357 results about "Muscle fatigue" patented technology

A movement augmentation system that provides various forms of feedback, including real-time and post-performance for training and rehabilitation is disclosed. The systems, devices and methods provide augmentation to human movement behavior in order to accelerate acquisition of complex movement skills by a user and to mitigate injuries from poor movement technique (e.g., joint damage or muscle fatigue). An environment is provided that enables systematic and comprehensive capabilities through integration of its components.

A self-powered compression device for use in promoting circulation, said device embodying a plurality of inflatable sleeves arranged sequentially for applying compression to a body or limb and which further comprises a pump, a piping system and a bandage or boot to enclose the device in its entirety. A method for using self-generated pressure in promoting circulation in conditions including but not limited to, lymphatic and traumatic edemas, venous disorders, limb ulcers, varicose veins, muscle fatigue, sports medicine, cellulite treatment, diabetic feet, feet massage for recreation or cosmetic enhancements.

Example embodiments may relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured for monitoring a user performing an athletic movement and / or exercise and generating a fatigue value. Fatigue values may be determined for different groups. In one embodiment, a first value is determined for a muscle fatigue value and a second value is determined for a respiratory value. In another embodiment, a first value may pertain to a first muscle group and a second value may pertain to a second muscle group. A fatigue index may be created from values obtained during an athletic movement and / or a workout session. In further embodiments, a cumulative fatigue index may be determined. A cumulative fatigue index may consider values obtained during several workout sessions. Further, data obtained outside of workout sessions may be considered in determinations relating to fatigue values and / or indices.

The invention discloses a myoelectricity feedback based upper limb training method and system. The myoelectricity feedback based upper limb training system orderly combines signal acquisition, mode identification, biological feedback and real-time fatigue evaluation, thereby being capable of helping a user train the movement function of the upper limb. The upper limb training method includes steps of acquiring movement signals and myoelectric signals of the upper limb joint of the user when the user acts correspondingly such as forearm rotation and wrist bending / stretching as completing virtual game tasks, adjusting movement parameters of virtual control targets on the basis of the movement signals acquired by the users, identifying several muscle contraction modes of the user according to the characteristic parameters of the myoelectric signals, and utilizing the identified modes as selection basis for a myoelectric feedback control method. In addition, the upper limb training system is capable of extracting fatigue characteristics in real time according to the acquired myoelectric signals, analyzing fatigue states of muscles so as to judge muscle fatigue and send an alarm during the whole interaction system.

In one aspect the present disclosure provides a method of rehabilitating a person who has suffered central nervous system damage including the steps of providing exercise equipment capable of exercising a person's limbs, providing functional electrical stimulation to the person's limbs to be exercised in order to operate the exercise equipment, increasing the level of functional electrical stimulation; decreasing a resistance provided by the exercise equipment or providing assistance to maintain an acceptable speed of the exercise equipment as the person's muscles tire; finally completely removing functional electrical stimulation to the person's limbs and providing assistance to maintain an acceptable speed of the exercise equipment; and continuing passive exercise of the person's limbs for a period of time greater than two minutes. Also provided are apparatuses to carry out the method.

A shoe is provided for improving use efficiency through reduction of neuromuscular fatigue. The shoe includes an upper having a generally horizontal bottom wall. The bottom wall includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper comprises a forward region having a forward center of loading and a rear region having a rear center of loading. The shoe further includes a sole comprising a midsole and an outsole. The midsole comprises a suspension element, which can have a generally elongated shape. The suspension element further has a center of compression, which is generally aligned with at least one of the first and second centers of loading of the upper. The shoe can have a hinge located within the sole for providing enhanced efficiency to the user. The hinge and suspension element(s) can take various forms. The position and structure of the hinge and suspension element(s) in relation to the midsole can take various forms as well. The biomechanical action of the heel element, forefoot element and hinge can be dynamically coupled to create a highly resilient suspension system with a low rate of loading throughout the stride, thus allowing a natural, “barefoot” gait for the wearer. As a result, the wearer experiences a significant reduction in jarring impacts for any phase of the stride, a corresponding reduction in cumulative fatigue and a lower rate of chronic or traumatic injury. A method of manufacturing a suspension element for a shoe is also provided, and includes the steps of providing a die having a length, a width and a thickness, the length accommodating a plurality of suspension elements; wrapping a plurality of coated or wetted fibers around the width of the die to form the suspension elements; drying or curing the fibers to a substantially integrated form; and separating the plurality of suspension elements into independent suspension elements.

