EP3043711A1

EP3043711A1 - Device for signaling movements of a musculoskeletal system of a human being

Info

Publication number: EP3043711A1
Application number: EP14772279.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jörg Alexander BÖKEN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-12
Filing date: 2014-09-09
Publication date: 2016-07-20
Also published as: WO2015036111A1; DE102013015041A1; DE102013015041B4; US20160296162A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for signaling movements of a musculoskeletal system of a human being, said device having a) at least one sensor (1) for detecting a movement, b) at least one carrier element (2) for at least one sensor (1) for detecting a movement, c) means (3) for securing the at least one carrier element (2) to the musculoskeletal system of a human being, d) a signaling device for signaling sensor values of the at least one sensor (1) for detecting a movement.

Description

Device for signaling movements of a musculoskeletal system

People

description

The invention relates to a device for signaling movements of a musculoskeletal system of a human.

The musculoskeletal system of a human being ensures that the body remains in a defined shape, but nevertheless can be purposefully moved. A part of the musculoskeletal system is the bony skeleton and provides for the shaping of the body. The skeleton is moved by the skeletal muscles. This is done by tendons, which have grown on one side of the bone and are anchored on the other side in the muscle. If it becomes necessary to change the tension direction of the tendons, they will be redirected with ribbons. Such bands also serve to strengthen and secure heavily loaded joints.

After accidents or injuries, it may be necessary that the affected part of the musculoskeletal system is rehabilitated in such a way that under professional guidance of the musculoskeletal system largely retains its original mobility, which during this rehabilitation measure overloading must be avoided, so that the injury to the musculoskeletal system is not starts again. For example, it is known from the prior art to use orthoses for supporting and stabilizing the musculoskeletal system, in order to maintain the original position. restore mobility of the musculoskeletal system while avoiding misalignments. Also, for example, posture errors or positional errors can be treated with such orthoses, which are reversible. Furthermore, there are also orthoses that are used for the temporary immobilization of body parts.

Basically, it should be noted that such orthoses significantly restrict the mobility during the rehabilitation measure, so that the rehabilitation measure can be carried out only to a very limited extent. Furthermore, by guiding the musculoskeletal system with such an orthosis, the user is only able to consciously approach the limit of the load capacity in order to achieve an effective rehabilitation in a shortened time window.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for signaling movements of a musculoskeletal system of a person with which a monitoring, control and diagnostics of the musculoskeletal system is given in the orthopedic sense for all moving parts of the skeleton. In particular, such a device is intended to prophylactically prevent or subsequently eliminate postural damage, in which case harmful or excessively stressful movements or strains are to be avoided for the skeleton or the entire musculoskeletal system.

This object is achieved by a device with all features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims. The device according to the invention for signaling movements of a musculoskeletal system of a person has at least one sensor for detecting movement of the musculoskeletal system. Furthermore, this device has at least one carrier element for at least one sensor for detecting a movement of the musculoskeletal system, wherein means are also provided for fastening the at least one carrier element to the movement apparatus of a human. In addition, the device according to the invention has a signaling device for signaling sensor values of the at least one sensor for detecting a movement of a musculoskeletal system of a person. With the aid of the device according to the invention, patients or users can be enabled to control and correct themselves in the event of false movements at any time even by a warning signal emitted by the device or the signaling device in the event of an incorrect movement or excessive stress on the musculoskeletal system. Such a warning signal is emitted, for example, when the at least one sensor for detecting a movement detects a movement which is too high a load on the musculoskeletal system of the patient, possibly leading to a violation of the musculoskeletal system - and in a rehabilitation measure to rupture the Injury - can lead.

