Method and device for gait training

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for gait training. The person training moves on a long conveyor belt with elongated adjustable handrails as if on a walking track and is transported back to the starting point at the end of the track, with the conveyor belt stopping automatically.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for gait training for rehabilitation purposes.

[0002] Gait training is a standard component of rehabilitation. Walking bars are used as support devices to improve the walking ability of people with gait disorders or mobility limitations. Such devices are known, for example, from DE 10 2010 017 927 A1, which describes additional measuring and training equipment.

[0003] The known devices can be used for gait training as well as for biomechanical gait analysis, in which a person's gait is examined and analyzed. However, a disadvantage here is that only a short walking distance, roughly the length of a walking bar, can be covered at any one time. To achieve a high training effect, it is necessary to train over the longest possible walking distance without the trainee having to turn around or be assisted to the start of the walking distance.

[0004] Therefore, devices and methods for gait training and gait analysis that utilize a treadmill are also used in rehabilitation. Examples include DE 40 27 317 C1 and US 6,010,465 A.

[0005] The applicant's international patent application PCT / EP2006 / 01 04 71 deals with improvements to known solutions for deriving differentiated medical and sports physiological statements. In particular, it teaches methods and procedures for accurately and differentially recording the actual speed of the treadmill by utilizing the time and location dependency of pressure distribution images recorded on the treadmill while a subject is walking or running.

[0006] From EP 1 145 1682 A2, a rehabilitation device and method based on treadmill technology are known, in which the function of the treadmill is adapted to the current state of a patient's walking or running ability to be restored. In particular, the treadmill speed is adjusted to the user's personal gait cycle. A further patent specification of the applicant EP 2 060 229 B1 aims to use a treadmill with integrated pressure distribution sensors not only as a pure analysis device for gait analysis, but to further develop the system into a training / therapy device.

[0007] Training on a treadmill fundamentally alters gait patterns, differing from walking on a fixed track. The changing configuration of the moving treadmill produces a biomechanically different gait pattern with regard to foot strike, joint angles, muscle activity, and the demands placed on balance and coordination. Therefore, gait training on a fixed track is often preferred, especially for untrained individuals, those with severe walking difficulties, and the elderly.

[0008] These disadvantages and limitations are resolved in their method aspect by the features of claim 1 and in their device aspect by a device with the features of claim 5. Advantageous further developments of the inventive concept are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] With the method and devices according to the invention, gait training on a walking track is possible over a longer period without having to leave the walking track or turn around at the end. This is achieved by using an endless conveyor belt according to the invention, which consists of a frame with integrated rollers and an electrically operated, continuous, long conveyor belt with height-adjustable handrails extending along the walking track, as well as a device located at the beginning of the walking track or the conveyor belt for detecting the position of the feet and / or legs, and a control unit that stops the running of the endless belt when the position of the feet / legs is detected near the position detection device.The person exercising takes several steps forward and, at the end of the walking distance, is transported back to the starting point by the activated conveyor belt. The conveyor belt stops automatically, and the person can then take several more steps forward. The person can support themselves using the continuous handrails provided.

[0010] The following are key aspects or embodiments of the device: In one version, there is another position detection device at the end of the walking route, which automatically starts the conveyor belt via a control unit and brings the person training back to the starting point. In another embodiment, the conveyor belt is automatically started at a slow speed after leaving the starting position, with the person training remaining at the end of the walking distance and slowly being brought back to the start. In another embodiment, the person exercising walks forward while the conveyor belt is stationary or running very slowly and is transported back. A further position detection device, located approximately in the middle of the walking path, increases the speed of the conveyor belt to a normal walking speed, allowing the person exercising to perform a normal treadmill gait training session.

[0011] To avoid constantly repositioning and adjusting the handrails, another version provides movable hand grips or forearm supports on the left and right handrails via a roller or sliding guide, which move forwards and backwards along the walking route together with the person exercising.

[0012] In another version, the conveyor belt can be adjusted at an angle to the ground to allow walking uphill, downhill or to the side.

[0013] To enhance the training effect of postural control, in another version the conveyor belt can be set in vertical movements relative to a base frame via oscillating elements.

