ORTHOPEDIC FEEDBACK SYSTEM AND FEEDBACK PROCEDURE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an orthopedic feedback system in conjunction with an orthopedic support system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a feedback method.

[0002] Orthopedic support devices, also known as orthoses, are body-hugging aids, i.e., they are attached to a part or region of the body and are designed to ensure mobility and stability of body parts or regions. Orthoses are available for various body parts or regions. Examples include knee, foot, hip, elbow, or back orthoses. Orthoses are used to stabilize, relieve pressure, immobilize, guide, or correct limbs or the torso and also serve to compensate for functional deficits in the extremities or spine. Thus, orthoses can be used for therapeutic measures to teach or regain natural movement patterns. One therapeutic approach involves achieving a training effect through an orthosis-supported combination of repetitive movements and increased load.This usually requires the cooperation of a patient who can detect a load limit sensorially through pain. However, there are medical conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, incomplete paraplegia, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injuries, sensory dysfunctions (e.g. polyneuropathy) or post-polio syndromes in which sensory sensations such as touch and pain are impaired or can no longer be perceived. If sensory input is missing, for example in the lower extremities, an adequate response to changing situations during gait is not possible, which leads to under- or over-exertion and consequently has a negative impact on the progress of healing or therapy. Another disadvantage is that without conscious perception of stimuli during movement, movement sequences cannot be consolidated or can only be regained very slowly.In such cases, the goal of physiotherapy and occupational therapy has so far been to provide sensory input through touch stimuli in sensitive areas of the body in order to facilitate or trigger movements. Orthoses help replace or build up missing strength and lost muscles.

[0003] In particular, conventional leg or foot orthoses often reach their functional limits due to a lack of forefoot loading and are unable to support the patient to the desired extent. For many patients with sensory deficits in the extremities, this results in their own potential, the potential of therapy, and the potential of assistive devices not being fully utilized. Although the functionality of sensorimotor systems is used in orthopedic technology in the form of sensorimotor insoles and also combined with other orthopedic products, this requires a certain degree of residual sensory function in the patient. Without feeling in the patient's leg or foot, it is not possible to provide the necessary feedback to adequately control the desired muscles. Patients therefore develop protective strategies that compromise efficiency when standing and walking.

[0004] DE 10 2011 012 458 A1 discloses a feedback system with which pressure signals detected on a shoe insole (sole) are reproduced as a perceptible feedback signal for a user. The signal reproduction of the recorded pressure force values is performed visually, acoustically, or through vibration using a reproduction element, such as a smartphone. The pressure force is recorded in an undifferentiated manner, with the recorded pressure force being reproduced as feedback in the form of a simple signal.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to propose an orthopedic feedback system for the therapeutic support of patients with tactile and haptic sensory disorders. Furthermore, the object is to propose a corresponding feedback method.

[0006] According to the invention, the object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and further developments can be realized with the features specified in the subordinate claims.

[0007] The invention is based on the idea of making pressure loads occurring in a supported body region or part of the patient perceptible by means of tactile or haptic stimuli in a sensitive body region or part of the patient's body in patients with partially impaired tactile or haptic stimuli. This enables sensory feedback in the form of tactile stimuli of loads occurring in an orthopedic support system and / or a body part engaged with the orthopedic support system.

[0008] The orthopedic feedback system comprises at least one orthopedic support device, which has at least one support element that engages with a first body part or a first body region. The orthopedic support device is an orthosis or a prosthesis that, when in use, engages with a body part or a body region.

[0009] Furthermore, the orthopedic feedback system comprises a pressure force detection device comprising a plurality of pressure force detection sensors, which is configured to detect a pressure force acting on the first body part, the first body region, or the at least one support element. The term "pressure force" is intended to be a generic term for various types of mechanical stress, such as stretching and torsion, which can be detected by sensors on the first body part, the first body region, or the at least one support element.

[0010] To reproduce compressive forces detected by the compressive force detection device, the orthopedic feedback system has a reproduction device which is in communication with the compressive force detection device and which has at least one reproduction element which is in contact with a second body part or a second body region or which is engaged by the second body part or the second body region and which is configured for the tactile reproduction of a compressive force signal detected by the compressive force detection device to the second body part or the second body region.

