Personal rehabilitation device and method for elderly people

Abstract

Exercise devices are generally designed to be rigidly mounted to the floor or wall and assume the user can walk and stand with balance. Devices made for the elderly / infirm primarily help loosen muscles by creating range of motion. When exercise becomes a lifeline to extend life, it is often too bulky or complicated for the elderly to set up. There is a need for new inventions that are small, lightweight, low-cost, and portable, as shown in Figure 1A. It should be self-contained and can be operated in a risk-free environment. It should include adjustable resistance features to gradually rebuild skeletal muscle strength. It should be a simple device that provides a total body workout (isolating each limb as well as the core area) that simulates walking motion and may be ideal for overall exercise to maintain health. Restoring the ability to walk in the elderly can help eliminate wheelchair dependency.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for muscle rehabilitation and physical therapy. Moreover, the physical therapy apparatus and method allows patients who have been in the hospital for years or are recovering from injuries to regain strength in the normal safety of their assigned hospital room without having to travel to another facility for physical therapy or leave their bed. This allows the method to speed up the recovery of hospitalized patients by providing the patient or their trustee with access to self-conditioning with appropriate instructions and restrictions set by a qualified physical therapist (PT). This gives them new options to focus on regaining mobility as long as they want or as quickly as possible. This allows families and insurance companies to shorten the stay of hospitalized patients, saving costs and freeing up resources for other patients with more complex needs. This allows the patient to choose to resume treatment at home. This allows the patient to have the option to maintain a high quality of life while continuing their own conditioning.

[0002] The typical way to strengthen the muscles used to walk is by walking itself. Elderly people practice walking with casual / active supervision using walkers, but they run the risk of injury by doing so. There are also several in-bed exercise systems available. These can be considered as bringing the gym into the bed. This includes the Excy solution, which allows the user to cycle in a supine position using their feet. This and other solutions are mounted in, on, or around the bed. If cycling exercise is not used, other common solutions use e.g. rubber bands in some way for resistance. They are all either bulky or difficult to install, or are bulky and require an installation process at the same time. There are also many exercise devices designed for use in a seated position. However, they have similar problems with bulk and installation. Independently living elderly people will in virtually all cases need assistance from someone else to regain the strength of their limbs to walk on their own. The loss of strength required for walking cannot be easily restored. This is why astronauts use a type of treadmill in space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0003] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of an exemplary apparatus for individualized conditioning of a non-ambulatory user-patient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0005] [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates a side view of a primary use configuration of a muscle conditioning device of an exemplary method for personalized physical therapy according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a secondary use case being where a patient-user is lying on a blanket or foam sheet covering a soft, level grass surface in an outdoor or park environment.

[0006] [Diagram 3] Fig. 3A shows the initial configuration of the muscle conditioning device of an exemplary method for individualized physical therapy. All four pistons can be used separately, but it is recommended to operate them in pairs, either on one side of the body or on the other. Fig. 3B shows that this action involving pairs of pistons on the same side can be alternated back and forth for a complete exercise regime. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0007] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to be limiting to the described embodiments or applications or uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "exemplary" means "serving as an example, illustration, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or "exemplary" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosed embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "first," "second," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof refer to the invention in the orientation of FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary, or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1, a personal muscle training device 100 provides a bedridden patient 148 with limb resistance to movement required for independent locomotion under the simple direction of a designated trained professional 146. The device includes connected air piston components 102, 104 to build tension in the skeletal muscles of the legs and arms, respectively. Each side of the body has a separate cylinder / piston with separate valves 122 to isolate the conditioning of a particular limb. The upper and lower body segments are separately length adjustable 108 to custom fit the patient's height and are connected by double hinges 106 or elastic restraint slots that allow the device to fold and twist. Each piston barrel / cylinder 110 is attached to a main hinged stem 112, with the pistons dedicated to the upper limbs having a slightly wider offset 128. The hand grip 132 is attached directly to the end of the upper body piston with adjustable resistance, while the foot "pedal" 120 is connected to the top of the piston but slides along the side of the lower body piston barrel / cylinder 118. An optional assembly 138-144 is available with a hinged stem that can be attached to the foot of a hospital bed for stability. A variety of "pedal" attachments are available to secure the foot position, including lightweight, comfortable medical boots, but the recommended foot rest includes lightweight flip flops strapped to the lower body assembly. The foot rest assembly can be folded up and out of the way for storage purposes. The device design allows the left arm to be extended outward in sync with the right leg and vice versa, using paired same-side movements. In doing so, the entire device remains stable and the opposing forces are counterbalanced. No fixed attachment is required. The repeated alternating side actions (FIG. 3B) simulate, in a way, climbing up and down a ladder in addition to walking. The upper and lower stem assemblies can respond to twisting motion at the hinge 106 to condition the patient's core muscles.From the side view of Figure 2, the abdominal exercise may be assisted by an external strap 234 with progressively spaced loops 236. The patient-user "walks" his / her hands from one loop to the next toward the feet, increasing or decreasing flexion of the abdominal and core muscles. The device is designed to be folded in half when not in use and propped up against the side of a bed or wall until needed again.

