Portable shoulder joint proprioceptive evaluation training instrument
By using a portable shoulder proprioception assessment and training device, combined with an angled arm support, laser pointer, and digital goniometer, the complexity and high cost of existing equipment have been solved. This device enables portable and low-cost shoulder proprioception assessment and training, improving testing efficiency and data accuracy, and is suitable for routine clinical environments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing shoulder joint proprioception assessment and testing equipment is complex, costly, and requires strict operation, which limits its widespread application in clinical practice. There is a lack of portable, low-cost, and easy-to-operate instruments to achieve rapid assessment and targeted training.
A portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training instrument was designed, including an angled arm support, a laser pointer, a digital goniometer, and a forearm fixation orthosis. Through modular design, inertial measurement sensors, and a Bluetooth module, it achieves portable and low-cost assessment and training. Combined with a bullseye map and an instant feedback mechanism, it simplifies the operation process and improves data accuracy.
It achieves portable and low-cost shoulder proprioceptive assessment, simplifies the operation process, improves testing efficiency and data accuracy, supports immediate feedback and personalized training, and is suitable for diverse needs in daily clinical environments.
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Figure CN223995325U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of proprioception testing technology, and in particular to a portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device. Background Technology
[0002] Proprioception, also known as joint position sense (JPS), motion sense, and afferent feedback from proprioceptors, is a person’s ability to recognize and reproduce the position of their limbs.
[0003] The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the human body, but this also leads to insufficient stability, making it one of the most unstable joints in the body. Proprioception in the shoulder joint is crucial for maintaining its functional stability; dynamic stability is achieved through the interaction between the proprioceptive system and muscle force. When proprioception is impaired, shoulder joint stability decreases, increasing the risk of dislocation. Furthermore, shoulder proprioception is also involved in motor control, helping to regulate muscle activity to maintain coordination and reduce the risk of injury.
[0004] Commonly used shoulder proprioceptive assessment tests are limited by their complexity and high technical requirements. These tests typically require specialized equipment and highly trained operators to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test and training results. For example, some tests may require the use of high-precision sensors and sophisticated software to analyze shoulder movement and positional perception, while the training process also requires precise feedback mechanisms and strict control conditions to ensure the stability of training effects. Furthermore, these tests and training often need to be conducted in a controlled laboratory environment, which limits their widespread application in clinical practice. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a portable, low-cost, and easy-to-operate instrument that can enable rapid assessment and targeted training while ensuring the objectivity and repeatability of the data. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device that is simpler, lower cost, and easier to operate, enabling effective assessment and targeted training of shoulder proprioception in routine clinical settings, thereby improving sensory control and motor accuracy of the shoulder joint. The technical solution is as follows:
[0006] This application provides a portable shoulder joint proprioceptive assessment and training instrument, including an angled arm support, a laser pointer, a digital goniometer, and a forearm fixation orthosis. The angled arm support has an adjustable rotating head for fixing the shoulder joint position and ensuring test stability. The laser pointer is fixed to the rotating head of the angled arm support and projects a laser point onto a target image on a wall. The digital goniometer is mounted on the angled arm support and displays and records the shoulder joint flexion, extension, and rotation angles in real time. The forearm fixation orthosis is fixedly connected to the angled arm support for fixing the subject's forearm.
[0007] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device, the rotating head of the angle arm support is provided with a scale marking from 0° to 180°, and the target angle is fixed by a locking mechanism for precise control of the shoulder joint range of motion.
[0008] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training instrument, the digital goniometer has a built-in inertial measurement sensor and includes a display screen, a power button, a delete button, and a main control button. It exports data via a USB port to display angle changes in real time and support subsequent analysis.
[0009] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device, the forearm fixation orthosis uses an adjustable low-temperature plate and Velcro to fix the subject's forearm to restrict forearm movement and improve the accuracy of angle measurement.
[0010] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device, the low-temperature plate of the forearm fixation orthosis has an adjustable curvature, and the Velcro uses a combination of hook and loop surfaces to adapt to different forearm sizes and provide stable fixation.
