GB2186375A - Biofeedback postural monitor - Google Patents

Biofeedback postural monitor Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2186375A
GB2186375A GB08603251A GB8603251A GB2186375A GB 2186375 A GB2186375 A GB 2186375A GB 08603251 A GB08603251 A GB 08603251A GB 8603251 A GB8603251 A GB 8603251A GB 2186375 A GB2186375 A GB 2186375A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
display
biofeedback
monitor
postural
weight
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Granted
Application number
GB08603251A
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GB2186375B (en
GB8603251D0 (en
Inventor
Graham Keith Lacy
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to GB8603251A priority Critical patent/GB2186375B/en
Publication of GB8603251D0 publication Critical patent/GB8603251D0/en
Publication of GB2186375A publication Critical patent/GB2186375A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2186375B publication Critical patent/GB2186375B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/44—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups for weighing persons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/1036—Measuring load distribution, e.g. podologic studies
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/74—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means
    • A61B5/742—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means using visual displays
    • A61B5/7445—Display arrangements, e.g. multiple display units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G3/00—Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances
    • G01G3/12—Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing
    • G01G3/14—Weighing apparatus characterised by the use of elastically-deformable members, e.g. spring balances wherein the weighing element is in the form of a solid body stressed by pressure or tension during weighing measuring variations of electrical resistance
    • G01G3/1402—Special supports with preselected places to mount the resistance strain gauges; Mounting of supports

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

Abstract

A Biofeedback Postural Monitor gives a visual representation to the user of their weight distribution acting on weight-sensing plates 1 as an aid to rehabilitation or training. The user, possibly a physiotherapy patient with mobility problems or a sportsman, distributes weight onto independently positionable weight-sensing plates 1 e.g. by standing upon them, and can observe a display 3 which gives an immediate representation of their resolved line-of-centre-of-gravity and resultant forces within each foot. The display 3 can be affixed in 2 positions on the mobile structure 4 to allow the user to either observe the display directly or, using a reflecting element 11, observe the display as an image superimposed upon their body which is then seen as the reflection in a facing auxiliary mirror. Means 8 is provided to store the weight sensing plates when not in use. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Biofeedback postural monitor This invention relates to a product which may be used in the rehabilitation training of persons who suffer posture and balance problems as a result of disease or injury, including amongst others Hemiplegics,Amputeesand limbfractureorSpiral problem victims. Also for healthy persons in the training of balance and posture for pastimes, sports or other purposes.
According to the present invention there are provided two or more independently positionable weight-plates (1 ) upon which the user places his feet, posterior or other parts of the body. Each weight-plate contains a plurality of pressure-sensitive, conductive-rubber load-cells or otherpressure-sensing devices, the purpose of which are each to measure the component of users weight placed thereupon.
The outputs from the load cells are processed by means of Bridge and Analogue circuitry or other suitable means to enable the operation of a light-emitting-Diode display or other visual display (3).
The display gives an account of total-weight line of Centre-of-Gravity or components of, or derivatives of, total-weight line of Centre-of-Gravitywhich can be interpreted by the user(s) of the system.
The display (3) and circuitry or other means are supported by a structure (4) which may incorporate means of mobility (6) and stability (7), handles (9) for the purpose of the user, means of weight-plate storage (8) and electrical flex storage (10).
The display may be moved to a height convenient for direct viewing. Alternatively it may be reflected by optical means (11) and the image of the display viewed as the reflection of a facing mirrorwhich shows also an image ofthe user's body.
Referring to thedrawingsthe Biofeedback Postural Monitor comprises two or more independently positionable weight-sensing plates 1 upon which the user place their feet, posterior or other parts of the body. Each weight-sensing plate 1 contains a plurality of independent pressure sensing variable electroconductive rubber load-cells the purpose of which are each to detect the component of users weight placed thereupon.The electrical resistances of the load-cells are incorporated into Wheatstone Bridges the outputs of which may be combined, compared and processed by analogue circuitry of other means to enable the function of a light-emitting-diode display 2 or other visual display which gives a representation ofthe deviation of line-of-centre-of-gravity in both a Coronal and Sagittal plane from a reference point, and also representations within each foot independently of the position of resultant normal force in an anterior/posterior direction.
The display may be viewed directly by the user or may be viewed as an image in the reflection of an additional and separate facing mirrorAwhich reflects also an image of the user. To observe a reflected image the display is positioned to enable an area of semi-reflective transparent material 3 to reflect the image of the display to the facing mirrorA.
The semi-reflective transparent material is secured by mountings 4 which can be released by a tightener screw 5 to allow partial rotation about a horizontal axis. To directly observe the display 2 it is located onto the mountings 4 so that by control of the tightener the mountings 4 and display 2 may be adjusted for angle of presentation. The mountings 4 and display 2 and controls for the operation of the invention 6 are supported by a freestanding mobile structure 7 which incorporates means of mobility 8 and stability 9 handles for the purpose of protection and tansportation 10 and also means of weight-sensing plate storage 11 and electrical flex storage 12 when not i n use.