[0014] In another version, the conveyor belt can be mounted on air lifting cushions or on electrically or pneumatically controlled actuators.

[0015] The apparatus aspects of the invention outlined above correspond, in a manner readily apparent to those skilled in the art, to corresponding process aspects, thus rendering a separate listing unnecessary. Furthermore, the implementation of the invention is not limited to the aspects and embodiments specifically mentioned above, but is also possible in a multitude of variations that fall within the scope of proper technical practice. The advantages and expediencies of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a two-dimensional representation of an overall arrangement from the side Fig. 2a and b are sketchy representations of a gait training method. Fig. 3a and b are sketchy representations of a variant of the procedure Fig. 4. A description of a method for gait and treadmill training Fig. 5 a two-dimensional representation of a moving unit with a handle Fig. 6 a two-dimensional representation of a variant from Fig. 5

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of the device according to the invention. Two rollers 2 are integrated into a frame 1, each with a long, continuous transport belt 3 and adjustable handrails 4 via sliding guides 4a. The transport belt 3 is moved backwards at the top by an electric drive (not shown). By way of example, position detection systems 5 for the feet / legs are provided at the start 5a, in the middle 5c, and at the end 5b of the walking path. These can consist of light barriers or multi-stage light barriers. However, other position detection systems based on optics, acoustics, or magnets are also possible. Particularly preferably, force sensors or a pressure sensor matrix are located under the walking surface, e.g., in or under the walking platform 1a shown, which allow position detection of the person training in all three required positions 5a to 5c.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the gait training process. The person being trained steps onto the stationary conveyor belt and takes several steps forward. While in the forward position, the person stops and is then moved backward by belt 3, which is activated, for example, by the therapy staff. The belt is automatically stopped by the position detection system 5a and the subsequent control unit. The belt speed must be such that a fall from the belt is impossible.

[0018] In a different version, the position detection system 5a also automatically detects whether the person training has left the starting position and then sets the conveyor belt in motion slowly and significantly below walking speed. This extends the walking distance for the person training. At the end of the walking distance, the person training stops and is automatically transported back to the starting point and stopped there.

[0019] Fig. Figure 3 shows the gait training process in one variant with an additional position detection unit. This unit can automatically start the belt movement for the return transport and bring the trainee back to the starting point. In all cases, the transport speed of the belt will generally be in the range of 0.3–0.6 km / h.

[0020] Fig. Figure 4 shows a combination of walking on the walking track with walking in the form of a familiar treadmill workout. The trainee walks forward on the stationary belt 3 or in slow, counter-rotating transport mode and, upon reaching the end of the walking track, is moved backward automatically or by the therapist. In the middle of the walking track, the therapist can either stop the belt or directly increase the belt speed to the desired treadmill speed. Alternatively, the feet / legs can be detected by the position detection system 5c, and the belt speed can be automatically controlled or increased accordingly. During the subsequent treadmill workout, the treadmill 3 moves at the trainee's walking speed, with the trainee remaining practically in the same position 5c.

[0021] Fig. Figure 5 shows a possible embodiment of a slide-shaped traversing unit 6 which moves on the handrails 4 via a roller or sliding bearing. The traversing unit is provided with a handle 6a. In a particular embodiment, the traversing unit 6 has an automatic braking device according to the invention.

[0022] Fig. In one variant, 6 shows the handle instead of the handrail. Fig. 5 a forearm support 6b connected to a traversing unit. This can be adjusted in its angle of inclination via a swivel joint 6c.

[0023] The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the examples and aspects explained above, but is also possible in a multitude of variations that fall within the scope of professional practice. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 40 27 317 C1

