Treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis and stimulating bone growth

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for treatment or prevention of osteopenia and osteoporosis, stimulating bone growth, preserving or improving bone density, and inhibiting adipogenesis.SOLUTION: One embodiment comprises a motor configured to be in vibrational conductance with an area of a subject, one or more sensors in communication with the motor for receiving feedback relating to the vibrational conductance, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller is configured to receive the feedback through one or more sensors and measure an amount of vibrational conductance transmitted to the area of the subject such that the feedback is correlated to a fit of the motor relative to the area of the subject. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to adjust one or more parameters of the motor in response to the correlated fit until the feedback is optimized within a predetermined range for treatment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An apparatus for the treatment or prevention of osteopenia and osteoporosis, stimulation of bone growth, maintenance or improvement of bone density, and inhibition of adipogenesis.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to the stimulation of bone growth, the healing of bone tissue, and the treatment and prevention of osteopenia, osteoporosis and chronic back pain, as well as the preservation or improvement of bone density, and the suppression of adipogenesis by the repeated application of mechanical load to bone tissue. (Incorporated by reference)

[0003] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein.

Background Art

[0004] Low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis are serious problems faced by the elderly, and in 2002, they led to 1.5 million fractures (Non-Patent Document 1). Bisphosphonates, a class of compounds that usually inhibit bone resorption, have been used for more than 10 years to treat osteoporosis and have achieved considerable results, but they cause undesirable side effects including osteonecrosis of the jaw, esophageal erosion, and atypical femoral fractures, leading to a reconsideration of the use of bisphosphonate therapy.

[0005] One alternative for treating osteoporosis is the use of whole-body vibration (WBV), which consists of repeated mechanical loading of bone tissue by a vibrating device using a relatively high frequency (e.g., 15 to 90 Hz) and a relatively low mechanical load (e.g., a load of 0.1 to 1.5 g). Studies have shown that WBV can delay and / or stop the progression of osteoporosis (Non-Patent Document 2). In another randomized study in which a vibration force of 0.6 g or more was delivered to the patient's feet, it was demonstrated that WBV is effective in improving hip BMD outcomes compared to a control group that did not exercise or was part of an exercise program (Non-Patent Document 3).

[0006] Related studies have demonstrated the ability of WBV to improve the buttocks and maintain spinal BMD in groups of healthy cyclists, postmenopausal women, and children with disabilities (Non-Patent Document 4).

[0007] The mechanism by which WBV affects BMD is a matter of some debate, but studies have suggested that the shear stress within the bone marrow in the trabecular bone structure during high-frequency vibration can provide mechanical signals to bone marrow cells that lead to bone assimilation (Non-Patent Document 5). More specifically, shear stress exceeding 0.5 Pa is mechanically stimulating to osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and mesenchymal stem cells (Non-Patent Document 5).

[0008] Many conventional methods for promoting bone tissue growth and bone maintenance by the application of WBV generally tend to apply relatively high frequencies (e.g., 15 to 90 Hz) and relatively low-intensity mechanical loads (e.g., loads of 0.1 to 1.5 g) to the limbs of the body, such as the use of a vibrating platform on which the user stands to repeatedly apply a mechanical load to the user's feet. In current WBV vibrating platforms (e.g., Galileo 900 / 2000 (registered trademark) manufactured by Novotec Medical in Pforzheim, Germany, or Power Plate (registered trademark) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands) and associated treatment regimens, the user is required to stand on the platform for up to 30 minutes a day, which is inconvenient for many users. Furthermore, applying vibration to the patient's feet is an inefficient way to mechanically load the buttocks, thighs, and spine, which are the target areas for WBV therapy for osteoporosis. Up to 40% of the vibratory force is lost between the feet, buttocks, and spine due to mechanical damping in the knees and ankles (Non-Patent Document 6).

