An exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities

Abstract

An exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities and a method of fistula maturation management and assessment is described. The device is a tool for remote monitoring of compliance of exercise routines prescribed to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients for proximal fistula maturation. The device measures and syncs exercise data captured via a motion-sensing sensors (eg: a MEMS / NEMS micro-electro-mechanical systems or nano-electro-mechanical systems or other techniques - based accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, inertial measurement unit etc.) and via computational device (eg: mobile phone, tablet, or an onboard device) to a cloud platform (eg: cloud platform, such as Amazon web service [AWS], Google cloud etc.) from which the Nephrologist can retrieve patient data and check for compliance.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF THE INVENTION:

[0002] An Exercising Device with Fistula Maturation Management and Assessment Abilities

[0003] I ll-il l) OF THE INVENTION:

[0004]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and more particularly to arteriovenous fistula maturation for dialysis.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[0006]

[0002] Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic kidney failure, refers to a gradual loss of kidney function over time. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered amongst the top twenty leading causes of years of life lost worldwide. Regular screening, diagnosis, and management by primary care clinicians are necessary to prevent adverse CKD-associated problems. The problems may include cardiovascular disease, end-stage kidney disease, and death.

[0007]

[0003] For patients diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) the process of hemodialysis acts like a lifeline which needs to be initiated as soon as possible. Vascular access is a critical element for conducting Hemodialysis. The patient is given a period of around 2 months to work towards maturation of the fistula after the arteriovenous (AV) fistula surgery. A significant number of arteriovenous fistulae (28 to 53%) never mature to support dialysis. Often, renal physicians and surgeons wait for up to 6 months and even longer, hoping that the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) will eventually grow to support dialysis before declaring that the AVF has failed. In the interim, if dialysis is needed, then a tunneled catheter is inserted, exposing the patient to the morbidity and mortality associated with the use of such a device.

[0004] A patient is usually suggested an exercising routine to help them develop a matured fistula. Exercising the fistula arm before the fistula is created helps make the blood vessel suitable and improves chances of having a working fistula. Exercising the fistula arm after the fistula is created helps increase the blood flow rate and increase the diameter of the blood vessel, making the vein easier to needle. The fistula matures in a period of several weeks or months with proper compliance to the exercise routine before it can be used for hemodialysis. The correct way and correct count of arm exercises helps mature the fistula in an efficient / optimal manner.

[0008]

[0005] Exercising, however, is a task that requires dedication and is beneficial when performed the right way. When an individual performs exercises in the wrong way, he may suffer from injuries. Checking the maturation of the fistula is a tedious task that requires the user or patient to travel to a doctor. The user here is unsure of the maturation of the fistula for undergoing dialysis using the same.

[0009]

[0006] Generally, the user may be advised to comply with the routine for more than 2 months and if still the fistula doesn’t achieve the required flow rate for initiating dialysis, the fistula may be considered a failure. In case of fistula failure, the alternate option for starting the dialysis is through central venous access, since the blood toxicity levels in the blood are increasing day by day until a new fistula is created by undergoing surgery again. This wastes the efforts and time of the patient. Along the same line, testing the maturation of fistula may not be economical.

[0010]

[0007] The user would not have realized that the exercises performed by him were not sufficient in terms of count or the way that the exercises were performed even though the user is given prescribed count by the nephrologist.

[0011]

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to identify if the exercise being performed is in the right way

[0012] (including the frequency and process both) that strengthens and develops veins and arteries. Further, there is a need for a system that counts only when an exercise has been performed properly, as per the instructions of a doctor. Further, there is a need for a device that is accessible and affordable to the user in terms of cost, effort, and time that effectively measures the count of the exercise done in a recommended way.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0014]

[0009] An exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities helps patients in maturation of proximal fistula and avoid catheter-based options which have major risks associated with them. The device may be prescribed to a patient and routines can be defined based on patient characteristics and an urgency of need to initiate the dialysis process.

[0015]

[0010] The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities may help promote proximal fistula maturation using logged data on a day-to-day basis and improve compliance. The device may provide for features like an onboard monitoring counter for the nephrologist to monitor patients’ compliance to the routine. The device may be configured to allow logging daily activity as well as monitoring variation, and to monitor / validate the form of the exercise and only count the ones with the correct form. The device may be configured to allow nephrologists to set threshold values based on the patient's characteristics, the threshold value can be set in the device as a target count for the user.