[0009] Yet another advantage of the device 100 is that it is quiet and unobtrusive. The device 100 can be run simultaneously while watching television on an overhead / wall mounted screen. This personal capacity for exercise is an extension of the shared PT facility and reduces the demand on the shared PT facility unless training on specialized equipment is required. Patients can choose to condition themselves whenever they want and as much as they want. As a result, patients will be significantly stronger than if scheduled to visit a PT professional in person. The path to a quality life with mobility and independence is shortened. Patients' stays in care facilities are shortened, resulting in cost savings for designated insurance companies.

[0010] Thus, the muscle conditioning device 100 of the present disclosure provides various effects and advantages. First, there is a life-prolonging aspect, so that being bedridden is no longer a death sentence. Second, the device 100 has a very low carbon footprint. Additionally, the device 100 is designed to be given / shipped as a gift and be accessible to individuals who do not have insurance, allowing caregivers / relatives to be actively involved and to control their personal health status individually. This results in a win-win outcome for all stakeholders. The expected retail price is expected to be between US$100 and US$250 in inflation-adjusted 2020 currency. A version of the device can be designed to fit comfortably in a normal suitcase for easy transport and can be of various sizes from "small" to "extra large". A "smart" version of the device includes an inductive charger coupled to a battery that can send a signal to a smartphone "app" and the more the device 100 is used, the higher the charge that accumulates in the battery is displayed using a small built-in LED display or "app".

[0011] In one aspect, the muscle conditioning device 100 is lightweight and can be fixedly attached to the foot 250b of a hospital bed frame by fittings 244, and can be adjusted at connections 240 to accommodate the size of the patient and / or bed (although the patient does not need to exert force against the bed frame or push against the rise portion 250a of the bed). Upper body conditioning separated by stem / segment 104 / 204, Isolate lower body conditioning with stem / segment 102 / 202, Connecting the upper and lower body stems by a double hinge 106 / 206 or elastic restraint slots to allow the device to fold on itself but also to allow the upper stem to twist relative to the lower stem to strengthen the patient-user's core; Each stem is held in place by a knob bolt 108 / 208, allowing it to extend and retract. Two brackets 112 are used to mount the pneumatic cylinders 110 / 210 on either side of the stem; Enclose a piston 114 / 126 / 214 / 226 within each pneumatic cylinder; Fitting an extension assembly for the scaffold 116 / 118, which includes a strap (not shown) for attaching a pair of rubber flip flops 220 (or lightweight slippers) in the size of the patient user; Valve 122 / 130 / 230 is used to regulate air flow to the pneumatic cylinder barrel / chamber, Attaching a gripping exerciser with separately adjustable resistance 132 / 232 for each hand to strengthen the patient-user's hands, which is necessary to stabilize the use of a cane, walker, handrail, or wheelchair and support the patient's walking movements; Connected to the end of the lower stem segment of the device is a hinge 138 / 238 for an optional mounting assembly 140 / 142 / 144 for fastening to the end 250b of a hospital bed with a fastener (not shown).

[0012] In another aspect, a strap 234 with multiple loops 236 is clipped on for the patient-user to hold in their hands and pull themselves forward when performing sit-ups.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device 100 / 200 for individual self-improvement at any location. The device is light enough that the patient-user can lift it himself after the entire device is fully assembled. It is also intended that the device be sold / delivered pre-assembled. Other conditioning equipment is often too heavy or too complicated to install for the elderly. The parts of the device 100 / 200 are designed to fit together or into place with minimal force, with or without tools.

[0014] Another aim is to give hope for the recovery of mobility in individuals. Patients are presented with options for regeneration and life extension. The generation of positive emotions can establish a feedback loop to speed up the recovery of skeletal muscles.

[0015] Another objective is to take advantage of the long periods of indolence, lying in bed or sitting, and replace them with productive activity. Cardiovascular activity leads to an increase in appetite and metabolism. The patient's intestinal regulation is also involved through the action of physical movement, especially the conditioning of the leg muscles.

[0016] Another purpose is to help patients feel better rested during sleep hours by promoting metabolic activity. In the presence of comorbidities, an individual's activity habits aid in the body's overall ability to heal itself.

