Differential air pressure systems and methods of using and calibrating such systems for mobility impaired users

A differential pressure system providing calibration capabilities for a disabled user, comprising:

• a pressure chamber with a seal interface configured to receive a portion of the disabled user's body and to form a seal between the disabled user's body and the chamber, the chamber configured to apply pressure to the portion of the disabled user's body while the disabled user's body is sealed in the chamber;
• a platform within the pressure chamber to support the disabled user positioned in the seal interface;
• a first load sensor within the pressure chamber configured to provide a first output of a load applied to the platform by the disabled user while the disabled user's body is sealed in the chamber;
• a second load sensor coupled to an access assist device outside of the pressure chamber positioned to be within reach of and to support the disabled user while the disabled user is on the platform, the second load sensor configured to provide a second output of the load applied by the disabled user to the access assist device;
• and
• a processor having computer readable instructions for receiving the first output and the second output and determining an actual user weight of the disabled user using the first output and the second output.

A differential pressure system for improving mobility of a disabled individual, comprising:

• a pressure chamber with a seal interface configured to receive a portion of a disabled user's body and to form a seal between the user's body and the chamber, the chamber configured to apply pressure to the portion of the user's body while the user's body is sealed in the chamber;
• an exercise device placed in the pressure chamber, wherein the exercise device is configured to contact the user's body while the exercise device is in operation;
• at least one load sensor on the exercise device, the load sensor configured to measure the load applied by the user to the exercise device while the user is in the chamber and to provide an output signal;
• at least one load sensor not on the exercise device and positioned on the differential pressure system outside of the pressure chamber, the load sensor configured to provide an output signal;
• a processor configured to receive the output signals from the load sensors and to calibrate the system for use by the disabled user by generating a relationship between pressure in the chamber and actual weight of the user while the user is sealed in the chamber, wherein the actual weight of the user is the total user weight measured by the load sensors at pressure points, the processor regulating the pressure of the chamber according to said relationship.