[0016] [Oil] In one embodiment, the system provides for an on board power supply and display. In one embodiment, the display may provide the count of the exercise for current session and daily count.

[0017]

[0012] In another embodiment, the device could be connected to a mobile phone via Bluetooth and data could be logged on the device as well as transmitted to the dialysis clinic via a cloud based application.

[0018]

[0013] The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities may comprise of: [1] A metal dumbbell module, metal bar with silicone coated trapez grip for better ergonomics (non-metal or ceramic may also be used instead of metal); [2] One or more motion-sensing sensors (eg. a MEMS / NEMS micro-electro-mechanical systems or nano-electro-mechanical systems or other techniques - based accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, inertial measurement unit etc.) mounted on the custom designed dumbbell to fit the electronics; [3] An onboard computer / micro-controller that reads the sensor output and converts it to exerted effort, the manner with which the effort was applied during each unit of exercise (i.e. the exercise form), as well as the number of counts; [4] A communication module (bluetooth, wifi, usb, or other wired or wireless communication (eg. it can also have a sim), to communicate the form of the exercise and the counts to an application (mobile / computer / tablet / smartwatch / other digital platforms) or a cloud-based service for achieving, tabulating, and visualizing the results, to measure the level of compliance with the prescribed exercise routine and to provide recommendations on improving the form; [5] A display unit that visualizes the results of the exercise routine showing the accuracy of the form (comparison between prescribed and the actual form), counts, performance history, recommendations to improve, etc. for the benefit of the patient as well as the healthcare provider.

[0014] The device may be held by the patient to perform certain exercise routines (eg. a bicep curl exercise). When the patient performs the specified action, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), 3-axis accelerometer or 3-axis gyroscope (they can be either digital or analog), which generates 6 axis data from the 3D digital accelerometer and a 3D digital gyroscope is used to compute various parameters using the embedded algorithm in the micro controller which generates alert if it matches defined parameter ranges. In another embodiment, embedded ML (machine learning) model which is able to classify the motions may be used.

[0019]

[0015] In one embodiment, the inertial measurement unit (IMU), 3 -axis accelerometer or 3 -axis gyroscope (they can be either digital or analog), which generates 6-axis data from the 3D digital accelerometer and a 3D digital gyroscope, is used to compute various parameters using the embedded algorithm in the microcontroller. This algorithm generates alerts if the data matches defined parameter ranges. Another approach is to embed an ML model capable of classifying the motions. If the specified action is incorrect or incomplete, the counter does not increment. A buzzer module provides audio / visual feedback to the user on successful completion of exercise count. A visual feedback may also be provided. The logged data can be synced to a cloud service via bluetooth using a digital device (mobile phone, tablet, etc.). The data is processed on the cloud platform and can be sent to the patient or healthcare provider’s mobile phone app where the data is visualized to assess the exercise routine history and progress, and check for compliance to the prescribed routine.

[0020]

[0016] In further embodiments the disclosure also provides for a device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities, detachably attachable to a dumbbell. The device comprises of a holding unit attachable to a plate of a dumbbell and a detachable unit configured to be detachably attachable to the holding unit. The detachable unit may comprise of one or more motion-sensing sensor mounted within said exercise device housing, and configured to sense the motion of the arm. Further, a memory unit configured to store a predefined threshold data indicative of correctness or completeness of a unit of the exercise, and the predefined number of counts may be present inside the detachable unit. Furthermore, a processing unit may be configured to compare the data pertaining to movement of an arm with a fistula, indicative of an exercise performed by a user with a predefined threshold data indicative of correctness or completeness of a unit of the exercise, and to compare the predefined number of counts with the count of exercise. A display or visual output unit may be configured to indicate the count of exercise incrementing beyond the predefined number of counts.

[0021]

[0017] In one embodiment, the motion-sensing sensor is one or more of accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, inertial measurement unit. Further, the display unit is further configured to visualize the results of the exercise performed by the user, showing the accuracy of the manner of doing an exercise including counts, performance history, and recommendations to improve. Also, the accuracy of the manner of doing an exercise includes the profile of movement of the arm including angle, the speed of movement and extent. Furthermore, the processing unit is further configured with an embedded machine learning model configured to classify the movement of the arm. In another implementation, a buzzer indicating the count of exercise incrementing beyond the predefined number of counts uses an audio or vibration buzzer is provided.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0023]

[0018] The various sections of this document are better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and components disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a component referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or component shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

[0024]

[0019] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a fistula maturation exercising device as per an embodiment herein.

