EP4454627B1 - Physiotherapiebehandlungsvorrichtung - Google Patents

Physiotherapiebehandlungsvorrichtung

Info

Publication number
EP4454627B1
EP4454627B1 EP24170441.0A EP24170441A EP4454627B1 EP 4454627 B1 EP4454627 B1 EP 4454627B1 EP 24170441 A EP24170441 A EP 24170441A EP 4454627 B1 EP4454627 B1 EP 4454627B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
platform
user
support
base body
rotation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP24170441.0A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4454627C0 (de
EP4454627A1 (de
Inventor
Marco SCHIEPPATI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Prevent Srl
Original Assignee
Prevent Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Prevent Srl filed Critical Prevent Srl
Publication of EP4454627A1 publication Critical patent/EP4454627A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4454627C0 publication Critical patent/EP4454627C0/de
Publication of EP4454627B1 publication Critical patent/EP4454627B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
    • A61H1/0255—Both knee and hip of a patient, e.g. in supine or sitting position, the feet being moved together in a plane substantially parallel to the body-symmetrical plane
    • A61H1/0262—Walking movement; Appliances for aiding disabled persons to walk
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
    • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
    • A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
    • A61H1/0266—Foot
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/008—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about using suspension devices for supporting the body in an upright walking or standing position, e.g. harnesses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/005—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
    • A63B21/0058—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters using motors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
    • A63B21/068—User-manipulated weights using user's body weight
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/14—Platforms for reciprocating rotating motion about a vertical axis, e.g. axis through the middle of the platform
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
    • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
    • A63B23/04—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs
    • A63B23/0405—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously
    • A63B23/0464—Walk exercisers without moving parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/0064—Attachments on the trainee preventing falling
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0192—Specific means for adjusting dimensions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/12—Driving means
    • A61H2201/1207—Driving means with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H2201/1215—Rotary drive
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1657—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means
    • A61H2201/1671—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means rotational
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5005—Control means thereof for controlling frequency distribution, modulation or interference of a driving signal
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5023—Interfaces to the user
    • A61H2201/5025—Activation means
    • A61H2201/5028—Contact activation, i.e. activated at contact with a surface of the user to be treated
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5023—Interfaces to the user
    • A61H2201/5043—Displays
    • A61H2201/5046—Touch screens
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5064—Position sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5064—Position sensors
    • A61H2201/5066—Limit switches
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5097—Control means thereof wireless
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
    • A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
    • A61H2203/0406—Standing on the feet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B2022/0094—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements for active rehabilitation, e.g. slow motion devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
    • A63B2024/0093—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B2071/0655—Tactile feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
    • A63B2208/0204—Standing on the feet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
    • A63B2225/093—Height

