WO2020049580A1

WO2020049580A1 - Apparatus and method for muscle tone measurement

Info

Publication number: WO2020049580A1
Application number: PCT/IN2018/050712
Authority: WO
Inventors: Balamurugan L
Original assignee: Balamurugan L
Priority date: 2018-09-05
Filing date: 2018-11-05
Publication date: 2020-03-12

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for muscle tone measurement. A first interface configured to accommodate a first dual shaft motor. The first interface is coupled to a first handle that holds a first limb. The apparatus also includes a second interface coupled to a second handle that holds a second limb, a pair of shaft coupling elements configured to couple the first interface and the second interface such that when the first dual shaft motor is actuated, a symmetric traction is formed between the first interface and the second interface thereby generating uniform relative motion to translate the second handle. The apparatus also includes at least two surface electrodes positioned between the first limb and the second limb to measure a nerve conduction velocity between the first limb and the second limb, and a control system configured for assessing the nerve conduction velocity and an angular movement of the first dual shaft motor to measure the muscle tone.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MUSCLE TONE MEASUREMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001] The present disclosure relates to muscle tone measurements. More particularly, the disclosure relates to the apparatus and method for measuring a muscle tone.

BACKGROUND

[002] Abnormal stretch reflex causes abnormalities of muscle tones. Spasticity, which is an extrapyramidal sign, is a tendency of arresting (or catching) a muscle movement during contraction or extension. Some of the reasons for occurrence of spasticity includes an upper motor neuro syndrome such as a cerebral palsy, or a neuro-degenerative disease such as a Parkinson’s disease, and the like. Still today, doctors use a manual approach to measure the spasticity. During measurement of spasticity, the doctors manually use either a Tardieu Scale, or an Ashworth Scale to measure the spastic index. During manual approach, there is an increased chance of inaccuracy due to manual miscalculations. To detect the degree of spasticity is quite important and requires neurological examination. However, it is difficult to evaluate their degree accurately unless a neurologist is experienced. [003] Many of the measuring devices are for measuring the joint angle of a wrist or an elbow and a torque around them. However, any of such devices requires a large-scale apparatus, and has a drawback in the fit of the apparatus to a subject, which leads to problems such as imposition of a burden on the subject, and consequently there is almost no such device that has been put in practical use.

[004] Further, to avoid miscalculations, various improvements have been made in the field of spasticity measurement. One prior art describes about a quantitative measurement of spasticity, which involves semi-automated measurement of spasticity, where a doctor moves a support attached to a limb of the patient, an angle sensor located on the support measures the angle of movement, an EMG sensor patched on skin of the patient measures the EMG value. However, as the doctor still have to manually move the limb of the patient, there is a chance of inaccuracy in the measurement. Further, in case, if the doctor applies force more 1 than the acceptable limit of the patient, the patient may experience a pain during the measurement of the spasticity.

[005] Another prior art describes a rehabilitation device that includes a removable motor geared to one side of a limb support, which permits relative motion between limbs of the patient.

Such improvements however cannot be deployed for precise spasticity measurement.

[006] Hence, there is a need for improved apparatus and methods that can overcome the shortcomings typically associated with use of previously known muscle tone measurement devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for measuring a muscle tone.

The apparatus includes a first interface configured to accommodate a first dual shaft motor, wherein the first interface is coupled to a first handle that holds a first limb, a second interface coupled to a second handle that holds a second limb, a pair of shaft coupling elements configured to couple the first interface and the second interface, such that when the first dual shaft motor is actuated, a symmetric traction is formed between the first interface and the second interface thereby generating uniform relative motion to translate the second handle, further at least two surface electrodes positioned between the first limb and the second limb to measure a nerve conduction velocity between the first limb and the second limb, and a control system configured for assessing the nerve conduction velocity and an angular movement of the first dual shaft motor to evaluate the muscle tone.

[008] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of measuring a muscle tone.

The method includes the steps of strapping a first handle to a first limb and a second handle to a second limb of a patient; locking a first interface to the first handle and a second interface to the second handle; inserting a first dual shaft motor in the first interface, and locking the dual shaft motor with the first interface by pressing a first motor locking button located in the first interface; coupling a pair of shaft coupling elements to the first interface and the second interface such that when the first dual shaft motor is actuated, a symmetric traction is formed between the first interface and the second interface thereby generating uniform relative motion to translate the second handle; positioning at least two surface 2 electrodes between the first limb and the second limb to measure a nerve conduction velocity between the first limb and the second limb, and assessing by a control system to detect the nerve conduction velocity and an angular movement of the first dual shaft motor to evaluate the muscle tone.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] Fig. la shows a perspective view of an apparatus for measuring a muscle tone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. lb shows a perspective view of an apparatus for measuring a muscle tone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. lc shows a perspective view of the apparatus with the motor interface configured to accommodate a first motor and/or second motor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 2a shows an isometric view of a first handle of the apparatus for holding a first limb to measure a muscle tone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0013] Fig. 2b are isometric view of a second handle of the apparatus for holding a second limb to measure a muscle tone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 3a is an exploded view of the apparatus for measuring a muscle tone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 3b shows lock button of the apparatus when pressed to lock a motor to an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 3c shows lock button of the apparatus when depressed to unlock a motor from an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 3

[0017] Fig. 3d shows perspective view of the first interface or second interface from top in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 3e shows perspective view of the first interface or second interface from bottom in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 3f shows a perspective view of inserting the first or second shaft motor in the first or second interface of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 3g shows a top view of a first or second interface of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 3h shows a side view of the first or second interface of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0022] Fig. 3i, 3j and 3k shows perspective views of the apparatus with mechanical interconnection and working between the first handle, the second handle, the first interface and/or second interface, and the pair of shaft coupling elements in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0023] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart depicting a method for measuring muscle tone in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The various embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for measuring muscle tone. The following description provides specific details of certain embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those embodiments. It should be recognized, however, that the present invention can be reflected in additional embodiments and the invention may be practiced without some of the details in the following description. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems. Structures and devices shown in the figures are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the invention and are meant to avoid obscuring the invention. Furthermore, 4 connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.