[0009] Another issue with current WBV platforms is the directionality of the applied force. When standing on a vibrating platform, an individual receives WBV stimulation in a plane orthogonal to the long bones of the spine and hip. Studies have shown that vibrations applied in the vertical direction deviate from the principal fiber column direction of the greater trochanter and femoral neck, resulting in a reduction of shear forces. In contrast, the trabeculae of the lumbar spine align with the direction of vibration and have higher permeability (Non-Patent Document 5).

[0010] A more efficient and user-friendly source of mechanical vibration that delivers a force of approximately 0.6 g directly to the spine and hip is needed. A more efficient method of delivering the vibration force would maximize the therapeutic effect on osteoporosis by reducing the load applied to the patient, making the device easier to use, and localizing the mechanical load repeatedly delivered to the hip and spine. Additionally, the ability to deliver WBV within a plane orthogonal to the directionality of the long bones of the spine and hip may be more effective than traditional vibrating plates on which a person stands.

[0011] Furthermore, portable and stationary devices are desirable.

[0012] Finally, existing technologies for vibrating platforms limit the application of WBV to special populations who can benefit from its use. For example, cyclists have been shown to have lower BMD than other athletes and lower BMD than seated athletes (Non-Patent Document 7). Thus, a wearable delivery system in this technology expands the reach of this tool to a wider range of individuals. Not only can a wearable device be used during cycling (or other activities), but the present invention can be configured to supply WBV to a rider via a bicycle for the purpose of preserving BMD within cyclists.

[0013] In an individual but related argument, WBV has been proposed to "assimilate the musculoskeletal system" and "concurrently suppress obesity" (Non-Patent Document 8). In animal models, studies have shown that small-sized WBV can reduce adipogenesis of stem cells and can provide a tool for "non-pharmacological prevention of obesity and its sequelae" (Non-Patent Document 8). In a study conducted on obese women, WBV has shown a "positive effect on weight and waist circumference reduction" (Non-Patent Document 9).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0014]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Document 3

Non-Patent Document 4

Non-Patent Document 5

Non-Patent Document 6

[0015] Wearable vibration devices provide novel methods and devices for bone growth, bone tissue healing, and the prevention of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and chronic back pain.

[0016] Wearable vibration devices can maintain or promote bone tissue growth, prevent the onset of osteoporosis, and treat chronic back pain. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0017] Typically, a vibration device according to one embodiment includes a motor configured to have a vibration conductance with a subject area, one or more sensors in communication with the motor for receiving feedback regarding the vibration conductance from the subject area, and a control unit in communication with the motor. The control unit is configured to receive the feedback via the one or more sensors and measure the amount of vibration conductance transmitted to the subject area such that the feedback correlates to the adaptation of the motor to the subject area. Additionally, the control unit is further configured to adjust one or more parameters of the motor in response to the correlated adaptation until the feedback is optimized within a predetermined range for treatment.

[0018] In use, one way to position a vibration device relative to a subject typically involves fixing a motor to have a vibration conductance in the region of the subject, driving the motor to transmit vibrations to the region, sensing feedback via one or more sensors that communicate with the motor regarding the vibration conductance from the region, correlating an adaptation of the motor to the region based on the feedback, and, optionally, adjusting one or more parameters of the motor in response to the correlated adaptation until the feedback is optimized within a predetermined range for treatment.

[0019] In some embodiments of the wearable vibration device, the device effects an effective treatment by targeting a vibratory mechanical load to the user's buttocks and spinal column.

[0020] The wearable vibration device can deliver WBV stimuli in the left - right, front - back, and / or up - down directions. This flexibility in the delivery system allows for better targeting of the buttocks and spinal column in the treatment of osteoporosis and loss of BMD. More specifically, in one variant, one or more vibration elements are positioned relative to the subject's body via one or more fixing mechanisms, which are configured to position the vibration elements laterally to the individual's body such that a mechanical load is applied laterally to the subject. The adaptation of the device can be monitored by various sensors, and the vibratory energy can be adjusted to be less than the optimal adaptation. Additionally, the wearable device provides the user with more walking options than a fixed device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