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the technical field of devices for physiotherapy and exercise training.
  • the present invention relates to a device specifically intended for performing physiotherapy treatments and/or training the muscles active while walking along non-linear path.
  • This movement is therefore very complex in its execution, involves a large number of muscles and requires a high level of cooperation between them and across many postural muscles of the body.
  • the muscles responsible for the rotation of the lower limbs along their longitudinal axis are the pelvic muscles (i.e., gluteus maximus for extra-rotation, gluteus minimus and maxims for intra-rotation), which rotate the femur in its coxo-femoral joint.
  • the pelvis in turn rotates with respect to the trunk, and the coordination between the neural commands directed to the pelvic muscles (which are asymmetrically active during curved gait) and to those on the spine is critical for the correct execution of the turning trajectory.
  • the weight of the body whose centre of mass may lie outside the distance between the two feet during the walk along the curved trajectory, requires that pelvis and trunk muscles are able to produce adequate forces to maintain dynamic balance during the walk along the curved trajectory.
  • the steps that occur during changes in direction account for approximately 35-40% of all steps in a typical day, and the daily number of steps during the turn increases when in confined spaces.
  • Ageing people change direction less efficiently than young and middle-aged individuals, regardless of the mechanisms responsible for this decreased efficiency, and the frequency of falls increases in the elderly.
  • Falls during rotation are responsible for eight times more femur fractures than during walking along a straight path. It is also known that changing direction while walking is difficult not only in individuals with reduced mobility due to trauma or ageing. Patients suffering from particular diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, may also find it difficult to perform turning movements.
  • the technical task underlying the present innovation is to propose a device that overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of the known technique mentioned above.
  • aim of the present invention is to make available a device for the user's training of changes in direction while walking gait that is ad-hoc designed based on the scientific knowledge, easily transportable and simple to use.
  • the specified technical task and the specified purposes are substantially achieved by the proposed device for physiotherapeutic treatments comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.
  • the device essentially comprises a base body, a platform, motorised means, a fixed frame and a control unit.
  • the platform rotates in the horizontal plane on its own axis and is contained and coupled to the base body.
  • the platform (or turntable) is further configured to support the weight of the user's body.
  • the rotating platform defines a work area configured to receive, when the device is in use, the user's feet around the geometric centre of the platform.
  • Motorised means are configured to set the platform in rotation.
  • the motorised means are configured to place the platform in rotation relative to the main supporting basal framework of the device.
  • a fixed frame is coupled to the base body and defines a handrail for the user.
  • the control unit is coupled to the motorised means to control the rotational speed of the platform.
  • the device described herein makes it possible to perform, in a simple but effective manner, operations to stimulate the muscles and mimic a walk along a curved trajectory, for therapeutic purposes or simply to train the user's nervous and motor systems to perform this type of movement.
  • the device proposed here allows the execution of stepping in place, as if the entire subject's body turn while walking, by rotating on the vertical axis of the body.
  • the rotation acts only on the lower limbs and partly on the pelvis and its articulation with the spine, because the trunk, the head, the scapular girdle and the arms do not participate in the rotation since the user is holding on a fixed handrail.
  • the proposed solution directly and specifically addresses the problem of reinforcing and coordinating the muscles responsible for intra- and extra-rotation of the lower limbs, with the aim of a) reducing the likelihood of falls due to insufficient strength development in sedentary elderly and frail subjects (preventive action), b) favouring rehabilitation of impaired or slow gait (due to problems related to neurodegenerative diseases), c) therapeutic purposes (restoration of locomotor function along non-linear paths after fractures of the femur or pelvis (incidentally, muscle reinforcement is also appropriate prior to hip-replacement elective surgery).