[0011] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device, a bullseye map is also included, fixed to the wall and initially aligned with the laser pen, for marking the laser point offset distance and quantifying the positional deviation in conjunction with concentric circle scales.
[0012] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training instrument, the angle arm support is connected to the digital goniometer via a side snap-fit structure to prevent the device from shifting during measurement and to ensure the accuracy of the angle data.
[0013] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device, the forearm fixation orthosis and the angled arm support are fixed by a detachable connector for quick assembly and disassembly.
[0014] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training instrument, the digital goniometer has a built-in Bluetooth module for wirelessly transmitting real-time angle data to external devices, supporting remote monitoring and data analysis.
[0015] The beneficial effects of a portable shoulder joint proprioceptive assessment and training device provided in some embodiments of this application are as follows:
[0016] (1) Portability and low cost: By combining lightweight aluminum alloy bracket, modular design and standardized bullseye pattern, traditional large equipment is eliminated, manufacturing costs are significantly reduced, and it is easy to carry and quickly deploy in clinics, gyms and other scenarios.
[0017] (2) Ease of operation: The integrated design of the laser pointer and digital goniometer simplifies the calibration process. The adjustable structure of the forearm fixation orthosis is suitable for subjects of different body types, reducing the technical threshold for operators and improving testing efficiency.
[0018] (3) Data accuracy and objectivity: The digital protractor based on the inertial sensor records the angle change in real time, and combines the target center map to quantify the offset distance. The two-dimensional data (angle error + offset distance) comprehensively evaluates the proprioception and avoids the limitations of a single indicator.
[0019] (4) Real-time feedback and training optimization: Laser dot marking and Bluetooth transmission functions support real-time visual feedback during testing, helping subjects to quickly adjust their movements; training modes are expanded with variables such as speed and weight to achieve personalized progressive training.
[0020] (5) Clinical applicability: The detachable components facilitate disinfection and maintenance, are suitable for dynamic activity simulation training (such as grasping and lifting), and meet the diverse needs of functional training in clinical rehabilitation and sports medicine. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training instrument provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0024] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.
[0025] This application provides a portable shoulder joint proprioceptive assessment and training device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the device includes an angled arm support 2, a laser pointer 1, a digital goniometer 3, and a forearm fixation orthosis 4. The angled arm support 2 has an adjustable rotating head 21 for fixing the shoulder joint position and ensuring test stability. The laser pointer 1 is fixed to the rotating head 21 of the angled arm support 2 and is used to project a laser point onto a target image on a wall. The digital goniometer 3 is mounted on the angled arm support 2 and is used to display and record the shoulder joint flexion, extension, and rotation angles in real time. The forearm fixation orthosis 4 is fixedly connected to the angled arm support 2 and is used to fix the subject's forearm.
[0026] The angle arm support 2 is used to adjust the test angle, facilitating proprioceptive testing of the shoulder joint at different angles. The angle arm support is made of lightweight and sturdy aluminum alloy, offering adjustability and stability to ensure the subject's shoulder joint remains stable during testing, avoiding errors caused by support instability. The laser pointer 1 is made of stainless steel, with a compact design, featuring a push-type constant switch, three laser colors (red, purple, and white), a USB charging port 12, and a constantly lit switch 11. The laser pointer 1 is fixed to the rotating head 21 of the angle arm support 2. By precisely adjusting the angle of the laser pointer 1, the laser point is projected onto a bullseye map 100cm from the wall. This bullseye map is used to obtain the distance difference of the subject's shoulder joint at different test angles, thereby assessing the accuracy of proprioception.
[0027] This application achieves portable and low-cost assessment and training of shoulder proprioception through the synergistic effect of an angled arm support, laser pointer, digital goniometer, and forearm fixation orthosis. Its integrated design simplifies the operation process of traditional complex equipment, improves testing efficiency, and ensures the reliability and consistency of test data through the precise coordination of multiple components (such as laser projection angle calibration and forearm fixation).
[0028] For example, in the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training instrument provided in one embodiment, the rotating head 21 of the angle arm support 2 is provided with a scale marking from 0° to 180°, and the target angle is fixed by a locking mechanism for precise control of the range of motion of the shoulder joint.