[0017] Another purpose is to indirectly strengthen the muscles in the core region of the body while performing climbing conditioning. The patient can also be shown how to safely lean forward slightly in bed and engage their abdominal muscles with the aid of strap loops along the length of the hinged stem, with the feet secured by the foot rests.

[0018] Another goal is to achieve a better balance between mind and body. Physical activity may promote improved cognitive performance. Improved brain function has its own positive feedback loop on the emotional side, motivating further physical activity. A consistent exercise regimen releases endorphins in the patient's body, which may lead to mild addiction. Personal habits established in the hospital environment may carry over to life and care at home. The results can literally be life-changing. With further awakening, the patient-user's quality of life improves. We therefore propose to name the device "The Lifespanner" and use "www.thelifespanner.com" for the associated internet domain.

[0019] Yet another objective is to reduce the demand for outside care from medical institutions and family members. This invention has the potential to create / enhance peace of mind for the patient's relatives and / or support circle. The family will be encouraged that the patient has the motivation to return to walking in the future.

[0020] Those skilled in the art of physical rehabilitation will recognize that currently, physical conditioning opportunities in a hospital environment are limited and require wheelchair mobility for safety reasons. Without the device 100 / 200, locomotor muscle exercises require supervision. Using the device 100 / 200 in one's own bed, unsupervised, is the safest setting possible or imaginable. Expanding muscle conditioning opportunities is greatly needed. Otherwise, a stay in a facility is akin to staying in a hotel without the intent of a healing program.

[0021] Those skilled in the art of physical rehabilitation will recognize that some effort on the part of the patient is necessary to effect progress towards improving overall health. Most people underestimate and, if they do, inherently lack urgency in the determination of older adults to walk simply because of their age, i.e., they are expected to die sooner or later. If the journey to self-ambulatory movement were to become more widely available, this could be a tipping point that would accelerate rapid healing and bring widespread and consistent results to the elderly population. The aging demographic profile in many countries calls for solutions such as this invention to address the needs of this often marginalized demographic group.

[0022] Those skilled in the art of physical rehabilitation will recognize that devices that support / stabilize or replace self-locomotor movements increase dependency and should be used in moderation. However, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs often present a "slippery slope" toward confinement and imminent death for the elderly. Without skeletal strength, the body's ability to maintain overall health is at risk. The need for supplemental tools to counter this tendency toward dependency cannot be underestimated. Reversing the decline in health is critical, but with this invention it has never been easier. Giving this invention protection is just as important as giving countless additional years to millions of people. Just as NASA had the foresight to train astronauts in space with physical conditioning in preparation for their eventual return to Earth, we in the skilled nursing care of hospitals, institutions, and homes should enable safe new pathways for the elderly to recover from temporary health problems and return to outpatient and personal independence.

[0023] Because the described preferred embodiment of the invention is susceptible of many detailed modifications, variations and changes, all matters shown in the foregoing specification and accompanying drawings are intended to be interpreted in an illustrative and not a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention should therefore be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. It is a system for conditioning the muscles of the entire body. A longitudinal stem defining a central axis (102, 202, 302 / 106, 206, 306 / 104, 204, 304), comprising an upper body segment (104, 204, 304) terminating at an upper end point that can move freely in space, and a lower body segment (102, 202, 302) terminating at a lower end point that can move freely in space, A pair of upper body air piston components (124, 224, 324 / 126, 226, 326 / 130, 230, 330) are attached (128, 328) to the upper body segments (104, 204, 304) of the stem on opposing lateral sides and extending parallel to the central axis, wherein each of the upper body air piston components is A cylinder housing for the upper body (124, 224, 324) fixed to the aforementioned stem, An upper body piston (126, 226, 326) is configured to be axially movable relative to the upper body cylinder housing and to be equipped with adjustable valves (130, 230, 330) for generating resistance during extension and / or retraction of the limbs, A pair of upper body air piston parts, A pair of lower body air piston components (110, 210, 310 / 114, 214, 314 / 122, 322) are attached (112, 312) to the lower body segments (102, 202, 302) of the stem on opposing lateral sides and extending parallel to the central axis, wherein each of the lower body air piston components is A lower body cylinder housing (110, 210, 310) fixed to the aforementioned stem, A lower body piston (114, 214, 314) is configured to be axially movable relative to the lower body cylinder housing and to be equipped with adjustable valves (122, 322) for generating resistance during extension and / or retraction of the limbs, A pair of lower body air piston parts, Equipped with, The system is configured such that the upper body air piston components (124, 224, 324 / 126, 226, 326 / 130, 230, 330) and the lower body air piston components (110, 210, 310 / 114, 214, 314 / 122, 322) are structurally independent of each other, and the system is configured to present four anatomically distinct resistance outputs corresponding to the user's upper and lower limbs.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of pedal footwear assemblies (116, 316 / 118, 318 / 120, 220, 320), each of which is mechanically connected to one of the corresponding lower body cylinder pistons (114, 214, 314) and configured to convert the force generated by the user's foot into axial movement of the lower body cylinder piston.