[0004] US 6,010,465

[0004] EP 1 145 1682 A2

[0006] EP 2 060 229 B1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Method for training walking on a walking track consisting of a long conveyor belt on which the person being trained takes several steps forward and at the end of the walking track is transported back to the starting point by means of the conveyor belt being put into operation, whereby the conveyor belt stops automatically and the person can again take several steps forward, whereby the person can support himself on existing continuous handrails. [2] Method for training walking on a walking track according to claim 1 wherein the person being trained takes several steps forward and at the end of the walking track the conveyor belt starts automatically and the person is transported back to the starting point, wherein the conveyor belt stops automatically and the person can take several more steps forward. [3] Method for training walking on a walking track according to claim 1 in which the person training takes several steps forward, wherein the conveyor belt simultaneously moves backward at a speed significantly below the walking speed and at the end of the walking track the person stops and is transported back to the starting point by means of the slowly backward moving conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor belt stops automatically. [4] Method for training walking on a walking track consisting of a long conveyor belt on which the person being trained takes several steps forward and at the end of the walking track is transported back to the middle of the walking track by means of the conveyor belt being put into operation, and in which, after reaching the middle position, the conveyor belt speed is increased to the normal walking speed of the person and a conventional treadmill gait training is carried out at this speed. [5] Device for training walking on a walking track according to claim 1, comprising a frame with integrated rollers and an electrically operated, continuous, long transport belt with height-adjustable handrails extending along the walking track, as well as a device located at the beginning of the walking track or the transport belt for detecting the position of the feet and / or legs, and a control unit that stops the running of the endless belt when the position of the feet or legs is detected near the position detection device. [6] Device for training walking on a walking track according to claim 2, comprising a frame with integrated rollers and an electrically operated, continuous, long transport belt with height-adjustable handrails extending along the walking track, as well as a device located at the beginning and end of the walking track or the transport belt for detecting the position of the feet and / or legs, and a control unit that stops the running of the continuous belt when the position of the feet or legs is detected near the position detection device. [7] Device for training walking on a walking track according to claim 3, comprising a frame with integrated rollers and an electrically operated, continuous, long transport belt with height-adjustable handrails extending along the walking track, as well as a device located at the beginning of the walking track or the transport belt for detecting the position of the feet and / or legs, and a control unit for automatically starting the belt movement at a belt speed significantly below the walking speed when the feet or legs move away from the starting point in the direction of the walking track and / or stopping the belt movement when the feet or legs approach the starting point from the direction of the walking track. [8] Device for training walking on a walking track according to claim 4, comprising a frame with integrated rollers and an electrically operated, continuous, long transport belt with height-adjustable handrails extending along the walking track, as well as a device located in the middle of the walking track or the transport belt for detecting the position of the feet and / or legs and a control unit for automatically stopping the belt movement and / or increasing the belt speed up to the walking speed of the person training. [9] Device for training walking on a walking track according to claims 5 to 8, wherein the position detection system consists of a light barrier system or a multi-stage light barrier system or a camera-based image recognition system. [10] Device for training walking on a walking track according to claims 5 to 8, wherein the position detection system consists of several force sensors arranged under the walking surface or a pressure distribution sensor matrix arranged under the walking surface. [11] Device for training walking on a walking track according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the long, height-adjustable handrails along the walking track there are each a moving unit provided with hand grips or a forearm support, wherein the moving units are connected to the handrails via a sliding or roller bearing and the trainee can hold on to them and secure himself during the walking training. [12] Device for training walking on a walking track according to claim 11, wherein the movement units have a device for detecting the speed of movement or acceleration along the handrails and, when the speed or acceleration increases, increase the sliding resistance or brake or stop the movement along the handrails. [13] Device for training walking on a walking track according to claim 11, wherein the detection of the speed of movement or acceleration in both directions of movement forwards and backwards is carried out and that the device for detection includes a pendulum-like body whose deflection range is connected to a braking device. [14] Device for training walking on a walking track according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame with integrated rollers and an electrically operated continuous long transport belt and the height-adjustable handrails extending along the walking track is adjustable in its angle of inclination to the ground along the walking track or laterally in steps or continuously. [15] Device for training walking on a walking track according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame is provided with integrated rollers and an electrically operated circumferential long transport endless belt and the height-adjustable handrails extending along the walking track, preferably with four oscillating elements, and can be set into dominant vertical movements by the positioning movements of the trainee or by electrically or pneumatically controlled actuators. [16] Device for training walking on a walking track according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame with integrated rollers and an electrically operated continuous long transport belt and the height-adjustable handrails extending along the walking track can be set into perturbing movements with air lifting cushions or electrically or pneumatically controlled actuators and / or the angle of inclination can be changed.

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