MX2008001301A - Method for monitoring patient compliance during dynamic motion therapy. - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and apparatus for remote monitoring of data related to therapeutic treatment of tissue are provided. The system and apparatus includes a platform (104) configured to support a body of the patient; an oscillator (112) connected to the platform and configured to impart an oscillating force at a predetermined frequency on the platform for transmiting mechanical vibration energy through the patient's body; and a processing device (402) in operable communication with the platform for processing data related to the therapeutic treatment. The apparatus further includes a communication device (434) in operative communication with the processing device.

Description

METHOD TO MQNITORE THE COMPLIANCE OF THE PATIENT DURING DYNAMIC THERAPY OF MOVEMENT PRIORITY The present application claims priority to a Patent Application of E.U.A. presented on July 14, 2006 entitled "Dynamic Motion Therapy Apparatus Having a Treatment Feedback Indicator". The Patent Application of E.U.A. filed on July 14, 2006 is a Continuation in Part of the patent application of a U.S. Patent Application. filed on March 6, 2006 entitled "Supplemental Support Structures Adapted to Receive to Noninvasive Dynamic Motion Therapy Device" and Patent Application of E.U.A. Series No. 11 / 369,611; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Patent Application of E.U.A. Series No. 11 / 369,611 claims priority of a Provisional Application of E.U.A. filed on March 7, 2005 and Provisional Application of E.U.A. assigned No. 60 / 659,159; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The Patent Application of E.U.A. filed on July 14, 2006 is also a Continuation in Part of the Patent Application of a U.S. Patent Application. submitted on March 24, 2006, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Monitoring and Controlling the Transmissibility of Mechanical Vibration Energy During Dynamic Motion Therapy "and assigned US Patent Application Series No. 11 / 388,286, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference US Patent Application Series No. 11/286 claims priority of a Provisional Application of the US filed on March 24, 2005 and US Provisional Application No. 60 / 665,013, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference The US Patent Application filed July 14, 1006, further claims the benefit and priority for the US Provisional Application filed on July 27, 2005, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Monitoring Patient Compliance During Dynamic motion Therapy" and US Provisional Application assigned Series No. 60 / 702,815, the content of which is incorporated Here by reference, in addition, the US Patent Application filed on July 14, 2006 claims the benefit and priority to the US Provisional Application. filed on July 27, 2005 entitled "Dynamic Motion Therapy Apparatus Having a Treatment Feedback Indicator and Provisional Application of E.U.A. assigned Series No. 60 / 702,735; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS The present application relates to the Patents of E.U.A. Nos. 6,843,776 and 6,884,227, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present disclosure generally relates to the field of tissue growth stimulation and healing, and more particularly, the present disclosure describes dynamic motion therapy apparatus having remote monitoring station for remotely monitoring data related to therapeutic treatment. of tissue in a body during dynamic movement therapy. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for remotely monitoring data related to the therapeutic treatment of damaged tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions, as well as postural instability, using motion therapy. dynamic and mechanical impedance methods. 2. BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART When damaged, tissues in a human body such as connective tissues, ligaments, bones, etc., all require a time to heal. In some Tissues, such as a fracture of bone in a human body, require relatively longer periods to heal. Normally, a fractured bone should be fixed and then the bone can be stabilized inside a cast, splint or similar type device. This type of treatment allows the natural healing process to begin. Nevertheless, the healing process for a bone fracture in the human body takes several weeks and can vary depending on the location of the bone fracture, the age of the patient, the general overall health of the patient, and other factors depend on the patient. Depending on the location of the fracture, the area of the bone fracture or even the patient may have to be immobilized to promote complete healing of the bone fracture. The immobilization of the patient and / or fracture of the bone can decrease the number of physical activities that the patient can perform, which can have other adverse health consequences. Osteopenia, which is a loss of bone mass, can arise from a decrease in muscle activity, which can occur as a result of a bone fracture, bed rest, fracture immobilization, joint reconstruction, arthritis, and the like. However, this effect can decrease, stop and even reverse reproducing some of the effects of the use of muscles on the bone. This usually involves some application or simulation of the effects of mechanical stress on the bone. The promotion of bone growth is also important for treating bone fractures and successful implantation of medical prostheses, such as those commonly known as hips, knees, "artificial" vertebral discs, and the like, when it is desired to promote internal bone growth in the surface of the prosthesis to stabilize it and secure it. Numerous different techniques have been developed to reduce the