Device, system, and method for promoting patient compliance with a prescribed lower extremity partial weight-bearing rehabilitation program

A system for promoting proper use of a walking aid during patient rehabilitation from a lower extremity injury, the system comprising:

• an electronic device associated with the walking aid, the electronic device comprising:
• a body having a receptacle configured to receive a tip of a leg of the walking aid;
• a substantially cylindrical housing configured to cooperate with the body to define an enclosed annular space;
• at least one load sensor anchored to the body, the at least one load sensor being configured to measure a load on the walking aid;
• a processor housed within the enclosed annular space, the processor communicatively coupled to the at least one load sensor;
• a retaining mechanism for retaining the tip of the leg of the walking aid within the receptacle;
• a base configured for limited axial movement relative to the body;
• and
• a foot at a lower end of the base,
• wherein the at least one load sensor is disposed between the base and the body and is configured to bear a load placed upon the walking aid during use of the walking aid;
• a computing device comprising a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the computing device to:
• receive rehabilitation program parameter data originating from a medical professional, the rehabilitation program parameter data including, for each of a plurality of time intervals spanning a rehabilitation period, a target relative load for an injured lower extremity during the time interval, the target relative load being relative to a patient body weight;
• receive an indication of the patient body weight;
• based on the rehabilitation program parameter data and the patient body weight, calculate, for each of the plurality of time intervals spanning the rehabilitation period, a target absolute load for the walking aid during the time interval;
• and
• output rehabilitation program data comprising a schedule for use by the electronic device associated with the walking aid, the schedule specifying:
• the plurality of time intervals spanning the rehabilitation period;
• and
• for each of the plurality of time intervals spanning the rehabilitation period, a target absolute load for the walking aid during the time interval,
• wherein the processor of the electronic device is operable to automatically adjust, according to the schedule, a currently operative target absolute load on the walking aid by, periodically during the rehabilitation period:
• based on a current date, identifying one of the time intervals of the schedule as currently operative;
• using the at least one load sensor, determining a peak load on the walking aid during a patient step taken during the currently operative time interval;
• and
• providing a user notification indicating that the peak load upon the walking aid during the patient step is non-compliant with the target absolute load on the walking aid during the currently operative time interval.