A shoe is provided for improving use efficiency through reduction of neuromuscular fatigue. The shoe includes an upper having a generally horizontal bottom wall. The bottom wall includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper comprises a forward region having a forward center of loading and a rear region having a rear center of loading. The shoe further includes a sole comprising a midsole and an outsole. The midsole comprises a suspension element, which can have a generally elongated shape. The suspension element further has a center of compression, which is generally aligned with at least one of the first and second centers of loading of the upper. The shoe can have a hinge located within the sole for providing enhanced efficiency to the user. The hinge and suspension element(s) can take various forms. The position and structure of the hinge and suspension element(s) in relation to the midsole can take various forms as well. The biomechanical action of the heel element, forefoot element and hinge can be dynamically coupled to create a highly resilient suspension system with a low rate of loading throughout the stride, thus allowing a natural, “barefoot” gait for the wearer. As a result, the wearer experiences a significant reduction in jarring impacts for any phase of the stride, a corresponding reduction in cumulative fatigue and a lower rate of chronic or traumatic injury. A method of manufacturing a suspension element for a shoe is also provided, and includes the steps of providing a die having a length, a width and a thickness, the length accommodating a plurality of suspension elements; wrapping a plurality of coated or wetted fibers around the width of the die to form the suspension elements; drying or curing the fibers to a substantially integrated form; and separating the plurality of suspension elements into independent suspension elements.

Provided are a stroke patient rehabilitation training system and method based on brain myoelectricity and a virtual scene. Control over the virtual rehabilitation scene is achieved through myoelectric signals, and rehabilitation training intensity is adjusted in a self-adaptation mode with a brain myoelectricity fatigue index combined. The design of the virtual rehabilitation scene is completed with the needs of stroke patient rehabilitation training and the advice of a rehabilitation physician combined, the brain fatigue index is provided, and quantitative evaluation on brain region fatigue is achieved. The surface myoelectric signal features under different motion modes of an arm are extracted, the motion intention of a patient is obtained, and control over the virtual rehabilitation scene is achieved. The muscle fatigue and brain fatigue index comprehensive features are extracted, the fatigue state of a rehabilitation patient is obtained, self-adaptation rehabilitation training scene adjusting is achieved, rehabilitation training intensity is relieved or enhanced, and secondary damage caused by improper training is avoided. The system and method have the advantages of being high in safety, high in intelligence and scientific in training, and damage cannot happen easily.

Bioelectric impedances are measured by use of a plurality of electrodes which are brought into contact with body parts of a living body, muscle volumes and maximum voluntary contractions in body parts such as both hands and feet of the subject are calculated from the measured bioelectric impedances, a mechanomyogram when several degrees of loads are imposed on a muscle is also measured, the mechanomyogram data is frequency analyzed so as to determine average frequency and amplitude data, the amounts of actions (frequency of emission) of muscle fibers are calculated from inflection points thereof, and the type of the muscle (muscle fibers) and muscle fatigue of the subject are determined, so as to easily measure a maximum voluntary contraction which has heretofore been difficult to measure and make evaluations associated with muscles more accurately.

The present invention relates to a device and system to measure and assess superficial skeletal muscle mechanical and neuromuscular contractile characteristics, and interpret the results to provide metrics with quantifiable and qualitative descriptors relating to muscle function. The present device provides a further type of mechanomyography and a new use for acceleromyography by measuring the mechanical muscle movement of an involuntary stimulated muscle from an automated electro-stimulation protocol to determine muscle contractile properties. Muscle twitch response during the latent, contraction and relaxation phase is measured using an array of multiple accelerometers on a sensor pad to assess and diagnose muscle. function from various measurements. This information is processed using algorithms to determine muscle function abnormalities, muscle activation patterns, muscle symmetry of lateral muscle pairs, muscle synchronization of antagonist muscle, muscle force, muscle acceleration, muscle speed, muscle tone, muscle fatigue, muscle power / torque and muscle efficiency.