loss of bone mass. For example, it has been proposed to treat bone fractures by applying electrical voltage or current signals (e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 4,195,017, 4,266,532, 4,266,533, or 4,315,503). It was also proposed to apply magnetic fields to stimulate the healing of bone fractures (e.g., U.S. Patent No. 3,890,953). The application of ultrasound to promote tissue growth is also described, e.g., US Pat. No. 4,530,360). Since many techniques suggest the application or simulation of mechanical loads on the bones to promote growth, the use of low frequency is implied, the high loads of magnitude to the bone, it has been found unnecessary, and possibly they are also harmful for the maintenance of bones. . For example, the high-impact charge, which was sometimes suggested to achieve a voltage of high peak desired, can result in fracture, defeating the purpose of treatment. It is also known in the art that high frequency tension, with low level, can be applied to the bone, and that this will result in the advantageous promotion of bone growth. A technique for achieving this type of tension is described, e.g., in the U.S. Patents. Nos. 5,103,806; 5,191,880; 5,273,028; 5,376,065; 5,997,490; and 6,234,975, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this technique (referred to as dynamic movement therapy) the patient is supported by an oscillating platform apparatus that can be operated to oscillate vertically, so that the resonant vibrations caused by the oscillation of the platform, together with acceleration towards the patient's body , provides voltage levels at a varying frequency enough to avoid or reduce bone loss and increases new bone formation.The peak-to-peak vertical displacement of the platform oscillation can be as little as 2 μm. Associated systems and methods often depend on a provision by which the operator or user measures the weight of the patient and makes adjustments to the oscillation frequency to achieve the desired therapeutic effect US Patent No. 6,843,776 describes an oscillating platform apparatus that automatically measures the weight of the patient and adjusts characteristics of the oscillation force as a function of the measured weight, to therapeutically treat damaged tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions. It is also known in the art that the request for the low level high frequency voltage is effective to treat postural instability. A method for using resonant vibrations caused by the oscillation of an unstable vibration table or vibration platform to treat position instability is described in the U.S. Patent. No. 6,607,497 B2; all the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a non-invasive dynamic therapy apparatus having a vibration table with a non-rigidly supported platform, (b) allowing the patient to lean on the supported platform not rigidly for a predetermined time; and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) for a predetermined treatment duration. Step (b) includes the steps of (bl) measuring a vibrational response of the patient's musculoskeletal system using a measuring device. vibration; (b2) performing a frequency decomposition of the vibrational response to quantify the vibrational response in the specific vibrational spectrum; Y (b3) analyze the vibratory spectra to evaluate at least posture stability. The method described in the U.S. Patent. No. 6,607,497 B2 covers the patient who is on the vibration table or the unstable vibration platform. The patient is then exposed to a vibratory stimulus by the unstable vibrating platform. The unstable vibration platform causes a vibratory disturbance of the patient's neurosensor control system. The vibrational disturbance causes signals to be generated within at least one of the patient's muscles to create a measurable response of the musculoskeletal system. These steps are repeated for a predetermined treatment duration for approximately ten minutes a day in an effort to improve the stability of the patient's posture. The patient who undergoes vibratory treatment to treat postural instability and / or the promotion of bone growth, as described above, may experience a level of discomfort due to the acceleration of vibration of the entire body. The level of discomfort caused by the acceleration of vibration depends on the frequency of vibration, the direction of vibration, the point of contact with the body and the duration of the vibration exposure. It is convenient to monitor at least one mechanical response of the body during treatment vibratory in an effort to control at least one mechanical response to influence the level of comfort, as well as to determine characteristics related to patients and treatment. Two mechanical responses of the body that are often used to describe the way in which vibration causes the body to move are transmission and mechanical impedance. The transmission shows the fraction of the vibration that is transmitted from, say, the vibration table or oscillation platform apparatus to the patient's head. The transmission of the body depends highly on the frequency of vibration, axis of vibration and posture of the body. The vertical vibration in the non-invasive dynamic therapy device causes the vibration in several axes in the head; for vertical head movement, the transmission tends to be greater in the approximate scale of 3 to 10 Hz. The mechanical impedance of the body shows the required outside to make the body move at each frequency. Although the impedance depends on the body mass, the vertical impedance of the human body usually shows a resonance at about 5 Hz. The mechanical impedance of the body, including this resonance, has a great effect on the way in which the vibration is transmitted through the body. of the seat.

