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

[0060]FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of a device as described herein, with a user interacting with the receiving surface of the device, the receiving surface having an input sensor combined therewith and employing a ball joint linkage

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 lim

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