US 5,538,486 A · Instrumented therapy cord

Abstract

An instrumented therapy cord including a load cell transducer, a resistive stretch cord and a microprocessor control module having internal memory capacity and programming means for assessing, monitoring and controlling rehabilitation treatment programs. Operably attached to a handle member and preferably incorporated within a housing unit, the microprocessor control module interfaces with the load cell transducer. A first end of the resistive therapy stretch cord is operably coupled to the load cell transducer by a permanent or quick-release coupling means. A second end of the resistive therapy cord is removably connected to a second handle or stationary body. The operable connection between the resistive therapy cord and the load cell transducer interfacing with the microprocessor provides means for processing and displaying direct measure and description of force peak and average loads, number of load repetitions, load profiles and frequencies of cord tension applied to the resistive therapy stretch cord by a user. The microprocessor control module includes means for providing auditory and visual feedback for use in a biofeedback mode to control and monitor force applications applied to the body system being conditioned. The internal memory of the microprocessor control module processes and stores biofeedback generated by the load cell transducer for analysis and utilization in therapy evaluation and planning to eliminate mere subjective evaluation of patient rehabilitation performance.

Claims28

Dependent claims

An instrumented therapy cord comprising:

a resistive stretch cord having a first end and a second end, said resistive stretch cord being elastically extendable between said first end and said second end, said first end being operably disposed in connection with a fixation member;
means for applying a load force to said resistive stretch cord;
means for generating electronic signals indicative of said load force applied to said resistive stretch cord, said means for generating said signals being operably coupled to said second end of the resistive stretch cord;
interactive means interfacing with said generating means for processing said electronic signals;
means associated with said interactive means for providing biofeedback;
and
a housing member being operably, connected to said means for applying said load force, wherein said housing member houses said generating means, said interactive means and said means for providing biofeedback.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Instrumented therapy cord

Life of this patent

Instrumented therapy cord

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28