U.S. patent application number 11/716213 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-13 for mechanical loading apparatus having a signal modulating assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Juvent, Inc.. Invention is credited to Titi Trandafir.
Application Number | 20070213179 11/716213 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38353874 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070213179 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trandafir; Titi |
September 13, 2007 |
Mechanical loading apparatus having a signal modulating
assembly
Abstract
A mechanical loading apparatus having an oscillating platform
and a signal modulating assembly for modulating an operating signal
of the oscillating platform for therapeutically treating damaged
tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue
condition, as well as postural instability. The signal modulating
assembly modulates the operating signal such that the oscillating
platform oscillates at frequency which simulates human activities,
such as, walking, jogging, running, stair climbing, etc. The
mechanical loading apparatus further includes a control panel
having control knobs or buttons for manually selecting a desired
activity to be simulated by the mechanical loading apparatus.
Inventors: |
Trandafir; Titi; (S.
Plainfield, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARTER, DELUCA, FARRELL & SCHMIDT, LLP
445 BROAD HOLLOW ROAD, SUITE 225
MELVILLE
NY
11747
US
|
Assignee: |
Juvent, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
38353874 |
Appl. No.: |
11/716213 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60780656 |
Mar 9, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 23/02 20130101;
A61H 2023/0209 20130101; A61H 23/0218 20130101; A61H 2203/0431
20130101; A61H 1/005 20130101; A61H 2203/0406 20130101; A61H
2230/00 20130101; A61H 2201/5007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/51 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for therapeutically treating tissue in a body, the
apparatus comprising: a platform configured to support the body; an
oscillating actuator configured to receive an operating signal for
oscillating the platform at a first frequency; and a modulating
assembly operably connected to the oscillating actuator for
modulating the operating signal of the oscillating actuator to
change the oscillation of the platform from the first frequency to
a second frequency.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
capacitor assembly positioned adjacent the platform for
automatically determining the weight of the body being supported on
the platform.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control
panel operably connected to the modulating assembly for controlling
the modulation of the operating signal.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein oscillation of the
platform at the first frequency simulates a first human activity
and oscillation of the platform at the second frequency simulates a
second human activity.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first and second
human activities are selected from the group consisting of walking,
jogging, running and stair climbing.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
processor assembly for controlling the modulating assembly.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processor
assembly stores at least one treatment program capable of
simulating at least one human activity when executed by said
processor assembly.
8. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control panel
includes a custom button for customizing a treatment program for
simulating at least one human activity during a treatment
duration.
9. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control panel
includes a control button for manually controlling the modulation
assembly.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating
signal is selected from the group consisting of triangular, square,
sinusoidal, half-sinusoidal, trapezoidal, saw-tooth, staircase,
continuous ramping, sweeping vibrational signal, bursts with
relaxation time and without relaxation time, and combinations
thereof.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means
for engaging the platform; and support means operatively connected
to the means for engaging for supporting the patient on the
platform.
12. A method for therapeutically treating tissue in a body, the
method comprising: supporting the body on a platform; oscillating
the platform at a first frequency to simulate a first human
activity; and oscillating the platform at a second frequency to
simulate a second human activity.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
determining the weight of the body supported on the platform.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and second human
activities are selected from the group consisting of walking,
jogging, running and stair climbing.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
controlling the oscillation of the platform from a control
panel.
16. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
customizing a treatment program for simulating at least one human
activity during a treatment duration.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
displaying the distance the patient would have traveled if actually
performing the simulated first and second human activities.
18. The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting
treatment data from a platform site via a communications medium to
a remote monitoring station.
19. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
controlling a modulating assembly operably connected to an
oscillating actuator for modulating an operating signal of the
oscillating actuator for performing the oscillating steps.
20. The method of claim 12, wherein the duration of each
oscillating step is determined according to a stored treatment
program.
21. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and second
frequencies are different for simulating human activities selected
from the group consisting of walking, jogging, running and stair
climbing.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application claims priority to a provisional
application filed on Mar. 9, 2006 and assigned U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/780,656; the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS
[0002] The present application is related to U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,843,776 and 6,884,227, the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Technical Field
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a medical
treatment apparatus for stimulating tissue growth and healing. In
particular, the present disclosure relates to a mechanical loading
apparatus having a signal modulating assembly for therapeutically
treating damaged tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis
or other tissue conditions, as well as postural instability.
