U.S. patent application number 11/118990 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for hack squat gestural guiding apparatus in view of a standardized evaluation of the tridimensional kinematics of the knee.
Invention is credited to Jacques De De Guise, Sylvie Dore, Caroline Gevry, Frederic La Voie, Martin Laplante.
Application Number | 20060247097 11/118990 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37235186 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060247097 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
La Voie; Frederic ; et
al. |
November 2, 2006 |
Hack squat gestural guiding apparatus in view of a standardized
evaluation of the tridimensional kinematics of the knee
Abstract
A system and method for evaluating the tridimensional kinematics
of the knee is presented wherein the system comprises a
gesture-guiding apparatus designed to guide a patient through a
repeatable, consistent and standardized motion in view of
evaluating the condition of the patient's knees. A hack squatting
motion, which generally involves a substantially linear vertical
squatting motion of the body, is used to isolate the leg and knee
movements and increase repeatability. The patient's upper body is
generally stabilized and optionally constrained such that a
standardized orientation and alignment thereof is maintained
throughout the motion. The patient's feet may also be stabilized
and constrained. Motion resistance settings may be provided using a
set of adjustable weights and counterweights to accommodate various
patients and patient conditions.
Inventors: |
La Voie; Frederic;
(Montreal, CA) ; De Guise; Jacques De; (Montreal,
CA) ; Dore; Sylvie; (Montreal, CA) ; Laplante;
Martin; (Montreal, CA) ; Gevry; Caroline;
(Longueuil, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKERMAN SENTERFITT
P.O. BOX 3188
WEST PALM BEACH
FL
33402-3188
US
|
Family ID: |
37235186 |
Appl. No.: |
11/118990 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0405 20130101;
A61B 5/4585 20130101; A63B 21/0628 20151001; A61B 5/702 20130101;
A61B 5/4528 20130101; A63B 2230/01 20130101; A63B 2023/0411
20130101; A61B 5/1121 20130101; A63B 21/0626 20151001; A63B 21/4007
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/008 ;
482/093 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A method for monitoring at least one knee of a patient executing
a controlled leg pushing motion applied through his feet in view of
monitoring a condition of the knee, the method comprising the steps
of: a) providing a gesture-guiding apparatus and a monitoring
device configured to monitor the at least one knee while the
patient executes the controlled pushing motion using said
gesture-guiding apparatus, said apparatus comprising a foot-bearing
surface for positioning the feet of the patient thereon, a body
alignment structure for providing an upper-body alignment of the
patient thereon and a guiding mechanism for guiding a substantially
linear displacement of said alignment structure relative to said
surface through the pushing motion; b) positioning the patient in
said gesture-guiding apparatus according to a pre-selected
position; c) having the patient execute the motion; and d)
monitoring the at least one knee using said monitoring device as
the patient executes the motion.
2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a step
before step c) of adjusting a resistance to the motion for a given
patient.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein in said step of
adjusting a resistance, a resistance mechanism of said
gesture-guiding apparatus comprises at least one weight for
selectively increasing said resistance.
4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein in said step of
adjusting a resistance, a resistance mechanism of said
gesture-guiding apparatus comprises at least one counterweight for
selectively decreasing said resistance.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body alignment
structure comprises fastening means for securing said upper-body
alignment, the method further comprising a step after step b) and
before step c) of securely fastening said fastening means.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said monitoring device
comprises at least one kinematics sensing device, for monitoring in
step d) a kinematics of the at least one knee.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said kinematics is
used to provide a mapping of a 3D knee kinematics of the at least
one knee.
8. The method as Claimed in claim 1, wherein said monitoring device
comprises at least one load-measuring platform incorporated in said
foot-bearing surface to monitor in step d) a load applied to the
feet of the patient.
9. The method as Claimed in claim 1, wherein said foot-bearing
surface comprises foot fastening structures to secure a positioning
of the patient's feet thereon, the method further comprising a step
after step b) and before step c) of securely fastening said foot
fastening structures to the patient.
10. The method as Claimed in claim 1, wherein said substantially
linear displacement of said alignment structure relative to said
surface is substantially vertical.
11. The method as Claimed in claim 1, wherein said substantially
linear displacement of said alignment structure relative to said
surface is substantially horizontal.
