DE102021210244B4 - Modular system that can be used for scoliosis therapy - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular system that can be used for scoliosis therapy and is formed with at least one mat and/or at least one belt which can be fastened to a part of the body that encompasses it under a tensile force, wherein the at least one mat and/or the at least one belt is/are equipped with at least one sensor designed to determine movements of a user's body, tensile, compressive forces, expansions and/or a user's breathing, and the at least one sensor with which the at least one mat is equipped is electrically conductive an electrical energy storage element or an electrical voltage source and/or the at least one sensor with which the at least one belt is equipped is/are connected to an electrical energy storage element and to an interface for transmitting recorded measurement data to an electronic evaluation unit and the electronic evaluation unit is designed to record the recorded Evaluate and store measurement data and display the result of the evaluation optically/visually or acoustically on/with a visualization module or output it tactilely with the help of at least one training module and/or communicate with an external system.

Description

The invention relates to a modular system that can be used for scoliosis therapy. But it can also be used to correct posture, for fitness training or for back training.

Scoliosis describes a sideways bending of the spine, which is accompanied by additional rotation of the vertebral bodies. The individual vertebral bodies are rotated towards the convex side of the curvature and away from the concave side. In Germany alone, over 900,000 people suffer from scoliosis. The changes in the spine associated with the diseases are not just a cosmetic problem, but can also lead to functional restrictions of internal organs due to the deformation of the chest and thus reduce the quality of life. Extremely pronounced curvatures can even lead to a shortening of the patient's life expectancy, as a reduction in the size of the chest (intrathoracal space) can result in permanent impairment of the function of the heart and lungs.

1. 1. Regelmäßiges Training: Neben den Trainingseinheiten in der Physiotherapie, sind immer weitere, selbstständig durchgeführte Trainingseinheiten im Heimbereich notwendig.
2. 2. Korrekte Durchführung: Individuelle Ausprägungen der Skoliose erfordern individuelles und meist komplexes Training.

Early, adequate conservative therapy can stop the increasing deterioration (progression) of the disease and spare children from surgical measures. The success of this therapy essentially depends on two parameters:

1. 1. Regular training: In addition to the training sessions in physiotherapy, additional training sessions carried out independently at home are always necessary.
2. 2. Correct implementation: Individual forms of scoliosis require individual and usually complex training.

What is missing is a therapy or training system that enables versatile, individual and correct training at home without much effort and without active, therapeutic support. This system must have a feedback component that provides information about the number of training units, the correct execution of the exercises and the training progress or success.

In the current state of technology, scoliosis patients use conventional gymnastics equipment (e.g.: exercise bars, exercise balls, balance cushions, etc.) or household items (e.g.: mirrors, chairs, pillows, etc.) for training at home. With regard to digital assistance, we currently only use apps with exercise instructions but without monitoring whether they are carried out correctly. Corsets and FED devices are also used to treat scoliosis, although neither of these are aimed at strengthening your own muscles.

Out of DE 100 06 588 A1 is a belt for improving adhesion and for abdominal muscle training.

US 2020/0275893 A1 relates to a device for analyzing and determining tensile forces on muscles of the lower extremities of people.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide an aid for scoliosis therapy that enables versatile, motivating and, above all, safe training through digital assistance.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with a modular system which has the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements and further developments can be realized with features specified in dependent claims.

1. 1. Das System ermöglicht ein vielseitiges, abwechslungsreiches und motivierendes Training mit wenigen Komponenten. Zudem bietet es die Möglichkeit komplexe Übungen, die aktuell nur im Therapeutenumfeld stattfinden, auch im Heimbereich durchführen zu können.
2. 2. Die Module sind so konzipiert, dass sie an die körperlichen Gegebenheiten der Anwender und an die Voraussetzungen im Heimbereich angepasst werden können. Dies soll gewährleisten, dass die vorwiegend jungen Patienten das System über einen langen Zeitraum kontinuierlich verwenden können, auch bei Wachstumsphasen.
3. 3. In den Modulen des Systems ist Sensorik integriert, um die korrekte Durchführung von Übungen zu überwachen und um Parameter für die Prüfung des Trainingsfortschritts zu haben:

Messparameter Mögliche Sensoren / Messgeräte Bewegungen des Oberkörpers und der Extremitäten Inertiale Messeinheiten, Dehnungssensoren usw. Zug- und Druckkräfte Kraftsensoren usw. Atemfrequenz und Atemrhythmus Inertiale Messeinheiten, Dehnungssensoren usw.