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Figure 2B

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Figure 4C

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Figure 5B

Figure 5C

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Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Figure 1 shows a wearable vibration device according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, it is configured to be worn around the waist such that vibrational energy is applied to the user's hip / spinal region. Band 102 is secured to the body by a securing mechanism or strap 104. Container or enclosure 106 includes a vibration motor, a processor, a battery, a battery charger, a voltage regulator, a buzzer or alarm, a motor sensor, a thermal switch, and other components and / or electronics. Container 106 is secured to band 102 and is connected to pressure sensor 112 by connector 110. Buffer, or foam, block, or spacer 108 functions to more accurately direct vibrational energy towards a specific area of the user and also to enhance comfort while the user is using the wearable vibration device. Accelerometer 114 monitors the vibrational forces transmitted through the body to determine whether the wearable vibration device is accurately fitted. The accelerometer also evaluates the effectiveness of applying vibrational forces to the user. Pressure sensor 112 also serves this purpose by determining the pressure of the device against the body. The measured pressure indicates the fit of the device.

[0023] The term motor is understood to mean a motor that directly transmits vibrational energy to the subject or a combination of motors that drive a mechanism for transmitting vibrational energy to the subject.

[0024] The fit of the wearable vibration device is important to ensure proper functioning. For example, if the wearable vibration device is too loose or too tight against the body, an appropriate amount of vibrational energy may not be transmitted to one or more bones, the energy may be transmitted to the wrong location, or the energy may be transmitted in the wrong direction. In addition, if the fit is not accurate, the comfort of the user of the device is compromised.

[0025] To ensure proper and secure fitting, the wearable vibration device includes one or more sensors. These sensors include, but are not limited to, one or more contact sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more strain gauges, one or more accelerometers, and one or more gyroscopes. One or more sensors can be placed anywhere on the wearable vibration device, including straps, bands, fastening mechanisms, motors, spacers, containers, etc. In addition, one or more alarms are included in the wearable vibration device to warn the user to adjust the fit. Various types of alarms can be used, including audible sounds, visible ones such as blinking lights, and tactile sensations including pulsations of the vibration motor. The alarm sounds at a set time, or until the fit is improved, or both. In addition, or alternatively, the fastening mechanism of the wearable vibration device may self-adjust based on feedback from one or more fit sensors. This is achieved by motors, thermal mechanisms, mechanical mechanisms, electrical mechanisms, etc.

[0026] Alternatively, or in addition, if the fit is not transmitting optimal vibration energy, the processor of the wearable vibration device adjusts the movement of the motor to increase or decrease the vibration energy transmitted to the user. In this way, the optimal treatment vibration energy is automatically optimized even if the fit changes during treatment.

[0027] Figures 2A through 2C show various views of a wearable vibration device according to one embodiment. Figure 2A shows the side of the wearable vibration device that does not face the user. Band 202 is secured to the body by fastening mechanism or strap 204. Container, pouch or pocket 206 contains motor 212, electronics 210 and battery 214. Bone portion 208 helps to firmly hold the contents of pocket 206 and helps to impart rigidity to the wearable vibration device.

[0028] Figure 2B shows the aspect in which the side of the wearable vibration device facing the user is in contact with the user's body thereby. The container, pouch, or pocket 220 holds the spacer described in FIG. 1. The pressure sensor 222 detects the vibration of the motor within the pocket 206 as well as the measured value of the pressure resulting from the overall clamping or fitting of the wearable vibration device against the user's body. One or more pressure sensors may be further disposed in or instead of other areas of the wearable vibration device. The accelerometer 216 is held in the pocket or slot 218 and is for monitoring the fitting of the wearable vibration device and / or the effectiveness of the transmission of the vibration force to the user. One or more various sensors are arranged at various positions of the wearable vibration device to monitor the fitting of the device.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a front view of a wearable vibration device according to an embodiment. The band 302 is fixed to the body by a fixing mechanism or strap 304. The motor 306 and other electronic devices and components are included in the container 308 within the pocket 310. The spacer 312 and the pressure sensor 314 are inside the wearable vibration device. The bone part 316 helps to firmly hold the contents of the pocket 310 and helps to impart rigidity to the wearable vibration device. The accelerometer 318 helps to monitor the fitting of the wearable vibration device and / or the effectiveness of the transmission of the vibration force to the user.