[0011] The reproduction element, which is configured for the tactile reproduction of a pressure force signal detected by the pressure force detection device, serves to provide a tactile stimulus perceptible to the patient for feedback of pressure forces acting on the first body part, the first body region, or the at least one support element. In the use state, the reproduction element is in contact with the second body part or the second body region. The second body part or the second body region and the reproduction element can interlock. For example, the second body part or the second body region can grasp the reproduction element. The second body part or the second body region is a sensory-sensitive body area, which enables haptic perception of tactile stimuli reproduced by the reproduction element. The reproduction element is therefore in contact with a sensory-sensitive body area.

[0012] According to various embodiments of the orthopedic feedback system, the playback element of the playback device can be integrated into a separate support device, which is engaged by the second body part or the second body region. The separate support device can also be configured as a component of the orthopedic support device. Furthermore, the playback element can be integrated into a handle of a walking stick.

[0013] According to further various embodiments of the orthopedic feedback system, the playback element of the playback device can be integrated into a piece of clothing. Furthermore, the playback element of the playback device can be integrated into an armband, a chest band, or a torso cuff.

[0014] According to a particularly simple embodiment, the display element comprises at least one vibration actuator, the vibration intensity of which can be controlled as a function of the intensity of a detected pressure force signal from the pressure force detection device. According to the invention, the display element has a display matrix comprising a plurality of actuators, which is configured to display a pressure force profile on the second body part or the second body region, detected by the pressure force detection device. The actuators for displaying tactile stimuli are arranged at a distance from one another. Display elements for the tactile display of a pressure force signal detected by the pressure force detection device can be attached to various sensitive body regions. Integration of the display element into a chest strap, a bra, a bracelet, a collar or necklace, a headband, or eyeglasses can be provided.It can further be provided that playback elements are attached to different positions on the body. According to a further embodiment of the invention, an integration of playback elements in a right armband and in a left armband can be provided, wherein different detected pressure force signals are provided for playback on the left armband or on the right armband. For example, a pressure force signal detected on a left foot can be provided with the playback device for playback on a left armband, wherein the playback device provides a playback signal of a pressure force signal detected on a right foot to a right armband. Corresponding combinations can be provided for various other body regions or body positions. To play back detected pressure force signals, stimulation via the mastoid process by means of high-frequency vibration can also be provided.

[0015] The communication connection between the pressure force detection device and the display device can be wireless. For example, a Bluetooth connection can be provided as the wireless connection. Corresponding communication modules for providing a wireless connection, for example a Bluetooth connection, are known from the prior art.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the orthopedic feedback system, the pressure force detection device can be designed in the form of an insole for insertion into a shoe. The insole can have several pressure force detection sensors arranged at a distance from one another, which are configured to detect a pressure force profile. Furthermore, the pressure force detection device can be designed for integration into an orthopedic insole or for permanent connection to the support element.

[0017] The pressure force detection device can be configured to detect the signals of the pressure force detection sensors of the insole or the orthopedic insole as a heat map diagram or a topographical diagram, wherein the display element can be configured to tactilely display the information of a detected heat map diagram or a detected topographical diagram on the second body part or the second body region.

[0018] The pressure force detection sensors of the pressure force detection device can be arranged on the at least one support element. Preferably, the pressure force detection takes place under the sole of a foot. The pressure force detection sensors of the pressure force detection device are therefore preferably integrated into an orthopedic insole, for example, a shoe insole.

[0019] According to various embodiments of the orthopedic feedback system, the pressure force detection device can comprise at least four individual pressure force detection sensors. Preferably, the pressure force detection device can comprise more than 100 individual pressure force detection sensors. To create detailed heat map diagrams or topographical diagrams that enable the analysis of complex pressure force loads, the pressure force detection device can comprise more than 1000 individual pressure force detection sensors. The pressure force sensors can be arranged in an area matrix.

[0020] The invention further comprises a feedback method, which can preferably be carried out with the orthopedic feedback system according to the invention. In the feedback method, a compressive force acting on or upon a first body part, a first body region, and / or a support element for the first body part or the first body region is detected, and the detected compressive force is reproduced by means of a reproduction element on a second body part or a second body region with a tactile stimulus.

[0021] According to the invention, the compressive force is detected at a plurality of compressive force detection positions on the first body part, the first body region and / or the support element for the first body part or the first body region as a compressive force profile, heat map diagram or topographical diagram, wherein the information of the compressive force profile, the heat map diagram or the topographical diagram is reproduced with tactile stimuli at a plurality of reproduction positions on the second body part or the second body region.