Claims (12)

1. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor comprising 2 or more independently positionable weight-sensing plates each containing a plurality ofweight-sensing load-cells which are connected electricallytothe circuitry of a display housed on afreestanding mobile structure. The display gives a representation to the user of the invention of their distribution of weight acting through the parts of the body in contact with the weight-sensing plates.
2. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor as claimed in claim 1 wherein a display is provided which can be affixed in a position appropriate for direct viewing by the user of the invention and also in a position that enables an image of the display to be reflected byan area of semi-reflective, transparent material provided so that the user of the invention can in conjunction with an auxiliary facing mirror, observe the image of the display as a reflection in the auxiliary mirror which reflects also an image ofthe user.
3. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the area of semi-reflective, transparent material can be partially rotated abouta horizontal axis and secured by frictional means to direct the reflected image of the display towards the eyes of the user.
4. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor as claimed in claim 3wherein the display positionedfordirect observation by the user can be affixed to the partially rotating mountings of the area of semi-reflective transparent material and thus the display can be adjusted bymeansofatighteningcontrolforangle of presentation.
5. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor as claimed in any preceding claim wherein 2 or more independently positionable weight-sensing plates each contain a plurality of load-cells each comprising an area of weight-sensitive variable electro-conductive rubber.
6. A Biofeedback Postu ral Monitor as claimed in claim wherein the weight-sensing load-cells are incorporated in Wheatstone Bridges the outputs of which are combined compared and processed by Analogue Circuitry.
7. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the display is an arrangement of electrically operated light-emitting diodes.
8. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the display gives a representation of the line-of-centre-of-g ravity of the user or resolved components of or derivatives of I ine-of-centre-of-g ravity.
9. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor as claimed in claim 8 wherein the display gives a representation of the deviation of line-of-centre-of-gravity in both a Coronal and Sagittal plane from a reference point and also representatives within each foot independently ofthe position of resultant normal force in an anterior/posteriordirection.
10. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor as claimed in claim 9 wherein the display can indicate numerical values relating to the component proportion ofthe users weight placed on each of the weight-sensing plates.
11. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor as claimed in any preceding claim wherein means are provided to secure the weight-sensing plates on the structure when not in use.
12. A Biofeedback Postural Monitor substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.
GB8603251A 1986-02-11 1986-02-11 Biofeedback postural monitor Expired - Lifetime GB2186375B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8603251A GB2186375B (en) 1986-02-11 1986-02-11 Biofeedback postural monitor

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8603251A GB2186375B (en) 1986-02-11 1986-02-11 Biofeedback postural monitor

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8603251D0 GB8603251D0 (en) 1986-03-19
GB2186375A true GB2186375A (en) 1987-08-12
GB2186375B GB2186375B (en) 1990-09-12

Family

ID=10592810

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8603251A Expired - Lifetime GB2186375B (en) 1986-02-11 1986-02-11 Biofeedback postural monitor

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2186375B (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2291971A (en) * 1994-07-29 1996-02-07 Ultramind Int Ltd Biofeedback apparatus for use in therapy
EP0697191A1 (en) * 1994-07-28 1996-02-21 Carmelo De Pasquale Appliance for the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis
WO1999056621A1 (en) * 1998-05-07 1999-11-11 Jesus Victor Begueria Rincon Device for diagnosing structural and/or physiological anomalies in human beings
EP1158282A1 (en) * 2000-05-26 2001-11-28 Terraillon Holdings Limited Weighing scale
FR2886108A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2006-12-01 Promiles Sa Shoe selection assisting device for use in shoe sale location, has glass and mirror disposed such that person visualizes position of knee corresponding to foot, directed along marking line, with respect to alignment of another line in image
WO2007128266A2 (en) 2006-05-09 2007-11-15 Otto Bock Healthcare Ip Gmbh & Co. Kg Indicator system and method for visualizing ground reaction forces on a human body
US7955279B2 (en) * 2000-01-10 2011-06-07 Sdgi Holdings, Inc. Device for evaluating a position of balance for the human body

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4195643A (en) * 1976-12-27 1980-04-01 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Diagnostic force analysis system
GB2121688A (en) * 1982-05-25 1984-01-04 Univ London Alignment device

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4195643A (en) * 1976-12-27 1980-04-01 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Diagnostic force analysis system
GB2121688A (en) * 1982-05-25 1984-01-04 Univ London Alignment device

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0697191A1 (en) * 1994-07-28 1996-02-21 Carmelo De Pasquale Appliance for the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis
GB2291971A (en) * 1994-07-29 1996-02-07 Ultramind Int Ltd Biofeedback apparatus for use in therapy
GB2291971B (en) * 1994-07-29 1998-09-23 Ultramind Int Ltd Apparatus for use in therapy
WO1999056621A1 (en) * 1998-05-07 1999-11-11 Jesus Victor Begueria Rincon Device for diagnosing structural and/or physiological anomalies in human beings
US7955279B2 (en) * 2000-01-10 2011-06-07 Sdgi Holdings, Inc. Device for evaluating a position of balance for the human body
EP1158282A1 (en) * 2000-05-26 2001-11-28 Terraillon Holdings Limited Weighing scale
US6700080B2 (en) 2000-05-26 2004-03-02 Terraillon Holdings Limited Weighing scale with adjustable, fold away display
FR2886108A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2006-12-01 Promiles Sa Shoe selection assisting device for use in shoe sale location, has glass and mirror disposed such that person visualizes position of knee corresponding to foot, directed along marking line, with respect to alignment of another line in image
WO2007128266A2 (en) 2006-05-09 2007-11-15 Otto Bock Healthcare Ip Gmbh & Co. Kg Indicator system and method for visualizing ground reaction forces on a human body
US8679036B2 (en) 2006-05-09 2014-03-25 Otto Bock Healthcare Gmbh System and method for visualizing ground reaction forces on a human body
EP2015675B1 (en) * 2006-05-09 2014-11-26 Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH Indicator system and method for visualizing ground reaction forces on a human body

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Publication number Publication date
GB2186375B (en) 1990-09-12
GB8603251D0 (en) 1986-03-19

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee