1006 results about "Muscle group" patented technology

A device is disclosed for treating sleep and breathing disorders of a patient, along with the method of using the device. The device includes a processor for receiving sensor inputs, processing the received sensor inputs, and generating commands through output devices. A first sensor is positionable for receiving breathing sound information emitted from one of the mouth and nose of a patient. The second sensor is positionable on a patient for receiving breathing sounds information from a patient's chest cavity. A third sensor is positionable for receiving information relating to the amount of chest expansion of a patient. A first output device is provided that is capable of providing an auditory signal to a patient. A second output device is capable of providing an electrical signal to a muscle group of a patient that simulates a human touching event. The first, second and third sensors, and the first and second output devices are operatively coupled to the processor to permit the processor to receive information input from the sensors, process the input information to the detect the existence of a sleep-breathing disorder event, and to generate command to at least one of the first and second output devices. The command is capable of directing the at least one output device to provide a series of progressively intrusive stimuli designed to condition the patient to terminate the sleep breathing disorder event, and ultimately, return to a more normal sleep pattern.

A stimulator for stimulating the leg or other parts of the body e.g. the leg in a patient with drop foot is provided, the stimulator being controlled by e.g a foot switch but being reliable in use and therefore commanding acceptance by users. The foot switch has to work in adverse environmental conditions and is subject to repeated use so that its characteristics vary with time. The invention provides a functional electrical stimulator for attachment to the leg that has adaptive characteristics and comprises first and second electrodes for attachment to the leg to apply an electrical stimulus, a foot switch for sensing foot rise or foot strike, a circuit responsive to said foot switch for generating stimulation pulses; and means forming part of said circuit for responding to changes in the resistance characteristics of said switch means by adjusting a corresponding response threshold of said circuit.The invention also provides a two-channel stimulator that offers various possibilities for controlling the signals to be supplied to different muscle groups. For example, means may be provided defining a signal pathway between the first and second channels so that the supply of stimulation pulses in one of said first and second channels can be controlled by the state of switch means associated with the other of said first and second channels. In a further embodiment means defining a signal pathway between the first and second channels is arranged so that the supply of stimulation pulses in one of said first and second channels can be controlled by the state of activity of the other of said first and second channels. In a yet further embodiment the first channel has means arranged to cause the stimulation pulses to time-out after a predetermined period and the second channel having no or disabled timing means so that supply of stimulation pulses is continuous in a predetermined state of limb position responsive switch means associated with that channel. The two-channel stimulator can be used e.g., to treat bilateral dropped foot.

A universal closed-loop functional electrical stimulation system comprising at least one electrode assembly adapted to deliver an electrical stimulation signal to the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, or muscles of a user, a sensor system adapted to detect a mechanical response to a muscle stimulation signal of at least one muscle associated with a muscle group stimulated through the nervous system or proximate to the electrode assembly. An electrical stimulation device operably coupled to at least one electrode assembly and the sensor system, the electrical stimulation device including a control system to automatically receive feedback from at least one characteristic of the muscle from the detected muscle response and adjust at least one parameter of the muscle stimulation signal in real-time and in response thereto and a programmed microprocessor for controlling said electrical stimulation and receiving input from said sensor system.

A method of treating shoulder dysfunction involves the use of a percutaneous, intramuscular stimulation system. A plurality of intramuscular stimulation electrodes are implanted directly into select shoulder muscles of a patient who has suffered a disruption of the central nervous system such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or cerebral palsy. An external microprocessor based multi-channel stimulation pulse train generator is used for generating select electrical stimulation pulse train signals. A plurality of insulated electrode leads percutaneously, electrically interconnect the plurality of intramuscular stimulation electrodes to the external stimulation pulse train generator, respectively. Stimulation pulse train parameters for each of the stimulation pulse train output channels are selected independently of the other channels. The shoulder is evaluated for subluxation in more than one dimension. More than one muscle or muscle group is simultaneously subjected to a pulse train dosage. Preferably, the at least two dosages are delivered asynchronously to two muscle groups comprising the supraspinatus in combination with the middle deltoid, and the trapezious in combination with the posterior deltoid.