An aesthetic and highly functional massage tool is disclosed which comprises a generally triangular frame adapted to be held in the palm of one hand. It has three leg members, each leg member extending generally from a bottom side corner portion of the frame a height generally exceeding the thickness of a finger. Each leg having a generally rounded bottom portion. The legs and triangular frame are monolithically molded from plastic. The frame has a generally triangular opening so that one may extend their fingers therethrough and around a side portion of the frame. This triangular design enables one to securely and comfortably hold the massage tool in multiple positions while during use. This is important because use in any one position tires particular muscles of the massageur. It also facilitates massaging different body portions in differing manners. The triangular void facilitates wrapping one's fingers around the massage tool. It enables one to slide the tool along while pushing downwardly on it. One's hand effortlessly falls within the triangular void and over the exterior of the triangular frame sufficiently to prevent the tool from slipping out from beneath one's hand. The triangular void also allows one to massage holding the tool in an upright position. In the most preferred embodiment the generally triangular frame has the shape of a heart and the plastic is marbled in more than one color.

An apparatus, method, and medium for generating electrical stimulation, including an electromyogram detector detecting an electromyographic signal of a body, a fatigue index calculator calculating a fatigue index indicating a degree of muscle fatigue by converting the electromyographic signal detected by the electromyogram detector during a predetermined time unit into a frequency-domain electromyographic signal, and an electrical stimulation signal generator adjusting an electrical stimulation signal according to the calculated fatigue index and generating the electrical stimulation signal. Accordingly, a health training / monitoring apparatus can include an electrical stimulation generator adjusting an electrical stimulation signal according to a degree of fatigue and generating the electrical stimulation signal, a physical activity monitor monitoring a physical activity using at least one of a heart rate measurer and an accelerometer, and a mode selector selectively driving the electrical stimulation generator or the physical activity monitor according to an amount of the physical activity.

This invention is directed to a novel, adjustable waterproof wrap which, among other uses, can be used to fold around a pillow for supporting a baby when nursing. The adjustable waterproof pillow wrap and enclosed pillow can be releasably attached or secured to a nursing mother and used to support the weight of the baby on the pillow while the baby is nursing. This relieves muscle fatigue on the upper body of the nursing mother. A pillow wrap comprising: (a) a flexible, soft web for encircling a pillow; (b) at least one elongated flexible member secured at one end to the web for encircling the waist of a mother; (c) a fastener associated with the elongated member for enabling the elongated member at a free end to be releasably secured to the web.

The invention provides a fitness effect evaluation system based on an electromyographic signal and body movement detection and belongs to the technical field of fitness evaluation, aiming at solving the problem that a result is not accurate when the fitness effect is evaluated according to subjective intention. The fitness effect evaluation system comprises a signal acquisition part and a cell phone APP part, wherein the signal acquisition part comprises an electrode, an electromyographic sensor, a controller, an acquired signal wireless transmission module and an accelerated speed sensor; the cell phone APP part comprises a processing signal wireless transmission module, a processor and a user module; a positive pole end and a negative pole end of the electrode are conducted with a to-be-detected target; a right leg driving electrode of the electrode is arranged at a tested part of the to-be-detected target. By detecting and analyzing an electromyographic signal, a body movement speed and an accelerated speed, the fitness effect is evaluated; the description of the fitness effect is relative to muscle fatigue degree and exercise quantity; information feedback and data management are carried out through a cell phone APP. The fitness effect evaluation system based on the electromyographic signal and the body movement detection is used for evaluating the fitness effect.

The invention discloses an interactive gait training and evaluation system based on multi-source information fusion for stroke patients. The interactive gait training and evaluation system structurally comprises a pose acquisition module, a plantar pressure acquisition module, a fatigue information acquisition module, a wireless communication module, a data analysis and processing module, an intelligent cloud platform, an AR (augmented reality) helmet and a mobile terminal. The system aims at stroke patients with certain walking ability and can intelligently provide the patients with high-immersion interactive rehabilitation training game on the basis of the AR technology, and the gait rehabilitation training effect on the patients can be improved effectively; multi-dimensional gait information during rehabilitation training of the patients is acquired by a gait acquisition module and processed by the data analysis and processing module, processed information and data are transmitted to the mobile terminal through the wireless communication module, and gait evaluation results can be fed back to doctors and the patients in real time in a highly visualized manner; safety of the patients in the rehabilitation training process is guaranteed on the basis of muscle fatigue monitoring; the intelligent cloud platform can realize automatic tracking, evaluation and push of gait diseases.

The invention discloses an electrical stimulation rehabilitation device on the basis of feedback control on angle information and electromyographic signals. The device comprises a plurality of groups of electrical stimulation channels, an electromyographic signal processing module, an angle transmission module, a controller and an electrical stimulation output module, wherein each group of electrical stimulation channels comprises a plurality of electrode plates arranged on the same muscle; the electromyographic signal processing module is used for extracting characteristic values of electromyographic signals acquired by the electrode plates; the angle transmission module is used for detecting a motion angle value of a lower limb; the controller is used for determining muscle stimulation positions and stimulation parameters in a next step according to the motion angle value of the lower limb, amending the stimulation parameters according to the characteristic values of the electromyographic signals and generating electrical stimulation pulses; the electrical stimulation output module is used for outputting the electrical stimulation pulses to the corresponding electrode plates. The invention also discloses an electrical stimulation method on the basis of the feedback control on the angle information and the electromyographic signals. According to the invention, not only is closed-loop control of electrical stimulation implemented, but also effectiveness of the stimulation on muscles is sufficiently considered, the stimulation effect is always in an optimal state, muscle fatigue is effectively reduced, and electrical stimulation rehabilitation training time is prolonged.

An electrical stimulation device has a flexible base, an adhesive applied to a bottom side of the base and an electrical stimulation device connected to the base. The electrical stimulation device comprises a power source, an electrical stimulator connected to the power source, and a controller for turning the power source on and off.

The present invention relates to a structure of a multi-elastic insole for shoes wherein a plurality of polyurethane foams having different elasticity from one another are sequentially laminated on the concaved portion of the bottom surface of an insole abutting against a wearer's heel portion, thereby excellently absorbing the impacts generated from a foot sole to make the wearer feel comfortable while in use, which reduces the work load of the leg and foot and the muscle fatigue in the workers standing up for long hours on a hard floor and prevents the muscular skeletal diseases to make the workers healthy.

The present invention is concerned with functional electrical stimulation (FES) of paraplegics having spinal cord injuries (SCI), especially for the purpose of walking, where stimulation is applied to motor neurons below the level of the SCI. Specifically, the invention is concerned with FES in closed-loop where closed loop operation is provided by wireless feedback by EMG signals recorded via noninvasive surface EMG electrodes. No wire connections are required between the EMG electrodes and a signal processor (SP) for providing the feedback signal to the SP. Also, no wire feedback is required to send timing information from the stimulation signal generator to blocking circuits, in cases where such circuits are required to protect the wireless transmitters of the feedback information from being damaged by the stimulation pulses. Wireless operation is facilitated by miniature chips (receivers and transmitters), such as used in the Bluetooth technology. Hence, the paraplegic users are not burdened with any wires that are otherwise needed for closed-loop operation and with the need to connect them between the patient's back, legs, and a pocket-borne control box. Furthermore, closed loop operation frees the patients from the need to manually adjust stimulation levels with progression of muscle fatigue.The present invention allows the achieving closed-loop FES without requiring the sharing the same electrode for both stimulation and EMG recording and which requires complex control and non-standard electrodes. The avoidance of electrode-sharing further allows using regular and widely available stimulation electrodes and regular surface EMG electrodes, such as described in Graupe and Kohn: “Functional Electrical Stimulation for Ambulation by Paraplegics”, 1994.In certain realizations of the present invention, the blocking circuit discussed above requires no input from the stimulus signal generator, while such inputs are essential in any electrode-sharing design since pulse level is highest at the stimulation site. Hence, also no wireless receiver is required next to the EMG electrodes and no wireless transmitter is required next to the stimulus signal generator.In certain other realizations, blocking circuits are not required at all.

Example embodiments may relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured for monitoring a user performing an athletic movement and / or exercise and generating a fatigue value. Fatigue values may be determined for different groups. In one embodiment, a first value is determined for a muscle fatigue value and a second value is determined for a respiratory value. In another embodiment, a first value may pertain to a first muscle group and a second value may pertain to a second muscle group. A fatigue index may be created from values obtained during an athletic movement and / or a workout session. In further embodiments, a cumulative fatigue index may be determined. A cumulative fatigue index may consider values obtained during several workout sessions. Further, data obtained outside of workout sessions may be considered in determinations relating to fatigue values and / or indices.

A composition useful as a hydrating beverage comprising at least one complex carbohydrate, at least one chelated electrolyte, betaine, and piperine. The composition, which may be carbonated or non-carbonated beverage compositions and beverage concentrates adapted for all administration of water, physiologically essential electrolytes and other ingredients to a subject specifically adapted for enhancing hydration; preferably with enhanced absorption after ingestion while at the same time attenuating muscle fatigue and, preferably destroying harmful free radicals.

The invention discloses a paralyzed-patient rehabilitation training bed. The paralyzed-patient rehabilitation training bed comprises a bed body, a left supporting plate, a right supporting plate and apedal, wherein the left supporting plate and the right supporting plate are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the bed body, a motor is fixedly connected to the right side wall of the right supporting plate, a transmission shaft is fixedly connected to the shaft extending end of the motor, and is sleeved with a cam, a movable plate is arranged at the upper portion of the cam, a plurality of jacking rods are distributed on the upper surface of the movable plate, a rotating shaft is arranged at the upper portion of the transmission shaft, the top of the rotating shaft is sleeved with a semi-bevel gear, a screw rod is arranged at the upper portion of the semi-bevel gear, and a left bevel gear and a right bevel gear are arranged on the left side and the right side of the semi-bevel gear respectively. A patient lies on the bed, and bends and stretches upper limbs to drive balance weights to move up and down along sliding rails, and the aim of training the upper limbs is achieved; the back of the patient is massaged through the top ends of the jacking rods, the back muscle of the patient is relaxed, and the effect of relieving muscle fatigue is achieved; the feet of the patient are driven by the pedal to move left and right, and therefore the legs of the patient are driven to do bending and stretching movement.

A movement augmentation system that provides various forms of feedback, including real time and post-performance for training and rehabilitation is disclosed. The systems, devices and methods provideaugmentation to human movement behavior in order to accelerate acquisition of complex movement skills by a user and to mitigate injuries from poor movement technique (e.g., joint damage or muscle fatigue). An environment is provided that enables systematic and comprehensive capabilities through integration of its components.

Adaptive systems and methods for automatically determining and continuously updating stimulation parameters for adjusting ventilation to accommodate a patient's specific physiology, metabolic needs, and muscle state are disclosed herein. Having a closed loop implementation, the system may comprise a controller including a neuromorphic controlled adaptive feed-forward Pattern Generator / Pattern Shaper (PG / PS) assembly, which controls respiratory muscle movement using electrical stimulation. This PG / PS assembly comprises a biomimetic design where the pattern generator includes a neural network mimicking the simplified connectivity pattern of respiratory related neurons in the brain stem to produce a rhythmic breathing pattern frequency and the pattern shaper includes a neural network mimicking the simplified connectivity pattern of neurons to produce a stimulus control signal. This biomimetic design for the controller automatically customizes and continually updates stimulation parameters to achieve a desired breathing pattern and, thereby, slow the development of muscle fatigue.

A composition useful as a hydrating beverage comprising at least one complex carbohydrate, at least one chelated electrolyte, betaine, and piperine. The composition, which may be carbonated or non-carbonated beverage compositions and beverage concentrates adapted for all administration of water, physiologically essential electrolytes and other ingredients to a subject specifically adapted for enhancing hydration; preferably with enhanced absorption after ingestion while at the same time attenuating muscle fatigue and, preferably destroying harmful free radicals.

The present embodiments relate to topically delivered medication (compounded) for treatment of pain, inflammation, muscle fatigue, spasms, and / or other ailments. A transdermal cream may provide the effective topical administration of multiple medications simultaneously. The transdermal cream may include a salt load of approximately 30% or greater. The transdermal cream may include a unique base composition such that the transdermal cream may be able to remain stable and avoid degradation for six months or more and capable of effective delivery of active ingredient concentrations exceeding approximately 40% or more of the total formulation weight. The active ingredients may include a nerve depressant, NSAID, muscle relaxant, opiate agonist, local anesthetic, NMDA receptor antagonist, and a tricyclic antidepressant. In one embodiment, the transdermal cream may comprise ketamine HCL, gabapentin, clonidine HCL and baclofen. The transdermal cream may deliver an enhanced topical delivery flux of ketamine via a single transdermal application.

An improved hand-held barbell type exercise weight that reduces muscle fatigue consists of a circular disk that has a vertical axis perpendicular to the base of the disk, a horizontal axis perpendicular to the vertical axis and a lateral axis perpendicular to both the vertical and horizontal axes and intersecting the axes at the approximate centroid of the circular disk. The disk has an axially extending cylindrical void extending axially along the vertical axis and through the disk forming a hollow circular disk where the void is symmetrical to the plane of the vertical axis. A cylindrically shaped grip bar having a central axis that is co-axial with the lateral axis extends laterally across the void and through the centroid of the disk.