  • the device is thus able to stress the rotation of the legs with respect to the pelvis by training the rotational movements of the lower limbs that normally occur during the course of curved trajectories and to allow the learning (or re-learning) of the underlying neuromuscular coordination.
  • the action of the device can be described as follows.
  • the right foot rests (for a short 'stance-phase') on the clockwise rotating platform the right foot and leg are passively extra-rotated (the rotation of the tibia on the foot and that of the femur on the knee are of minimum amplitude while the rotation at the hip is maximal).
  • the next phase the 'swing-phase'
  • the user actively and naturally brings the lower limb back to a 'straight' position and then places it again on the rotating disc, and so on.
  • a similar sequence occurs for the left limb, which will instead be intra-rotated by the rotating platform.
  • a sequence of active and passive intra- and extra-rotation will then occur.
  • the same sequence of leg rotations will occur in the opposite direction when the turntable rotates anti-clockwise.
  • Other platform movements are provided by the control system, such as short, rapid impulsive rotations.
  • a device for physiotherapy treatments referred to for simplicity in the following of the present description as device 1, is generically indicated in the appended Figures by the numerical reference 1.
  • Said device 1 is specifically configured for the execution of training and/or physiotherapy treatment aimed at improving the motor skills of a user with particular reference to the execution of walking with curved trajectories.
  • said device 1 essentially comprises a base body 2, a platform 3, motorised means 4, a frame 5 and a control unit 6.
  • the base body 2 preferably has an internally hollow or honeycomb structure such as to reduce the overall amount of material composing it, thereby reducing its total weight and keeping the device 1 overall light and easily movable. Again, in order to achieve a reduction in overall weight, the base body 2 can be fabricated using plastic and/or aluminum materials.
  • the basic body 2 also has a substantially square-shape with sides between 40 cm and 70 cm in length and a height between 10 and 25 cm, thus resulting in an easily transportable device.
  • Platform 3 is coupled to the basic body 2.
  • the platform 3 is stably constrained to the base body 2 in such a manner that it can horizontally rotate relative to it, in particular in a plane of rotation that corresponds with the upper surface of the base body 2.
  • Said platform 3 is further configured to support the body, hence the weight, of a user (U) both when they are in a stationary configuration and when it is instead placed in rotational motion, specifically defining a horizontal plane on which the user U can stand and step.
  • the platform 3 is configured to rotate in a horizontal plane, i.e. a plane parallel to a plane of the device 1 when in use.
  • the rotating platform or turntable, has a circular conformation with a diameter between 40 cm and 60 cm.
  • the platform 3 presents dimensions and shape such as to define a work area for the user U, configured to support both feet of the user U close to and straddling its geometric centre of rotation and to be placed in rotation in the horizontal plane. Therefore, the results user's centre of gravity is positioned in correspondence of the vertical axis of the rotating platform 3.
  • the platform 3 thus defines a plane for the user U to walk in place.
  • the platform 3 is placed in rotation (e.g. clockwise)
  • the right foot resting on the platform 3 is passively extra-rotated together with the leg.
  • the user U naturally brings the lower limb back to a 'straight' position and then places it again on the rotating disc, and so on.
  • the same occurs for the other limb, which will instead be intra-rotated by the movement of platform 3.
  • a sequence of leg intra- and extra-rotation will occur, depending on whether platform 3 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.
  • the proximity of the user's feet to the centre of rotation of the platform 3 ensures a maximisation of the applied leg rotation which is transferred into the maximum length changes (active and passive) of the intra- and extra-rotator muscles of the lower limbs, thereby optimising the effectiveness and efficiency of use of the device 1.
  • the user U were walking far off from the axis of rotation of a platform 3 (having a much larger diameter), there would be a reduction in the efficiency of the operation of the turntable, since the locomotion trajectory would approximate a more rectilinear path the greater the distance of the user U from the said axis of rotation.
  • walking in place allows the user U to perform a rotation along the vertical axis of the lower part of the body, obtaining a specific condition that favours the dynamic control of the turning) and the coordination between the legs and the trunk.
  • walking on the spot is a way to promote coordination between the pelvis and trunk in the most natural way possible.