In addition, patients with already surgically treated fractures can always monitor their current movements and thus make a valuable contribution to healing by avoiding overuse. The basic settings of the device according to the invention and the adaptation of the patient or user are to be carried out by appropriate specialist personnel, such as for example an orthopedist, attending physician, sports physician, fitness trainer or the like. Furthermore, the user or the patient should be supervised in a familiarization phase by the respective specialist personnel. The device according to the invention can serve in various embodiments, as will be described below, for monitoring and diagnosis of axial movements, bending movements, rotational and torsional movements as well as for pressure monitoring, for example in the event of overstressing the foot or the like. Furthermore, combination designs are also possible with which a wide variety of movements can be monitored and controlled in combination and in which an alarm signal can be given off if the musculoskeletal system is loaded too much. As a result, the user or the patient is able to adapt the movement accordingly when such a warning signal occurs. With the device according to the invention, a multiplicity of combination designs can be implemented in the manner of a modular system in order to be able to monitor and control a large number of movements of the musculoskeletal system.

Particularly in the case of rehabilitation measures, with a device according to the invention, the musculoskeletal system can be trained again in such a way that, after the device has been adapted by the specialist, the musculoskeletal system again corresponds to the patient. training, and thus control, without running the risk of overstressing the musculoskeletal system, effectively avoiding re-injury.

According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one sensor as a distance sensor, pressure sensor, rotary motion sensor, Linearbeweg ungssensor, torsion, pressure and / or position sensor is formed. With the help of such sensors, it is possible to monitor almost all movements of the musculoskeletal system of a human. In particular, bending and rotational movements as well as stretching movements and pressure loads on the musculoskeletal system can be detected effectively. In this case, a maximum value is associated with the respective sensor after the adjustment by the specialist, which should not be exceeded in order to avoid new and / or new injuries to the musculoskeletal system. If the signal value of the sensor approaches this maximum value during a movement, a corresponding warning signal is generated by the signaling device before or when the maximum value is reached, which is perceptible to the user / patient. Both simple mechanical switching contacts as well as more complicated motion and pressure sensors can be used as sensors. In particular, mechanical contacts, such as microswitches and microswitches, but also optoelectronic components, such as PIR sensors, light barriers, fork light barriers, lasers, any type of pressure sensors, as well as magnetic field sensors, such as Hall sensors, Hall sensors or reed switches, inductive, capacitive and infrared and ultrasonic proximity sensors and angle sensors of any type and radar sensors are used. With the help of such sensors and a corresponding evaluation logic, it is possible, for example, to convert distance values into pressure values and vice versa.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it has been proven that the at least one carrier element is designed as at least two flexible plates connected by webs, wherein at least one sensor is preferably arranged between two webs. With the help of such flexible plates in particular buckling movements of a joint and / or pressure loads between the plates and thus pressure loads on the respective joint can be determined. From the values for these sensors can thus be concluded conclusions on the burden of the musculoskeletal system in the respective area at which the device according to the invention is arranged on the musculoskeletal system of a human. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the at least one carrier element is designed as at least two link elements connected via a joint, wherein at least one sensor is preferably arranged between two link elements. The joint can be designed for the articulated connection of the link elements on a plane. However, it is also conceivable that the joint connects the two link elements articulated in any direction in space.

According to another idea of the invention, however, it is also possible for the at least one carrier element to be designed as a flexible traction cable, band or the like, for example in the form of a sleeve. Such support elements are particularly suitable to detect movements in the circumference of a limb, such as a leg or an arm, or as a neck cuff movement of the musculoskeletal system in the cervical spine using the respective sensors or a sensor.

Even with the two last-mentioned support elements, it is possible to deduce from the values of the sensors conclusions about the load on the musculoskeletal system in the respective region at which the device according to the invention is arranged on the musculoskeletal system of a human.

So that the device according to the invention can be attached to the musculoskeletal system of a human, means are provided for attachment, which are designed for example as self-adhesive pads, bandages, gypsum, cuffs, splints, adhesive plasters, hook-and-loop fasteners, garments and / or implants or the like. With the help of these fasteners, it is possible in a simple manner for almost all applications, the device according to the invention with the sensors on the musculoskeletal system of a person to attach, so that the movement in each desired area of the musculoskeletal system of a human monitors in a simple manner, and possibly also can be diagnosed, with erroneous movements, which can lead to damage to the musculoskeletal system, can be signaled early by the signaling device using the sensor values.