12. A gesture-guiding apparatus for controlling a leg pushing
motion of a patient in view of monitoring a condition of at least
one knee of the patient, the apparatus comprising a foot-bearing
surface, an upper-body support structure comprising at least one
body alignment mechanism for providing an upper-body alignment of
the patient thereon, a guiding mechanism for guiding a
substantially linear displacement of said support relative to said
surface through the leg pushing motion and a resistance mechanism
for adjusting a resistance to the motion, said resistance
comprising a weight resistance and said resistance mechanism
comprising at least one counterweight to reduce said weight
resistance.
13. The gesture-guiding apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein
said foot-bearing surface is fixed and said support structure is
controllably displaced using said guiding mechanism.
14. The gesture-guiding apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein
said resistance mechanism comprises at least one weight selectively
coupled to said support structure for adjustably increasing said
resistance.
15. The gesture-guiding apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein
said resistance mechanism comprises at least one counterweight
selectively coupled to said support structure for adjustably
reducing said resistance.
16. The gesture-guiding apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein
said counterweight is coupled to said support structure using at
least one pulley system.
17. The gesture-guiding apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein
said body alignment mechanism comprises fastening means for
securing said upper-body alignment.
18. The gesture-guiding apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein
said fastening means comprise at least one of a hip belt, a chest
belt, a shoulder belt and a head belt.
19. The gesture-guiding apparatus as Claimed in claim 12, wherein
at least one load-measuring platform is incorporated in said
foot-bearing surface to monitor a load applied to the feet of the
patient.
20. The gesture-guiding apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein
said foot-bearing surface comprises at least one foot restraint for
securely positioning the feet of the patient thereto.
21. A system for monitoring at least one knee of a patient
executing a controlled leg pushing motion applied through his feet
in view of monitoring a condition of the knee, the system
comprising a gesture-guiding apparatus and a monitoring device
configured to monitor the at least one knee while the patient
executes the controlled leg pushing motion using said
gesture-guiding apparatus, said gesture-guiding apparatus
comprising a foot-bearing surface for positioning the feet of the
patient thereon, a body alignment structure for providing an
upper-body alignment of the patient thereon and a guiding mechanism
for guiding a substantially linear displacement of said alignment
structure relative to said surface through said pushing motion.
22. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said monitoring
device comprises at least one kinematics sensing device for
monitoring a kinematics of the at least one knee.
23. The system as claimed in claim 22, wherein said monitoring
device is adapted to use said kinematics to provide a mapping of a
3D knee kinematics of the at least one knee.
24. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said monitoring
device comprises at least one load-measuring platform incorporated
with said foot-bearing surface to monitor a load applied to the
feet of the patient.
25. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said body alignment
structure comprises fastening means for securing said upper-body
alignment.
26. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said foot-bearing
surface comprises at least one foot fastening structure for
securing a position of the patient's feet during the motion.
27. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said foot-bearing
surface is fixedly mounted within said gesture-guiding apparatus
and said support structure is controllably displaced using said
guiding mechanism.
28. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said gesture-guiding
apparatus further comprises an adjustable resistance mechanism for
selectably adjusting a resistance to the motion, said resistance
mechanism comprising at least one weight for selectively increasing
said resistance.
29. The system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said gesture-guiding
apparatus further comprises an adjustable resistance mechanism for
selectably adjusting a resistance to the motion, said resistance
mechanism comprising at least one counterweight for selectively
decreasing said resistance.
30. The system as Claimed in claim 21, wherein said gesture-guiding
apparatus is adapted such that said substantially linear
displacement of said alignment structure relative to said surface
is substantially vertical.
31. The system as Claimed in claim 21, wherein said gesture-guiding
apparatus is adapted such that said substantially linear
displacement of said alignment structure relative to said surface
is substantially horizontal.