  • Platform 3 on which one walks on the spot with the centre of mass placed approximately along the vertical of the body and the feet marching close to the centre of rotation allows intra- and extra-rotation of the legs avoiding any head rotation and vestibular stimulation that causes disorientation, dizziness, imbalance and falls. Since the user U is positioned with his/her feet straddling the centre of platform 3, the vertical of the body corresponds to the centre of rotation. Consequently, transverse perturbations of the user's centre of mass are avoided, making the risk of falls negligible.
  • the rotating platform 3 comprises a support, for example made of a metal material, to which a covering structure is coupled, in a reversible manner, to the upper surface thereof.
  • Said covering preferably has a circular conformation and operationally defines a support surface for the user U, on which the latter can position himself and walk during the operation of the device.
  • the coupling between the support (the rotating platform) and the covering structure may be carried out by magnetic means, such as one or more magnets and/or magnetic portions (made/coupled to the support or the cladding) interfaced with each other.
  • the covering structure itself according to the usage requirements of the device 1, i.e. a specific coating whose structural and mechanical characteristics are specially selected in order to be modified, and allow to perform maintenance and repair operations.
  • the covering may be made of foam rubber and preferably be between 3 cm and 6 cm thick.
  • the covering can be made of sound-absorbing neoprene and be provided with a thickness of between 3 cm and 6 cm, to offer a different type of stepping-support surface, requiring a mild effort for stepping.
  • the optional covering structure may be of the vibrating type.
  • the covering structure may consist in a cylindrical body in turn comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements or generically of electromechanical actuators and having a height of less than 5 cm.
  • this device may further comprise a rechargeable battery connected to the cladding and configured to power the piezoelectric elements or generally the components intended to generate the vibration of the cylindrical body.
  • the presence of the battery avoids the need to integrate sliding contacts into the device to power the vibration-generating elements.
  • the surface of the turntable or of its cladding includes one or more asperities, such as embossments.
  • asperities can be realised by means of deformations of the surface of the covering and/or by means of self-adhesive or magnetic relief elements that can be reversibly coupled to the support in such a way as to allow the user to reposition them according to his needs.
  • the asperities can in general also be applied to the other types of upholstery outlined above (e.g. asperities are also applicable to the vibrating type upholstery or also applied to a platform presented with a foam rubber or sound-absorbing neoprene upholstery).
  • the device may comprise a kit of coverings (comprising, for example, any combination of the coverings presented and described above), which have different structural, geometric and mechanical characteristics, so as to allow the user U to select and apply it to the rotating platform the specific covering that best suits his or her specific requirements.
  • a kit of coverings comprising, for example, any combination of the coverings presented and described above, which have different structural, geometric and mechanical characteristics, so as to allow the user U to select and apply it to the rotating platform the specific covering that best suits his or her specific requirements.
  • the movement of the platform 3 is mediated by the motorised means 4, which are configured to rotate it with respect to the base body, clockwise or counter-clockwise.
  • the motorised means 4 may comprise an electric motor 4a housed internally within the base body 2 and comprising a rotating motor coaxial to and integral with the platform 3. In this way, activation of the electric motor 4a directly causes the platform 3 to rotate, reducing losses due to intermediate elements for transmitting motion and simplifying the overall structure of the device 1.
  • the motorised means may comprise an electric motor 4a housed internally within the base body 2 in a position alongside the platform 3.
  • the motorised means 4 further comprise a toothed belt 4b configured to connect the electric motor 4a with the platform 3 by transmitting motion from the former to the latter.
  • the motorised means 4 are means operable directly by the user U.
  • the motorised means 4 may comprise a rotatable pedalboard unit activated by the user's hands, which is connected by a suitable transmission mechanism (e.g. a transmission chain and a bevel gear) with the platform 3.
  • a suitable transmission mechanism e.g. a transmission chain and a bevel gear
