WO2013124509A1

WO2013124509A1 - Electromechanical administration, control, monitoring and assessment platform, for the administration and control of neuromuscular stimuli, for promoting mobility and flexibility and in the treatment of motor and traction disorders

Info

Publication number: WO2013124509A1
Application number: PCT/ES2013/070099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ignacio CHIROSA RIOS; Jose Antonio Gutierrez Heredia; Luis Javier Chirosa Rios
Original assignee: Ivolution R&D, S.L.
Priority date: 2012-02-20
Filing date: 2013-02-19
Publication date: 2013-08-29
Also published as: ES2423532B1; ES2423532A1

Abstract

Electromechanical administration, control, monitoring and assessment platform, for the administration and control of neuromuscular stimuli, for promoting mobility and flexibility and in the treatment of motor and traction disorders, which comprises a support base (1) of variable configuration to which are coupled, internally, one or more electronic motors (2) governed by a control card (3), one or more digital (4) and position (5) controllers, and connecting cables, and also a system of pulleys (6) with a flexible cable where handles (7) or other work accessories are included, and to which are coupled, embedded in said base (1) or on an ancillary supporting member (20), a PC (8) provided with specific software, a touch-sensitive screen (9), indicator lights (10), cameras (11), movement sensors (12) and physiological recording sensors (13), a sound system (14), and Internet connection (15).

Description

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PLATFORM FOR ADMINISTRATION, CONTROL, MONITORING AND EVALUATION FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULUS, MOBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, MOTOR DISTURBANCE AND TRACTIONS

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as stated in the present specification, refers to an electro-mechanical platform for administration, control, monitoring and evaluation for the administration and control of neuromuscular stimuli, mobility, flexibility, motor disturbance and tractions.

More particularly, the object of the invention is focused on a medical-sports apparatus that aims to facilitate muscle stimulation and improve functional performance through a microprocessed control system, in which elements of the hardware it has are synchronized. with other mechanical devices integrated in it by means of specific software and firmware, being essentially formed from a base with pulleys, suitable for coupling handles and other accessories and work elements, high precision electric motors and shaft encoder or Pulse generator, digital and position controllers, connection elements, touch screen, light marking elements, cameras, sensors, sound system and Internet connection means.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The scope of this The invention is part of the technical sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of machines and medical rehabilitation devices, neuromuscular and skeletal rehabilitation, sports training as well as medical devices and medical instruments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recently, numerous investigations have been published that show physical activity as a solution to health problems derived from lifestyles acquired by modern society such as sedentary lifestyle, bad eating habits, as well as the rhythms of life they cause. stress. All this has given rise to the categorization and definition of a set of diseases that receive the term of chronic diseases of the 21st century. Diseases such as cardiovascular (the leading cause of death in the world), cancer, metabolic disorders (being the best known, diabetes and obesity), are the most representative of this group of diseases. All these diseases have one element in common, they can be prevented with healthy lifestyles, and the fundamental binomial that sustains this healthy lifestyle formula is physical exercise and diet. In the same way that the diet is controlled based on the caloric characteristics of the food and the metabolic profile of the person, exercise and physical activity should also be objectively controlled. For this, a technology that allows detailed information on what happens in each work session and that the following sessions can be readjusted based on the evolution of the development would be desirable. objective of training or the patient, while taking into account the accumulation of fatigue or the different specific problems arising from a pathology or medical condition, during the exercise and its evolution in subsequent sessions or treatments. It would also be desirable to have an assisted assistance system during the exercise if the previously established values or adjustment are not achieved if it is exceeded.

The conventional means of training and rehabilitation existing in the sports market of "fitness" and "wellness", require or require the presence of a professional to opt for adequate control and supervision of the execution of the exercises, as well as the correct use of the devices. In addition, in order to accurately assess the magnitude of the stimulus applied, an instrument that is difficult to handle, and not very operational is needed when managing information. Therefore, in most cases, the monitoring of a therapy or training program is transformed into an ineffective action, and nothing precise. On the other hand, in the health field the means do not differ much from those of the sports market, with active treatments being carried out with halteras, dumbbells or light loads in the form of medicinal balls, sandbags or by means of the own manual resistance offered by the therapist in the patient during the exercise, not measuring in an effective, precise and personalized way the evolution of the patient, but based on perceptions. The most advanced technology is found in robotics, but not as a means of treatment but as an aid to people with a Irreversible pathology for its integration into the activities of daily life.

The objective of the present invention is, therefore, to provide the state of the art with an innovative apparatus that combines the advantages of new technologies with the versatility and multifunctionality that can be provided by an assembly consisting of electric motors, position, voltage and motion sensors , which complements and improves existing traditional systems and also improves the stimuli provided by the popular vibrating machines, and the set of machines that manage external resistance through a pneumatic system, such as currently more advanced systems.