[0025]

[0020] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a system block diagram of a fistula maturation exercising device as per an embodiment herein.

[0026]

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a detachability feature of fistula maturation exercising device as per an embodiment herein.

[0027]

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram showing various parts of the detachable unit of fistula maturation exercising device as per an embodiment herein.

[0028]

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for determining and displaying count of exercise for assessing maturation of the fistula as per an embodiment herein.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION:

[0030]

[0024] An exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities and a method of fistula maturation management and assessment is described. In one embodiment, the device is configured to monitor the form, count and time of the exercise associated with a user. The measurements may be shown on a display present on the device. In another embodiment, the data gathered is available to be reviewed remotely by a healthcare worker / a medical practitioner.

[0025] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of different fistula maturation systems. Structures and devices as shown in the block diagram are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the invention and are meant to avoid obscuring the invention. Furthermore, connections between components within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections.

[0031]

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0032]

[0027] Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. The headings and subheadings used in the document are not intended to limit the content therein to the respective heading or subheading. Rather, they are used to help readers navigate and prevent obscuring the invention.

[0033]

[0028] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0034]

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0035]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036]

[0031] In one embodiment, the exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities may comprise of: [1] A metal dumbbell module, metal bar with silicone coated trapez grip for better ergonomics (non-metal or ceramic may also be used instead of metal), this external body may act as an exercise device housing; [2] One or more motion-sensing sensors (eg. a MEMS / NEMS micro-electro-mechanical systems or nano-electro-mechanical systems or other techniques - based accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, inertial measurement unit etc.) mounted on the custom designed dumbbell to fit the electronics; [3] An onboard computer / micro-controller that reads the sensor output and converts it to exerted effort, the manner with which the effort was applied during each unit of exercise (i.e. the exercise form), as well as the number of counts; [4] A communication module (bluetooth, wifi, usb, or other wired or wireless communication (eg. it can also have a sim), to communicate the form of the exercise and the counts to an application (mobile / computer / tablet / smartwatch / other digital platforms) or a cloud-based service for achieving, tabulating, and visualizing the results, to measure the level of compliance with the prescribed exercise routine and to provide recommendations on improving the form; [5] A display unit that visualizes the results of the exercise routine showing the accuracy of the form

[0037] (comparison between prescribed and the actual form), counts, performance history, recommendations to improve, etc. for the benefit of the patient as well as the healthcare provider.

[0032] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a fistula maturation exercising device as per an embodiment herein. The exercising device 100 comprises a bar 101 with a first end 101a and a second end 101b. The bar 101 comprises one or more ridges for providing grip upon holding the bar 101. In an embodiment, the bar 101 comprises one or more patterns for providing grip upon holding the bar 101. In another embodiment, the bar 101 comprises a material wrapped on for providing grip, wherein the material comprises a pattern or is a plain surface. In an embodiment, the bar 101 is of a circular cross-section. In another embodiment, the bar 101 is of a non-circular cross-section. A weight may be attached to each end of the bar 101 by one or more fastening mechanisms, such as screws. In an embodiment, the weights 102, 103 are attached by other attachment means known in the art. In yet another embodiment, the weights may be casted with the rod to form a single unit.

[0038]

[0033] In one embodiment, the weight attached to the first end 101a is a first weight 102 and the weight attached to the second end 101b is a second weight 103. The first weight 102 may comprise of atleast a first surface 102a and a second surface 102b. The first surface 102a comprises one or more display units 102c, a power switch 102f, and a speaker and / or buzzer 102e. The second surface 102b of the first weight 102 and the second surface 103b of the second weight 103 is of a shape that prevents the exercising device from moving on a surface upon placement. In an exemplary embodiment, the surfaces may be planar in nature. In an embodiment, the second weight 103 comprises one or more display units. The exercising device 100 is contoured around edges to provide for smooth edges enhancing ease of use. An LED 102m indicating the power of the device may be provided. Further, a charging port 102n is provided on the weight 102.