32. A method for monitoring at least one knee of a patient
executing a controlled leg pushing motion applied through his feet
in view of monitoring a condition of the knee, the method
comprising the steps of: a) positioning the patient in a
gesture-guiding apparatus and with a selected position for an upper
body of the patient; b) having the patient execute the motion,
wherein the upper body displaces substantially linearly; and c)
monitoring the at least one knee as the patient executes the
motion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
the standardized evaluation of body kinematics. More specifically,
the present invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for
the standardized evaluation of the three-dimensional kinematics of
the knee.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Knee pain and injuries are quite common in athletes and
sports enthusiasts of all types. In particular, knee ligament
strains and tears can often result from strenuous activity,
vigorous sports, and other such physical situations wherein the
knee, whether healthy or generally prone to injury, is required to
move against a restrictive force or weight. As a result, evaluation
practices and methods have been developed to study and monitor the
movement of the knee to evaluate the dynamics and kinematics
thereof.
[0003] For instance, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0018283 for a
"Feedback Estimation of Joint Forces and Joint Moments" by Dariush
and published on Jan. 23, 2003, teaches a 2 D simulation system and
algorithm for studying the dynamics of the body during a squatting
motion. Using recursive calculation of the moments and forces in
the various joints, starting from measurements of ground reaction
forces and combining them with measured or desired body kinematics,
the simulation works its way up through the body to evaluate torque
and reaction forces in successive joints of the body.
[0004] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0115031 for a "Simulation
System, Method and Computer-Readable Medium for Human Augmentation
Devices" by Dariush et al. and published on Jun. 19, 2003, teaches
a 2D simulation system and algorithm that estimates joint angles in
the body, namely during a squat motion, based on measured torque
values at these joints.
[0005] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0139185 for a "Power
Tester" by MacFarlane et al. and published on Oct. 3, 2002, teaches
a device that estimates the power applied by a body member to
displace an object using time measurements of the body member's
motion against a restricting force applied by the object. Such
estimates can be used to evaluate the strength of a patient, for
example in various joints such as the knee, to assess the health of
the patient's joints or again to monitor the recovery thereof after
an injury.
[0006] Yet, though various monitoring and simulation systems exist
to evaluate the condition of a patient's knee, there is a need for
a system and apparatus optimizing the repeatability of measurements
and analyses, namely in scenarios reflecting the natural movement
of the knee in day-to-day and athletic activities. For instance, a
system and apparatus that can isolate a standardized natural motion
of the knee, that is a motion that is commonly repeated and
executed throughout various daily and athletic activities and
provide means for ensuring repeatability of such a motion to
provide consistent and reproducible results, could increase
diagnostic reliability through standardized measurement
comparisons. The present invention, as described herein, seeks to
meet these needs and other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a
method for monitoring a knee of a patient executing a controlled
leg pushing motion in view of monitoring a condition of the
knee.
[0008] It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a
gesture-guiding apparatus for controlling a leg pushing motion of a
patient in view of monitoring a condition of at least one of the
patient's knees.
[0009] It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a
system for monitoring at least one knee of a patient executing a
controlled leg pushing motion in view of monitoring a condition of
the knee.
[0010] More specifically, in accordance with the present invention,
there is provided a method for monitoring at least one knee of a
patient executing a controlled leg pushing motion applied through
his feet in view of monitoring a condition of the knee, the method
comprising the steps of:
[0011] a) providing a gesture-guiding apparatus and a monitoring
device configured to monitor the at least one knee while the
patient executes the controlled pushing motion using the
gesture-guiding apparatus, the apparatus comprising a foot-bearing
surface for positioning the feet of the patient thereon, a body
alignment structure for providing an upper-body alignment of the
patient thereon and a guiding mechanism for guiding a substantially
linear displacement of the alignment structure relative to the
surface through the pushing motion;
[0012] b) positioning the patient in the gesture-guiding apparatus
according to a pre-selected position;
[0013] c) having the patient execute the motion; and
[0014] d) monitoring the at least one knee using the monitoring
device as the patient executes the motion.
[0015] Also in accordance with the present invention, there is
provided a gesture-guiding apparatus for controlling a leg pushing
motion of a patient in view of monitoring a condition of at least
one knee of the patient, the apparatus comprising a foot-bearing
surface, an upper-body support structure comprising at least one
body alignment mechanism for providing an upper-body alignment of
the patient thereon, a guiding mechanism for guiding a
substantially linear displacement of the support relative to the
surface through the leg pushing motion and a resistance mechanism
-for adjusting a resistance to the motion, the resistance
comprising a weight resistance and the resistance mechanism
comprising at least one counterweight to reduce the weight
resistance.
[0016] Still in accordance with the present invention, there is
provided a system for monitoring at least one knee of a patient
executing a controlled leg pushing motion applied through his feet
in view of monitoring a condition of the knee, the system
comprising a gesture-guiding apparatus and a monitoring device
configured to monitor the at least one knee while the patient
executes the controlled leg pushing motion using the
gesture-guiding apparatus, the gesture-guiding apparatus comprising
a foot-bearing surface for positioning the feet of the patient
thereon, a body alignment structure for providing an upper-body
alignment of the patient thereon and a guiding mechanism for
guiding a substantially linear displacement of the alignment
structure relative to the surface through the pushing motion.
[0017] Still further in accordance with the present invention,
there is provided a method for monitoring at least one knee of a
patient executing a controlled leg pushing motion applied through
his feet in view of monitoring a condition of the knee, the method
comprising the steps of:
[0018] a) positioning the patient in a gesture-guiding apparatus
and with a selected position for an upper body of the patient;
[0019] b) having the patient execute the motion, wherein the upper
body displaces substantially linearly; and
[0020] c) monitoring the at least one knee as the patient executes
the motion.
[0021] Other aims, objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following
non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given
by way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In the appended drawings:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gesture-guiding apparatus
for use in monitoring the 3D kinematics of the knee in accordance
with a first. illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a patient using the
apparatus of FIG. 1 in standing and squatting positions
respectively;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gesture-guiding apparatus
for use in monitoring the 3D kinematics of the knee in accordance
with a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of a patient using the
apparatus of FIG. 3 in standing and squatting positions
respectively; and
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gesture-guiding apparatus
for use in monitoring the 3D kinematics of the knee in accordance
with a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0028] When it is desired to evaluate the 3D kinematics of the
human knee, there are difficulties in that the 3D movements of the
knee are affected by the movement of the leg during squatting. A
ruptured ligament will also affect this kinematics. With a view to
evaluate the impacts of various pathologies and of various
treatments therefor on the kinematics of the knee, this kinematics
must be evaluated during a reproducible movement of the knee and
with a load being applied on the knee.
[0029] A gesture-guiding apparatus has thus been developed, wherein
the trunk (torso) and feet of the patient are adequately stabilized
thereby, to allow a patient to exert a reproducible movement,
optionally against an adjustable resistance, in view of
establishing a standardized evaluation of the 3D kinematics of the
knee. The present guiding apparatus, used in combination with an
appropriate kinematics sensing and monitoring device and system,
could be for instance used to evaluate the kinematical
repercussions on the knee of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament
and of its surgical repair, or of other such knee injuries,
conditions and treatments.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, a gesture-guiding and
monitoring system S used to provide a standardized evaluation of
the tridimensional kinematics of the knee, in accordance with a
first illustrative embodiment of the present invention, will now be
described. The system S is generally comprised of a gesture-guiding
apparatus D and a monitoring system M for monitoring and evaluating
the movement of a patient, namely the kinematics of the patient's
knees, using the gesture-guiding apparatus D.
[0031] With particular reference to FIG. 1, the gesture-guiding
apparatus D is designed to guide a patient using the apparatus D
through a controlled leg pushing motion, as illustrated by the
vertical arrow A in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Such motions may be referred
to and comprise a squatting motion, a hack squatting motion, a leg
press motion, or other such motions requiring the patient to exert
a certain pushing force through his/her legs. By allowing the
patient to execute a controlled and repeatable motion, evaluation
of the patient's knees, namely through the study of the kinematics
thereof, can be better achieved through standardized measurement
comparisons.
[0032] Accordingly, the apparatus D is comprised of a foot-bearing
surface 14, an upper body alignment and support structure 16 and a
guiding mechanism 18 designed to guide a controlled substantially
linear displacement of the alignment structure 16 relative to the
foot-bearing surface 14.
[0033] In this illustrative embodiment, the foot-bearing surface 14
is comprised of a flat surface 20 and a set of foot-retaining
structures 22 mounted thereon for fixedly positioning the feet of a
patient therein. For instance, the foot-retaining structures 22
could include a set of straps, bindings or the like providing
repeatable positioning of the patient's feet and stabilizing the
position thereof during the pushing motion. These foot-retaining
structures 22 may also be adjustably mounted to the foot-bearing
surface 14 to allow initial (i.e. before undertaking the squatting
motions) adjustments to the patient's foot positions. Such
adjustments may include lateral, forward, backward and torsional
rotations of the feet, various foot alignments, distancing and the
like. Ultimately the position and orientation of the patient's feet
should be selected to provide for an adequate monitoring and
interpretation of the patient's knee's dynamics and kinematics
during a given motion.
[0034] Still referring to FIG. 1, the upper body alignment and
support structure 16 is illustratively comprised of a backboard 24,
a shoulder rest 26 and a headrest 28 aligned to accept the
positioning of the patient's back, shoulders and head respectively.
To provide greater versatility, the relative positions of these
three elements may be adjusted to accommodate patients of various
sizes and heights. To secure the upper body alignment of the
patient on the alignment structure 16, a set of straps
illustratively comprising a hip belt 30, a set of shoulder straps
32, a chest strap 33 and a head strap 34 are securely mounted to
the alignment structure 16. Alternatively, various types of belts,
straps and harnesses, or again a set of positioning and load
bearing pads and structures such as shoulder pads, neck alignment
guides, pelvic restraints and the like could be used to provide a
similar effect. Ultimately, the patient should be secured to the
body alignment structure such that an upper body alignment of the
patient remains substantially constant throughout the motion,
thereby increasing the potential for consistent, reproducible and
comparable results.
[0035] Again still referring to FIG. 1, the guiding mechanism 18 is
generally comprised of a vertical beam or shaft 36 mounted within a
base portion 38 of the apparatus D, namely integrally coupled to
the foot-bearing surface 14. In this embodiment, the shaft 36
provides a rail system 40 which accepts a coupling structure (not
seen) mounted to the back of the alignment structure 16 and adapted
to glide vertically thereon. A pulley system 41, integrated within
the shaft 36, is coupled at a first end thereof to the alignment
structure 16 and at a second end thereof to a counterweight (not
seen) guidedly mounted within the shaft 36 to provide a mechanism
for reducing a weight resistance applied to the patient's
motion.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, to increase a weight resistance
to be applied to the patient's guided motion, a set of weight
bearing bars 42 are horizontally mounted to the back of the
alignment structure 16. Consequently, the resistance applied to the
patient's motion may be adjustably increased and controlled by
varying the weight mounted on the bars 42.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2A, the monitoring system M is
generally comprised of at least one sensor as in 44, a data
processing unit 46 and a display unit 48 combined to monitor the
patient's motion using the apparatus D and analyze various
parameters related thereto. In this embodiment, the patient is
fitted with three sensor bands 44 on each leg, such as provided in
the YD3 kinematics measuring system developed by the "Laboratoire
de recherche en imagerie et orthopedie" (LIO) in Montreal, Canada,
or other such sensors and systems, which communicate kinematics
data taken from the femoral, tibial and knee portions of the legs.
This kinematics data is then communicated to the processing unit
46, in this embodiment through wired connections 50, for analysis
and display on the display unit 48. It is to be understood that
various data transfer means and systems may be implemented to
communicate captured data through the monitoring system M without
departing from the general scope and nature of the present
disclosure. For instance, data could be communicated through
various wireless connection technologies including, but not limited
to, radio frequency (RF) technologies, infrared (IR) technologies
and the like using various data transfer protocols and
implementations.
[0038] In addition to the sensor bands 44, the monitoring system M
may also comprise one or more load-measuring platforms 52,
optionally integrated within the foot-bearing surface 14, to
monitor the actual load supported by each foot during the guided
motion of the patient. By combining load data acquired by the
platform 52 with kinematics data acquired by the sensor bands 44, a
better analysis and evaluation of the patient's condition and
health may be attained through combined kinematics and dynamics
studies. Namely, standard variations of the 3D kinematics and
dynamics of the knee could be established for a series of known
knee conditions, ranging from the kinematics and dynamics of a
healthy knee, a knee supporting and recuperating from various
injuries, a knee recuperating after various surgical and/or
therapeutic interventions, and the like.
[0039] In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the use of apparatus D by a patient is
illustrated. In a first standing position (FIG. 2A), the patient is
first positioned on the foot-bearing surface 14 and his/her feet
are secured within the foot-retaining structures 22. The upper body
of the patient is then aligned on the body alignment structure 16
and then secured thereto using the set of straps and belts 30, 32,
33 and 34.
[0040] Once the patient is securely aligned on the apparatus 12,
he/she may proceed in executing a set of controlled motions,
illustrated here as a vertical motion along arrow A between the
standing position (FIG. 2A) and an illustratively squatting
position (FIG. 2B).
[0041] Optionally, a resistance to the patient's motion using the
apparatus D may be adjusted. In a first exemplary situation, the
resistance is increased by adding weights 54 to the bars 42 such
that the patient must push against a resistance combining his/her
own weight and the added weights 54 to complete the guided motion.
In a second exemplary situation, the counterweight may be adjusted
to substantially exactly counter the weight of the alignment
structure 16 such that the patient must only push against his/her
own weight to complete the guided motion. In a third exemplary
situation, the counterweight may be adjusted to counter a
significant fraction of the patient's weight such that the patient
only pushes against a reduced weight. This third situation may be
quite useful when evaluating and treating patients having injured
knees or insufficient leg strength to overcome their own weight in
a squatting motion. This situation may also help an injured patient
progress to an increased range of motion while building strength in
his/her knees and legs as part of a therapeutic and evaluation
practice.
[0042] As described hereinabove, the motion of the patient is also
monitored through the monitoring system M in view of evaluating,
for example, the 3D kinematics of the patient's knees under various
load resistances.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative gesture-guiding
apparatus D', again used for example in view of providing a
standardized evaluation of the tridimensional kinematics of the
knee and in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, will now be described.
[0044] The alternative gesture-guiding apparatus D' is again
designed to guide a patient using the apparatus D' through a
controlled leg pushing motion, as illustrated by the vertical arrow
A' in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Accordingly, the apparatus D' is comprised
of a foot-bearing surface 114, an upper body alignment and support
structure 116 and a guiding mechanism 118 designed to guide a
controlled substantially linear displacement of the alignment
structure 116 relative to the foot-bearing surface 114.
[0045] In this second illustrative embodiment, the foot-bearing
surface 114 is again comprised of a flat surface 120 and a set of
foot-retaining structures 122, here comprising a set of straps
mounted to the surface 120 for fixedly positioning the feet of the
patient therein. The foot-bearing surface 114 is generally mounted
parallel to the ground and can optionally be horizontally displaced
along arrow B to provide various patient positioning options. As
described hereinabove with reference to apparatus D, a weight
measuring platform 124 or apparatus may also be incorporated in the
foot-bearing surface 114 to provide patient loading data to enhance
knee monitoring and evaluation procedures.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4A, the upper body alignment
and support structure 116 is illustratively comprised of an upper
body rack 126 glidingly mounted to the guiding mechanism 118. The
rack 126 defines two armpit-resting pads 128 adapted to accept the
armpits of a patient thereon and a waist guide 130, optionally
fitted with a waist belt (not shown) for securing the waist of a
patient therein. A backboard 132, optionally molded to the general
contours of a patient's back, provides a back, shoulder and head
rest to the patient during use. The rack 126 also comprises a set
of guide couplers 133 allowing the rack 126 to glide up and down
the guiding mechanism 118.
[0047] The guiding mechanism 118 is comprised of a set of guide
rails 134 extending substantially vertically from a base 136 of the
apparatus D' and adapted to accept the gliding movement of the
guide couplers 133 of the body rack 126 thereon. An adjacent set of
weight guides 138, holding a selectable weight stack 140 thereon,
also extends substantially vertically from the base 136 and
connects to the guide rails 134 through a structural coupler 142
mounted at the top ends thereof, thereby solidifying the combined
structure. A pulley system (not shown) mounted within the
structural coupler 142, provides a chain or cable 144 that couples
the selectable weight stack 140 to the body rack 126 such that a
downward motion of the rack 126 along the guide rails 134 induces
an upward motion of selected weights 145 in the weight stack 140
along the weight guides 138. (Methods for selecting weights in the
weight stack using weight bearing pins, selectors and the like
should be apparent to a person of skill in the art and will thus
not be described in detail herein).
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a patient is illustrated
using the apparatus D'. The patient's feet are carefully positioned
within the foot straps 122 provisioned therefor and his/her upper
body is carefully aligned with the body alignment and support
structure 116. For instance, the patient should rest his/her
armpits on the armpit-resting pads 128 and align his/her waist
within the waist alignment guide 130. Optional waist, chest,
shoulder and head straps and belts (not shown) may also be used to
fasten the patient to the backboard 132 and secure his/her upper
body alignment.
[0049] An appropriate counterweight may then be selected. In
general, an appropriate counterweight will be defined by the
physical condition and strength of the patient's knees and legs.
For instance, if a patient is recovering from a serious injury or
surgery, a larger counterweight may be selected to provide very
little resistance to the patient's pushing motion. Alternatively,
as a patient's knees become stronger, greater resistance may be
applied. Also, resistance settings will likely vary from one
patient to another depending on muscle strength and conditioning.
Furthermore, additional weight settings may also be incorporated in
the design of apparatus D'. For instance, to increase a resistance
to the patient's motion beyond the patient's own weight, additional
weights may be mounted to the body support rack 116 using weight
bearing bars and the like, as described hereinabove with reference
to the first embodiment.
[0050] Once an appropriate resistance has been selected, the
patient is guided by the apparatus D' to execute repeatable leg
pushing motions, as indicated by arrow A'. As described hereinabove
with reference to the first illustrative embodiment, a monitoring
system as in M, again possibly comprising a set of sensing straps
and the like, will monitor the kinematics of the patient's knees
during the controlled motion in view of evaluating the patient's
condition. Combining kinematics data with load data extracted from
the load-measuring platform 124 may also be used to extrapolate
patient knee dynamics. Again, since the patient's upper body is
securely aligned with the support structure 116, consistent and
repeatable data may be obtained and evaluated against comparable
standardized kinematics data.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 5, a further alternative
gesture-guiding apparatus D'', again used for example in view of
providing a standardized evaluation of the tridimensional
kinematics of the knee and in accordance with a third illustrative
embodiment of the present invention, will now be described.
[0052] The gesture-guiding apparatus D'' is again designed to guide
a patient using the apparatus D'' through a controlled leg pushing
motion. Accordingly, the apparatus D'' is comprised of two
foot-retaining structures 214, an upper body alignment and support
structure 216 and a guiding mechanism 218 designed to guide a
controlled substantially linear displacement of the alignment
structure 216 relative to the foot-retaining structures 214.
[0053] In this third illustrative embodiment, the foot-retaining
structures 214 are pivotally mounted on a base portion 220 of the
apparatus D'' such that a forward/backward rotation of the
patient's feet may be adjusted. A forward/backward position of the
patient's feet may also be adjusted by adjusting a position of the
foot-retaining structures relative to the base portion 220. As
described hereinabove with reference to apparatuses D and D', a
weight measuring platform 222 or device may also be incorporated in
the foot-retaining structures 214 to provide patient loading data
to enhance knee monitoring and evaluation procedures.
[0054] The upper body alignment and support structure 216 is
illustratively comprised of a pelvic support 224, a backrest 226, a
shoulder rest 228, a headrest 230 and two shoulder pads 232, all
optionally adjustable to accommodate various users and user sizes.
A set of optional straps and belts may again be provided to secure
the patient's position on the support structure 216. The support
structure 216 also further comprises a series of guide couplers 234
allowing the structure 216 to glide up and down the guiding
mechanism 218.
[0055] The guiding mechanism 218 comprises of a set of guide rails
236, solidly mounted to a framing structure 238 and extending
substantially vertically from the base 220 of the apparatus D'',
adapted to accept the gliding movement of the guide couplers 234 of
the body support 216 thereon. A pulley system 240, comprising a set
of pulleys 241 collinearly mounted atop the framing structure 238,
provides a chain or cable 242 that couples the body support
structure 216 to a counterweight 244 such that a downward motion of
the structure 216 along the guide rails 236 induces an upward
motion of the counterweight 244.