SUMMARY It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a method and apparatus for monitoring data related to therapeutic treatment of tissue in a patient's body. It is also an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a method and apparatus for communication with a central monitoring station via a network, such as, for example, the Internet and transmitting patient compliance data to a remote monitoring station for monitoring. Patient compliance data (directed to whether the patient is complying with the treatment protocols are preferably stored in a dynamic therapy system for evaluation one last time or for transmission via the network using communication circuitry to the monitoring station). central monitoring for observation Transmission can also occur in real time during dynamic movement therapy to allow a physician or other observer to transmit data via the network to the patient during the therapy session. dynamic movement that a remote monitoring station has to monitor patient compliance during the therapeutic treatment of tissue during dynamic movement therapy In particular, the present disclosure provides a method and system for remotely monitoring data related to the therapeutic treatment of tissue in a body during dynamic movement therapy. The dynamic movement therapy apparatus generally includes a platform configured to support a patient's body, an oscillator operably connected to the platform; and a communication processing device operable with the platform and configured to process data related to the therapeutic treatment. The system further includes a communication device in operative communication with the processing device and a screen for displaying the treatment and other information to the patient. The communication device, for example, is a cellular telephone having a port connector capable of being connected to the communication device to receive the data via the connector communication interface connection and to transmit said data to the remote monitoring station via a CDA cellular communications network in accordance with the DCMA communications protocol. The communication device, for example, can also be a PDA having a port connector capable of being connected to a communication device to receive data via the port connector communication interface and to transmit the received data to PSTN, from where It is transmitted through the Internet in accordance with the protocol of Internet, and then to another PSTN connected to the central computer station. The communication device can also operate in accordance with a communication protocol, as is well known in the art, preferably a TCP / IP protocol. In addition, the communication device can transmit data via a communication means, such as, for example, copper wire, telephone line connection,, Internet connection, fiber optic, radio link, laser, radio or infrared light. The present disclosure also provides a method for effectively monitoring data related to the therapeutic treatment of tissue in a patient's body. The method includes the step of supporting the body on a platform; oscillating the platform at an oscillation frequency to impart an oscillating force in the body to treat the tissue in the body; and obtaining data for at least one processing device or digital signal processor. The data obtained refer to at least one treatment parameter during body oscillation. The method also includes transmitting the data to a remote monitoring station to monitor them. The method further includes transmitting a control signal from the remote station to at least one processing device to remotely control a value of at least one parameter of treatment. At least one treatment parameter may be a calculated weight, a vibration response of a musculoskeletal system of the patient, amplitude of the frequency of the oscillation force and a time interval of the treatment duration. The oscillation frequency or oscillation frequency does not change during the treatment. During dynamic movement therapy, the digital signal processor determines and monitors the patient's weight. The dynamic (apparent) weight of the patient is continuously measured in real time or periodically and stored inside the digital signal processor to determine the patient's posture and, consequently, the transmission of the mechanical vibration energy through the device interface. of oscillation platform, support structure and patient decreasing or increasing the transmission of mechanical vibration energy depending on whether the calculated weight decreased (decreased transmission) or increased (increased transmission). If the calculated weight decreased, it can be assumed that the patient has deviated from, or is not complying with, the dynamic movement therapy treatment, ie, changed position. Consequently, adjusting the posture and / or dynamic stiffness of the seat (or other support structure) based on the oscillation platform system to bring the weight closer calculated approximately to the apparent weight, the transmission of the mechanical vibration energy through the oscillating platform apparatus interface, support structure and patient can be influenced, as well as the dynamic loading, to increase the effects of the treatment caused by therapy dynamic movement. The step of transmitting data includes transmitting data via a communication means, such as, for example, copper wire, telephone line connection,, Internet connection, fiber optic, radio link, laser, radio or infrared light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above aspects of the present description will be more readily apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are described below with reference to the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a non-invasive dynamic motion therapy apparatus having a display unit for displaying the treatment feedback according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an ergonomic support structure having a structure of ergonomic hand support, a monitor provided on a column having a monitor for displaying the treatment feedback and a platform for supporting the non-invasive dynamic movement therapy apparatus according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to the present disclosure; and Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the non-invasive dynamic movement therapy apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The dynamic movement therapy apparatus and method according to various embodiments of the disclosure provide a treatment feedback indicator capable of providing a method and system for monitoring compliance of the patient is subjected to the treatment of tissue damage, fractures of bones, osteopenia, osteoporosis or after tissue conditions, as well as postural instability, using dynamic movement therapy and mechanical impedance methods. The dynamic movement therapy apparatus has an oscillation platform for positioning the patient therein to provide low displacement, high frequency mechanical loading of bone tissue.