In this regard, it is worth mentioning that numerous types of sports equipment and equipment used are known _. for the improvement of muscle strength. Most of these devices, however, consist of complex, bulky and heavy appliances that are difficult to handle and have a high cost that do not have any type of electronic element for control and, if they do, do not have an Internet connection, or much less of a hardware and software capable of monitoring, management, administration, control and evaluation of the exercises.

In these conventional devices, the way to manage the load or resistance is the classic use of free weights or guided by supports, or through machines with pulleys of different characteristics. In all the way to regulate the load is manually, introducing or removing load, depending on the information provided by the person after performing the exercise. Keep in mind that adjusting the load and controlling ranges of motion, which may seem like a simple and banal practice, in many cases can be a source of problems. When we talk about beginners, or people with muscle or joint problems, knowing what the limits are is difficult. This is further magnified when a system that provides knowledge of results is not available, or simply reports on how the proposed task is being carried out.

It should also be noted that the existence of any other platform, apparatus or invention of application similar to the one concerned here is unknown, which has similar technical, structural and constitutive characteristics to those presented by the integration platform of electro-mechanical devices for the administration and control of neuromuscular stimuli that are recommended here, which is configured as a remarkable novelty within its field of application, since according to its implementation and in a restrictive way, with it the satisfactory objectives previously indicated as suitable, being the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it from the already known systems, suitably set out in the final claims that accompany the present specification.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

Thus, what the invention advocates consists, specifically, in an integration platform of electro-mechanical devices for the administration and control of neuromuscular stimuli which It is configured as an electro-mechanical system that operates with different operating systems, accessories and own and external applications. This platform, for its operation, integrates different instruments of control, monitoring and evaluation of human movement, as well as administration of controlled loads and neuromuscular stimulation, with fine precision in the domain of volume, intensity, speed and distance, as well as ranges of motion For the recording, monitoring, control and evaluation the movement will use 3D analysis to measure exact positions, as well as artificial vision techniques. In addition, through a specific software that governs the aforementioned characteristics, the platform is related to the specific programming of the electronic system, which consists of a high precision electric motor, and an axis encoder or pulse generator.

The electro-mechanical system can be operated thanks to an embedded PC with which it is equipped or, additionally, through mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones.

The context of its application, being a platform for the administration, control, monitoring and evaluation of its movement and ranges, as well as for the precise and controlled stimulation of neuromuscular stimulations by means of fine loads in its volume, intensity, speed and distance, and its subsequent analysis and adjustment, is aimed both at the context of rehabilitation, rehabilitation, and sports training in rehabilitation centers, medical-health, in centers "fitness" or "wellness"^'athletic performance high level for physical activity aimed at home or seniors, slimming centers and beauty programs weight loss obesity as a sanitary processes of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neuromuscular postoperative processes and musculoskeletal potentiation due to problems derived from degenerative pathologies, paralysis treatment, hemiplegia type, cardiac and diabetic rehabilitation programs, etc.

The proposed platform is therefore a technological device that is the result of applied research in the study of healthy physical activity, mechanical and electronic engineering, computer engineering, as well as new information and communication technologies. In addition, their "feeback" (round-trip contact between the user and the computer program or a remote center) constant before, during and after each session and exercise to exercise, provide advice during the execution of the proposed exercise and active help during the same, in a visual, auditory way and through the immediate readjustment of the workload raised in any of its components, intensity, speed, distance and range of motion, which makes it perfectly adjusted to apply the stimulation of motor skills in physically and sensory disabled.

Its versatility and compatibility with different physiological and mechanical parameters measuring devices facilitates the management of advanced training programs. When operating in a multimedia environment, it allows you to perform and control practice of physical and therapeutic activity at any place and time, the information being recorded in real time. Stressing the possibility of being used by multiple users simultaneously.

In addition, its orientation towards social technology, allows the creation and interaction with social networks and networks of scientific knowledge, having a very powerful tool for the generation of virtual and scientific communities, and information communication center, thanks to the means of connection to the Internet of the system, and accumulation of information both internally, through the capacity of the computer system itself, or on an external server through "cloud computing" or cloud computing (concept also known under the terms cloud services , cloud computing, or cloud _decomputo. cloud concepts, English cloud computing, which as you know is a paradigm that can offer computing services over the Internet). The user has the possibility of permanent contact, and exchange of the information they want, and the professionals allow them to have a professional environment for the programming and administration of physical activity or therapeutic treatments, as well as a monitoring and exchange of information between professionals in a safe environment.

In short, the proposed system represents a new generation of medical-sports equipment that facilitates the stimulation and improvement of functional benefits, abolishing invasive treatments, applying precise mechanical stimuli, with a microprocessed control system, in which mechanical elements are synchronized of hardware with others devices integrated in the system by a specific software and firmware.