[0029] According to the above embodiments, the adjustable range of the angle arm bracket from 0° to 180° and the scale markings cover the main range of motion of the shoulder joint. The locking structure can fix the target angle, prevent the bracket from shifting during the test, ensure the accuracy and repeatability of the angle setting, and reduce human error.
[0030] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the digital protractor 3 has a built-in inertial measurement sensor and includes a display screen 31, a power button 32, a delete button 33, and a main control button 34. It exports data through a USB port to display angle changes in real time and support subsequent analysis.
[0031] According to the above embodiments, the built-in inertial measurement sensor can accurately measure the flexion, extension, and rotation angles of the shoulder joint, monitor the dynamic changes of the shoulder joint in real time, and record each key point in the testing process, providing reliable data support for subsequent analysis; the digital goniometer's display screen shows the angle data in real time, making it easy for the tester to quickly read the results; the delete key and main control key simplify the operation process, and the USB data export function supports subsequent data analysis, providing structured data support for clinical research and improving evaluation efficiency.
[0032] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the forearm fixation orthosis 4 uses an adjustable low-temperature plate 41 and Velcro 42 to fix the subject's forearm, thereby limiting forearm movement and improving the accuracy of angle measurement.
[0033] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the low-temperature plate 41 of the forearm fixation orthosis 4 has an adjustable curvature, and the Velcro 42 adopts a combination design of hook and loop surfaces to adapt to different forearm sizes and provide stable fixation.
[0034] According to the above embodiments, the adjustable curvature of the low-temperature plate and the hook / loop fastener design can adapt to subjects with different forearm sizes, ensuring that the forearm is fixed firmly and comfortably, avoiding measurement deviations caused by limb movement, and improving the accuracy of test results.
[0035] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training instrument, a bullseye map is also included, which is fixed to the wall and initially aligned with the laser pen 1 for marking the offset distance of the laser point and quantifying the positional deviation in conjunction with the concentric circle scale.
[0036] According to the above embodiments, the standardized target map is aligned with the initial position of the laser pointer through center calibration, providing a unified benchmark for offset distance measurement; combined with laser dot marking, the abstract perception of shoulder joint position can be transformed into intuitive quantitative data (such as offset in centimeters), enhancing the objectivity and comparability of the assessment.
[0037] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training instrument, the angle arm support 2 and the digital goniometer 3 are connected by a side buckle structure to prevent the device from shifting during the measurement process and to ensure the accuracy of the angle data.
[0038] According to the above embodiment, the side buckle structure connects the angle arm bracket and the digital protractor, ensuring that both remain rigidly fixed during the test, avoiding angle measurement errors caused by equipment loosening, while simplifying the equipment assembly steps and improving operational convenience.
[0039] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training device, the forearm fixation orthosis 4 and the angled arm support 2 are fixed by a detachable connector for quick assembly and disassembly.
[0040] According to the above embodiments, the detachable connector design allows for quick separation of the forearm fixation orthosis from the angle arm support, facilitating storage, carrying, disinfection, and maintenance. This adapts to the flexible use needs of clinical or outdoor scenarios, enhancing the portability and practicality of the instrument.
[0041] For example, in one embodiment of the portable shoulder joint proprioception assessment and training instrument, the digital goniometer 3 has a built-in Bluetooth module for wirelessly transmitting real-time angle data to external devices, supporting remote monitoring and data analysis.
[0042] According to the above embodiments, the digital protractor has a built-in Bluetooth module that supports wireless data transmission. It can synchronize real-time angle data to external devices such as mobile phones, tablets or computers, which facilitates remote monitoring, instant generation of analysis reports, and provides a technical basis for multi-device collaborative work (such as in conjunction with motion analysis software).
[0043] When evaluating the active reduction and reproduction of the shoulder joint using the portable shoulder joint proprioceptive assessment and training instrument of this application, the following steps are included:
[0044] Step 1: Subject Preparation
[0045] Subjects sat in a backless chair 100cm away from the wall, adjusting to a comfortable posture, ensuring their upper body was straight and their feet were flat on the ground, avoiding any external support that might interfere with shoulder joint movement. The direction of shoulder joint movement (abduction or flexion) was determined according to the experimental requirements, and the subject's starting posture was adjusted to ensure consistency of experimental conditions.
