Perturbation device for propioception and vestibular training
AssigneeKinesia, Inc.
InventorsMark Torok, Christopher J. O'Brien
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A portable two-axis perturbation device includes two separated X-Y plane motion platforms controlled by respective motor pairs that may be independently controlled with respect to frequency, amplitude, and variation of movement patterns to create “bottom-up” unpredictable movement patterns more closely resembling real world environmental interactions. By reproducing the amplitude, frequency, direction and variability of external stimuli that may disrupt human balance, the device provides a novel way to train, rehabilitate, reproduce, manipulate and ultimately improve reactive balance reflexes, proprioception and kinesthetic awareness in a way that “top down” perturbation cannot.
Claims17
A perturbation apparatus for proprioceptive and vestibular training and therapy comprising:
- a stationary, generally planar base having a lower surface configured to be received on a supporting surface;
- a first platform assembly mounted on an upper surface of the base;
- a second platform assembly mounted on an upper surface of the base,
- the first and second platform assemblies disposed in spaced relation and aligned along a longitudinal centerline of the base,
- the first and second platform assemblies being independently movable only in X-Y planar motion relative to each other and only in X-Y planar motion relative to the base;
- the first platform assembly comprising:
- an X-axis carriage (X1) mounted directly to the upper surface of the base, a motor and powertrain (X1M) configured to drive linear motion of the X-axis carriage (X1) relative to the base, a Y-axis carriage (Y1) mounted to the X-axis carriage (X1), a motor and powertrain (Y1M) configured to drive linear motion of the Y-axis carriage (Y1) relative to the X-axis carriage (X1);
- and
- a first foot pad removably mounted to the Y-axis carriage (Y1);
- the second platform assembly comprising:
- an X-axis carriage (X2) mounted directly to the base, a motor and powertrain (X2M) configured to drive linear motion of the X-axis carriage (X2) relative to the base, a Y-axis carriage (Y2) mounted to the X-axis carriage (X2), a motor and powertrain (Y2M) configured to drive linear motion of the Y-axis carriage (Y2) relative to the X-axis carriage (X2);
- and
- a second foot pad removably mounted to the Y-axis carriage (Y2);
- a motor controller in independent electrical communication with each of said motors X1M, X2M, YIM, Y1M;
- and
- user programmable computer code residing in a memory and in communication with said motor controller, wherein said motor controller is programmable and operable for independent control of each of said motors to perturbate a user disposed standing on said first and second foot pads.
A portable perturbation apparatus for proprioceptive and vestibular training and therapy comprising:
- a stationary base;
- a first platform assembly mounted on an upper surface of the base;
- a second platform assembly mounted on an upper surface of the base,
- the first and second platform assemblies disposed in spaced relation and aligned along a longitudinal centerline of the base,
- the first and second platform assemblies being independently movable in X-Y planar motion relative to each other and relative to the base;
- the first platform assembly comprising:
- an X-axis carriage (X1) mounted to the base, a motor and powertrain (X1M) configured to drive motion of the X-axis carriage (X1) relative to the base, a Y-axis carriage (Y1) mounted to the X-axis carriage (X1), a motor and powertrain (Y1M) configured to drive motion of the Y-axis carriage (Y1) relative to the X-axis carriage (X1);
- and
- the second platform assembly comprising:
- an X-axis carriage (X2) mounted to the base, a motor and powertrain (X2M) configured to drive motion of the X-axis carriage (X2) relative to the base, a Y-axis carriage (Y2) mounted to the X-axis carriage (X2), a motor and powertrain (Y2M) configured to drive motion of the Y-axis carriage (Y2) relative to the X-axis carriage (X2);
- and
- a dual foot pad removably mounted to the Y-axis carriage (Y1) and the Y-axis carriage (Y2);
- a motor controller in independent electrical communication with each of said motors X1M, X2M, Y1M, Y2M;
- and
- user programmable computer code residing in a memory and in communication with said motor controller, wherein said motor controller is programmable and operable for independent control of each of said motors to perturbate a user disposed on said dual foot pad.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.