The dynamic motion therapy apparatus includes communication circuitry in operational communication with at least one processing device or digital signal processor for transmitting and receiving data to and from a central, remote monitoring station. The transmitted data may include patient monitoring data to determine, at the central monitoring station, whether the patient is complying with a treatment regimen; and data to determine if the patient is properly positioned in the dynamic movement therapy device to obtain optimal treatment effects. The apparatus further includes communication circuitry in operational communication with at least one processing device or digital signal processor for transmitting and receiving data to and from a remote monitoring station, as described in the Provisional Application of E.U.A. Series No. 60 / 702,815. Referring initially to Fig. 1, a perspective view of a non-invasive dynamic motion therapy apparatus according to the present disclosure is illustrated. The apparatus having a treatment feedback indicator that refers to a patient undergoing therapeutic treatment of tissue is generally designated by the reference number 100. The apparatus 100 includes a vibration table 102 having a platform supported non-rigidly 104. At least one processing device or digital processor 402 (see Fig. 4), in operative communication with the platform 104 for process data related to therapeutic treatment. The apparatus 100 further includes a treatment feedback indicator 106 operably connected to the processing device 402 to provide transmission information. The treatment feedback indicator 106 or display unit 106 exhibits visual feedback of the mechanical vibration energy transmission information and other information to the patient. The apparatus 100 further includes feet supports 110 for supporting the apparatus 100 on a flat surface. The non-rigidly supported platform 104 rests on motorized spring mechanisms (not shown) which causes the platform 104 to move when turned on. Alternatively, the non-rigidly supported platform 104 can be supported on a plurality of springs or coils that cause the platform not rigidly supported 014 to move once the patient is on it. In addition, the non-rigidly supported platform 104 may include several compliance modes other than the springs (eg, rubber, elastomers, foams, etc.).

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a platform housed within a housing and having first and second accelerometers, as described in the U.S. Patent Application. Series No. 11 / 388,286. It is envisaged that the apparatus 100 may include a communication device in operable communication with the processing device 402 and adapted to transmit data to a remote monitoring station via at least one network. The communication device, for example, is a cellular telephone having a port connector capable of being connected to the communication device to receive the data via the connector communication interface connection and to transmit said data to the remote monitoring station via a CDA cellular communications network in accordance with the DCMA communications protocol. The communication device, for example, can also be a PDA having a port connector capable of being connected to a communication device to receive data via the port connector communication interface and to transmit the received data to PSTN, from where it is transmitted over the Internet in accordance with the Internet protocol, and then to another PSTN connected to the central computer station. The communication device can also operate according to a communication protocol, as is well known in the art, preferably a protocol TCP / IP. In addition, the communication device can transmit data via a communication means, such as, for example, copper wire, telephone line connection, Internet connection, fiber optic, radio link, laser, radio or infrared light. With reference to Figure 2, the apparatus 100 according to the present description is received by a supplemental support structure. In a preferred embodiment of a supplemental support structure, an ergonomic support structure is provided and is generally designated by the reference numeral 200. The ergonomic support structure 200 includes an ergonomic manual support structure 202 and a platform 204 for supporting the apparatus 100. Apparatus 100 is preferably removed from platform 204. Ergonomic manual support structure 202 includes a curved structure 206 having inner and outer curved walls 208a, 208b and two curved ends 210a, 210b connecting the two walls 208a, 208b. During the vibratory treatment by the non-invasive dynamic movement therapy apparatus 100, the patient is grasped by the long curved end 210a or lightly touches the internal curved wall 208a. A patient who suffers from a severe case of postural instability or other condition that prevents the Patient standing on the non-rigidly supported platform 100 can be seated on a removable seat 212 and treated with dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100. The seat 212 is adapted to be placed on two opposite surfaces (not shown) defined by the internal curved wall. 208a. The ergonomic support structure 200 further includes an RFID reader 214 further includes a display 216 for displaying patient identification data and other data, including video. The RFID reader 214 also includes a processor (not shown) that stores related data in the patient, such as patient identification data and treatment data, such as, for example, the data and duration times of the last five sessions of vibratory treatment. The patient-related data for each individual patient and portions of the miso exhibited by the screen 216 are accessed after the RFID tag corresponding to the patient is read by the RFID reader 214. With continuous reference to Fig. 2 , the ergonomic support structure 200 further includes a vertical column 218 having a monitor 220. The monitor 220 displays transmission information in similar graphic formats as shown for example by Figs. 5A-6. The monitor 220 can also be adapted to display data from identification of the patient and other