• 4. Aufbauend auf die Messwerte der Sensorik kann das System zwei Feedbackvarianten ausgeben:
  1. a. Das Echtzeitfeedback für Patienten in Form von Visualisierungen des Körpers- bzw. der Körperposition und in Form von Signalen (optisch, akustisch, taktil) zur Bewertung und/ oder Korrektur der Körperposition.
  2. b. Das Langzeitfeedback für Patienten und Therapeuten in Form von Aufzeichnungen der Trainingsparameter (Trainingszeit, - umfang, -dauer). Dies soll eine Bewertung der Therapie bzw. des Therapiefortschritts in Abstimmung mit Fachpersonal ermöglichen.

The present invention report describes a holistic, digitally assisted training system to support scoliosis therapy, particularly in the home area. It consists of several modules and should have the following properties or fulfill functions:

1. 1. The system enables versatile, varied and motivating training with just a few components. It also offers the possibility of performing complex exercises that currently only take place in a therapist's environment at home.
2. 2. The modules are designed in such a way that they can be adapted to the physical conditions of the user and to the requirements in the home. This is intended to ensure that the predominantly young patients can use the system continuously over a long period of time, even during growth phases.
3. 3. Sensor technology is integrated into the modules of the system to monitor the correct execution of exercises and to have parameters for checking training progress:

Measurement parameters Possible sensors/measuring devices Movements of the upper body and extremities Inertial measuring units, strain sensors, etc. Tensile and compressive forces force sensors etc. Breathing frequency and breathing rhythm Inertial measuring units, strain sensors, etc.

• 4. Based on the measured values from the sensors, the system can output two feedback variants:
  1. a. Real-time feedback for patients in the form of visualizations of the body or body position and in the form of signals (optical, acoustic, tactile) to evaluate and/or correct the body position.
  2. b. Long-term feedback for patients and therapists in the form of recordings of the training parameters (training time, scope, duration). This is intended to enable an assessment of the therapy or the progress of the therapy in coordination with specialist staff.

The module system is formed with a mat and at least one belt, at least one sensor, an interface and an electronic evaluation unit.

The mat module is a surface equipped with at least one, preferably several sensors (e.g. gymnastics mat, balance cushion), which can function as a training aid, especially for floor exercises. The sensors should also be able to measure forces and body positions. The mat is equipped with at least one sensor designed to determine movements of a user's body, tensile, compressive forces, expansion and / or breathing of a user, and the at least one sensor with which the mat is equipped is electrically conductive with a Electrical energy storage element or an electrical voltage source connected.

1. 1. Es beinhaltet Sensorik zum Monitoring von:
   • • Körperpositionen (z.B. Drucksensoren)
   • • Bodenreaktionskräften (z.B.: über Drucksensoren)
2. 2. Es ist mit einer elektronischen Auswerteeinrichtung (Datenverarbeitungseinheit) mit bevorzugt drahtloser Schnittstelle zur Übertragung von Messdaten des/der Sensor(en) (Bluetooth, WLan, ZigBee usw.) verbunden, um mit der elektronischen Auswerteeinheit kommunizieren zu können.
3. 3. Die Energieversorgung der elektronischen Komponenten erfolgt über ein Elektroenergiespeicherelement, z.B. Batterien, Akkumulatoren und/ oder über Netzbetrieb als elektrische Spannungsquelle. Bei Verwendung von Akkumulatoren können diese induktiv und/oder über Kabel (Netz) geladen werden.
4. 4. Die Matte sollte über einen Falt- oder Rollmechanismus auf ein kleines Packmaß reduziert werden können.
5. 5. Es können außerdem optische Markierungen als Referenz bzw. Orientierungspunkte vorhanden sein. Diese können permanent sein (z.B. ein aufgedrucktes oder eingewebtes Raster), so dass sie dauerhaft sichtbar sind. Sie können aber auch durch Projektion optisch zeitlich begrenzt dargestellt werden. Dies kann beispielsweise mittels organischen LEDs oder anderen Lichtquellen erfolgen, indem die optischen Markierungen auf eine bei der Nutzung sichtbare Oberfläche einer Matte projiziert werden. Dadurch können Orientierungspunkte variabel an eine jeweilige durchzuführende Übung angepasst angezeigt werden.