[0046] Step 2: Device Assembly and Debugging
[0047] Assemble the portable shoulder joint proprioception testing device according to the following steps:
[0048] Forearm fixation orthosis 4 adjustment: Based on the subject's forearm size, the low temperature plate curvature 41 and the position of the Velcro 42 of the orthosis are adjusted to securely fix it to the subject's forearm, ensuring that the subject's forearm remains stable during the experiment.
[0049] Laser pointer 1 calibration: Turn on laser pointer 1 and adjust the angle of the angle arm bracket 2 according to the experimental requirements so that the laser point is accurately projected onto the center position of the target on the wall to ensure the accuracy of the initial position.
[0050] Digital goniometer 3 settings: Turn on the digital goniometer 3, record the initial angle of the shoulder joint when the laser point is projected onto the target image, and at the same time check the stability and sensitivity of the angle measuring device to ensure that the equipment is in normal working condition.
[0051] Step 3: Shoulder joint proprioception test
[0052] Target angle memorization: Subjects actively moved their shoulder joints to specific angles. According to the experimental design, the target angles were set as low (55°±10°), medium (90°±10°), and high (125°±10°), while keeping the elbow fully extended, the forearm in a neutral position, and the thumb pointing towards the ceiling. Subjects held this position for 2-3 seconds to fully memorize the target position.
[0053] Initial position reset: Before the subject returns to the starting position, the tester blindfolds the subject to eliminate visual feedback interference and ensure the validity of the test. After the subject actively returns to the starting position of the shoulder joint, they move again to the target angle according to their memory. When the subject confirms that the target position has been reached, the assessor records the position of the laser point on the target map at this time and marks the point with a marker, while measuring its distance from the target center (unit: cm).
[0054] Repeated testing: The test is performed randomly in the flexion and abduction directions of the shoulder joint. Each target angle test in the same direction is repeated 5 times, with a 30-second interval between each measurement to avoid the influence of muscle fatigue on the test results.
[0055] Step 4: Data Processing and Analysis
[0056] Absolute error (AE): The absolute error value of shoulder joint proprioception is obtained by calculating the average of 5 measurements in each test.
[0057] Error angle: By comparing the difference between the target angle and the actual angle, the accuracy of shoulder joint proprioception is further quantified.
[0058] Offset distance: Measure the distance of the laser point from the target position, and combine it with the angle error to provide a comprehensive assessment of the subject's shoulder joint proprioception.
[0059] This portable proprioceptive testing instrument for active shoulder joint reduction and reconstruction provides more accurate and objective proprioceptive assessment data by simultaneously measuring error angle and offset distance. Its simple structural design makes it easy to assemble and operate, and its low manufacturing cost facilitates effective assessment of shoulder joint proprioceptive function in routine clinical settings. Furthermore, its systematic testing method and wide coverage of testing angles comprehensively reflect the proprioceptive function of the shoulder joint under different movement directions and angles.
[0060] Training active reduction and reproduction of the shoulder joint using the portable shoulder joint proprioceptive assessment and training instrument of this application includes the following steps:
[0061] The first and second steps are consistent with the evaluation method.
[0062] Step 3: Proprioception Training
[0063] Target angle memorization and repositioning: The subject actively moves the shoulder joint to the target training angle, keeping the elbow extended, forearm in a neutral position, and thumb pointing towards the ceiling. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds, memorizing the specific position of the shoulder joint and the muscle sensation.
[0064] After memorizing the information, the subject actively returns to the starting position, and the trainer assists in calibrating the initial posture to ensure accuracy in the next movement.
[0065] Active repositioning training: With the subject blindfolded, they actively move their shoulder joint to the target training angle from memory, while maintaining precise control as much as possible. After each repositioning, the trainer records the actual position of the laser point and provides feedback on the deviation from the target center (in cm) and the target angle error. The trainer provides immediate feedback based on the magnitude of the error, guiding the subject to make angle corrections.
