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-8622747-B2
Publication Date
2014-01-07
Expiration Date
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
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
The present invention provides a new apparatus, system and method for fall prevention training 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, and 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 and an individual's walking gait can be monitored with portions thereof detected so that a disturbance event can be triggered when a given portion of the walking gait is detected or triggered manually, at preset intervals or according to a preset script.
The invention addresses the problem that a slip or trip during walking or standing can lead to a fall and be a serious cause of injury, particularly for elderly people, and that existing perturbation training systems and methods are limited to manual balance boards which do not allow for perturbations that occur during an actual step, do not allow for repeatable timing of perturbations at specific phases of the gait cycle, nor can the perturbations be delivered in less than 500 ms. The background emphasizes the need for a system that can accurately simulate a slip or tripping incident, measure the biomechanics of a slip or tripping incident to assist training, simulate various trip and slip scenarios, provide task-specific, neuromuscular, dynamic perturbation training, and provide perturbations during the stance phase of the gait cycle at preferred kinematic positions, velocities, or loading conditions.
The apparatus preferably includes a movable perturbation platform, sensors located proximate to the individual and the platform with data output from the sensors, a device for collecting and storing the data during the disturbance event, and a device for outputting the data. The invention contemplates bi-directional motorized belts, optional obstacles proximate to the platform that can be physical or virtual, monitoring and triggering perturbations based on phases of the gait cycle or extrinsic stimuli including musical, visual or tactile cues, and embodiments to deliver controlled perturbations to body regions other than the lower extremity such as the wrist, elbow or shoulder.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims covering a method and an apparatus; the main inventive features focus on a platform supporting an individual, causing continuous walking gait, and creating a disturbance event of less than 500 ms that induces joint instability during continuous walking gait.
Platform configured to support an individual standing thereon
providing a platform configured to support an individual standing thereon
Platform configured to cause continuous walking gait
moving the platform, with the individual thereon, to cause the individual to achieve a continuous walking gait
Platform configured to create a disturbance event under 500 ms inducing joint instability
moving the platform to create a disturbance event having a duration of less than 500 ms that induces instability in a joint of the individual as part of a continuous walking gait
Apparatus platform capable of supporting an individual
a platform configured to support an individual standing thereon
Apparatus platform capable of producing continuous walking gait
the platform, with an individual thereon, configured to cause the individual to achieve a continuous walking gait
Apparatus platform capable of producing a sub-500 ms disturbance inducing joint instability
the platform being capable of moving to create a disturbance event having a duration of less than 500 ms that induces instability in a joint of the individual as part of a continuous walking gait
The independent claims cover both a method and an apparatus in which a platform that supports an individual and produces a continuous walking gait is moved to generate a disturbance event of less than 500 ms that induces joint instability during continuous walking gait.
Stated Advantages
More accurately simulates a disturbance event, such as a slip or trip incident, more closely than prior art apparatus.
Measures the biomechanics of a disturbance event to assist a person to better respond to the incident to avoid a fall.
Provides task-specific, neuromuscular, dynamic perturbation training to prevent injury to soft tissues and improve outcomes for joint injuries including the ACL.
Delivers perturbations that induce joint instability requiring a neuromuscular response, individually or simultaneously across joints.
Provides perturbations during phases of the gait cycle, including stance, braking, midstance and propulsion, and can be synchronized with musical cues and other external stimuli.
Delivers perturbations automatically and repeatedly without manual intervention from another individual or medical provider.
Provides perturbations to any joint of the body, including upper body joints, to help prevent disease and injury.
Provides perturbations of varying magnitude, direction and duration that can be generated automatically based on timing of music or selected perturbation profiles.
Documented Applications
Fall prevention training to reduce the likelihood of falling following a disturbance event such as a slip or trip.
Study and analysis of the biomechanics of disturbance events including slip, trip, and laterally-directed postural disturbances and step recovery.
Human performance, injury prevention and neuromuscular training to train step responses to anterior, posterior or laterally-directed postural perturbations.
Neuromuscular training to increase dynamic joint stiffness and dynamic joint stability, including applications for ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed populations.
Prevention and mitigation of joint-related diseases and injuries such as osteoarthritis and ankle sprains.
Delivering controlled perturbations to upper body joints such as the elbow, wrist or shoulder for prevention of disease and injury to those regions.
Athlete training and physical therapy where perturbations are delivered automatically and in some cases repeatedly without manual intervention.
Measurement and evaluation of tripping and slipping fall mechanisms and stepping responses from static positions and during locomotion.
Interested in licensing this patent?