[0034] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a system block diagram of a fistula maturation exercising device as per an embodiment herein. The exercising device 100 comprises a power source module 201, a display unit 202, an accelerometer 203 sensor, a buzzer 208, a microcontroller 204, a real time clock (RTC) 207, a communication module 209, a serial communication module 210. The microcontroller 204 comprises a memory 205, the RTC 207 is powered by one or more CR2032 cells 206 and the buzzer 208 in an embodiment is a speaker. The power source module 201 comprises a universal serial bus connector (USB) female connector. The USB connector is connected to a battery charger that charges a battery. The battery, for example, is a lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery and the battery charger is a Li-Po battery charger. However, other battery types can also be used, for eg. Li-ion or others. The battery is connected to a voltage regulator circuit for providing a regulated voltage to the exercising device 100 based on requirement. An on / off circuit is connected to the voltage regulator circuit for facilitating power on and power off of the exercising device. The exercising device 100 further comprises the display unit 202 for displaying time, date, battery status, Bluetooth status, current count of lifts, and total count of lifts. In an embodiment, the display unit 202 is an OLED display. The display device 202, in an embodiment provides notifications of health parameters. The health parameters are real time parameters. In another embodiment, the display device 202 provides multimedia content. In another embodiment, the display device 202 is touch sensitive, that is, capacitive touch and / or resistive touch. The exercising device 100 further comprises an accelerometer sensor 203 as movement counters and activity trackers.

[0039]

[0035] In one embodiment, the exercising device 100 comprises a communication module 209, for example, bluetooth module, that enables connectivity of external devices with the exercising device 100. The communication module 209, in an embodiment is connected to a network for connecting the exercising device 100 with external devices for communication. The serial communication module 210 allows communication of the exercising device 100 with external devices. The sensors 203 such as accelerometers are connected to the microcontroller 204 by Inter- integrated circuit (I2C) and the display unit 202 is connected by a serial peripheral interface (SPI). In an embodiment, the units connected to the microcontroller 204 are connected through other protocols and interfaces.

[0040]

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a detachability feature of fistula maturation exercising device as per an embodiment herein.

[0041]

[0037] In one embodiment herein, the fistula maturation device as described may be implemented as a detachable device that may be Attached on to any existing dumbbell. As shown in the figure 3, the detachable implementation may comprise of a holder unit 301b that may be fixed to an existing dumbbell and the detachable unit 301a. Many types of existing dumbbells can be used. In one embodiment, the holder device 301b may be attached to the dumbbell 303 on the face of the plates of the dumbbell. This attachment of the holder to the face of the plate may be done using various attaching techniques such as, for example, using adhesive, or using a nut and bolt arrangement. The detachable unit may be fixed on the said holding unit detachably. In one embodiment, the holding unit may comprise of channels designed to allow bolt protrusions be guided into said channels, thus allowing attachment of the detachable unit to the holder unit. In another embodiment, the detachable unit may have complimenting channels to allow sliding in of the detachable unit into said holding unit. The working of the said detachable unit may be as described in the non-detachable implementation in reference to figure 1.

[0042]

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram showing various parts of the detachable unit of fistula maturation exercising device as per an embodiment herein.

[0043]

[0039] In one embodiment, the detachable unit may comprise of a power switch 401 to turn on / off the said detachable unit 301a. Further, a bluetooth button 402 may be provided to allow connecting the said device to any other bluetooth device, for example a mobile device where the data related to the device may be downloaded / read. Further a speaker 403 may be provided to prompt a user. An LED light 404 may be provided to provide visual prompt. In one embodiment, this prompt may indicate completion of an exercising cycle or a count. A c type port 405 may be provided for charging of the detachable unit. The lower end of the cylindrical detachable unit may comprise of the holder unit 301b affixed into the detachable unit 301a. The detachable unit may be housed in a housing 407. This housing may in some embodiments be made up of plastic / wooden or metal materials. An electronic display 409 may help identify the total count achieved so far. Further information such as time and date, remaining time before fistula identification may also be indicated.

[0044]

[0040] A person skilled in the art may realize that through the implementations as described in figure 3 and figure 4, the invention may be used in multiple existing dumbbell devices. Thus the invention provides for a device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities, detachably attachable to a dumbbell in one implementation. In another implementation an exercising device with such abilities integrated into the exercising equipment is provided.

[0045]

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for determining and displaying count of exercise for assessing maturation of the fistula as per an embodiment herein. A user holds the exercising device with a hand on which a proximal fistula has been created. The user holds the exercising device using the bar, as illustrated in FIG. 1, with the first surfaces of the first weight and the second weight facing upwards and the display unit is viewable by the user. The user performs exercise by lifting the exercising device upwards using the hand and lowers the exercising device downwards, as per recommendation.