data, such as patient treatment data, including video. Preferably, the monitor 220 is embedded within the vertical column 218 to allow the patient to place a book, personal computer, etc., in the vertical column 218 without having contact with the monitor 220. The vertical column 218 preferably has adjustable height for accommodate patients of different heights. The monitor 220 is preferably touch sensitive by controlling the operation of the non-invasive dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100 and performing other functions, such as accessing the Internet, access data stored within a memory, etc., by touching the monitor screen 220. Another monitor 222 is provided on the external wall 208b. The outer wall 208b is further provided with a light source 224 above the monitor 222 and the control buttons 226. The ergonomic support structure 200 is provided with circuitry and related components to connect to a network, such as the Internet, wired and / or wirelessly and at least one processor for transmitting and receiving data via the network as is known in the art. The transmitted data may include patient monitoring data "to determine at a central monitoring station whether the patient is complying with a treatment and data regime to determine whether the patient is placed appropriately in the dynamic motion therapy apparatus to obtain optimal treatment effects. The data may include video data and / or sensors obtained by a video camera and / or at least one sensor mounted to the support structures and transmitted via the network to the central monitoring station. The data received may include Internet content and data related to the treatment transmitted from the central monitoring station. The received data may include visual and / or audio content to be viewed via the monitor 220 and / or heard via headphones connect them to embedded audio circuitry within the support structures. With reference to Fig. 3, a flow chart illustrating an illustrative method for providing therapeutic treatment of tissue according to the present disclosure is shown. The method includes the step of supporting the body on a platform 104. Step 300 includes oscillating platform 104 at an oscillation frequency to impart an oscillating force in the body to treat tissue in the body. Step 302 includes the step of obtaining data via processing device 402. The data refers to at least one treatment parameter during body oscillation. The treatment parameter includes, for example, the patient's weight, platform oscillation frequency 104; an amplitude of the oscillation force; Y a duration of the treatment time interval. It is also envisaged to obtain data that refer to a vibration response of a skeletal muscle system of the patient. Table 1 illustrates a list of illustrative data corresponding to a treatment duration of 10 minutes and their corresponding transmission value indicating average weight and average amplitude.

Table 1 Following the step of obtaining the data via the processing device 402 (Step 302), the system will verify whether the predetermined treatment duration has elapsed. If the duration of treatment elapsed, step of oscillation platform 104 was discontinued (Step 306) and the data corresponding to the duration of treatment is transmitted to the remote monitoring station (Step 308). If the treatment duration has not elapsed, then the data referring to treatment parameters have been transmitted to the remote monitoring station (Step 308). If the treatment duration has not elapsed, then the data referring to the treatment parameters is transmitted to the remote monitoring station (Step 310). In Step 312, the remote monitoring station receives the data referring to the treatment parameters, i.e., the weight of the patient, the oscillation frequency of the platform 104, an amplitude of the oscillating force, and duration of the treatment time interval , as illustrated in Table 1. The remote monitoring station determines whether data referring to weight indicates compliance to a treatment protocol (Step 314). Since the patient's posture and the dynamic stiffness of the seat / support structure affects the weight of the patient and therefore the transmission of the mechanical vibration energy through the patient, the processing device 402 determines and monitors that of the patient. patient. The patient's weight is compared continuously, in real time or periodically, with an original stored weight to determine a deviation value ((Apparent Weight less Calculated Weight), ie, weight data, (Step 314). weight indicate that the calculated weight is equal to zero (Step 320) (ie, the deviation value is substantially equal to the apparent weight), it is determined that the patient has stopped off platform 104. A message is transmitted to the patient in Step 322 instructing the patient to resume treatment until the predetermined treatment time has elapsed. The process then proceeds to Step 302. If the weight data indicates that the calculated weight is not equal to zero, that is, that the platform still supports the patient and the deviation value is positive and greater than a predetermined threshold, determine that the patient's posture is incorrect and a message is generated and transmitted to the display unit 106 instructing the patient to change or correct the posture (Step 324). The process then proceeds to Step 302. If the calculated weight does not differ significantly from the original stored weight as determined by process device 402, ie, the deviation value is substantially zero, (the patient is complying with the protocol of treatment), then in Step 316 it is determined whether the treatment parameters are based satisfactorily on the patient's weight. If yes, the process proceeds to Step 302. If not, then in step 318, at least one treatment parameter, v.gr, amplitude of the oscillatory force, is adjusted and the process proceeds to Step 320. The frequency oscillation or oscillating frequency it does not change during the treatment. The apparatus 10 during the initial tuning performs a self-evaluation (calibration) and a sweep frequency between 32 and 