[0005] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0006] When damaged, tissue in a human body such as connective
tissue, ligaments, bones, etc. all require time to heal. Some
tissues, such as bone fracture in a human body, require relatively
longer periods of time to heal. Typically, a fractured bone must be
set and then the bone can be stabilized within a cast, splint or
similar type of device. This type of treatment allows the natural
healing process to begin. However, the healing process for a bone
fracture in the human body may take several weeks and may vary
depending upon the location of the bone fracture, the age of the
patient, the overall general health of the patient, and other
factors that are patient-dependent. Depending upon the location of
the fracture, the area of the bone fracture or even the patient may
have to be immobilized to encourage complete healing of the bone
fracture. Immobilization of the patient and/or bone fracture may
decrease the number of physical activities the patient is able to
perform, which may have other adverse health consequences.
Osteopenia, which is a loss of bone weight, can arise from a
decrease in muscle activity, which may occur as the result of a
bone fracture, bed rest, fracture immobilization, joint
reconstruction, arthritis, and the like. However, this effect can
be slowed, stopped, and even reversed by reproducing some of the
effects of muscle use on the bone. This typically involves some
application or simulation of the effects of mechanical stress on
the bone.
[0007] Promoting bone growth is also important in treating bone
fractures, and in the successful implantation of medical
prostheses, such as those commonly known as "artificial" hips,
knees, vertebral discs, and the like, where it is desired to
promote bony ingrowth into the surface of the prosthesis to
stabilize and secure it. Numerous different techniques have been
developed to reduce the loss of bone weight. For example, it has
been proposed to treat bone fractures by application of electrical
voltage or current signals (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,105,017;
4,266,533; or 4,315,503). It has also been proposed to apply
magnetic fields to stimulate healing of bone fractures (e.g., U.S.
Pat. No. 3,890,953). Application of ultrasound to promoting tissue
growth has also been disclosed (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,953).
[0008] It is also known in the art that low level, high frequency
stresses can be applied to the bone growth. One technique for
achieving this type of stress is disclosed in commonly owned U.S.
Pat. No. 6,843,776, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference. A method for therapeutically treating damaged
tissue in a body having a weight is described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,843,776 includes the steps of (a) supporting the body on a
platform; (b) oscillating the platform at a predetermined frequency
to impart an oscillating force on the body; and (c) automatically
determining the weight of the body, via a capacitor assembly
operatively connected to the platform.
[0009] The method described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,776 entails the
treatment of damaged tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia,
osteoporosis, and other conditions. The patient stands on an
oscillating platform apparatus configured to impart oscillating
force on the body. A capacitor assembly is positioned adjacent the
platform for automatically determining the weight of the body being
supported on the platform. Once the weight of the body is
determined, the amplitude of a frequency of the oscillating force
is adjusted to provide a desired therapeutic treatment to the
patient. The apparatus and method described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,843,776 provides an oscillating platform wherein the patient is
subjected to a constant oscillating force. The peak-to-peak
vertical displacement of the platform oscillating may be less than
2 mm.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure provides a mechanical loading
apparatus having an oscillating platform and a signal modulating
assembly for modulating an operating signal of the oscillating
platform for therapeutically treating damaged tissues, bone
fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue condition, as
well as postural instability. The signal modulating assembly in
accordance with the present disclosure effectively modulates the
operating signal such that the oscillating platform oscillates or
vibrates at a frequency which simulates a human activity, such as,
walking, jogging, running, stair climbing, etc.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical loading apparatus
further includes a control panel having control knobs or buttons
for enabling a user to select a desired activity to be simulated by
the mechanical loading apparatus. A processor assembly is included
for receiving a signal from the control panel. The processor
assembly is adapted for sending instructions to the signal
modulating assembly for modulating the operating signal in
accordance with the signal received from the control panel. The
signal modulating assembly then modulates the operating signal of
the oscillator in accordance with the instructions received from
the processor assembly. The operating signal may include a variety
of waveforms, such as, for example, a sinusoidal wave,
half-sinusoidal wave, triangular wave, square wave, saw-tooth wave
or trapezoidal wave, and the like. A method of therapeutically
treating damaged tissue of a body by modulating the operating
signal is also envisioned.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will
become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing features of the present disclosure will become
more readily apparent and will be better understood by referring to
the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which
are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings
wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an oscillating
platform of the mechanical loading apparatus having a signal
modulating assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating various circuitry
blocks of the mechanical loading apparatus shown by FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates a control panel of the mechanical
loading apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 3A illustrates a signal waveform generated by the
signal modulating assembly in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 3B illustrates two signal waveforms generated by the
signal modulating assembly in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an oscillating
platform of a mechanical loading apparatus having a signal
modulating assembly in accordance with the present disclosure being
mounted to an ergonomic hand support structure; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment
of the ergonomic support structure having an ergonomic hand support
structure, a monitor provided on a column and a platform for
supporting the oscillating platform having a signal modulating
assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a mechanical
loading apparatus for therapeutically treating damaged tissues,
bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis or other tissue
conditions, as well as postural instability. The mechanical loading
apparatus can also be used for stimulating cartilage growth and for
bony ingrowth.
[0022] The mechanical loading apparatus includes an oscillating
platform and a signal modulating assembly adapted for modulating an
operating signal of the oscillating platform. The operating signal
is modulated substantially in real-time in order for the
oscillating platform to oscillate or vibrate in real-time at a
frequency which simulates a human activity, such as, for example,
walking, jogging, running, stair climbing, etc.
[0023] Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, in which
like references numerals identify similar or identical elements, a
mechanical loading apparatus having a signal modulating assembly in
accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated by FIG. 1 and
is designated generally by reference numeral 100.
[0024] Mechanical loading apparatus 100 includes an oscillating
platform 110 and a signal modulating assembly 152. The oscillating
platform 110 is highly stable and relatively insensitive to
positioning of the patient on the platform 110, while providing low
displacement, high frequency mechanical loading of a body tissue
sufficient to promote healing and/or growth of tissue damage, bone
tissue, or reduce, reverse, or prevent osteopenia, osteoporosis or
other tissue condition, as well as treat postural instability.
[0025] Mechanical loading apparatus 100 is housed within a housing
102 and includes oscillating actuator 104, capacitor assembly 106,
and signal modulating assembly 108. The housing 102 includes upper
plate or oscillating platform 110, lower plate 112 and side walls
114.
[0026] Oscillating actuator 104 mounts to lower plate 112 by
oscillator mounting plate 116 and connects to drive lever 118 by
one or more connectors 120. It is noted that FIG. 1 is partially
cut away to show details of the connection of oscillating actuator
104 to drive lever 118. At rest, the drive lever 118 is supported
in static equilibrium at a first end thereof by a damping member or
spring 122. Damping lever 118 is activated by oscillating actuator
104 which causes drive lever 118 to pivot a fixed distance around
drive lever pivot point 124. Drive lever pivot point 124 is mounted
on a drive lever mounting block 126. Oscillating actuator 104 may
be, for example, a voice coil.
[0027] Oscillating actuator 104 actuates the drive lever 118 at a
first predetermined frequency. Preferably, the drive lever 118
oscillates between 30 and 100 Hz or at a frequency to simulate a
human activity as described hereinbelow. The frequency is typically
within the range or 25-40 Hz and fixed or varied in accordance with
the treatment desired, i.e., bone fracture healing, postural
instability treatment, osteoporosis treatment, cartilage growth
stimulation, bony ingrowth, etc
[0028] Oscillating platform 110 is preferably part of a
harmonically excited system. Accordingly, the first predetermined
frequency is equal to, or equivalent to, the resonant frequency,
thus requiring minimum energy input. The resonant frequency is a
function of the characteristics of the weight of the person and
spring 122.
[0029] The motion of the drive lever 118 around the drive lever
pivot point 124 is damped by spring 122. Spring 122 creates an
oscillation force at a second predetermined frequency. One end of
spring 122 is connected to spring mounting post 128, which is
supported to mounting block 130, while the other end of spring 122
is connected to distributing lever support platform 132.
Distributing lever support platform 132 is connected to drive lever
118 by connecting plate 134.
[0030] As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,776, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference, the oscillating
actuator 104 is selectively positioned along a portion of the
length of the drive lever 118. Connectors 120 can be manually
adjusted to position the oscillating actuator 104 with respect to
the drive lever 118, and then readjusted when a desired position
for the oscillating actuator 104 is selected. By adjusting the
position of the oscillating actuator 104, the vertical movement or
displacement of the drive lever 118 can be adjusted. For example,
if the oscillating actuator 104 is positioned towards the drive
lever pivot point 124, then the vertical movement or displacement
of the drive lever 118 at the opposing end near the spring 122 will
be relatively greater than when the oscillating actuator 104 is
positioned towards the spring. Conversely, as the oscillating
actuator 104 is positioned towards the spring 122, the vertical
movement or displacement of the drive lever 118 at the end near the
spring 122 will be relatively less than when the oscillating
actuator 104 is positioned towards the drive lever pivot point 124.
The positioning of the oscillating actuator 104 aids in oscillating
the oscillating platform 110 to minimize the amount of power drawn
while vibrating.
[0031] With continued reference to FIG. 1 and in accordance with
the present disclosure, capacitor assembly 106 includes a pair of
capacitors 136, 138 and a common plate 140 being positioned
adjacent to a second end of drive lever 118. The capacitor assembly
106 is configured to generate and transmit an electronic signal
which is representative of a distance between at least one of the
capacitors 136 and 138, and common plate 140 for determining the
weight of a patient on the upper plate 110, as described by U.S.
Pat. No. 6,843,776, with reference to FIGS. 14A-C and FIGS. 15-16.
The mechanical loading apparatus 100 can also include two
accelerometers for determining the weight of a patient as described
in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/665,013 filed on Mar. 24,
2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 1-2 of the present disclosure,
signal modulating assembly 108 will now be discussed. The primary
function of signal modulating assembly 108 is to modulate the
operating or drive signal of oscillating actuator 104 for
oscillating platform 110 at frequencies which simulate human
activities, such as, for example, walking, jogging, running, stair
climbing, etc. Signal modulating assembly 108 receives instructions
from processor assembly 152 and, in turn, modulates the operating
signal of oscillating actuator 104 according to the instructions
received from processor assembly 152.
[0033] Signal modulating assembly 108 is preferably mounted to
lower plate 112 of housing 102 by signal modulating mounting plate
142. Signal modulating assembly 108 includes cable assembly 144 for
operably connecting signal modulating assembly 108 to oscillating
actuator 104; and cable assembly 146 for connecting signal
modulating assembly 108 to processor assembly 152. Processor
assembly 152 is connected to a control panel 150 either wirelessly
or via cable assembly 147.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 2A, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2,
control panel 150 will now be discussed in detail. Control panel
150 includes a plurality of control knobs or buttons for
controlling signal modulating assembly 108 and permitting a user to
select an activity to be simulated by mechanical loading apparatus
100, such as, for example, walking, jogging, running, stair
climbing, etc. Control panel 150 may also be touch sensitive
wherein the user is able to select an activity by touching the
appropriate section corresponding to the activity desired. Control
panel 150 includes a window display 154 for displaying treatment
information and other information to the user during vibrational
treatment. Buttons 156 permit the user to select a desired human
activity to be simulated by mechanical loading apparatus 100. The
user may choose to simulate walking, jogging, running, or stair
climbing by selecting an appropriate button 156. Moreover, the user
may select an activity and then use speed button 158 to increase or
decrease the frequency and intensity of oscillation.
[0035] For example, if the user initially elects to simulate
walking, the user may subsequently switch to jogging or running by
pressing the up arrow of display 158. Accordingly, a signal is
transmitted to processor assembly 152 which in turn sends
instructions to modulating assembly 108 to increase the modulation
(i.e., increase the frequency) of the operating signal of
oscillating actuator 104 based on the received signal. The user may
then return to a slower or a walking pace by pressing the down
arrow of display 158 to decrease the modulation (i.e., decrease the
frequency) of the operating signal of oscillating actuator 104. It
is envisioned that the patient may choose from a variety of
activities. For example, a user may choose to simulate walking,
jogging, running, stair climbing, etc.
[0036] Alternatively, the user, via control panel 150, can select a
preprogrammed series of activities, such as, for example, by
pressing program A button 160 and program B button 162, wherein
program A button 160 enables mechanical loading apparatus 100 to
execute treatment program A which can include simulating walking,
jogging, and then walking again. A more intense program is
presented by pressing program B button 162, where mechanical
loading apparatus 100 executes treatment program B which can
include simulating walking, jogging, running, and walking again.