[0046]

[0042] In one embodiment, the inertial measurement unit (IMU), 3 -axis accelerometer or 3 -axis gyroscope (they can be either digital or analog), which generates 6 axis data from the 3D digital accelerometer and a 3D digital gyroscope is used to compute various parameters using the embedded algorithm in the micro controller which generates alert if it matches defined parameter ranges, another approach is to embedded ML model which is able to classify the motions. This helps in tracking the movement of the hand. The accelerometer sensor provides the output data to the microcontroller. The microcontroller receives output data comprising date and time from the real time clock. The microcontroller compares the received output data from the accelerometer sensors with predefined threshold data stored in the memory unit. Upon determining if the output data from the accelerometer is above the threshold, then the microcontroller increments the count by 1. The microcontroller stores the count and date in the memory. The microcontroller provides the data such as date, time, battery, Bluetooth status, present count and total count of the day to the display unit for display.

[0047]

[0043] In one embodiment, a predetermined threshold may be stored that is indicative of the level of correctness of a form of the exercise. This predefined threshold value stored in the memory is met by the user only when the user is able to exercise in a way recommended by a qualified individual. The recommended way (form of an exercise containing a set of appropriate motions) of exercising ensures that a fistula used for the process of dialysis is matured and strengthened. Exercising the hand which is supposed to have a fistula before the fistula helps make the vein bigger and improves chances of having a working fistula. Exercising the fistula arm after the fistula is created helps increase the blood flow rate and increase the diameter of the blood vessel and making the vein easier to needle. The thresholds of the exercising device are customized based on the tests performed. In an embodiment, the exercising device is used for general workout, for example, in a gym as a gym equipment, for tracking and maintaining general fitness of a user. The threshold, material of the body of the equipment, and weights of the exercising device are varied based on requirement. The exercising device is connected to one or more external devices through a network. The user turns the bluetooth on an external device, such as a mobile phone, and pairs the external device with the exercising device. The external device uses a graphical user interface (GUI) / App corresponding to the exercising device to obtain and display the data comprising date, time, battery, present count and total count of the day. The buzzer provides an output indicating completion of necessary count of exercise with respect to a session, wherein the session is one of day, hour, and minute.

[0048]

[0044] The memory is a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, for example, the memory unit for storing programs and data. As used herein, “non-transitory computer readable storage medium” refers to all computer readable media, for example, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media, except for a transitory, propagating signal. Non-volatile media comprise, for example, solid state drives, optical discs or magnetic disks, and other persistent memory volatile media including a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), more memory types may be used. Volatile media comprise, for example, a register memory, a processor cache, a random access memory (RAM), etc. Transmission media comprise, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, modems, etc., including wires that constitute a system bus coupled to the microprocessor. The memory unit is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device that stores information and instructions for execution by the microcontroller. The memory unit also stores temporary variables and other intermediate information used during execution of the instructions by the microcontroller. The embedded microcomputer further comprises a read only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device that stores static information and instructions for the microcontroller.

[0049]

[0045] In one embodiment, the network is, for example, one of the internet, an intranet, a wired network, a wireless network, a communication network that implements Bluetooth® of Bluetooth Sig, Inc., a network that implements Wi-Fi® of Wi-Fi Alliance Corporation, an ultra- wideband communication network (UWB), a wireless universal serial bus (USB) communication network, a communication network that implements ZigBee® of ZigBee Alliance Corporation, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a mobile telecommunication network such as a global system for mobile (GSM) communications network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, a third generation (3G) mobile communication network, a fourth generation (4G) mobile communication network, a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication network, a long-term evolution (LTE) mobile communication network, a public telephone network, etc., a local area network, a wide area network, an internet connection network, an infrared communication network, etc., or a network formed from any combination of these networks. In an embodiment, the captured data are accessible to the user, for example, through a broad spectrum of technologies and devices such as cellular phones, tablet computing devices, etc., with access to the internet.

[0050]

[0046] Hence, the device can be used by patients to ensure that the fistula maturation takes place at the proximal regions in a defined time period. Another application area includes use in other medical conditions such as physiotherapy (for example: measuring and improving the range of motion and function of limbs for patient rehabilitation). Yet another application of the device may be in the gymnasium as smart dumbbells. A person skilled in the art may realize that the same may be used at home for measured and structured exercising equipment as well.

[0051]

[0047] Furthermore, the device can help patients avoid catheter- based options which have major risks associated with them. The embodiments herein helps in maturation of proximal fistula. The devices can be prescribed to a patient and routines can be defined based on patient characteristics.