[0030] Figures 4A through 4C show various views of a wearable vibration device according to an embodiment. Figure 4A shows the side of the wearable vibration device that does not face the user. The container, pouch, or pocket 406 includes the motor 402 and the motor sensor 404. The pouch or pocket 420 includes the electronic device 410 and the battery 412. The bone part 408 helps to firmly hold the contents of the pocket 406 and helps to impart rigidity to the wearable vibration device. The accelerometer 414 helps to monitor the fitting of the wearable vibration device and / or the effectiveness of the transmission of the vibration force to the user.

[0031] Figure 4B shows the aspect in which the side of the wearable vibration device facing the user is in contact with the user's body thereby. The container, pouch, or pocket 418 holds the spacer described in FIG. 1. The pressure sensor 416 detects the measured value of the vibration of the motor in the pocket 406 and the pressure due to the overall tightening of the wearable vibration device against the user's body. One or more pressure sensors may be further disposed in, or instead of, other areas of the wearable vibration device. The accelerometer 414 monitors the fit of the wearable vibration device and / or the effectiveness of the transmission of the vibration force to the user.

[0032] Figure 4C shows a bottom view of the devices of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0033] FIGS. 5A through 5C show various views of a wearable vibration device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5A shows the aspect in which the side of the wearable vibration device facing the user is in contact with the user's body thereby. In this embodiment, the spacer device 506 holds the motor 504, the electronic device 502, and the battery 510. The pressure sensor 508 is outside the spacer and is thus in contact with the user. The pressure sensor 508 detects the measured value of the vibration of the motor and the pressure due to the overall tightening of the wearable vibration device against the user's body. One or more pressure sensors may be further disposed in, or instead of, other areas of the wearable vibration device. This embodiment enables a smaller device.

[0035] Figure 5B shows a plan view of the device of FIG. 5A. Figure 5C shows the side of the wearable vibration device that does not face the user.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a logic diagram of the functions of a wearable vibration device according to an embodiment. First, as shown in box 602, the device is turned on. Next, as shown in box 604, the processor checks for faults. Predetermined components undergo checks including battery, electronic communication, and other checks. If there is any fault, the processor moves to the fault handling box 622. For example, at startup, a single fault is sufficient to trigger fault handling, but during operation, multiple faults must occur either continuously or within a specific time frame to trigger fault handling. If there are no faults, the processor moves to enter the treatment state shown in box 606. Entering the treatment state includes starting a treatment timer, starting the motor at nominal settings, and also includes other processes. During the treatment state, the processor acquires data either intermittently or continuously, such as data on motor movement, device adaptation, and movement frequency, as shown in box 608. Adaptation includes feedback from one or more sensors including, but not limited to, one or more contact sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more strain gauges, one or more accelerometers, and one or more gyroscopes. The movement and frequency of the motor are measured by a motor sensor.

[0037] If the movement of the motor is not within the appropriate range, as shown by box 610, a motor movement fault is triggered. The appropriate range is preset and depends on factors such as the user's weight, height, age, gender, etc., as well as the type, area, time, etc. of the treatment. The appropriate range may be set dynamically based on the adaptation of the wearable vibration device and / or other factors. When a fault occurs in the movement of the motor, a buzzer, alarm, visible light, and / or other alarms occur.

[0038] If the fit is not within an appropriate or optimal range, as shown in box 616, a misfit or warning is triggered. The appropriate range for the fit is based on feedback from any of the sensors described herein. The appropriate / optimal range for the fit is either preset or set dynamically based on the fit of the wearable vibration device and / or other factors. The processor periodically checks the fit. For example, if the fit check returns two or more consecutive misfits, the fit warning processing unit is triggered. The fit warning processing unit is shown in box 618. Due to the misfit, a pulse alarm generated by the vibration of the vibration motor, an audible buzzer or alarm, visible light, and / or other alarms occurs.