Furthermore, it has proved to be particularly advantageous that the signaling device is designed as a data processing device. With the help of such a data Processing device, it is possible in a simple manner to evaluate the data supplied by the sensors and to make a signaling if necessary. Such signaling can be carried out acoustically or via a light signal, for example. However, it is also conceivable to display the movement of the musculoskeletal system visually, at least in the region of the device according to the invention or of the respective carrier element, via a data output unit, for example a screen, so that the user immediately or visually, for example, on the movement or the erroneous movement in the event of a warning Screen of a smartphone or the like can be visualized. As a result, an immediate training and / or learning effect can be achieved particularly quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the signaling device or the data processing device has a data memory in which the sensor data can be stored. In addition, reference data for the respective sensors can also be stored on such a data memory so that the data supplied by the sensors can be compared with the respective reference data and a corresponding warning signal can be output when the reference signals deviate or exceeded. The sensor values detected by the device according to the invention or its sensors can be transmitted to an evaluation unit with the aid of appropriate electronics, so that a corresponding data output can then take place on the respective data output device. Particularly in the case of a visual representation of the data output on a screen, it is not only possible for the user / patient to see that he has made a mistake, but also directly what error he has made. In this respect, this embodiment of the invention is particularly effective in pedagogical terms, since it can be immediately corrected directly by the user via a visual perception of the error, so that a quick and efficient training can be done.

An evaluation device is also provided for data processing, with the aid of which the data detected by the sensors can be compared with the reference data and thus also differences of the movement sequence which were detected with the aid of the sensors can be compared with a movement sequence optimized by the reference data. Thus, the patient is enabled to exercise the desired movement, where he can track his movement, for example, directly on a monitor and compare with an optimal sequence of movements.

To transmit the data to the evaluation unit or the signaling device, wireless connections, such as radio transmitters, WLAN, infrared or Bluetooth can be provided. However, the transmission can also be done by an appropriate wiring. With the aid of a wireless connection, however, the data acquired by the sensors can be passed on directly to the evaluation unit or signaling device or data processing without cumbersome cabling. With the aid of the data processing device and the corresponding sensors, long-term data acquisition and evaluation is possible. With the help of the data processing system and corresponding computer programs or applications, the entire data acquisition can also be displayed in three-dimensional graphics. Furthermore, computer-animated motion sequences can be reconstructed over longer phases.

The entire calibration of the sensors can be realized both by mechanics and by electronics, depending on the design and type of sensors used. However, care must be taken to ensure that the calibration is carried out by expert staff, such as orthopedic surgeons, doctors, sports doctors or trained fitness trainers in order to achieve the best possible effect.

With the help of the device according to the invention a monitoring and diagnosis of the complete or the partial skeleton and musculoskeletal system on loading and overloading of the musculoskeletal system is possible.

Areas of application are, for example, the clinical use in the case of injuries after surgery or in the case of a chronic disease of the skeleton. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can also undergo an orthopedic use for the detection and long-term treatment of postural damage. Also, such a device according to the invention can be used prophylactically for the early prevention of postural and locomotor damage, especially in people with sedentary activity.

Of course, it is also possible to use the device according to the invention in performance and width sports orthopedic. Other objects, advantages, features and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. All described and / or illustrated features alone or in any meaningful combination form the subject matter of the present invention, also irrespective of their combination in the claims or their back-reference.

Show it:

1a to d: an embodiment of a device according to the invention in various representations,

FIGS. 2a to c show a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in various representations,

FIGS. 3a to c show a third exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention,

FIGS. 4a to 4c show a fourth exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention in various embodiments,

FIG. 5 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention,

FIG. 6 shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention,

7 shows a representation of the application of various devices according to FIGS. 1 to 6 on a leg or foot and ankle joint of a human, and FIG. 8 shows a representation of the application of a device according to the invention in the region of the spine and cervical region of a human.