As regards the fields of application, the platform of the invention is intended, mainly, for hospital centers in all its variants, rehabilitation and rehabilitation centers, aesthetic and weight loss clinics, as well as health and wellness centers for people with some pathology that wish to improve their health and quality of life. At the same time it is also indicated for use at home as a personal training system, as well as for hotels, gyms, sports centers and wellness centers.

Given the foregoing, it is found that the described electro-mechanical platform for administration, control, monitoring and evaluation for the administration and control of neuromuscular stimuli, mobility, flexibility, motor disturbance and traction, represents an innovative structure with unknown structural and constitutive characteristics So far for this purpose, reasons that together with its practical utility, provide it with sufficient grounds to obtain the privilege of exclusivity that is requested.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made of the platform object of the invention, and to help a better understanding of the characteristics that distinguish it, this descriptive report is attached, as an integral part thereof, of a set of drawings, in those with Illustrative and non-limiting nature has represented the following:

Figure number 1 shows a schematic representation of the electro ^¬ mechanical platform for administration, control, monitoring and evaluation for the administration and control of neuromuscular stimuli, mobility, flexibility, motor disturbance and tractions object of the invention, having been represented therein. the main parts and elements that it comprises.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the described figure 1 and unique, and according to the numbering adopted therein, it can be seen how the platform in question is configured from a support base (1), which, being able to adopt different configurations, It is preferably a size-adjustable housing and to it, either on it or inside or in an attached manner, all other components of the platform are coupled, among which the existence of one or more electronic motors (2 ) governed by a controller card (3), one or more digital (4) and position controllers (5) and corresponding connection cables to ensure the operation of the platform.

The platform also incorporates the base (1), with a pulley system (6) with flexible cable where work handles (7) or other elements are inserted, intended to be held by the user or to which different harnesses and bracelets are incorporated for the realization of the different exercises .

All these components are protected by the aforementioned base housing (1), which serves as a work surface allowing, at the same time, the incorporation of benches and guides that extend the possibilities of executing different activities with the platform.

An automaton, computer or PC (8) embedded in the base (1) or attached to it, equipped with specific software, allows the control of electronic motors (2) through the said controller

(3), which, in addition, governs, manages and controls, the other elements that are integrated in the platform, especially the axis encoder or pulse generator, and which, comprising at least one touch screen (9) , light marking elements (10), cameras (11), motion sensors (12) and physiological record sensors (13), sound system (14), and modem and / or Wi-fi connection or analogue system Internet connection (15), allows the use of the platform, in addition to the administration of neuromuscular stimuli through the use of handles (7) and other accessories or appliques, as a management platform for other medical-therapeutic activities, physical training directed through images shown on the screen (9) and / or through audible locutions through the sound system

(14).

It should be noted that some of the aforementioned elements, such as the PC (8), the touch screen (9) and the light marking elements (10) or the motion sensors (12) and physiological (13) may be integrated into the base itself (1) or, alternatively, in an attached support (20), as shown in Figure 1.

The platform thus structured enables physical exercise with visual, auditory, quantitative and qualitative self-correction system, through the evaluation of physical, mechanical and physiological parameters during and after each exercise, session and treatment, and its subsequent readjustment depending on the parameters measured during and after each session or therapy. Similarly, telematic supervision can be carried out by experts in various areas of health sciences and physical activity, provided that this is required in the aforementioned areas. This allows the existence of platforms that are managed by central administrators (depending on each area) located in a remote center (16) for support and / or control. and advice, allowing each platform, using cloud computing or "cloud computing" can be fed back by different groups of experts. All information is stored on a server (17) that allows the exchange of information according to the privileges of each of the actors participating in the system and with which it is contacted through the Internet network.

The software and the creation of its own program, allows the control and integral governance of the electronic motors (2) and its axis encoder or pulse generator, allowing the administration of loads of different kinds, simulating exercises and applications on the same platform of different types of machines, such as vibrating platforms, isokinetic machines, pneumatic machines, and any isoincercial device. This versatility makes your Field of application is very wide.

In the same way, due to the benefits on governance, thanks to its electromechanical system, the recommended platform not only integrates the functions and exercises of the previously mentioned systems, but is also more versatile and more possibilities can be obtained regarding its use .

Thus, the platform of the invention allows the function of interacting with free weights, acting as an evaluation and control system for training with external resistances, and / or a "biofeedback" or bio-feedback system, that is, a biological program with round-trip contact. Return between the user and a remote advisor.

As noted above, the platform has light marking elements (10), which are distributed over the upper surface of the base (1) and consist, for example, of LEDs.

On the other hand, the accessory cameras (11), motion sensors (12), and physiological record sensors (13), will be distributed according to the needs of the scope of each case, being destined to correct or feed back the exercises executed.