[0039] After hearing, feeling, visually recognizing, or otherwise perceiving the fit alarm, the user adjusts the fit of the wearable vibration device, or the processor adjusts the movement of the motor as shown in box 614, or both are done. The frequency, amplitude, and other motor parameters are adjusted to optimize the treatment in response to the fit warning. The motor parameter adjustment is a continuous check that occurs in the normal code loop. For example, if for some reason (fit, movement, activity, body position, time, etc.) the motor frequency changes and is outside a predetermined window away from a predetermined frequency (e.g., 30 Hz) from a predetermined timer or counter, the motor self-adjusts to correct the frequency error.

[0040] As the treatment progresses, the processor continuously or intermittently checks the treatment timer as shown in box 612. When the treatment time is completed, the processor moves to box 620 and the treatment ends. If the treatment time is not completed, the processor of the wearable vibration device continues the treatment and continues to acquire motor, fit, and / or other data until the treatment ends.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of various components of a wearable vibration device according to one embodiment. The processor 702 includes control electronics and is disposed on a circuit board 704. The circuit board is provided within an enclosure 706, along with other components, similar to the enclosure 106 of FIG. 1, for example. Also provided on the circuit board are a buzzer 708, a battery charger 722 connected to the battery, and a voltage regulator 724. Further provided inside the enclosure are a battery 712, a motor 728, a motor sensor 726 connected to the motor, and a thermal switch 730. A charging port 714 is provided in the wall of the enclosure or container, thereby being accessible and allowing the battery to be charged.

[0042] On the outside of the enclosure, there are provided a power switch 720, a charging LED 718, a status LED 710, and other components including any one or more compatibility sensors. The compatibility sensors include, but are not limited to, one or more contact sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more strain gauges, one or more accelerometers, and one or more gyroscopes.

[0043] Embodiments for treating other body regions are also envisioned. For example, the vibration is transmitted to the foot via a device such as a shoe or sock, or a device attached to the foot or lower limb by a strap or other means. The vibration stimulus delivered to the foot or lower limb helps to treat osteoporosis or other diseases.

[0044] The vibration noise applied to the sole of the shoe of the foot has been shown to improve sensation, improve balance, and / or reduce the variability of walking. The vibration noise or energy may be potential or may be perceived by the wearer. As in the case of other embodiments, the application of vibration may be periodic, continuous, or otherwise.

[0045] Although certain embodiments are described herein, other embodiments are contemplated. For example, the wearable vibration device may be configured to be worn on other areas of the body such as the neck, back, hands, feet, head, etc. The vibration energy may be configured to be directed in different directions, multiple directions, alternating directions, different directions simultaneously, etc. A plurality of vibration motors may be provided within the device, thereby increasing the flexibility of the orientation of the vibration energy in terms of direction, body part, etc. The vibration energy changes over time, thereby causing an increase / decrease in amplitude, an increase / decrease in frequency, a change in direction, a program loop, on / off, etc. The stimulating vibration may also incorporate different types of waveforms. For example, square, triangular, sawtooth, sine waveforms, etc. These different waveforms introduce harmonics of the fundamental frequency and provide enhanced or additional advantages. A plurality of frequencies may be superimposed on each other within the vibration element. A plurality of vibration motors may be worn on different parts of the body. A plurality of wearable vibration devices may be worn. A plurality of vibration motors may be used to partially or completely cancel, increase, or modify the vibration energy applied to the user. The vibration energy is transcutaneously transmitted to an implanted metal plate. For example, the vibration device can be placed on the outer surface of the leg to vibrate a metal bone plate within the leg to reduce osteonecrosis around the plate. The device according to the present embodiment can be used periodically, once a day, once a week, or once a month, to reduce bone necrosis.