FIG. 1 a shows a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for signaling movements of a musculoskeletal system of a person. This embodiment consists essentially of an upper flexible plate 4 and a lower flexible plate 6, which are interconnected by means of fixed webs 5. Between the upper flexible plate 4 and the lower flexible plate 6 5 sensors 1 for detecting movements are also arranged between the individual webs. In the illustration of Figure 1a, the local device according to the invention with its upper flexible plate 4 and lower flexible plate 6 is arranged linearly.

As can be seen from Figure 1 b, the flexible plates 4 and 6 in the local drawing plane against each other are bendable. Due to the fact that the plates 4 and 6 are held at a distance by the webs 5 fixed in this case, the bending radius changes during bending of the plates 4 and 6, which is illustrated by arrows in this illustration. As a result of the flexibility of the plates 4 and 6, the distance between the plates 4 and 6 becomes smaller during bending or the pressure between the plates 4 and 6 increases. However, the individual sensors 1 are not shown in the illustration according to FIG. 1 b for reasons of clarity.

The representation of Figure 1c, however, shows the detailed representation of a bend according to Figure 1 b, wherein on the one hand with a sensor designed as a distance sensor 10, the distance between the plates 4 and 6 is measurable and on the other with a trained as a pressure sensor 11 sensor 1 the pressure between the plates 4 and 6 can be determined.

Furthermore, FIG. 1d shows a plan view of another area of this device according to the invention. In this case, a position sensor 12 and a torsion sensor 13 are now used as sensors 1. By means of the torsion sensor 13, the torsion between two webs 5 can be measured, while by means of the position sensor 12, the position of this sensor can be determined.

The sensor values can all be processed by means of a signaling device not shown in the illustrations according to FIGS. 1a to 1d and also in all other subsequent representations, which signaling device is preferably designed as a data processing device. In this case, with a corresponding logic stored in a data memory of the data processing device, it is also possible to convert the individual sensor values into other physical quantities, for example a pressure into a distance value or vice versa, whereby the distance value means both length distances and angular distances. The data processing device preferably contains a data memory, a data read unit, a data output unit and an evaluation device. By means of the data reading unit, the sensor data of the individual sensors 1, 10, 11, 12 and 13 can be read out and stored in a data memory or processed or evaluated directly by the evaluation device.

By means of a data output unit can be done a very accurate data output, which allows, for example, a visualization of the movement on a screen. With the aid of the evaluation device, the detected sensor data can be compared with reference data stored in the data memory so that a warning signal can be output when a sensor exceeds or reaches a reference value. In the simplest version, such a warning message is an audible signal. However, complex motion sequences of a multiplicity of very different sensors can also be visualized using the data processing device and displayed on a corresponding display device. A wide variety of warning messages can be generated if different sensors exceed the reference values according to a specification. Also, with such a visual two- or three-dimensional representation, motion sequences can be easily adapted to optimized motion sequences which are stored in the data memory. The patient can visually detect a difference between a successful, faulty and optimized movement directly on a screen and, in response, immediately take countermeasures to correct the erroneous movement and to train the optimized movement sequence.

The transmission of the sensor data preferably takes place wirelessly, for example by means of a radio module. Of course, it is also possible to forward the data via a cabling to the data processing device.

To record the movement data of a musculoskeletal system of a human, the flexible double strip consisting of the flexible plates 4 and 6 connected by the webs 5 is arranged on the region of the musculoskeletal system of a human being to be monitored. The attachment can be done in different ways, for example by self-adhesive pads, by bandages, by plaster, by cuffs, by rails, by adhesive tape, by Velcro or even by garments in which such a double strip can be integrated. In the case of such garments, however, these must be closely tied to the body or the movement concern; For example, this may be a tight T-shirt, cycling shorts, a nephromen suit or similar garments.

FIGS. 2 a to 2 c show a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention. This essentially consists of several articulated elements 7 connected to one another via a joint 7, wherein in each case at least one sensor 1 is arranged between the element elements 8.