3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of hand grips (132, 332), each of which is mechanically connected to one of the corresponding upper body pistons (126, 226, 326) and configured to convert force generated by the user's hand or arm into axial movement of the upper body piston.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the upper body air piston components (124, 224, 324 / 126, 226, 326 / 130, 230, 330) and each of the lower body air piston components (110, 210, 310 / 114, 214, 314 / 122, 322) is configured to operate independently, and any air piston component can operate without requiring any other air piston component to be mechanically operated at the same time.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the stem is selectively fixed to the footrest of the user's bed at the distal end of the lower body segment (102, 202, 302) (138, 238 / 140, 240 / 144, 244).

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the stem comprises a plurality of detachably connected longitudinally aligned segments (102, 202, 302 / 104, 204, 304), one or more of the longitudinally aligned segments being extendable (208, 308) to allow adjustment of the overall length of the stem to better suit the user's height / physique.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the upper body segments (104, 204, 304) are connected to the lower body segments (102, 202, 302) by double hinges (106, 206, 306), and the upper body segments and the lower body segments can be folded flat over each other.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the upper body air piston components (124, 224, 324 / 126, 226, 326 / 130, 230, 330) and the lower body air piston components (110, 210, 310 / 114, 214, 314 / 122, 322) are arranged symmetrically around the central axis such that the resistive forces are balanced as anatomically opposing pairs.

9. A method for conditioning the upper body, lower body, and trunk muscles of a user using a whole-body exercise system, A step of positioning a longitudinal stem having upper body segments (104, 204, 304) and lower body segments (102, 202, 302) adjacent to the user, The process involves engaging the user's feet with a pair of pedal footwear assemblies (116, 316 / 118, 318 / 120, 220, 320) which are mechanically coupled to lower body air piston components (110, 210, 310 / 114, 214, 314 / 122, 322) attached to opposing lateral sides of the stem, The process involves applying lower body force through each of the pedal footwear assemblies (116, 316 / 118, 318 / 120, 220, 320), generating limb resistance, and moving the corresponding lower body piston axially relative to the lower body cylinder housing. The process involves engaging the user's hand or arm with a pair of hand grips (132, 332) that are mechanically connected to upper body air piston components (124, 224, 324 / 126, 226, 326 / 130, 230, 330) attached to opposing lateral sides of the stem, A step of applying upper body force and generating resistance while moving at least one upper body piston axially relative to the corresponding upper body cylinder housing, The process involves transmitting force between the upper body air piston component and the lower body air piston component (110, 210, 310 / 114, 214, 314 / 122, 322) via the stem (234, 236), and the user simultaneously engaging the upper body, lower body, and trunk muscles. Methods that include...

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of independently operating the left and right upper body air piston components (124, 224, 324 / 126, 226, 326 / 130, 230, 330) and independently operating the left and right lower body air piston components (110, 210, 310 / 114, 214, 314 / 122, 322) so that the extension or retraction of one piston (114, 214, 314) occurs without requiring the extension or retraction of the other pistons (126, 226, 326).

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of coordinating the axial movement of at least one upper body piston (126, 226, 326) with the axial movement of at least one lower body piston (114, 214, 314) to perform a climbing-type movement pattern in which resistance is alternately switched between diagonally opposed limbs.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of positioning the stem adjacent to the user includes supporting the user in a supine position with respect to the stem (102, 202, 302 / 106, 206, 306 / 104, 204, 304) and performing the method while the stem is supported by the bed frame (138, 238 / 140, 240 / 144, 244).

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of engaging a strap (234) having a plurality of hand loops (236) attached at intervals along the stem, and simultaneously applying tensile force through the strap and applying force through the upper body air piston components (124, 224, 324 / 126, 226, 326 / 130, 230, 330) and / or the lower body air piston components (110, 210, 310 / 114, 214, 314 / 122, 322) to engage the trunk muscles.

14. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of selecting and assembling a plurality of stem segments (102, 202, 302 / 104, 204, 304) to establish a stem length corresponding to the user's anatomy, wherein one or more of the stem segments (102, 202, 302 / 104, 204, 304) are extendable (208, 308) to allow adjustment of the overall length of the stem.

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