[0046] The wearable vibration device according to the present embodiment is used for the prevention of SI joint syndrome, SI joint disease, SI joint instability, SI joint blockage, myalgia and tendalgia in the pelvic region, pelvic ring instability, structural disorders after lumbar fusion, and recurrent SI joint blockage and muscle tension paralysis (rectus abdominis, piriformis adductor muscle), ligament rupture and relaxation, back pain and other symptoms.

[0047] Figure 8 shows a vibration device according to one embodiment in the form of a seat cover or pad. This embodiment includes the pad 802 itself in which a layer of foam or other pad is incorporated, and a plate 804 that is connected to a control unit and vibrates. The plate is made of metal, polymer, or any other suitable material. Preferably, the plate is rigid or semi-rigid. The plate is shaped in a way that "cups" the hip bones to maximize the transmission of vibration energy from the plate to the bones. The control unit may be incorporated within the pad or may be an individual device that controls the plate via a wireless or wired connection. The user places the seat pad / cover on a chair or other surface, sits on the seat pad, such that the area of the hip including the protruding bones that form the ischium comes into contact with or close to the plate. The plate may have a pad cover between the plate and the user. The vibration energy is typically transmitted from the plate to the ischium and then to the skeleton, transmitting the vibration energy to the lumbar and hip regions. The vibration energy is horizontal, vertical, or both, including rotation. In this embodiment, the user's weight helps the device to properly and securely "fit" against the body. However, as in other embodiments, an accelerometer may be used to evaluate the "fit". In some embodiments, the accelerometer readings can be correlated with treatment results to determine the preferred accelerometer readings. The control unit controls the vibration and force of the vibration device to optimize the accelerometer readings. Straps or other connectors are used to assist in fixing the pad in the vicinity of the user's body.

[0048] The vibration device may be a back pad in a similar form to that shown in FIG. 8, but is configured to be placed on the back of a chair such that the plate region of the device contacts the ischium, e.g., the ilium. In this embodiment, a strap may be included to enhance the proximity of the vibration device to the ischium region.

[0049] The vibration device may also be in the form of a weighted lap pad having a vibration plate region proximate to the iliac crest region of the ischium.

[0050] For treating constipation and other digestive disorders, vibration treatment can also be performed at a predetermined force and frequency.

[0051] The vibration energy is at a frequency of about 30 to 90 cycles per second (Hz). Other frequency ranges are also conceivable, such as 1 to 100 Hz, also other sub-ranges therein such as 25 to 35 Hz, and also specific frequencies therein such as about 10 Hz or about 4 Hz. The intensity is from 0.01 g to 10 g (1.0 g = Earth's gravitational field = 9.8 m / s / s), and other sub-ranges therein from 0.01 g to 4.0 g, and specific magnitudes therein of 0.3 g or about 10 g. <Example of a data processing system>

[0052] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a data processing system that can be used in combination with any embodiment of the present invention. For example, system 900 is used as part of a processor. Note that FIG. 9 shows various components of a computer system, but is not intended to represent a particular architecture or method of interconnecting the components, and thus the details are not closely related to the present invention. It will also be understood that network computers, handheld computers, mobile devices, tablets, mobile phones, and other data processing systems with fewer or perhaps more components can also be used in combination with the present invention.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, a computer system 900 in the form of a data processing system includes a bus or interconnect 902 coupled to one or more microprocessors 903, ROM 907, volatile RAM 905, and non-volatile memory 906. The microprocessor 903 is connected to a cache memory 904. The bus 902 interconnects these various components and also interconnects these components 903, 907, 905, and 906 to a display control unit and display device 908, and an input / output (I / O) device 910 including a mouse, keyboard, modem, network interface, printer, and other devices well known in the art.

[0054] Typically, the input / output device 910 is connected to the system via the input / output control unit 909. The volatile RAM 905 is implemented as a dynamic RAM (DRAM) that continuously requires power to refresh or maintain the data in the normal memory. The non-volatile memory 906 is typically a magnetic hard drive, a magneto-optical drive, an optical drive, or a DVD RAM, or another type of memory system that retains data even after the power is removed from the system. Typically, the non-volatile memory is also a random access memory, but this is not essential.

