; sensing the applied input force over time; and controlling movement of the receiving surface based on the received input force using a motor assembly, whereby the motor assembly moves the receiving surface in a pre-determined direction, so long as the input force remains within an allowable tolerance, until a pre-set end position is reached.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT / CA2017 / 051088, having a filing date of Sep. 15, 2017, based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 497,060, having a filing date of Nov. 7, 2016, the entire contents both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY[0002]The following relates generally to exercise and analytical devices, and methods for exercising or analyzing a body region. More specifically, the following relates to devices and methods for analysis and / or exercise of a neck region or other joint mechanics of a subject.BACKGROUND[0003]Proper analysis / diagnosis of muscle injury, and proper exercise of affected muscles, is key to effective rehabilitation following injury, and in treatment of various conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.[0004]Due to the high prevalence of whiplash and other such traumas, injuries to the head and neck region are common examples of musculoskeletal inju...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent relates to devices and methods for analyzing and exercising different parts of the body. These devices can apply force in a controlled manner and allow for isometric or isokinetic exercise, as well as assess muscle function and range of motion. The devices use a motor to move a receiving surface that the person interacts with during exercise or analysis. The motor moves the surface based on the force the person applies, and it stops moving when the force is removed to prevent injury. Overall, these devices can provide targeted and safe exercise and analysis of different parts of the body.

Problems solved by technology

Indeed, Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) and concussions are important problems in the medical field.

Unfortunately, the musculoskeletal system of the neck region is complex, and development of reliable targeted analysis of injury and range of motion, as well as effective targeted neck rehabilitative exercise apparatus, has proven difficult.

Such devices suffer certain disadvantages, however.

By way of example, in many cases the direction of force applied by the device is uncontrolled or poorly controlled, and thus does not allow for effective targeting of particular neck muscle(s) during exercise or analysis.

Further, conventional force generation means or force generator of conventional exercise devices generally produce force in certain limited directions.

As well, conventional devices typically do not provide the subject with feedback regarding the subject's performance of the exercise, limiting the overall effectiveness of the exercise.

As conventional neck exercise devices generate force / resistance using elastics, weights, resistance means (resistor), or other such components, these devices are typically not designed to allow for force on the subject during use to be eliminated immediately, thus posing a potential safety hazard.

If, for example, the subject “gives up” and ceases to exert effort mid-stroke during exercise, the developed or “loaded” force in the elastic / weight / resistance means (resistor) of the device can “snap back” the subject's head, potentially causing injury.

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