The mat module should have the following properties or fulfill functions:

1. 1. It includes sensors for monitoring:
   • • Body positions (e.g. pressure sensors)
   • • Ground reaction forces (e.g. via pressure sensors)
2. 2. It is connected to an electronic evaluation device (data processing unit) with a preferably wireless interface for transmitting measurement data from the sensor(s) (Bluetooth, WiFi, ZigBee, etc.) in order to be able to communicate with the electronic evaluation unit.
3. 3. The electronic components are supplied with energy via an electrical energy storage element, e.g. batteries, accumulators and/or via mains operation as an electrical voltage source. When using accumulators, they can be charged inductively and/or via cable (mains).
4. 4. The mat should be able to be reduced to a small pack size using a folding or rolling mechanism.
5. 5. There may also be optical markings as reference or landmarks. These can be permanent (e.g. a printed or woven grid) so that they are permanently visible. However, they can also be displayed optically for a limited time using projection. This can be done, for example, using organic LEDs or other light sources by projecting the optical markings onto a surface of a mat that is visible during use. This means that landmarks can be displayed variably adapted to the particular exercise to be carried out.

1. 1. Als Visualisierungsmodul können sämtliche Bildschirme (Displays) bzw. smarte Endgeräte verwendet werden (Smartphone, Tablet, Fernseher usw.). Das Modulsystem bietet zudem die Möglichkeit Frontkameras, Webcams usw. der smarten Geräte in die Funktionen einzubinden.
2. 2. Als elektronische Auswerteeinheit kann ein gesondertes Hardwarepaket zum Einsatz kommen.
3. 3. Die Software des Interface-Moduls kann Algorithmen für:
   • • Das Anlegen eines Nutzerprofils (z.B. demographische Daten, Trainingsstand- und Fortschritt usw.) und Schutzvorrichtungen für die Sicherheit der personenbezogenen Daten beinhalten
   • • Die Verarbeitung und Auswertung der Sensorrohdaten (Kontrolle der Übungsausführung) ermöglichen
   • • Die Visualisierung von durchgeführten Bewegungen (Sensordaten), Übungsanleitungen, Statistiken und Graphen ermöglichen
   • • Gamification-Inhalte zur Motivationssteigerung anzeigen
   • • Interaktionen mit anderen Nutzern (z.B. in Form von Ansporn) ermöglichen und
   • • Möglichkeiten zur Realisierung des Echtzeit- und Langzeitfeedbacks aufweisen.

The module system can also include an interface module, which consists of the electronic evaluation unit and a visualization module (e.g. a display). It can serve as the central computing and control unit of the entire module system and can be used for processing sensor measurement data, creating a user profile and data security. It therefore acts as an interface between users (users, patients, therapists, etc.) and the electrical and electronic components of the module system. The recorded, evaluated, stored measurement data and the result of the evaluation can also be output tactilely using at least one training module (e.g. mat and/or wearable module). The interface or the electronic evaluation can be used alone or in addition must also be trained to communicate with an external system. Data transmission should preferably take place wirelessly. Communication can take place with another external evaluation and possibly also storage unit, which is installed, for example, in a physiotherapy or doctor's office.

1. 1. All screens (displays) or smart devices can be used as a visualization module (smartphone, tablet, television, etc.). The module system also offers the option of integrating front cameras, webcams, etc. of smart devices into the functions.
2. 2. A separate hardware package can be used as an electronic evaluation unit.
3. 3. The interface module software can provide algorithms for:
   • • Include the creation of a user profile (e.g. demographic data, training level and progress, etc.) and safeguards for the security of personal data
   • • Enable the processing and evaluation of raw sensor data (control of exercise execution).
   • • Enable the visualization of movements performed (sensor data), exercise instructions, statistics and graphs
   • • Display gamification content to increase motivation
   • • Enable interactions with other users (e.g. in the form of incentives) and
   • • Have options for realizing real-time and long-term feedback.

The evaluation unit (part of the interface module) serves as a central interface for the (wireless) data transmission (Bluetooth, WiFi, ZigBee, etc.) of the entire system. It communicates internally with the other modules and externally with specialist staff systems.

A module (wearable module) that can be worn on a user's body or part of the body consists of at least one strap, which is equipped with at least one sensor and is electrically connected to an electrical energy storage element and an interface.

The visualization module can be designed to display the body or body position of a user to evaluate and/or correct the body position and to display exercise instructions, general information about scoliosis and to select training equipment.

The visualization module can also have an input function for the user, with which input parameters, such as age, size, severity of scoliosis of a user, can be made available to the electronic evaluation unit. It can also be designed to communicate with others via a messaging function.