[0066] Repeated training and adjustments: Repeat each target angle 5-10 times. Alternate between flexion and abduction directions, with a 30-second interval between different directions to avoid fatigue. As training progresses, gradually increase the complexity of the target angles, for example, by incorporating larger or smaller angle variations.
[0067] Step 4: Data Feedback and Personalized Adjustments
[0068] Data recording: After training, the average deviation distance and angle error of the subjects at each target angle were recorded and compared with the initial training data to evaluate the training effect.
[0069] Feedback mechanism: Through intuitive data displays, such as trend graphs of angular error changes and distance distribution graphs of laser point deviation from the target center, subjects can understand their training progress and shortcomings.
[0070] Personalized adjustments: Based on training data and the subject's performance, adjust the training objectives for the next stage, such as: increasing the accuracy requirements of the target angle; increasing the complexity of angle changes (e.g., from single-direction training to multi-direction combination training). Fifth step: Extensibility of the comprehensive training program. This instrument can be used in conjunction with the following training strategies to enhance proprioceptive abilities:
[0071] Speed control training: Increase the speed variation of shoulder joint movements to cultivate the subject's proprioceptive accuracy under different speed conditions.
[0072] Weight training: Add light weights (e.g., 1-2 kg) during training to enhance the proprioceptive response of muscles.
[0073] Dynamic training: Extend training to dynamic activities, such as shoulder proprioceptive training that simulates everyday functional movements (such as grasping and lifting).
[0074] Although the embodiments of this application have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for this application. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, this application is not limited to the specific details and the illustrations shown and described herein.
Claims
1. A portable shoulder proprioceptive assessment training instrument, characterized in that, The application relates to a device for measuring the range of motion of a shoulder joint, comprising: an angle arm support with a rotating head with adjustable rotation angle for fixing the position of a shoulder joint and ensuring test stability; a laser pen fixed on the rotating head of the angle arm support for projecting a laser point to a wall target center diagram; a digital protractor arranged on the angle arm support for real-time display and recording of the flexion, extension and rotation angles of a shoulder joint; a forearm fixing orthosis fixedly connected with the angle arm support for fixing the forearm of a subject.
2. The portable scapular proprioceptive assessment training instrument of claim 1, wherein, A 0-180-degree scale mark is arranged on the rotating head of the angle arm support, a target angle is fixed through a locking mechanism, and the shoulder joint range of motion is accurately controlled.
3. The portable scapular proprioceptive assessment training instrument of claim 1, wherein, The digital protractor is internally provided with an inertial measurement sensor, and the digital protractor comprises a display screen, a power key, a delete key and a main control key, data is exported through a USB port, the angle change is displayed in real time, and subsequent analysis is supported.
4. The portable scapular proprioceptive assessment training instrument of claim 1, wherein, The forearm fixing orthosis fixes the forearm of a subject through an adjustable low-temperature plate and a magic tape, and the forearm movement is limited to improve the angle measurement accuracy.
5. The portable scapular proprioceptive assessment training instrument of claim 4, wherein, The low-temperature plate of the forearm fixing orthosis is adjustable in curvature, and the magic tape is designed in combination of a hook surface and a nap surface, so that different forearm sizes can be adapted and stable fixation can be provided.
6. The portable scapular proprioceptive assessment training instrument of claim 1, wherein, The target center diagram is fixed on a wall and aligned with the initial calibration of the laser pen, and is used for marking the laser point deviation distance and combining with the concentric circle scale to quantify the position deviation.
7. The portable scapular proprioceptive assessment training instrument of claim 1, wherein, The angle arm support and the digital protractor are connected through a side buckle structure, so that the equipment deviation in the measurement process is prevented, and the angle data accuracy is ensured.
8. The portable scapular proprioceptive assessment training instrument of claim 1, wherein, The forearm fixing orthosis is fixed with the angle arm support through a detachable connecting piece, so that the forearm fixing orthosis can be quickly assembled and disassembled.
9. The portable scapular proprioceptive assessment training instrument of claim 3, wherein, The digital protractor is internally provided with a Bluetooth module, real-time angle data is wirelessly transmitted to an external device, remote monitoring and data analysis are supported.