  • the user U can rotate the pedals with a circular movement of its hands and this movement is transmitted by the transmission mechanism to the platform 3 which is in turn set into rotation.
  • the pedalboard would be supported by the fixed frame 5 and is preferably adjustable in height.
  • the selection of the speed and direction of rotation of the platform 3 is controllable by means of the control unit 6, which is specifically coupled to the motorised means 4 in such a way as to manage the activation mode.
  • said control unit 6 (which may be or comprise a computer, tablet, smartphone or similar electronic device) comprises a screen on which the information of interest to the user U (or in general to those who are managing and deciding the operating regime of the device 1) can be displayed.
  • This unit may comprise data specifically relating to the operating conditions of the device, such as speed and direction of rotation of the platform 3, or data relating to the user U, for example biometric data such as weight, heart rate and similar data (which may be measured by appropriate sensors included in the device 1 itself).
  • the screen is of the touch type and provides a simple and efficient interface for receiving input from the user U according to which one or more of the operating parameters of the device 1 can be varied.
  • control unit 6 can be advantageously connected with a remote terminal so that information can be exchanged with it.
  • This remote terminal can be a personal device such as a computer, a smartphone or tablet or a remote database such as a cloud computing on which the operating data of the device 1 are stored also to allow a subsequent analysis.
  • Control Unit 6 can be connected to the remote terminal via a wireless communication protocol such as a Wi-Fi protocol or a Bluetooth protocol.
  • control unit 6 shall be configured to receive from the remote terminal an input, or one or more control signals to determine the selection and/or variation of at least one of the operating parameters of the device 1, in particular of its motor 4 (for example, speed of rotation, direction of rotation, acceleration).
  • control unit 6 can further include a metronome (digital or analog) through which the user U can maintain a predetermined pace of walking.
  • the metronome can be made in such a way as to provide indications to the user through acoustic and/or luminous signals (thus using audible signals, LED lights, ).
  • the operation of the metronome is controlled by the control unit 6 as a function of at least the rotation speed of platform 3.
  • the user can hold, in particular with their own hands, onto the fixed frame 5, which is coupled to the base body 2 (and therefore does not participate in the rotation of the platform 3) and defines a fixed handrail for the user U.
  • This handrail can be positioned in such a way as to be located in front of the user U during the normal operation of the device 1, and/or define two lateral support points to the working area (then to the body of the user U during the use of the device) or around the profile of the frame of the rotating platform 3 in such a way as to allow the user U to support himself with his hands both frontally and laterally depending on the position that is more comfortable.
  • the user U can lean on the handrail and step in place, according to the rotation of the platform 3, using a fixed and stable reference that allows him to maintain a correct position, in particular of trunk and head, during the whole process avoiding disorientation and dizziness.
  • This handrail can also be adjusted in height to suit the specific needs of use.
  • the presence of the handrail contributes to the definition of the working area and allows the user to support himself when using the device 1 with his/her body centred on the axis of rotation of platform 3 and the feet straddling the centre of rotation of the turntable.
  • the fixed frame 5 may include, in particular at its defined portion the handrail, one or more contact sensors (for example capacitive switches) connected to the control unit 6, and which can be engaged by the user U during the use of the device 1.
  • contact sensors may be installed at a point where the user's hands are placed on the handrail.
  • the control unit 6 is configured to turn off the motorised platform 4 in response to a user U disconnection from the contact sensor. In other words, when the user U leaves or in any case is no longer detected by the contact sensor, the control unit 6 deactivates the motorised turntable 4 interrupting the rotation of the platform 3 thus guaranteeing a particularly safe and reliable use.
  • the device 1 may also include a user-activated button to activate a lock of the motor 4 in order to stop the operation of the device.
  • a lock braking
  • the response to the locking command of the motorised platform 4 is configured such that the rotation speed of platform 3 is gradually reduced, so to stops completely in a time interval between 1 and 3 seconds.