The base (1), preferably, is a casing adjustable in size, that is, equipped with means that make it extensible and thus allow its dimensions to be adjusted according to each need. In addition, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, said base (1) is formed by a top-lined mat. of rubber or similar material. Furthermore, said mat will be equipped with the piezometers necessary to interact with the system.

Optionally, the incorporation of an additional camera (11 ') and / or a sound system with microphone (18), intended to interact, allowing both visual and sound communication of users with a Web is contemplated.

Likewise, the platform contemplates the existence in its base (1) or, where appropriate, the attached support, of adapters (19) for the connection of electronic devices, such as SmartPhones, Mp3, Mp4, ebooks, video consoles, or others who can fulfill the management and control mission instead of the touch screen (9) or join it.

With all this, the platform allows to control the ranges of movements in its distance, travel speed and additional load if there were, both positively and negatively, in global and partial movements of both an upper and lower limb, depending on analysis , individualized anthropometric and functional evaluations, or entered manually.

It also allows measuring and assessing the muscular and bilateral movement deficit in healthy and pathological values, to perform on the same therapies on said values evaluated.

The platform also allows the realization of loads and neuromuscular stimuli controlled through physical exercise based on free caloric intake (which we perform daily) or in function to a pre-established diet or an established objective, such as weight loss. For this, there will be a specific function through the integration of a caloric intake manager, which will be related to the electromechanical system.

The platform also allows the realization of loads and neuromuscular stimuli controlled according to physiological parameters, such as heart rate, volume of oxygen, lactic acid ..., measured by the previously described physiological sensors (13), during the exercise , session, therapy or training. This function can be performed both based on your own application, and with the synchronization of devices external to the platform, which can be integrated into it.

Describing sufficiently the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any person skilled in the art understands its scope and the advantages that derive from it, stating that, within its essentiality, it may be carried out in other embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and to which it will also achieve the protection that is sought provided that it does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle .

Claims

1. - ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PLATFORM FOR ADMINISTRATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION CONTROL FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF STIMULES

NEUROMUSCULAR, MOBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, MOTOR DISTURBATION AND TRACTIONS, intended to be used for the administration, control, monitoring and evaluation of neuromuscular stimuli, strength exercises, mobility-flexibility, neuromuscular control, motor disturbance and tractions through the use of the handles and other elements intended to be held by the user, as well as for the management of other medical-therapeutic activities and / or physical training directed through images shown on a screen and / or through audible locutions, and / or visual indications, characterized in that it comprises a base (1) of support, of variable configuration, to which one or more electronic motors (2) governed by a controller card (3), one or more digital controllers (4) and of position (5), and connection cables, as well as a pulley system (6) with flexible cable where handles (7) or other elements are inserted two work accessories, and to which they are attached, embedded in said base (1) or in an attached support (20), a PC (8) equipped with specific software, touch screen (9), light marking elements (10) , cameras (11), motion sensors (12) and physiological record sensors (13), sound system (14), and Internet connection (15).

2. - ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PLATFORM FOR ADMINISTRATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION CONTROL FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULUS, MOBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, DISTURBATION MOTOR AND TRACTIONS, according to claim 1, characterized in that, through the Internet connection (15), it connects with a server (17) that stores information and allows the exchange of it to different platforms and / or a remote center ( 16) support and / or control, using cloud computing.

3. - ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PLATFORM FOR ADMINISTRATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION CONTROL FOR

THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF STIMULES

NEUROMUSCULAR, MOBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, MOTOR DISTURBATION AND TRACTIONS, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base (1) is an extensible housing that allows its size to be regulated.

4. - ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PLATFORM FOR ADMINISTRATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION CONTROL FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULUS, MOBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, MOTOR DISTURBATION AND TRACTIONS, according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the luminous marking elements (10 ) are spread over the upper surface of the base (1) and consist of LEDs.

5. - ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PLATFORM FOR ADMINISTRATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION CONTROL FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULUS, MOBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, MOTOR DISTURBATION AND TRACTIONS, according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the base (1) is formed by a mat lined with rubber or similar material with piezometers to interact with the system.

6. - ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PLATFORM FOR ADMINISTRATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION CONTROL FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULUS, MOBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, MOTOR DISTURBATION AND TRACTIONS, according to claim 1, characterized in that it incorporates an additional chamber (11 ') and / or a sound system with microphone (18), to interact with a Web, through an Internet connection (15).

7. - ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PLATFORM FOR ADMINISTRATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION CONTROL FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULUS, MOBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, MOTOR DISTURBATION AND TRACTIONS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (1) or, where appropriate, The attached support (20) incorporates adapters (19) for the connection of electronic devices that can fulfill the management and control mission in substitution of the touch screen (9) or join it.