37 Hz to find the maximum acceleration for the particular user. After initial tuning, the apparatus 100 maintains the oscillation frequency chosen for the rest of the treatment duration. With reference to Fig. 4, a schematic block diagram of the dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100 according to the description is shown. The schematic block diagram includes at least one processing device or digital processor as described in the U.S. Patent Application. Series No. 11 / 388,286. The dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100 includes a platform 104 and two accelerometers Al, A2, for transmitting information to the processing device 402. The processing device 402 is preferably a digital signal processor 402 as shown by Fig. 4 having circuitry and programmable instructions stored within a memory and capable of being executed by the digital signal processor 402 to operate the dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100. the digital signal processor 402 includes two incoming data paths 404, 406 having identical components to process data received from two accelerometers Al, A2 and one output data path 408 for delaying the control or feedback signals to the oscillating actuator 112 to cause vibration of the platform 104 via the drive lever 114. The digital signal processor 402 includes a memory that stores a set of programmable instructions capable of being executed by the signal processor digital 402 to operate the components of the two incoming data channels 404, 406, and an output data path 408 to perform the functions described above according to the description, as well as other functions. The set of programmable instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, diskette, and other magnetic media, and downloaded to the digital signal processor 402. Each incoming data path includes four components to process the incoming data of the two accelerometers Al, A2. The four main components are in the order from left to right in Fig. 4 an analog to digital converter (A / D) 410, a bandpass filter 412, a rectifier 414, a moving average filter 416 , and a default tolerance decision block 418. Preferably, the bandpass filter 412 in each incoming data path is in the 4th. elliptical bandpass filter order that finds the "point "sweet" for each particular patient (this causes the processor to change the resonance of the dynamic therapy system 100 based on the mass or weight of the patient by transmitting a signal from the oscillating actuator 112 to change the frequency of the oscillation force). digital signal 402 processes the polynomial coefficients of the elliptical bandpass filters of the 4th order "power of two." For example, if the coefficient is 3.93215, the processor 402 can perform a rapid approximation of the coefficient by approaching the coefficient of the next Way: 4-1 / 16 + 3/128 - 1/512 It is contemplated that the same method may be used to process the coefficients of other filters of the processor 402. The output of the motion filter on average 416 of the incoming data path 404 is provided to the decision block of lack of tolerance 418 to determine the level of lack of tolerance and an addition / subtraction block 420 to decide whether or not to decreases or decreases the benefit to maintain the average vibration intensity at a present value. The block output 420 is an error signal which determines whether the vibration level of the oscillating actuator 112 is increased or decreased. The output of the addition / subtraction block 420 is the acceleration of the patient and the output of the incoming data path converter A / D 410. 406 is provided to a low pass filter 422 that outputs a signal of weight / presence. The weight / presence signal is used to capture the patient's presence and calculate the patient's weight continuously or periodically using conventional weight / angle equations during dynamic motion therapy. By determining the weight of the patient during the treatment and comparing the weight of the original stored weight as described above, the processor 402 can determine whether the patient complies with the treatment protocols (e.g., whether the patient is resting, standing, etc.). on platform 104) and the patient's posture to determine the transmission of mechanical vibration energy through the patient. The patient can influence the transmission, if necessary (that is, if the calculated weight indicates poor transmission), consequently changing his posture. , The acceleration value of the patient and the output of the tolerance decision block 418 are outputs at separate times (since the processor 402 of the dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100 is designed as a software system driven by time interruption actual as described further on) during the operation of the dynamic therapy apparatus 100 to the outgoing data path 408. The output data path 408 includes four major components for processing signal signals. control and feedback transmitted from processor 402 to oscillating actuator 112. The four main components are in order from right to left in Fig. 4, a digital benefit adjustment module 424 for performing automatic benefit control as described above, a variable amplitude signal generation module 426 for filtering the control and feedback signals and a power amplifier 430 for amplifying the control and feedback signals. The apparatus 100 includes a treatment feedback indicator 500, 500 'which in a preferred embodiment includes a display unit 106 for displaying information related to treatment (amount of mechanical vibration energy transmitted through the patient) and another individual. The information related to treatment may include the original calculated weight of the patient and the calculated weight of the patient during the treatment, the acceleration of the patient, automatic benefit control information, level or degree of compliance to the treatment protocols, a transmission value which indicates or approximates the amount of mechanical vibration energy that is transmitted through the patient or patient-support structure during treatment, etc.

