Training system and method using a dynamic perturbation platform
Inventors
Chu, Jeffrey J. • Greenwald, Richard M. • Johnson, David D.
Assignees
SIMBEX A OF NEW HAMPSHIRE LLC LLC • Simbex LLC
Publication Number
US-8246354-B2
Publication Date
2012-08-21
Expiration Date
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Abstract
A new apparatus, system and method for fall prevention training is provided that delivers, studies and analyzes the biomechanics of a disturbance event, such as a slip or trip incident, so that an appropriate response can be executed by the person to reduce or eliminate the number of falls experienced. The apparatus includes a platform that delivers a disturbance event in less than about 500 ms and preferably in the range of about 100 ms to about 200 ms. The method includes a unique protocol for fall prevention training using the apparatus. The disturbance event can create instability in the joint of the individual. An individual's walking gait can be monitored with the portions thereof detected. A disturbance event can be triggered when a given portion of the walking gait is detected. Also, the disturbance even can be triggered manually, at preset intervals or according to preset script.
Core Innovation
A new apparatus, system and method for fall prevention training is provided that delivers, studies and analyzes the biomechanics of a disturbance event, such as a slip or trip incident, so that an appropriate response can be executed by the person to reduce or eliminate the number of falls experienced. The apparatus includes a platform that delivers a disturbance event in less than about 500 ms and preferably in the range of about 100 ms to about 200 ms. The method includes a unique protocol for fall prevention training using the apparatus.
The present invention uses a disturbance event simulation apparatus in the form of a perturbation platform movable to create a disturbance event that induces a response from an individual, with sensors located proximate to the individual and the platform, a device for collecting and storing the data during the disturbance event, and a device for outputting the data so that it may be viewed and studied. The apparatus may include a bi-directional motorized belt, two bi-directional belts, multi-axis load transducers, inertial sensors, a harness and handrails, and a central control unit with control algorithms and data storage.
The timing of perturbations can be based on intrinsic physiologic factors, such as phase of the gait cycle, position, velocity or acceleration of a limb or joint, and can be triggered manually, at preset intervals or according to preset script. Perturbations can induce joint instability requiring a neuromuscular response, can be provided to any joint including upper body joints, and can be synchronized with musical cues and other external stimuli.
Claims Coverage
Six independent claims are identified and summarized below, each focusing on platform-supported gait, monitoring or kinematic detection, triggering, and creation of a disturbance event having a duration of less than 500 ms.
Timed disturbance during continuous walking gait
Providing a platform configured to support an individual, moving the platform to allow the individual to achieve a continuous walking gait, monitoring the continuous walking gait, identifying at least one portion of the continuous walking gait, and when a selected identified portion is detected, moving the platform to create a disturbance event having a duration of less than 500 ms that induces a response from the individual as part of a continuous walking gait.
Kinematic-variable-triggered disturbance
Providing a platform configured to support an individual, moving the platform to allow continuous walking gait, monitoring kinematic variables associated with at least one joint, identifying at least one kinematic variable, and when a selected kinematic variable is detected and meets a predetermined criteria, moving the platform to create a disturbance event having a duration of less than 500 ms that induces a response from the individual as part of a continuous walking gait.
Trigger-activated disturbance during continuous walking gait
Providing a platform configured to support an individual, moving the platform to allow continuous walking gait, providing triggering means to initiate movement of the platform to create a disturbance event, activating and detecting the trigger means, and when the trigger means is detected, moving the platform to create a disturbance event having a duration of less than 500 ms that induces a response from the individual as part of a continuous walking gait.
Platform apparatus for gait-triggered disturbance
A training apparatus comprising a platform configured to support an individual and allow a continuous walking gait, means for monitoring the continuous walking gait, means for identifying at least one portion of the continuous walking gait, and when a selected portion is detected, means for moving the platform to create a disturbance event having a duration of less than 500 ms that induces a response from the individual as part of a continuous walking gait.
Platform apparatus with trigger-initiated disturbance
A training apparatus comprising a platform configured to support an individual and allow a continuous walking gait, means for monitoring the continuous walking gait, means for triggering to initiate movement of the platform to create a disturbance event, and where when the trigger means is activated and detected the platform moves to create a disturbance event having a duration of less than 500 ms that induces a response from the individual as part of a continuous walking gait.
Platform apparatus with joint kinematic-triggered disturbance
A training apparatus comprising a platform configured to support an individual and allow a continuous walking gait, means for monitoring kinematic variables associated with at least one joint, means for identifying at least one kinematic variable, and when a selected kinematic variable is detected and meets a predetermined criteria, means for moving the platform to create a disturbance event having a duration of less than 500 ms that induces a response from the individual as part of a continuous walking gait.
The independent claims cover methods and apparatuses that support an individual on a platform, monitor gait or joint kinematics, use detected gait portions, kinematic criteria or external triggers to initiate a platform movement, and create disturbance events of less than 500 ms to induce a response during continuous walking gait.
Stated Advantages
Simulates slip or trip disturbance events more accurately than prior art by creating disturbance events in less than about 500 ms, preferably about 100 to 200 ms.
Measures and records biomechanical data during disturbance events to study and analyze step recovery and other responses for training purposes.
Provides task-specific, neuromuscular, dynamic perturbation training that induces joint instability requiring neuromuscular response to retain or retrain intrinsic joint stabilization.
Enables timed and repeatable perturbations synchronized with phases of the gait cycle, kinematic joint positions, velocities or forces, and external stimuli including musical cues.
Delivers automated perturbations of varying magnitude, direction and duration without manual intervention, including delivery to any joint in the body.
Supports protocols and progressive training methods that establish individual thresholds and train gait recovery, step responses, and stable gait following disturbances.
Facilitates rehabilitation and injury prevention objectives including improved outcomes for ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed populations and prevention or mitigation of joint-related diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Documented Applications
Fall prevention training to reduce or eliminate the number of falls experienced by delivering simulated disturbance events and training appropriate responses.
Studying and analyzing the biomechanics of disturbance events, such as slips and trips, and measuring step recovery and related biomechanical parameters.
Task-specific neuromuscular training to prevent injury to soft tissues surrounding body joints, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention and rehabilitation for ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed individuals.
Prevention and mitigation of joint-related diseases and injuries, including progression of osteoarthritis and prevention of ankle sprains via modulation of the stretch reflex.
Athlete training and physical therapy where perturbations are delivered automatically, repeatedly, and timed to gait phases or external cues to improve dynamic joint stability and performance.
Delivering controlled perturbations to any part of the body, including upper body joints such as the elbow, wrist and shoulder, for training response and injury prevention.
Using obstacles, both physical and virtual (e.g., laser beam or hologram), proximate to the platform to induce and train step responses during disturbance events.
Synchronizing perturbations with musical cues and other external stimuli, and selecting music based on perturbation profiles for neuromuscular training activities.
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