  • control unit 6 can be reversibly coupled to the fixed frame 5, in such a way that it is easily accessible to the U user and can at the same time be easily detached if it is desired to facilitate the operation of the device 1 to a third-party user (for example, a doctor, a physiotherapist, a coach).
  • a third-party user for example, a doctor, a physiotherapist, a coach.
  • user U in the strict sense as the person positioned on platform 3 (therefore basically a patient who needs to be treated) and the user as the person who, through the manipulation of the control unit 6, manages and controls the operation of the device 1 (for example, a physiotherapist).
  • control unit allows to determine the operating speed of the device 1, with particular reference to the direction and speed of rotation of the platform 3.
  • This platform 3 can be moved clockwise or counterclockwise according to different angular speeds, in either a continuous or an impulse mode.
  • control unit 6 is configured to store a plurality of different usage profiles each with specific values associated with at least one of the following parameters: platform rotation direction, platform angular velocity, platform rotation duration.
  • one of these usage profiles may provide to move platform 3 in an clockwise direction with increasing speed from 0 to 60 deg/s in a predefined time interval and then return to 0 s and start repeating the same procedure, starting however with a counterclockwise rotation of platform 3.
  • Such cycles can be repeated a predefined number of times and be optionally interspersed with a predefined platform 3 non-rotation duration period.
  • An additional possible usage profile can predict and control rapid and short platform rotations of 45 deg for a duration of 500 ms or 250 ms respectively.
  • the fixed frame 5 further delineates a plurality of walls that completely circumscribe platform 3.
  • the fixed frame 5 may include a plurality of bars extending vertically from the upper surface of the base body 2 and connected above by additional horizontal bars.
  • the walls delineated by the fixed frame 5 delimit in fact a volume of reception within which the user can position himself on platform 3 and use the device 1.
  • at least one of the walls can be opened to allow the user U to enter the reception volume.
  • one of the horizontal bars may be hinged at its own end in such a way that it can rotate or in general be raised in order to generate an opening for the passage of the user U.
  • the bars designed to define the walls also contribute to the definition of the handrail or, alternatively the handrail can be made/defined by means of separate bars that are separate from those designed to form the walls delimiting the volume of reception.
  • device 1 may further include a support structure configured to support or help support user U during device operation 1.
  • this support structure can be integrated into Support Frame 5 and consists essentially of a pair of 7, 8 members and a coupled Sling 9.
  • the fixed frame 5 may include a first 7 rod developing vertically away from the base body 2 and a second 8 rod extending horizontally above platform 3 away from one end of the first 7 rod. The second rod 8 is then coupled with the sling 9, so that the latter is suspended above platform 2 to support the weight of the user U.
  • the height of the sling 9 is adjustable, that is, device 1 includes 10 adjustable means which are configured and operable to vary a distance of the sling from the basic body.
  • these 10 adjuster means may be made by one or more cables binding Sling 9 to the second Sling 10.
  • the device 1 may further include a load cell 11 and/or a shock absorber 12 interposed between the sling 9 and the second rod 9. The shock absorber allows the sling 9 to support particularly efficiently the weight of the user U going to accompany in a homogeneous way the variations in the vertical position of the torso of the user U during the walk operated on the platform 3.
  • the load cell 11 allows to monitor and measure in real time the weight of the user's body U that must be supported by the sling 9, thus allowing the actual ability of the user U to support his weight during a walk along a curvilinear path to be determined.
  • load cell 11 can be directly connected to control unit 6 to determine a deactivation of the motor 4. In particular, if the load cell 11 detects whether the weight share of the body of the user U that the sling 9 is supporting exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and produces a signal that is read by control unit 6 resulting in the deactivation of motor 4.
  • the fixed frame 5 may have a different conformation suitable to define walls that delimit platform 3 on three sides only, in such a way as to leave open a direction of ascent of user U on platform 3.
  • Figures 6A-6C show a different possible shape for the support structure of sling 9 (harness).
  • the sling 9 is supported by a pair of first 7 rods developing vertically away from the base body 2 and having a curved terminal portion so as to present an end positioned above a center of rotation of the platform 3 to which the sling 9 is attached.