[0022] It can be provided that the intensity of the tactile stimulus reproduced on the second body part or the second body region correlates with the intensity of the compressive force detected on the first body part, the first body region, or the support element. Furthermore, it can be provided that the intensity of a detected compressive force is reproduced more strongly or less strongly in relation to the actual load due to the intensity of the tactile stimulus.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the tactile stimulus is reproduced when a detected pressure force exceeds and / or falls below a predetermined threshold value. Thus, it can be provided that a tactile stimulus is reproduced on the second body part or the second body region when it is detected that a predetermined pressure force is exceeded. Furthermore, it can be provided that a tactile stimulus is reproduced on the second body part or the second body region when it is detected that a predetermined pressure force is undershot. According to a third variant, a tactile stimulus can be reproduced on the second body part or the second body region when it is detected that a predetermined pressure force is exceeded or undershot.By applying pressure force thresholds to trigger the tactile stimulus, therapeutic measures can be implemented to signal underload and / or overload to a patient.

[0024] According to various embodiments of the feedback method, it can be provided that a predetermined tactile stimulus is reproduced when a detected pressure force exceeds and / or falls below a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined tactile stimulus, which is triggered when a detected pressure force exceeds and / or falls below a predetermined threshold value, differs from the tactile stimuli whose intensity and reproduction pattern correlate with the detected pressure force. Preferably, the predetermined tactile stimulus can be reproduced as a periodic vibration signal for a predetermined period of time. By reproducing predetermined tactile stimuli, further therapeutic measures can be implemented by reproducing predetermined tactile stimuli with a predetermined reproduction pattern, for example as a warning signal to signal an overload.

[0025] Tactile stimuli reproduced by reproduction elements of the reproduction device in a sensitive body region (second body region) or on a sensitive body part (second body part) can be reproduced with different vibration patterns.

[0026] Preferably, the information for reproducing the tactile stimulus will be transmitted wirelessly.

[0027] The invention will be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the following figure.

[0028] It shows: Figure 1: a schematic diagram to explain the functionality of the orthopedic feedback system

[0029] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram to explain the functionality of the orthopedic feedback system. Figure 1a one person 4, Figure 1b a footprint of a foot 3 of person 4, the Figure 1ca walking stick 5 of person 4 and Figure 1d a hand 7 of person 4.

[0030] The orthopedic feedback system comprises a support element (not shown) engaging with the leg 1 as the first body part, said support element being a leg orthosis. Furthermore, the orthopedic feedback system comprises a pressure force detection device (not shown) having a plurality of pressure force detection sensors. The pressure force detection sensors are integrated into an orthopedic insole 2, which is arranged under the foot 3 of the person 4. The pressure force detection sensors are Force Sensitive Resistance (FSR) sensors, which are formed from three layers of electrical conductors. Between the upper electrical conductor and the lower electrical conductor of the FSR sensor is a pressure-sensitive substance, which changes its electrical resistance proportional to the pressure. As the pressure increases, the electrical resistance decreases.The electrical resistance is measured by measuring the electrical conductivity. For this purpose, a voltage is applied to an upper conductor track, and the voltage is measured on the conductor track below it. The voltage is measured at a reference resistor that leads to ground, at the input of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of a microcontroller (MCU). The pressure force detection device can have a matrix with 956 pressure detection sensors integrated in the insole 2. A multiplexer is used to forward the signals from the pressure detection sensors. The pressure force detection device also has a computing unit with which the signals from the pressure force sensors are evaluated and converted into information for reproducing tactile stimuli. Pressure values are thus continuously recorded under the entire surface of the foot 3.From these values, information for the reproduction of tactile stimuli is generated for the desired area, taking into account predefined threshold values.

[0031] Furthermore, the orthopedic feedback system has a playback device that is connected to the pressure force detection device via Bluetooth wireless communication and is integrated into the walking stick 5. The playback device has two playback elements 6 in the form of vibration motors, which are integrated into a handle 8 of the walking stick 5 for the tactile playback of pressure force signals detected by the pressure force detection device to a hand 7 of the person 4. The vibration motors 6 are integrated as playback elements in the handle 8 of the walking stick 5 in such a way that tactile stimuli can be played back to the hand 7 of the person 4 when the hand 7 grasps the handle 8 of the walking stick 5.