A device for administrating electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) includes a flexible covering having a plurality of spaced apart electrodes (22). In a preferred embodiment the flexible covering is shaped like a belt (24) and is designed to encircle and be connected around a portion of a patient's body (506). The belt is fabricated from an elastic material so that the electrodes are pressed against the skin of the patient to promote better electrical conduction. The electrodes are selectively positionable to different locations on the belt, so they may be placed directly over a selected muscle or muscle group. Each electrode has its own individual control (32) for adjusting the level of the electrical stimulation signal, so that (1) different muscles can receive different levels of stimulation, and (2) the level of stimulation may be changed during the course of treatment. A master adjustment control (504) is used to adjust the stimulation signal level applied to all the electrodes. In a preferred embodiment, the individual adjustment controls are located adjacent their respective electrodes on the belt. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible covering (423) is folded to form a pocket, and a sponge assembly (425) is removably inserted into the pocket. The sponge assembly has a plurality of replaceable sponges (429).

The invention consists of a hands-on, physically simulated human or animal body interior, containing physically simulated representations of all of the solid organs, hollow viscera, bladders, glands, major ducts, large and medium-sized blood vessels, muscle groups and interstitial tissues. The organs and vessels are life-sized and are composed of molded or sculpted open cell or closed cell foam rubber of varying density and load deformation, matching the physical properties of the specific biologic organs or tissues simulated. The organs, tissues and vessels may be treated with pigments, sealants and / or hardening agents to reflect the contours, appearances, densities, textures, elasticity, and deformability of normal or pathologically-altered internal organs and tissues. Organs contain molded vascular channels, reversibly attached to the larger blood vessels of the simulator. The model has a pressurized, watertight, simulated vascular system, monitored by electronic sensors.

A magnetic nerve stimulator system is comprised of a core constructed from a material having a high field saturation with a coil winding. A thyrister capacitive discharge circuit pulses the device. A rapidly changing magnetic field is guided by the core, preferably vanadium permendur. For task specific excitation of various nerve groups, specially constructed cores allow for excitation of nerves at deeper levels with higher efficiency than is possible with air-core stimulators. Among the applications possible with this invention are treatment of incontinence, rehabilitation of large muscle groups in the leg and arm, and excitation of abdominal wall muscle groups to aid in weight loss and metabolic rate increase. A C-shape is employed for focussing the stimulation as desired.

An exercise device designed to work the abdominal and oblique muscle groups. The abdominal exerciser comprises a carriage connected to a frame by a swing-arm that allows the carriage to swing along an arcuate path. In some embodiments, the carriage is connected to the frame by non-parallel first and second swing-arms. The carriage is adjustable so as to accommodate users of different sizes and to isolate different abdominal muscle groups. The abdominal exerciser device is designed to simulate an abdominal exercise “crunch” motion when the knees are brought within proximity of an upper body support.

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 method and apparatus for treating a condition of a patient's airway includes identifying a patient with obstructive sleep apnea and identifying a muscle of a tongue of the patient. A first brace is implanted within the tongue at a first implant location near the top of the tongue. A second brace is implanted within the tongue at a second implant location below the upper location. The first and second braces are connected to compress the muscle group.

Portable, convertible and multifunction exercise apparatus, devices, systems and methods of using that allows individuals to accomplish their fitness, health conditioning, weight loss and rehabilitation goals with a single platform having selectively length adjustable resistance bands. Rotatable spring biased wheels can lock the bands to different lengths, where the longer the length the less resistance, and the shorter the length the more the resistance. The platform can transform from a stepper into a bench to an incline seat with foldable legs. Contained within the platform storage unit are several bars handles and leg attachments. An exercise bar having a rotatable midportion can have handle grip ends removably attachable to the bands and / or the bar so that a variety of additional exercises can be performed allowing the user to exercise all muscle groups for a total body workout.

An electrode assembly adapted to be attached to the skin over selected facial muscle groups picks up signals to be analyzed by an anesthesia adequacy monitor that measures the level of awareness of a living animal, typically a human being. The electrode assembly also includes a stimulator that stimulates a facial nerve to determine the level of paralysis, or neuro muscular block, of the facial muscles. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the electrode assembly by printing a pattern of electrically conductive material through a silk-screen or an ink type process onto a flexible layer, and then coating the result with a non-conducting adhesive except at points corresponding to sensing points for the desired muscle groups. Finally, a method for using such sensing and stimulating devices is shown in determining and maintaining an appropriate level of patient awareness, muscle paralysis, and analgesia under anesthesia.