[0056] To use the apparatus D'', a patient's feet are carefully
positioned on the foot-retaining structures 214, which are
themselves properly aligned and positioned, and the patient's upper
body is carefully aligned with the body alignment and support
structure 216. For instance, the patient should rest his/her
pelvis, back, shoulder and head on the pelvic support 224, the
backrest 226, the shoulder rest 228 and headrest 230 respectively
and position his/her shoulders below the shoulder pads 232.
Optional waist, chest, shoulder and head straps and belts (not
shown) may also be used to fasten the patient to the support
structure 216 to secure the patient's upper body alignment
thereon.
[0057] Again, an appropriate counterweight 224, defined by the
physical condition and strength of the patient's knees and legs,
may be selected. Also, additional weight settings may also be
incorporated in the design of apparatus D'', for instance to
increase a resistance to the patient's motion beyond the patient's
own weight, by mounting weights to the body support structure 216
using weight bearing bars and the like, as described hereinabove
with reference to the first embodiment.
[0058] Once an appropriate resistance has been selected, the
patient may be guided by the apparatus D'' to execute repeatable
leg pushing motions. As described hereinabove with reference to the
first illustrative embodiment, a monitoring system as in M, again
possibly comprising a set of sensing straps and the like, will
monitor the kinematics of the patient's knees during the controlled
motion in view of evaluating the patient's condition. Combining
kinematics data with load data extracted from the load-measuring
platform 222 may also be used to extrapolate patient knee dynamics.
Again, since the patient's upper body is securely aligned with the
support structure 216, consistent and repeatable data may be
obtained and evaluated against comparable standardized kinematics
data.
[0059] From the above description, it should now be apparent to a
person of skill in the art that other gesture-guiding apparatuses
could be constructed to provide a similar result. For instance,
though the above illustrative embodiments present a gesture-guiding
apparatus oriented to provide a substantially vertical guided
motion, other apparatus configurations and orientations may be
considered without departing from the general scope and nature of
the present disclosure.
[0060] For example, an apparatus providing an angled linear motion
of an upper body support structure relative to a foot-bearing
surface could be constructed to reduce gravitational load on the
apparatus generated by the weight of the user. In this example, the
patient's leg pushing motion could be guided on the angled
apparatus and a resistance thereto could be adjusted using any of
the above-described resistance mechanisms. Namely, weights could
still be added to an angled upper body support structure to
increase a resistance to the leg pushing motion and counterweights
could still be coupled to the angled upper body support structure,
possibly using a pulley system, to decrease the resistance.
[0061] Alternatively, an apparatus providing a substantially
horizontal linear motion of an upper body support structure
relative to a foot-bearing surface could also be constructed to
provide a like effect. For instance, the upper body support
structure could glide horizontally relative to the foot-bearing
surface using a horizontal guiding mechanism. A resistance
mechanism, such as a set of weights or a weight stack coupled to
the body support structure through an appropriate pulley system
could provide an adjustable resistance to the horizontal motion.
For example, a selectable set of weights could be guided in a
vertically upward movement as the upper body structure and the
foot-bearing surface are relatively distanced in a horizontal
motion. A patient using this type of apparatus would thus not work
against his/her own weight but against a selectable weight
resistance.
[0062] Also, though the above-illustrated apparatuses involve a
static foot-bearing surface and a mobile body support structure,
the reverse could also be implemented such that the patient's upper
body remains immobile as the patient pushes on a guided footplate.
Such an apparatus, potentially categorized as a leg-press apparatus
or an inverted squatting apparatus, could provide a similar result,
namely by securing an alignment and orientation of the patient's
upper body during the leg-press motion.
[0063] Furthermore, though the above illustrative embodiments
describe weight and counterweight implemented resistance settings,
a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other
resistance mechanisms and systems may be considered to provide a
like effect. Namely, pneumatic and hydraulic systems common with
conventional weight training apparatuses may be used in apparatuses
D, D', D'' and their above-described alternatives to adjust the
resistance settings thereof without departing from the general
scope and nature of the present disclosure.
[0064] It should now be apparent to a person of skill in the art
that other such alternative apparatus constructions, configurations
and orientations, as well as other types of resistance mechanisms
therefor, can be considered herein without departing from the
general scope and nature of the present disclosure.
[0065] Finally, although the present invention has been described
hereinabove by way of specific embodiments thereof, it can be
modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the
subject invention as defined in the appended claims.
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