[0032] In Figure 1dThe playback device is designed in the form of an arm ring 9, in which at least one vibration motor is formed as a playback element. The arm ring is worn by the person 4 on the wrist of the hand 7, so that tactile stimuli for reproducing pressure force signals detected by the pressure force detection device can be perceived at the wrist.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the feedback method comprises the following steps: Pressure detection of a compressive force load on the foot 3 with the compressive force detection device integrated in the orthopedic insole 2, forwarding of the detected compressive force values to a transmitter module 10 which is arranged in the area of the ankle of the person 4, radio transmission of the detected compressive force values with the transmitter module 10 to a mobile terminal, for example a smartphone, wherein the detected compressive force values are stored, radio transmission of the detected compressive force values with the transmitter module 10 to a playback device of the walking aid 5 or the arm ring 9, and playback of tactile stimuli based on the detected compressive force values with the playback devices, so that the person 4 can perceive a compressive force load acting on the foot 3 on the palm of the hand or on the wrist.

[0034] As a result of the tactile reproduction, person 4 receives a substitute stimulus for the missing perception of foot 3 .Thus, person 4 is able to specifically target a muscle to compensate for underloading or overloading of foot 3 by shifting the body position. It has been shown that the tactile stimuli, which are reproduced based on the pressure force values recorded on foot 3 in the area of a sensitive body region, can be perceived as sensations of the foot. List of reference symbols

[0035] 1 leg 2 Insole 3 Foot 4 person 5 Crutch 6 Playback elements / vibration motors 7 hand 8 Handle 9 Bracelet 10 Transmitter module

Claims

1. An orthopaedic feedback system having at least one orthopaedic support apparatus in the form of an orthosis or prosthesis, which has at least one support element in engagement with a first body part (1, 3) or a first body region, a compressive force detection device, which has multiple compressive force detection sensors and is configured to detect a compressive force acting on the first body part (1, 3), the first body region or the at least one support element, and a reproduction device, which has a communications link with the compressive force detection device and has at least one reproduction element (6), which is in contact with a second body part (7) or a second body region or is in engagement with the second body part or the second body region and is configured for the tactile reproduction, on the second body part (7) or the second body region, of compressive force signals detected using the compressive force detection device, characterised in that the reproduction element (6) has a reproduction matrix, which has multiple spaced-apart actuators and is configured to reproduce, on the second body part (7) or the second body region, a compressive force profile detected by the compressive force detection device.

2. The orthopaedic feedback system according to Claim 1, characterised in that the reproduction element (6) of the reproduction device is integrated in a separate support device, which is in engagement with the second body part (7) or the second body region.

3. The orthopaedic feedback system according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the reproduction element (6) of the reproduction device is integrated in an article of clothing, in a chest strap, in a bra, in an armband, in a neckband or necklace, in a headband or in a pair of spectacles.

4. The orthopaedic feedback system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the communications link between the compressive force detection device and the reproduction device is wireless.

5. The orthopaedic feedback system according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the compressive force detection device is in the form of an insole (2) for inserting into a shoe, for incorporating onto an orthopaedic insert or for permanent connection to the support element.

6. The orthopaedic feedback system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that compressive force detection sensors are arranged on the at least one support element.

7. The orthopaedic feedback system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the compressive force detection device has at least four individual compressive force detection sensors, preferably more than 100 individual compressive force detection sensors, particularly preferably more than 1000 individual compressive force detection sensors.

8. A feedback method that can be carried out using the orthopaedic feedback system according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which method a compressive force acting on a first body part (1, 3), a first body region and / or a support element for the first body part (1, 3) or the first body region is detected at multiple compressive force detection positions as a compressive force profile, heat map diagram or topographical diagram, wherein the information of the compressive force profile, the heat map diagram or the topographical diagram is reproduced by means of a reproduction element (6) with tactile stimuli at multiple reproduction positions on the second body part (7) or the second body region.

9. The feedback method according to Claim 8, characterised in that an intensity of the tactile stimulus on the second body part (7) or the second body region correlates with an intensity of the compressive force detected on the first body part (1, 3) or the first body region.

10. The feedback method according to one of Claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the tactile stimulus is reproduced on the second body part (7) or the second body region when a detected compressive force exceeds and / or falls below a predefined threshold value.

11. The feedback method according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterised in that, when a detected compressive force exceeds or falls below a predefined threshold value, a predefined tactile stimulus is reproduced.

12. The orthopaedic feedback method according to one of Claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the predefined tactile stimulus is reproduced as a periodic vibration signal for a predefined duration.

13. The orthopaedic feedback method according to one of Claims 8 to 12, characterised in that information for reproducing the haptic feedback signal is transmitted wirelessly.