  • Device 1 may also include one or more optical sensors (wide-angle cameras) configured to capture images and/or video of the user's lower limbs and/or pelvis during operation of the device 1.
  • device 1 may include an optical sensor superior to platform 3 and presenting a vertical or largely vertical field of view (inclination between ⁇ 30 deg configured to capture platform 3 from above and thus also the user's feet during operation of the device 1).
  • Device 1 may additionally or alternatively also include a second optical sensor positioned laterally to the platform and presenting a horizontal or substantially horizontal field of view (inclination between ⁇ 30 deg configured to take a space above the platform from the side to display the user's legs during operation of the device 1.
  • this invention achieves the aims proposed by overcoming the drawbacks complained of in the known technique by making available to the user a device 1 for performing physiotherapy treatments, applicable also in the field of sports, for the training of motor skills of athletes.
  • the device 1 described here provides a simple and efficient tool that can be implemented in a wide variety of situations in which it is useful/necessary to train or improve or restore the user's ability to make changes of direction and thus train the user's ability to move smoothly along curved paths.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Vorrichtung zur physiotherapeutischen Behandlung, umfassend:
    - einen Basiskörper (2);
    - eine Plattform (3), die drehbar mit dem Basiskörper (2) gekoppelt ist und einen Arbeitsbereich definiert, der dazu ausgelegt ist, in einer Benutzungsauslegung die Füße eines/r Benutzers/in (U) aufzunehmen, die auf den beiden Seiten der geometrischen Mitte der rotierenden Plattform (3) platziert sind;
    - motorisierte Mittel (4), die ausgelegt sind, um die Plattform (3) in Bezug auf den Basiskörper (2) in einer horizontalen Ebene in Drehung zu versetzen;
    - einen festen Rahmen (5), der mit dem Basiskörper (2) gekoppelt ist und einen Handlauf für den/die Benutzer/in (U) definiert;
    - eine Steuereinheit (6), die mit den motorisierten Mitteln (4) gekoppelt und ausgelegt ist, um eine Rotationsgeschwindigkeit der Plattform (3) zu steuern;
    wobei die Plattform (3) eine Stütze und eine Abdeckstruktur umfasst, die reversibel an eine obere Fläche der Stütze gekoppelt ist, wobei die Abdeckstruktur ausgelegt ist, um eine Trittfläche für den/die Benutzer/in (U) zu definieren.
  2. Anordnung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die motorisierten Mittel (4) einschließen:
    - einen Elektromotor (4a), der innerhalb des Basiskörpers (2) in einer Position neben der Plattform (3) untergebracht ist;
    - einen Zahnriemen (4b), der dazu ausgelegt ist, den Elektromotor (4a) mit der Plattform (3) zu verbinden.
  3. Anordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der feste Rahmen (5) einschließt:
    - eine erste Stange (7), die sich von dem Basiskörper (2) wegführend entwickelt;
    - eine zweite Stange (8), die sich oberhalb der Plattform (3) von einem Ende der ersten Stange (7) wegführend erstreckt;
    - eine Schlinge (9), die mit der zweiten Stange (8) gekoppelt ist, um oberhalb der Plattform (3) aufgehängt zu sein, und dazu ausgelegt ist, den Körper des/r Benutzers/in (U) zu stützen.
  4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, umfassend eine Wägezelle (11), die zwischen der Schlinge (9) und der zweiten Schlinge (8) angeordnet ist.
  5. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Steuereinheit (6) mit einem entfernten Endgerät verbindbar ist, wobei die Steuereinheit (6) ausgelegt ist, um Eingaben von einem/r Benutzer/in (U) zu empfangen und die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit der Plattform (3) zumindest gemäß der Eingabe zu variieren.
  6. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Steuereinheit (6) ein Metronom einschließt.
  7. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Plattform (3) kreisförmig mit einem Durchmesser zwischen 40 cm und 60 cm ist.
  8. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei eine solche Stütze Unebenheiten einschließt, wobei die Unebenheiten reversibel mit der Stütze gekoppelt sind.
  9. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, umfassend eine Vielzahl von Verkleidungen und/oder Beschichtungen, die reversibel an der Stütze befestigbar sind, wobei ein jeder Gegenstand unterschiedliche mechanische Eigenschaften aufweist.
  10. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, umfassend mindestens einen optischen Sensor, der dazu ausgelegt ist, Bilder und/oder Videos der unteren Gliedmaßen und/oder des Beckens des/r Benutzers/in (U) während des Betriebs der Vorrichtung (1) zu erfassen.
EP24170441.0A 2023-04-26 2024-04-16 Physiotherapiebehandlungsvorrichtung Active EP4454627B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23169980.2A EP4454722A1 (de) 2023-04-26 2023-04-26 Vorrichtung für physiotherapeutische behandlungen