A belt module advantageously consists of a sensory active belt system, in which several sensory active belts are applied to a user's body, in particular the upper body and other body parts of a user, and are subjected to tensile force. Straps can also be designed as arm or ankle straps for attachment to an arm or leg. For digital applications, a belt module is connected to the electronic evaluation unit, e.g. with an app as suitable software, and is used to monitor the movements of the upper body and extremities of a user who is wearing one, preferably several, sensitive belts at the same time. The aim is to easily recognize and track the user's movements and breathing using measurement data recorded by sensors. The implementation of exercises can thus be monitored, evaluated and, if necessary, corrected (via feedback).

The strap(s) should be worn snugly on the upper body or part of the body (arm and/or leg) so that the upper body or part of the body is at least partially enclosed. Tensile forces should act on the respective belt, with which a respective belt can be fixed close to the body.

To change its length, a belt should have an adjustment mechanism (e.g. buckles, rings, belt guides) and fasteners (e.g. Velcro fasteners, snap fasteners, lightning fasteners, etc.) in order to be able to adapt it to the physical conditions of the respective user.

A deployable belt should also be designed so that it can be cleaned without damaging the electrical and electronic components present on it, which can be achieved, for example, by removable or encapsulated electronic and/or electrical components.

Sensors for monitoring and tracking movements of the upper body or body parts (e.g. via inertial measuring units, strain sensors, pressure sensors) should be present on the respective belt.

The breathing frequency can be detected in particular with pressure or strain sensors (e.g. via strain gauges, inertial measuring units, elastomer sensors, textile sensors). A pulse measurement can also be carried out, in particular using an armband or footband on which corresponding sensors are present.

A vibration device can also be present on a belt, with which haptic feedback for movement corrections can be given to the respective user. You can use vibration motors or piezoelectric elements for this.

Via an interface, measurement data that has been recorded with sensors can be transmitted to an electronic evaluation unit and processed and stored there, preferably wirelessly. A smart device, e.g. smartphone, tablet, wearables, etc., can be used as an electronic evaluation unit to communicate with each other. Measurement data can be evaluated and visualized via an app, a web application or similar. Based on this evaluation, the respective user of the module system can receive either real-time or long-term feedback for their training. The real-time feedback can be output tactilely, optically or acoustically by a smart device as an electronic evaluation unit and/or directly via actuators on the belt(s). The long-term feedback can be done using an app, web application or similar.

The energy supply for the electronic and electrical components can be achieved using batteries or accumulators as electrical energy storage that can be charged inductively and/or via cable.

• Es kann in seiner Länge über Materialeigenschaften (z.B. elastisches Gummiband) oder Verstellmechanismen bzw. Verschlüsse (z.B.: Dornschließen, Butterflyfaltschließe, Kippfaltschließe, Sicherheitsfaltschließe usw.), verändert werden und lässt sich damit an die körperlichen Gegebenheiten des jeweiligen Nutzers anpassen. Es beinhaltet Sensorik zum Überwachen von Bewegungen der jeweiligen Extremität an der der jeweilige Gurt befestigt worden ist. Als Sensoren können z.B. inertiale Messeinheiten, Dehnungssensoren, Drucksensoren eingesetzt werden. Zusätzlich können auch Vitalparameter, z.B. die Atem- und/oder Pulsfrequenz überwacht werden. Es können dort auch die bereits genannten Elemente für ein haptisches Feedback (z.B. Vibrationsmotoren) vorhanden sein. Diese Elemente sollten so integriert sein, dass eine richtungsweisende Bewegungskorrektur durchgeführt werden kann. Z.B. kann ein Nutzer durch Vibration in Richtung nach unten zu einer Bewegung des jeweiligen Körperteils nach oben animiert werden. Auch die sensorischen und ggf. auch aktorischen Elemente dieser Gurte sind über eine Schnittstelle mit der elektronischen Auswerteeinheit, die für eine Auswertung, Speicherung und Visualisierung genutzt werden kann, verbunden, wie dies bereits erläutert worden ist.