The digital signal processor 402 of the dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100 is designated as a software system driven by the interruption in real time (the apparatus 100 does not have a main cycle). An interruption occurs every 1 / fs milliseconds. That is, for example, if the apparatus 100 is tuned to 34 Hz, a time interruption occurs every 1/4 second. A different function occurs during each interruption of the clock, such as a refill or update of the display unit 106, transmitting the control or feedback signals to the oscillation actuator 112, and generating a transmission of a sine wave to the oscillation actuator 112 for Automatic benefit control (the sine wave is preferably generated and transmitted approximately 500 times per second). It is contemplated that higher priority interruptions are performed first. If no interruption is made, the processor 402 enters an equal mode until an interruption has to be made. The digital signal processor 402 generates the (sinusoidal) signal to the oscillation actuator 112 and processes the acceleration signal received from the accelerometer Al using at least one digital bandpass filter 412 with a variable sampling rate during calibration (tuning ) of the dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100. In the dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100, the Sampling rate and therefore the vibration frequency is between 0 and 250 Hz, with at least one digital bandpass filter 412 tuned adaptable to the current operating frequency. The variable sampling regime is possible due to the software system driven by interruption of the software control cycle as described above. The dynamic therapy apparatus 100 further includes communication circuitry 434 for downloading / uploading data, including software updates, to processor 402 and for communicating with a central monitoring station via a network, such as the Internet, including receiving the content of Internet. The communication circuitry 434 may include RS232, USB, parallel and serial ports and associated circuitry, as well as the software for connecting networks and circuitry, such as a modem, DSL connection circuitry, etc. Preferably, the process for downloading / uploading data, including software updates, is configured as an interruption to be performed during a time interruption by the dynamic therapy apparatus 100. As shown by FIG. 4, the communication circuitry 434 is connected to the central, remote monitoring station 10 via the Internet 12. The data transmitted from the dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100 to the remote monitoring station it may include video data and / or sensors obtained by a video camera and / or at least one sensor mounted to the support structure or the dynamic motion therapy apparatus 100 and transmitted via the network to the central remote monitoring station The patient compliance data (directed toward whether the patient is complying with the treatment protocols) and other data related to the patient and treatment are preferably stored in the dynamic therapy apparatus 100 for evaluation at a final time or for transmission via the network using the 434 communications circuitry to the central monitoring station for observation. Transmission can also occur in real time during dynamic movement therapy to allow a medical professional and another observer to transmit data via the network to the patient during the therapy session. The transmitted data may be displayed to the patient in the display unit 106 and / or audibly reproduced via a speaker. The display unit 106 includes a graphic display 108 for providing visual feedback of the amount of mechanical vibration energy transmitted to the patient, wherein the graphics display 108 includes a graphic format, such as, for example, an icon or graphic. The transmitted data of the dynamic therapy apparatus 100 may include video data and / or sensors by a video camera and / or at least one sensor mounted to the support structure or the dynamic therapy apparatus 100 and transmitted via the network to the central monitoring station. Using the dynamic therapy apparatus 100 and mechanical impedance methods as is known in the art, one can predict the transmission of mechanical vibration energy through the patient being supported by a support structure, such as a support structure. of chair type for kneeling, wheelchair, seat, exercise device, etc., using the dynamic stiffness of the sopote structure and the apparent mass of the body measured at appropriate vibration magnitudes. The materials, structure, orientation, etc., of the support structure can then be selected and designed to maximize the transmission of the mechanical vibration energy through the oscillating platform apparatus interface, support structure and patient with In order to increase the transmission of mechanical vibration energy through the patient. The support structure can be commonly designed so that each patient maximizes the transmission of mechanical vibration energy through the patient. The described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are not intended to represent each embodiment of the present disclosure. Several modifications can be made and variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the description as exhibited in the following claims both literal and equivalent recognized in the law.