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4454627A1 EP4454627A1 (de) 2024-10-30
EP4454627C0 EP4454627C0 (de) 2025-12-03
EP4454627B1 true EP4454627B1 (de) 2025-12-03

Family

ID=86386842

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23169980.2A Withdrawn EP4454722A1 (de) 2023-04-26 2023-04-26 Vorrichtung für physiotherapeutische behandlungen
EP24170441.0A Active EP4454627B1 (de) 2023-04-26 2024-04-16 Physiotherapiebehandlungsvorrichtung

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23169980.2A Withdrawn EP4454722A1 (de) 2023-04-26 2023-04-26 Vorrichtung für physiotherapeutische behandlungen

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (2) EP4454722A1 (de)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2803764B1 (fr) * 2000-01-18 2002-04-26 Laurent Garin Dispositif de reeducation a plateau tournant pour le traitement des vertiges et des troubles de l'equilibre
US7374522B2 (en) * 2005-07-30 2008-05-20 Precor Incorporated Exercise device having a movable platform
JP2007082915A (ja) * 2005-09-26 2007-04-05 Asics Corp バランス訓練装置
CN106413822A (zh) * 2014-05-21 2017-02-15 尤瓦尔·布龙特曼 具有可旋转锻炼平台的跑步机系统
CN108187303A (zh) * 2017-12-28 2018-06-22 郑州航空工业管理学院 一种智能化体育舞蹈旋转适应装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP4454627C0 (de) 2025-12-03
EP4454722A1 (de) 2024-10-30
EP4454627A1 (de) 2024-10-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN110237501B (zh) 踝关节训练适配件及康复训练设备
Peshkin et al. KineAssist: A robotic overground gait and balance training device
US8915871B2 (en) Methods and apparatuses for rehabilitation exercise and training
US4986261A (en) Apparatus for performing coordinated walking motions with the spine in an unloaded state
RU2768670C2 (ru) Многофункциональный тренажер для коррекции осанки
Wu et al. The effects of gait training using powered lower limb exoskeleton robot on individuals with complete spinal cord injury
US8249714B1 (en) Lower extremity exercise device with stimulation and related methods
US8968163B1 (en) Unweighted therapy and training device
KR101602728B1 (ko) 고정훈련과 이동훈련이 가능한 분리형 하지 재활로봇
CN1972732A (zh) 康复锻炼和训练的方法和装置
JP2014509919A (ja) 能動的ロボティック歩行訓練システム及び方法
JP2013507224A (ja) 改良型リハビリテーション兼エクササイズマシン
WO2001095980A2 (en) Balance re-trainer
US20180021623A1 (en) Neuromuscular Activation Vertical Exercise Device and Method
Matjačić et al. BalanceReTrainer: a new standing-balance training apparatus and methods applied to a chronic hemiparetic subject with a neglect syndrome
US20210308520A1 (en) Apparatus for human gait manipulation
Veg et al. Walkaround: mobile balance support for therapy of walking
EP3976209A1 (de) Beckentrainingsgerät
EP4454627B1 (de) Physiotherapiebehandlungsvorrichtung
RU185378U1 (ru) Устройство для ускоренной реабилитации и адаптации лиц с нарушениями опорно-двигательного аппарата
JP4802336B2 (ja) 重力負荷運動装置
KR102104262B1 (ko) 탑승형 보행 훈련장치
McRae et al. Cycling for children with neuromuscular impairments using electrical stimulation—Development of tricycle-based systems
WO2020222226A1 (en) Trunk mobility and coordination enhancing device and method of use
KR102766643B1 (ko) 전정재활을 위한 회전훈련 플랫폼 시스템

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20250311

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: A61H 1/02 20060101AFI20250710BHEP

Ipc: A61H 3/00 20060101ALI20250710BHEP

Ipc: A63B 22/00 20060101ALI20250710BHEP

Ipc: A63B 24/00 20060101ALI20250710BHEP

Ipc: A63B 21/068 20060101ALI20250710BHEP

Ipc: A63B 22/14 20060101ALI20250710BHEP

Ipc: A63B 71/06 20060101ALI20250710BHEP

Ipc: A63B 21/005 20060101ALI20250710BHEP

Ipc: A63B 23/04 20060101ALI20250710BHEP

Ipc: A63B 69/00 20060101ALI20250710BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20250804

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: F10

Free format text: ST27 STATUS EVENT CODE: U-0-0-F10-F00 (AS PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL OFFICE)

Effective date: 20251203

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

U01 Request for unitary effect filed

Effective date: 20251203

U07 Unitary effect registered

Designated state(s): AT BE BG DE DK EE FI FR IT LT LU LV MT NL PT RO SE SI

Effective date: 20251209