An exercising system and method for the treatment and rehabilitation of the paralyzed muscles of the legs. Stimulators and sensors are implanted in several of the main muscle groups of the legs. A computerized controller uses wireless signals for communications with the implanted stimulators and sensors. The person receiving the treatment sits on an exercise machine such as a stationery bicycle, a leg press, a rowing machine or other leg exercising machine. The controller determines the position of the legs and transmits a series of commands to the stimulators to provide functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the muscles of the legs, which move the legs in a cyclical or reciprocating manner, such as that needed to pedal a bicycle. Using data provided by the implanted sensors, the controller is able to adjust the stimulation commands sent to the muscles of the legs to control the amount of force exerted by the foot, to limit user fatigue and to keep the foot in a neutral position on the pedal or footrest. Users of the system who are partially paralyzed in the legs can receive an implanted EMG sensor and the controller can synchronize the stimulation of their paralyzed leg muscles with the user's own voluntary activation of their leg muscles.

The invention provides an exercise arrangement comprising a tiltable body support supported on a roller board. The exercise arrangement includes a tiltable or rockable body support for at least partially supporting a body part of a person. The body support is supported above a roller board, thereby allowing the exercise arrangement to not only tilt, but also to roll freely over a support surface. This arrangement allows users to exercise numerous muscle groups by a combination of tilting and rocking movements, combined with lateral movements. The exercise arrangement is especially suited for balance exercises and increases proprioception by providing a dynamic training environment.

An exercise machine and a method for its use in training selected muscle groups by controlled use of brakes to resist crank movement adjustably at specific and adjustable controlled positions in the rotation of a crank. A control system may be incorporated to cause brake mechanisms to apply varying amounts of resistance to a pair of pedal-driven cranks to simulate the efforts required to ride an actual bicycle over a course including various upslopes and down-slopes.

An electrode assembly adapted to be attached to the skin over selected facial muscle groups picks up signals to be analyzed by an anesthesia adequacy monitor that measures the level of awareness of a living animal, typically a human being. The electrode assembly also includes a stimulator that stimulates a facial nerve to determine the level of paralysis, or neuro muscular block, of the facial muscles. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the electrode assembly by printing a pattern of electrically conductive material through a silk-screen or an ink type process onto a flexible layer, and then coating the result with a non-conducting adhesive except at points corresponding to sensing points for the desired muscle groups. Finally, a method for using such sensing and stimulating devices is shown in determining and maintaining an appropriate level of patient awareness, muscle paralysis, and analgesia under anesthesia.

An exercise device, for use in strengthening, training, and rehabilitating the body, using at least two harnesses and at least one elastic element. The harnesses are attached to the body and have mating clips attached to them to establish anchor points. The elastic element has a pair of clip receptacle for attaching to the mating elements and has an elastic cord extending therebetween. When the clip receptacles are secured to the mating clips at a pair of anchor points, body movements relative to the anchor points are resisted by the elastic elements.

An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support movably mounted relative to the main frame for movement between a start position and an end position during an exercise. At least one multi-function user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement and actuation by a user during an exercise, and a connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support. The user engagement device has two different modes of operation selectable by a user for performing different exercises which exercise distinct muscles or muscle groups. A load provides resistance for both exercises.

The abdominal exerciser of the present invention is an exercise device designed to work the abdominal and oblique muscle groups. The abdominal exerciser includes a sled that is supported by and slides or rolls along at least one track. The upper body support is ergonomically positioned higher than the sled, and fixed to a cross bar supported by the track. The cross bar is designed to rotate forward to simulate an abdominal exercise “crunch” motion when the knees are brought within proximity of the upper body support.

A form-fitting elastic garment includes a plurality of pockets at locations corresponding to a plurality of muscle groups and / or tendons. The pockets are adapted to receive a thermal medium and hold the thermal medium tightly against a muscle group and / or tendons of a wearer. A thermal therapy kit includes a thermally insulated container storing a thermal medium and such a form fitting garment.

An improved exercise apparatus for use in performing exercises may include: an upper portion which may have a handle coupled to an upper surface, and a lower surface; and a lower portion having a lower surface including a slip resistant material, and having an upper surface rotatably coupled to the lower surface of the upper portion. The exercise apparatus, is a fitness product designed to allow the exerciser to do push-ups without strain on the wrists and / or to increase the number of major muscle groups used, as compared to an unassisted push-up. The exercise may be used by assuming a push-up position on the floor, while engaging the apparatus in the exerciser's hands with the handle in a starting position, about parallel to the body. One disc of the exercise apparatus device may be placed in the left hand, and the other disc may be placed in the right hand. As the exerciser pushes his body up, the handle may rotate and / or swivel about 90 degrees so that the handle may then be substantially perpendicular to the exerciser's body at the height of the push-up. As the exerciser exercises, the handle may swivel back to the starting position, parallel to the body.

An apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise includes a cable and pulley system and a force sensing device operatively coupled to the cable and pulley system. The cable and pulley system has at least one pulley and at least one substantially inelastic cable configured for engagement with the pulley. The force sensing device is operable to generate data relating to a mechanical force applied to the cable by a user during a counter-resistance exercise in which the mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or muscle group and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group. In one embodiment, the mechanical force applied to the cable is transferred to a load cell and the load cell converts the mechanical force to a proportional electrical signal. In another embodiment, a wireless transmitter transmits the electrical signal to a display configured for wireless communication with the transmitter and the display provides the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise.

The invention provides rehabilitation training system and method combined with functional electric stimulation and a robot. The system comprises a functional electric stimulation part, a robot part and a control unit which is respectively connected with the functional electric stimulation part and the robot part, wherein the control unit is used for receiving bioelectric signals and controlling the functional electric stimulation part and the robot part at real time according to the mode of adjustable auxiliary proportion of the functional electric stimulation part and the robot part or the mode of adjustable tracking error so that the functional electric stimulation part can stimulate the corresponding muscle groups of a joint of a patient and the robot part can provide a joint auxiliary torque for the patient. The invention can be applied to progressive interactive rehabilitation of elbow joints, wrist joints, knee joints, ankle joints and shoulder joints and can help patients carry out active rehabilitation training in an improved movement space, thereby greatly accelerating the recovery of movement function of joints of affected sides.

A portable exercise assembly structured to facilitate the performance of multiple exercises by a user, thereon and including a base and / or a mounting assembly either of which are capable of being selectively positioned between an operative position and a stored position and, when in the stored position are capable of being easily hand carried, with other associated components of the exercise assembly. When in the operative position, the base comprises a plurality of segments disposed in an end-to-end, elongated orientation. A resistance assembly comprising a plurality of resistance elements, preferably formed of an elastic material is connected to the base and / or to the mounting assembly as well as to a gripping assembly which is either attachable to various portions of the user's body or may be at least partially gripped by the user, such that the user exerts a force thereon so as to position the plurality of elastic elements between a stressed position and a non-stressed position, thereby exerting a variable range of forces on muscle group which are intended to be exercise. The gripping assembly includes one or more gripping bars having one or more cushions mounted thereon each having a retaining member, which comfortably and removably retains engagement with various portions of the user's body while the user selectively extends or retracts the plurality resistance elements.

An exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response, which are also important for controlling the evacuation of the intestines and the bladder. This exercise device focuses on increasing the mass, strength and tone of these muscles. The device comprises a pair of longitudinally extending members that are connected to one another at their first ends. The opposing second ends of these members are movable between an open position and a closed position, but are biased toward the open position providing resistance to movement toward the closed position. In the open position the second ends of the members are spaced apart from one another further than the first ends of the members are spaced apart from one another. The device is sized and configured to be received within the vaginal and anal cavities of the human body to exercise the groups of muscles related thereto.

Method and apparatus for training facial muscles to reduce wrinkles employs a flexible stretchable membrane held in contact with the skin over a muscle group while manipulating a hand-held device with a motorized rotary brush over the membrane, so that the bristles stimulate and train the muscle group while the flexible membrane protects and stabilizes the skin.

Exercising apparatus capable of enabling a user to select any one of a plurality of different exercises to be performed by the user for exercising different muscles or muscle groups of the user's body. The apparatus includes a body supporting member for supporting the body of the user in a predetermined position according to the exercise selected to be performed; a body-engageable member engageable by a selected part of the user's body, when supported on the body supporting member, and displaceable in a predetermined direction by a force applied by the selected body part to the body-engageable member, according to the exercise selected to be performed; and a resistance member coupled to the body-engageable member for imposing a resistance to the displacement of the body-engageable member when the selected part of the user's body applies the force to the body-engageable member. The body-engageable member is presettable with respect to the body supporting member to enable selection of the body part to engage the body-displaceable member, and the direction of application of the force applied by the body part to the body-engageable member, according to the exercise selected to be performed.