Claims (33)

1. CLAIMS 1. - A method for providing treatment feedback that relates to a patient undergoing therapeutic treatment of tissue, the method comprising: supporting a patient's body on a platform; oscillating the platform at an oscillation frequency to impart an oscillating force in the body and to transmit mechanical vibration energy through the body to therapeutically treat tissue in the body; process data related to therapeutic treatment; transmit the data to a remote monitoring station to monitor them; and transmitting a control signal from the remote monitoring station to at least one processing device at the treatment site to remotely control a value of at least one treatment parameter of the platform. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data relates to at least one platform processing parameter. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one treatment parameter is a weight calculated and further comprises comparing an apparent weight of the body to the calculated weight and determining whether the calculated weight deviates substantially from the apparent weight. 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising determining a posture of the body that is not complying if the calculated weight of the apparent weight is substantially deviated; and generating and transmitting a message that instructs said patient to change his position. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one treatment parameter is selected from the group consisting of oscillation frequency of the platform; vibratory response of a patient's musculoskeletal system; amplitude of the frequency of the oscillation force; and the treatment time interval. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data transmission step includes transmitting data via a communication means. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting data includes transmitting data via a communication device that operates in accordance with a communications protocol. 8. An apparatus for therapeutic treatment of tissue in a patient's body, the apparatus comprising: a platform configured to support a patient's body; an oscillator operably connected to the platform and configured to oscillate and impart an oscillation force at a predetermined frequency on the platform to transmit mechanical vibration energy through the patient's body; at least one communication processing device operable with the oscillator to process data related to the therapeutic treatment and controlling the oscillator via at least one control signal; a communication device in operational communication with at least one processing device and adapted to transmit the data to a remote monitoring station via at least one network, wherein at least one processing device is configured to adjust a parameter of treatment to achieve a desired treatment in response to a signal received by at least one processing device via the network. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the treatment parameter is selected from the group consisting of frequency of oscillation of the platform; vibration response. of a patient's musculoskeletal system, high frequency amplitude of oscillation force; and treatment time interval. 10. - The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the data indicates at least one treatment parameter during the oscillation of the platform. 11. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising support means operatively connected to the platform for supporting the patient's body on platform 12. A system for monitoring a patient during dynamic movement therapy treatment, the system comprising : a remote station in operational communication with at least one apparatus, at least one apparatus comprising a platform configured to support the patient; an oscillator operably connected to the platform and configured to oscillate and impart an oscillation force at a predetermined frequency on the platform; and at least one communication processing device operable with the oscillator to process data related to therapeutic treatment and control the oscillator; and a communication device in operational communication with at least one processing device for at least one apparatus for transmitting data from at least one apparatus for the remote station, wherein at least one processing device is configured to set a processing parameter to achieve a desired treatment in response to a signal received by at least one processing device via the communication device. 13.- The system according to the claim 12, wherein the communication device operates in accordance with a communications protocol. 14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the data includes a calculated weight, said remote station comprising at least one processor for comparing an apparent weight of the body to the calculated weight and determining if the calculated weight deviates substantially of apparent weight. 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein at least one processor determines a posture of the body by not complying if the calculated weight deviates substantially from the apparent weight, and generates and transmits a message to at least one device of processing via the communication device, the message instructing the patient to change position. 16. A support structure for providing vibratory treatment to a patient, the support structure comprising: a supported platform not rigidly capable of providing vibratory treatment to the patient in contact with the platform not rigidly supported; and a processor in operational communication with communication circuitry to transmit data related to processing via a network and controlling at least one processing parameter in response to a signal received via the network. 17. The support structure according to claim 16, wherein the data is patient monitoring data. 18. The support structure according to claim 17, wherein the patient monitoring data is received by a monitoring station that has at least one processor to determine if the patient is complying with a treatment regimen. 19. The support structure according to claim 17, wherein the patient monitoring data is received by a monitoring station that has at least one processor to determine if the patient is complying with a treatment regimen. 20. The support structure according to claim 20, wherein the processor also receives data via the network. 21. - The support structure according to claim 20, wherein the received data includes data related to treatment. 22. The support structure according to claim 20, wherein the received data includes Internet content. 23. The support structure according to claim 16, further comprising a video camera for providing video data to the processor, wherein the data transmitted by the processor is video data. 24. The support structure according to claim 16, further comprising a sensor for providing sensor data to the processor, wherein the data transmitted from the processor is sensor data. 25. A network system comprising: a support structure having a supported platform not rigidly capable of providing vibratory treatment to a patient in contact with the platform not rigidly supported; and a monitoring station in operational communication with the support structure via a network. 26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the support structure includes communication circuitry for transmitting data to the monitoring station via the network. 27. - The system according to the claim 26, where the data transmitted to the monitoring station includes patient monitoring data that indicates whether or not a patient is complying with a treatment regimen. 28.- The system according to the claim 26, wherein the data transmitted from the monitoring station includes data to determine if the patient is properly placed on the platform not rigidly supported. 29.- The system according to the claim 25, wherein the monitoring station transmits data via the network to the support structure, where the data is selected from the group consisting of data related to processing and Internet content. 30. A method for communicating data related to vibratory treatment comprising: providing vibratory treatment to a patient in contact with a rigidly supported platform, transmitting data related to the vibratory treatment to a monitoring station via a network; and controlling the operation of the platform supported non-rigidly according to a signal received from the monitoring station. 31. - The method according to claim 30, further comprising analyzing the data related to treatment to determine whether or not the patient is complying with a treatment regimen. 32. The method according to claim 30, further comprising analyzing the data related to treatment to determine if the patient is properly placed on the platform not rigidly supported. 33. The method according to claim 30, further comprising transmitting data from the monitoring station after receiving the data related to treatment by the monitoring station.