Moreover, a patient may customize the session by selecting custom
button 164, which permits the user to customize a treatment program
for simulating one or more human activities during a treatment
duration. Preferably, control panel 150 includes a timer button 166
for displaying the elapsed time and a distance display button 168
for displaying the distance the patient would have traveled if he
was actually performing the simulated human activities. A visual
display panel 170 indicates diagrammatically the distance the
patient would have traveled.
[0037] Control panel 150 can further be designed for enabling a
user to select a particular signal waveform for use in driving the
signal modulating assembly 108 during at least a portion of the
treatment duration. The signal waveform can be triangular, square,
sinusoidal, half-sinusoidal, trapezoidal, saw-tooth, staircase,
sweeping vibrational signal, continuous ramping (increasing
diagonal signal), bursts with relaxation time as shown by FIG. 3A
and without relaxation time (continuous bursts), and combinations
thereof. The sweeping vibrational signal is a signal which sweeps
from a first frequency to a second and final frequency. For
example, the sweeping vibrational signal can sweep from 30 Hz to
120 Hz in 24 minutes at increments of 30 Hz every 8 minutes during
a treatment time of 32 minutes (30 Hz for the first eight minutes;
60 Hz for the second eight minutes; 90 Hz for the third eight
minutes; and 120 Hz for the last eight minutes). The signal
waveforms can also be generated by the mechanical loading apparatus
100 automatically and without any user selection or
intervention.
[0038] When a user selects an activity via control panel 150 or a
particular signal waveform for modulating the operating signal of
the oscillating actuator 104, or the mechanical loading apparatus
100 automatically selects a signal for modulating the operating
signal of the oscillating actuator 104, a signal is sent to
processor assembly 152 which generates instructions which are
transmitted via signals to signal modulating assembly 108. When
signal modulating assembly 108 receives the instructions from
processor assembly 152, signal modulating assembly 108 modulates
the operating signal of the oscillating actuator 104 for simulating
the desired human activity, or for driving the oscillating actuator
104 using the desired signal waveform as selected via control panel
150 or automatically selected by the mechanical loading apparatus
100. Numerous other features may be added to control panel 150,
such as, for example, an incline button for controlling an incline
mechanism within housing 102 to control incline and decline of
oscillating platform 110 of mechanical loading apparatus 100.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 3B, two modulated operating signals
of the oscillating actuator 104 are illustrated. Sinusoidal wave
302 is an operating signal for simulating walking. Sinusoidal wave
304 is an operating signal for simulating running. Although
sinusoidal waves are illustrated in the figure, other waveforms are
envisioned, such as, for example, trapezoidal waves, sinusoidal
waves, half-sinusoidal waves, triangular waves, square waves,
saw-tooth waves, etc.
[0040] In operation, when a specific load is placed on upper plate
110 of housing 102 of mechanical loading apparatus 100, i.e. a
patient, capacitor assembly 106 automatically determines the weight
of the body being supported on mechanical platform 100, in a manner
described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,776. Once the weight of
the body is determined, an amplitude of the frequency of the
oscillating force is adjusted to provide a desired therapeutic
treatment to the patient according to the patient's weight. The
patient can then use control panel 150 to select one or more
desired human activities to be simulated by the mechanical loading
apparatus over the treatment duration, as described hereinabove.
When signal modulating assembly 108 receives the control signal
from processor assembly 152, signal modulating assembly 108
modulates the operating signal and transmits it to oscillating
actuator 104 for changing the oscillation of platform 110 to
simulate a human activity, such as walking, jogging, running, stair
climbing, etc.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 4-5, mechanical loading apparatus 100
is preferably mounted to a supplemental support structure including
an ergonomic hand support structure, as disclosed and described in
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/659,159, filed on Mar.
7, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference. With particular reference to FIG. 4, an ergonomic hand
support structure is designated generally by reference numeral 200.
The ergonomic hand support structure 200 includes a frame 202
having a mounting tray 204 for placement of a mechanical loading
apparatus 100 thereon. Preferably, mechanical loading apparatus 100
is removable from mounting tray 204. Mounting tray 204 is pivotable
with respect to a vertical column 206 of frame 202 at one end of
the vertical column 206 configured for standing frame 202 on a flat
surface. Another end of vertical column 206 includes two parallel
extension bars 208 protruding vertically from vertical column
206.