In the figure 2a is given a plan view of this embodiment, wherein the individual members 8 can be pivoted against each other only in the plane of the drawing by means of the respective joint 7. In Figure 2a, this embodiment is shown in a linear arrangement.

FIG. 2b shows a side view of the illustration according to FIG. 2a. The sensors 1 are designed as distance sensors 10 and pressure sensors 11, so that with the aid of these sensors, an angle can be detected, with the adjacent members 8 can be pivoted against each other. In the illustration according to FIG. 2b, the individual members 8 can be pivoted out of one another from the plane of the drawing. Figure 2c shows the embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b in a representation in which two adjacent members 8 are pivoted by 90 ° to each other. In this case, a distance sensor 10 detects the maximum opening angle, namely 90 °, while the other distance sensor 10 detects a value of 0 °. However, in the case of these members 8 pivoted at 90 ° to one another at the minimum distance of 0 °, the members are directly adjacent to one another, so that the pressure with which the members 8 press one another can be measured there by means of the pressure sensor 11.

In the figures 3a to 3c, a third embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown. In essence, this embodiment corresponds to that of Figures 2a to 2c, in which case the joints 7 are designed to pivot the members 8 not only in a plane against each other. Rather, adjacent members 8 can be pivoted by means of the joints 7 and spatially against each other. Looking now at FIG. 3a, different sensors 1 for different states of movement and loading are arranged in the device according to the invention. The sensor 1 on the far left in this representation is designed as a pressure sensor 1 1, the pressures between the two lin- ken members 8 detect and can forward to the data processing device. The second sensor 1 from the left is now designed as a distance sensor, which, however, detects no length distances, but rotational distances in the form of angles. The third sensor 1 from the left is designed as a torsion sensor, by means of which the torsion between the third member 8 from the left and the fourth member 8 can be measured from the left. The right sensor 1 is in turn designed as a distance sensor, wherein now an axial displacement between the right member 8 and the second member 8 can be detected from the right. FIG. 4 a shows a collar arrangement which consists of an upper collar 16 and a lower collar 15, which are interconnected by means of webs 5. Between the sleeves 15 and 16 are also different sensors

I arranged. With the help of the left sensor, which is designed as a distance sensor, an inclination between the upper sleeve 16 and the lower sleeve 15 can be detected. A second distance sensor 10 now detects an angle with which the upper sleeve 16 is rotated relative to the lower sleeve 15. The third sensor 1, which is shown in this illustration as the second from the right, is now again as a pressure sensor

I I formed and serves to determine the axial tilting force or the inclination pressure with which the upper sleeve 6 is pivoted relative to the lower sleeve 15. The right-hand sensor 1 is also designed as a pressure sensor 11, although in this case not the inclination of the sleeves 15 and 16 is determined against each other, but their rotation, namely the torsion.

FIGS. 4b and 4c show further embodiments of cuff-shaped devices according to the invention, although only their shape is indicated here and the placement of the individual sensors 1 is not shown.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, various sensors are arranged on a flexible band 9. This band can for example consist of an elastic synthetic material or of a rubber band or of a silicone strip.

On this flexible belt 9, a sensor 1 is arranged in the upper region, which is designed as a distance sensor 10 and position sensor 12. With the help of this sensor 1, for example, an elongation of the belt 9 and also a rotation of the belt 9 detected and to the Data processing system to be further taught. The lower sensor 1 is in this case designed as a pressure sensor 11 or torsion sensor 13, by means of which the force or the pressure with which the flexible band is stretched or the torsion with which the flexible band 9 is twisted can be determined. Since the flexible band is arranged directly on the musculoskeletal system of a human, can be directly conclusions on movements of the musculoskeletal system or strains of the musculoskeletal system by the movements of the flexible band, which is obtained by the sensor signals. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention in the form of a plate construction. Here too, this plate construction consists of an upper plate 4 and a lower plate 6, between which, however, an intermediate layer 17 serving, for example, for damping is arranged here. Within this intermediate layer 17, the sensors 1 are now arranged in this embodiment, which are designed here as pressure sensors 11. With the help of these pressure sensors, pressure loads can be determined, for example when they occur with a foot 19.

In the figures 7 and 8 now a variety of applications are shown how a device according to the invention can be used. In this case, a lower leg 18 with associated foot 19 and connecting ankle 20 is shown in FIG. In the field of football 21 and the heel 22 in this case devices 24 according to the invention are arranged as shown in FIG 6, with the aid of which can be measured with which pressure the foot 19 and the ball of the foot 21 and the heel 22 are burdened on appearance.

Furthermore, a device according to the invention with a double function is arranged in the region of the ankle. On the one hand, this device contains a device 23 according to the illustrations in FIG. 1, 2, 3 or 5, by means of which the angle of inclination and the inclination pressure between lower leg 18 and foot 19 can be determined. In addition, in this case an upper sleeve 15 and a lower sleeve 16 is used, with the aid of a twisting of the foot 19 relative to the lower leg 18 can be detected. In this case, both the angle at which the foot 19 is rotated relative to the lower leg 18, be detected and the torsion in such a twisting. Finally, FIG. 8 shows a device according to the invention for monitoring and controlling the movement of a spinal column and the cervical region of a human. For this purpose, a device 23 according to the illustrations in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 or 5 is used for monitoring or controlling the movement of the spinal column. In this case, a cuff-type device is used to monitor and control the cervical region, wherein a corresponding sensor for detecting distances and pressures or forces is arranged between an upper cuff 15 and a lower cuff 16.

In all embodiments shown here in the figures, there is a large selection with regard to the choice of material of the carrier element 2. The choice of material is made taking into account the respective purpose and purpose of monitoring the control of the individual areas of the musculoskeletal system. In principle, metals, plastics in the form of thermosets or thermoplastics or the like, as well as all textiles as art and / or natural fibers and also other products made of rubber, rubber or the like, as well as wood and other natural products, can be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 sensor

2 carrier element

4 plate

5 footbridge

6 plate

7 joint

8 limb element

9 band

10 distance sensor

11 pressure sensor

12 position sensor

13 torsion sensor

14 tilt sensor

15 cuff

16 cuff

17 liner

18 leg

19 feet

20 ankle

21 foot pads

22 heel

23 device according to Figure 1, 2, 3 or 5

24 device according to FIG. 6

Claims

claims

Device for signaling movements of a musculoskeletal system of a person with

a) at least one sensor (1) for detecting a movement,

b) at least one carrier element (2) for at least one sensor (1) for detecting a movement,

c) means for fixing the at least one support element (2) to the

Musculoskeletal system of a human,

d) a signaling device for signaling sensor values of the at least one sensor (1) for detecting a movement.

Device according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the sensor (1) is designed as a distance sensor, pressure sensor, rotary motion sensor, linear motion sensor, torsion sensor, strain sensor and / or position sensor.

Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

the at least one carrier element (2) is designed as at least two flexible plates (4, 6) connected via webs (5), wherein at least one sensor (1) is preferably arranged between two webs (5).

Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

the at least one carrier element (2) is designed as at least two link elements (8) connected via a joint (7), wherein at least one sensor (1) is preferably arranged between two link elements (8).

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the at least one carrier element (2) is designed as a flexible traction cable, flexible belt (9) or the like, for example in the form of a sleeve.

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the means (3) for attachment as self-adhesive pads, bandages, gypsum, cuffs, rails, adhesive plasters, Velcro, garments and / or implants are formed.

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the signaling device (1) is designed as a data processing device.

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the signaling device has a data memory, a data reading unit, a data output unit and an evaluation device.

Device according to claim 8,

characterized in that

the data memory is designed to store sensor signals, which are preferably comparable to reference values for sensor signals stored on the data memory or a device-remote data memory by the evaluation unit.

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the signaling device (1) is designed for battery or accumulator operation.

Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the signaling device (1) is designed as a portable device, which is preferably designed for acoustic and / or visual signaling. Device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

it or the at least one sensor (1) for wireless transmission of sensor signals, preferably to the signaling device is formed.