[0055] FIG. 9 shows that the non-volatile memory is a local device directly connected to the remaining components within the data processing system. However, the present invention may utilize a network storage device connected to the data processing system via a non-volatile memory remote from the system, such as a modem or a network interface such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface. The bus 902 includes one or more buses connected to each other via various bridges, control units, and / or adapters, as is well known in the art. In one embodiment, the I / O control unit 909 includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) adapter for controlling USB peripheral devices. Alternatively, the I / O control unit 909 may include an IEEE-1394 adapter, also known as a FireWire (registered trademark) adapter for controlling FireWire (registered trademark) devices, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), or UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter), or any other suitable technology. Wireless communication protocols include Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), near field, mobile phones, and other protocols.

[0056] Some portions of the foregoing detailed description are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here generally considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those requiring physical manipulation of physical quantities.

[0057] However, it should be borne in mind that all of these terms and similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. As is apparent from the above description, unless otherwise specified, throughout this specification, discussions utilizing terms as set forth in the following claims refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the registers and memories of the computer system into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memory or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0058] The illustrated technology may be implemented using code and data stored and executed on one or more electronic devices. Such electronic devices use computer-readable media such as non-transitory computer-readable storage media (e.g., magnetic disks; optical disks; random access memory; read-only memory; flash memory devices; phase change memory) and transitory computer-readable transmission media (e.g., electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals such as carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals) to store the code and data and communicate (internally and / or with other electronic devices on a network).

[0059] The process or method shown in the previous figure is implemented by processing logic that includes hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, etc.), firmware, software (e.g., implemented on a non-transitory computer-readable medium), or a combination of both. Although the process or method has been described from the perspective of several sequential operations, it should be understood that some of the described operations may be executed in a different order. Additionally, some operations may be executed in parallel rather than sequentially.

Claims

1. A vibration device configured to be wearable by a subject, a vibration motor configured to vibrate in contact with a region of the subject when the subject wears the vibration device, and which is portable and fixed to the subject; one or more motor sensors for receiving feedback regarding the vibration motor; one or more sensors configured to contact the subject and receive feedback correlating to an adaptation of the motor to an area of ​​the subject; a controller communicatively coupled to the motor, one or more of the motor sensors, and one or more of the sensors, and configured to operate a treatment timer, operate the motor at a predetermined frequency, and receive the feedback from the one or more of the motors; The controller is further configured to provide an indicator to the subject if the feedback is outside a predetermined window of a predetermined frequency; The controller is further configured to adjust a frequency of the motor in response to the feedback and to stop operation of the motor when a predetermined treatment time of the treatment timer is completed. A vibration device characterized by:

2. The region of the subject includes an area that overlaps and contacts the pelvis or spine of the subject.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

3. One or more of the sensors includes a contact sensor.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

4. The one or more sensors include a pressure sensor.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

5. One or more of the sensors includes a strain gauge.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

6. One or more of the sensors includes an accelerometer.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

7. The controller is configured to adjust a frequency of the motor based on one or more of the motor sensors, or the feedback from one or more of the sensors.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

8. Further comprising an enclosure housing the motor, one or more of the motor sensors, and the controller.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

9. Further comprising a spacer disposed adjacent to the motor and contacting an area of ​​the subject to transmit vibrations to the area of ​​the subject.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

10. One or more of the motor sensors are in communication with and in close proximity to the motor.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

11. The motor is configured to transmit vibrations at a frequency between 1 and 100 Hz.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

12. The motor is configured to transmit vibrations at a frequency of 25 to 35 Hz.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

13. The motor is configured to transmit vibrations having an acceleration of 0.01 g to 10 g.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

14. The motor is configured to transmit vibrations having an acceleration of 0.01 g to 4.0 g.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the feedback is configured to alert the subject to adjust the vibration device relative to the area and includes an auditory, visual, or tactile indicator.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1.

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