[0052]

[0048] The device as per an embodiment herein will help promote proximal fistula maturation using logged data on a day-to-day basis. The prototype will have features like an onboard monitoring counter for the nephrologist to monitor patients’ compliance to the routine. We will also be logging daily activity as well as monitoring variation. The nephrologist will be able to set threshold values based on the patient's characteristics. The system will also have on board power supply and display. In another variant, where the device could be connected to a mobile phone via Bluetooth or other wireless technologies, and data could be logged on the device as well as transmitted to the dialysis clinic via a cloud based application.

[0053]

[0049] It will be understood that various aspects or details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation — the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for determining and displaying count of exercise and accordingly assessing maturation of the fistula: the set of instructions comprising: one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to: a. receive data pertaining to movement of an arm with a fistula, indicative of an exercise performed by a user; b. compare the received data with a predefined threshold data indicative of correctness or completeness of a unit of the exercise; c. Increment the count of the exercise if the said predefined threshold is met.

2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as in claim 1, further storing a set of instructions for determining and displaying count of exercise and accordingly assessing maturation of the fistula: the set of instructions comprising: one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to: a. store a predefined number of counts as a requirement for fistula maturation; b. compare the predefined number of counts with the count of exercise; c. indicate the count of exercise incrementing beyond the predefined number of counts.

3. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as in claim 1, further storing a set of instructions for determining and displaying count of exercise and accordingly assessing maturation of the fistula: the set of instructions comprising: one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to: a. transmit the count of exercise to a mobile device using a wireless transmission mechanism.

4. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as in claim 1, further storing a set of instructions for determining and displaying count of exercise and accordingly assessing maturation of the fistula: the set of instructions comprising: one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to: classify the movement of the arm using a machine learning model.

5. An exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities comprising: a. an exercise device housing allowing the exercising device to be held by a user; b. One or more motion-sensing sensor mounted within said exercise device housing, and configured to sense the motion of the arm; c. A memory unit configured to store a predefined threshold data indicative of correctness or completeness of a unit of the exercise, and the predefined number of counts;d. A processing unit configured to compare the data pertaining to movement of an arm with a fistula, indicative of an exercise performed by a user with a predefined threshold data indicative of correctness or completeness of a unit of the exercise, and to compare the predefined number of counts with the count of exercise. e. An output unit configured to indicate the count of exercise incrementing beyond the predefined number of counts.

6. The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities as in claim 5, wherein the one or more motion-sensing sensor is one or more of accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, inertial measurement unit.

7. The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities as in claim 5, wherein the display unit is further configured to visualize the results of the exercise performed by the user, showing the accuracy of the manner of doing an exercise including counts, performance history, and recommendations to improve.

8. The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities as in claim 7, wherein the accuracy of the manner of doing an exercise includes the profile of movement of the arm including angle, the speed of movement and extent.

9. The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities as in claim 5, wherein the processing unit is further configured with an embedded machine learning model configured to classify the movement of the arm.

10. The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities as in claim 5, wherein a buzzer indicating the count of exercise incrementing beyond the predefined number of counts uses an audio or vibration buzzer.

11. A device for fistula maturation management and assessment abilities, detachably attachable to a dumbbell, comprising: a holding unit attachable to a plate of a dumbbell; a detachable unit configured to be detachably attachable to the holding unit, further comprising: a. One or more motion-sensing sensor mounted within said exercise device housing, and configured to sense the motion of the arm; b. A memory unit configured to store a predefined threshold data indicative of correctness or completeness of a unit of the exercise, and the predefined number of counts; c. A processing unit configured to compare the data pertaining to movement of an arm with a fistula, indicative of an exercise performed by a user with a predefined threshold data indicative of correctness or completeness of a unit of the exercise, and to compare the predefined number of counts with the count of exercise. d. An output unit configured to indicate the count of exercise incrementing beyond the predefined number of counts.

12. The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities as in claim 11, wherein the one or more motion-sensing sensor is one or more of accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, inertial measurement unit.

13. The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities as in claim 11, wherein the display unit is further configured to visualize the results of the exercise performed by the user, showing the accuracy of the manner of doing an exercise including counts, performance history, and recommendations to improve.

14. The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities as in claim 11, wherein the accuracy of the manner of doing an exercise includes the profile of movement of the arm including angle, the speed of movement and extent.

15. The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities as in claim 11, wherein the processing unit is further configured with an embedded machine learning model configured to classify the movement of the arm.

16. The exercising device with fistula maturation management and assessment abilities as in claim 11, wherein a buzzer indicating the count of exercise incrementing beyond the predefined number of counts uses an audio or vibration buzzer.

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