Straps can also be designed in the form of an arm or ankle strap that is worn snugly on an arm or leg and has the following properties/functions:

• Its length can be changed using material properties (e.g. elastic rubber band) or adjustment mechanisms or fasteners (e.g. pin clasps, butterfly folding clasps, tilting folding clasps, safety folding clasps, etc.) and can therefore be adapted to the physical conditions of the respective user. It includes sensors for monitoring movements of the respective extremity to which the respective belt is attached. For example, inertial measuring units, strain sensors, and pressure sensors can be used as sensors. In addition, vital parameters, such as breathing and/or pulse rate, can also be monitored. The elements already mentioned for haptic feedback (e.g. vibration motors) can also be present there. These elements should be integrated in such a way that a directional movement correction can be carried out. For example, a user can be encouraged to move the respective body part upwards by vibrating in a downward direction. The sensory and possibly also actuator elements of these belts are also connected via an interface to the electronic evaluation unit, which can be used for evaluation, storage and visualization, as has already been explained.

The electronic and electrical components of the module system include all sensors, actuators, such as a vibration device and elements of the interface for data transmission.

At least one (tactile) feedback device can be present on the mat and/or the at least one belt, which can be controlled and activated by means of the electronic evaluation unit to stimulate error correction when carrying out an exercise. Feedback can also be provided to the user tactilely, i.e. directly while performing an exercise and possibly even a tactilely detectable error correction display at the position of the body or body part of the respective user. This can be achieved, for example, with appropriately arranged vibrators.

The module system according to the invention enables 3D motion tracking of the upper body and extremities in scoliosis patients with and without a camera system. This allows exercisers to carry out their exercises regardless of the field of view of one or more cameras or with visual monitoring by a camera. On the one hand, this offers the possibility of a wide range of exercises and, on the other hand, sensory monitoring of the training. As training progress increases and body topography changes, the system can also be adjusted and continued to be used.

Another advantage is that group training or several parallel training sessions (for example in different rooms) in physiotherapy facilities or clinics are possible, which can be supervised by a single therapist without the therapist missing out on incorrect implementation. This is effective, saves working time and particularly popular training times can be booked multiple times.

The most important advantage of the invention is that the training of scoliosis patients, especially at home, is monitored sensorily and can be corrected through feedback if necessary. The technical features according to the invention support and improve scoliosis therapy without a therapist having to be on site. They increase the understanding of the importance of training and enable the implementation of sometimes very complex exercises using digital tools (e.g. visual and acoustic exercise instructions) and sensory monitoring. You increase motivation for training by using digital elements (gamification, interaction with like-minded people, digital profile, etc.). They enable training to be evaluated and evaluated by recording the duration of the training, the training process and the frequency. These aspects give therapists and health insurance companies a tool to evaluate and improve therapy.

Users receive feedback on whether they are training correctly so that incorrect loading and/or incorrect training can be avoided. This should make you feel safer while training.

Claims (10)

Modular system that can be used for scoliosis therapy and is formed with at least one mat and/or at least one belt which can be fastened to a part of the body that encompasses it under a tensile force, wherein the at least one mat and/or the at least one belt is/are equipped with at least one sensor designed to determine movements of a user's body, tensile, compressive forces, expansions and/or breathing of a user, and the at least one sensor with which the at least one mat is equipped, electrically conductive with an electrical energy storage element or an electrical voltage source and / or the at least one sensor with which the at least one belt is equipped with an electrical energy storage element and is/are connected to an interface for transmitting recorded measurement data to an electronic evaluation unit and the electronic evaluation unit is designed to evaluate and store the recorded measurement data and to display the result of the evaluation optically/visually or acoustically on/with a visualization module or to output it tactilely with the aid of at least one training module and/or to communicate with an external system. modular system Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one sensor is selected from a sensor for three-dimensional determination of the position and orientation of a body of a user or wearer of at least one belt, the position of a user on the at least one mat and reaction forces that result from use on the cast at least one mat. Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the at least one strap can be attached to a body and/or a body part of a user in an adjustable manner. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that markings are formed on the surface of the at least one mat or can be temporarily displayed visually for a user for orientation by means of a corresponding projection. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the visualization module is designed to display the body or body position of a user for evaluating and/or correcting the body position and for displaying exercise instructions, general information about scoliosis and for selecting training equipment. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the visualization module has an input function for the user and is designed to communicate with others via a message function. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one camera, with which a user and his movements are recorded, is part of the module system and can be connected to the electronic evaluation unit and/or the visualization module. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface is designed for wireless transmission of the measurement data to the electronic evaluation unit. Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one feedback device is present on the at least one mat and/or the at least one belt, which can be controlled and activated by means of the electronic evaluation unit to provide an error correction suggestion when carrying out an exercise. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic evaluation device contains calibration functions for the modules.