[0042] The two parallel extension bars 208 support a monitor 210,
two cup holders 212 and a hand support structure 214. The two
parallel extension bars 208 slide in and out of vertical column 206
for changing the height of the frame 202 by pulling on adjustment
knob 209.
[0043] Monitor 210 receives control panel 150 displays treatment
information and other information, including video, to a patient
during vibrational treatment. Monitor 210 is provided within a
monitor support 216. Preferably, monitor 210 is inlaid within the
monitor support 216 for enabling a patient to place a book, laptop,
etc. on the monitor support 216 without contacting the monitor
216.
[0044] The hand support structure 214 includes a curved holding bar
218 and a lateral holding bar 220. It is desirable for the patient
to grasp the lateral holding bar 220 when climbing on and off the
mechanical loading apparatus 100 and to grasp the curved holding
bar 218 during vibrational treatment.
[0045] After the mechanical loading apparatus 100 is placed on the
mounting tray 204, a patient suffering from damaged tissues, bone
fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other condition as well as
postural instability can stand on mechanical loading apparatus 100
and be treated by the mechanical loading apparatus 100. During
treatment, the curved holding bar 218 enables the patient to grasp
and maintain his balance while being treated by the mechanical
loading apparatus 100.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view
of an ergonomic hand support structure designated generally by
reference numeral 500. Ergonomic support structure 500 includes an
ergonomic hand support structure 502 and a platform 504 for
supporting a mechanical loading apparatus 100a similar to
mechanical loading apparatus 100 and having modulating signal
assembly 108. The mechanical loading apparatus 100a is preferably
removable from the platform 504.
[0047] The ergonomic hand support structure 502 includes a curved
structure 506 having inner and outer curved walls 508a, 508b and
two curved ends 510a, 510b connecting the two walls 508a, 508b.
During vibrational treatment by mechanical loading apparatus 100a,
the patient grasps the long curved end 510a or lightly touches the
inner curved wall 508a.
[0048] The ergonomic support structure 500 further includes a seat
512 for placement on two opposing surfaces (not shown) defined by
the inner curved wall 508a. Accordingly, during vibrational
treatment by the mechanical loading apparatus 100a, the patient can
sit on the seat 512.
[0049] The ergonomic support structure 500 further includes an RFID
reader 514 for reading an RFID tag provided on the patient for
identifying the patient. The RFID reader 514 further includes a
display 516 for displaying patient identification data and other
data, including video. The RFID reader 514 also includes a
processor (not shown) storing patient-related data, such as patient
identification data, and treatment data, such as, for example, the
dates and duration times of the last five vibrational treatment
sessions. The patient-related data for each particular patient is
accessed and portions thereof displayed by the display 516 after
the patient's corresponding RFID tag is read by the RFID reader
514.
[0050] The ergonomic support structure 500 further includes a
vertical column 518 having a monitor 520 for displaying patient
identification data and other data, such as patient treatment data,
including video. Preferably, the monitor 520 is inlaid within
vertical column 518 for enabling the patient to place a book,
laptop, etc. on vertical column 518 without contacting monitor 520.
Vertical column 518 is preferably height adjustable to accommodate
patients of differing heights. Another monitor 522 is provided on
the outer wall 508b. The outer wall 508b is further provided with a
light source 524 above the monitor 520 and control buttons 526.
[0051] It is contemplated to provide the support structures shown
in FIGS. 4-5 with circuitry and related components for connecting
to a network, such as the Internet, wirelessly and/or
non-wirelessly and at least one processor for transmitting and
receiving data via the network as known in the art. The data
transmitted can include patient monitoring data to determine at a
central monitoring station if the patient is complying with a
treatment regiment and data to determine whether the patient is
properly positioned on the mechanical loading apparatus 100a to
obtain optimum treatment effects. The data can include video and/or
sensor data obtained by a video camera and/or at least one sensor
mounted to the support structures and transmitted via the network
to the central monitoring station. The data received can include
Internet content and treatment-related data transmitted from the
central monitoring station. The data received can include visual
and/or audio content for viewing via the monitor 210, 520 and/or
listening via earphones connected to audio circuitry embedded
within the support structure.
[0052] It will be understood that various modifications and changes
in form and detail may be made to the embodiments of the present
disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be
construed as limiting the disclosure but merely as exemplifications
of preferred embodiments thereof.
* * * * *