[0025] The various embodiments including the example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0026] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or“coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] Spatially relative terms, such as“top,”“bottom,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the structure in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0028] References in the specification to“one embodiment” or“an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase“in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0029] Embodiments described herein will refer to plan views and/or cross-sectional views by way of ideal schematic views. Accordingly, the views may be modified depending on 5 simplistic assembling or manufacturing technologies and/or tolerances. Therefore, example embodiments are not limited to those shown in the views but include modifications in configurations formed on basis of assembling process. Therefore, regions exemplified in the figures have schematic properties and shapes of regions shown in the figures exemplify specific shapes or regions of elements, and do not limit the various embodiments including the example embodiments.

[0030] The subject matter of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various embodiments including the example embodiments relate to apparatus and method for muscle tone measurement.

[0031] Referring to Fig. la, an apparatus 100 for measuring a muscle tone is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus (100) includes a first handle (102) that holds a first limb (104), a second handle (106) that holds a second limb (108), a first interface (110) mechanically attached to the first handle (102), a second interface (114) mechanically attached to the second handle (106), and a pair of shaft coupling elements (118, 120) configured for coupling the first interface (110) and the second interface (114).

[0032] In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) further includes a control system (122) that powers the first interface (110) and/or the second interface (114) through a first electrical connection (124) having two wired connections (l24a, l24b) for first interface (110) and second interface (114) as shown in Fig. lb.

[0033] In an embodiment, the first interface 110 is configured to accommodate a first shaft motor 112. Referring to Fig. l c, the apparatus lOOc with the first interface (110) is configured to accommodate the first shaft motor (112) is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 6

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the second interface 114 is similar to the first interface (110) where the second interface (114) is preferably configured to accommodate a second shaft motor (116) as shown in Fig. lc.

[0035] Further referring to Fig. la. lb and lc, the control system (122) also includes a second electrical connection (126) that has a first surface electrode (128), and a second surface electrode (130) to measure a nerve conduction velocity between the first limb (104) and the second limb (108) respectively.

[0036] In an embodiment, the control system (122) includes a display unit (l22a) configured for displaying multiple parameters, including but not limited to, a spasticity index, reversible motor speeds, reversible motor angular positions, nerve conduction velocity value, and the like. The control system (122) also includes a plurality of input interfaces for user accessibility. The input interfaces include a first knob that can alter the power supplied to reversible motors, a second knob that can alter the current supplied to the electrodes (128, 130) for nerve conduction study, a select button to save the current measurement data in a storage disk, or to open a saved data from the storage disk, a back button and navigation arrows for navigating between the stored measurement data, and a delete button to delete a particular measurement data from the storage disk.

[0037] Referring now to Fig. 2a and Fig. 2a, a perspective view (200a, 200b) of a first handle (102) and a second handle (106) are shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first handle (102) includes a first interface slot (202) to allow mechanical insertion of the first interface, and the second handle (106) includes a second interface slot

(204) to allow mechanical insertion of the second interface. Further, the handles (102, 106) include plurality of latching means (206, 208) for strapping and locking first and second limbs of a patient. [0038] Referring now to Fig. 3a, an exploded view 300a of the first interface with a pair of shaft coupling elements (118, 120) is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3a shows the first interface (110) that is similar to the second interface (114) 7 with similar elements. The interface (110, 114) has a proximal end that includes a motor locking button (302) for releasably coupling the shaft motor (112, 116) with the interface (110, 114). The shaft motor (112, 116) is energized by a socket that is powered by the control system through the first electrical connection. Distal end of the interface (110, 114) includes an interface clip (304) provided with an interface lock (310). The interface clip

(304) can be slidably inserted and releasably locked within the interface slot (202, 204) of the handle (102, 106). The locked interface clip (304) can be released from the handle by pressing an interface release button (306). The interface release button (306) is resiliently biased by a spring (308) to deflect and release the interface lock (310) from the handle. The base of the interface clip (304) has a first length (304a) that is equal to the length of first interface slot (202) in the first handle (102). During servicing operation, the shaft motor (112, 116) is released by pressing the motor locking button (302) and taking the motor (112, 116) out through a decoupling gap (312). [0039] Referring to Fig. 3b and 3c, the motor locking button (302) is depressed for an activation mode (300b), wherein the first shaft motor or the second shaft motor is coupled with the first interface or second interface during activation mode. The motor locking button (302) is pressed again for a release mode (300c), wherein the first shaft motor or the second shaft motor is decoupled with the first interface or second interface during release mode.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 3d, 3e and 3f, gear arrangement of the interfaces is shown as 300d, 300e and 300f. The internal gears (314, 316) of the coupling element (118, 120) mates with the external gear (318, 320) of the first interface (110) and/or second interface (114). The motor includes a pair of interfaces coupling gears (322, 324) connected to the interfaces (110, 114) through internal gears (326, 328) of the interfaces.

[0041] Referring to Fig. 3g, 3h, a top view 300g and side view 300h of the first interface (110) or second interface (114) with shaft motor is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first interface (110) includes coupling gears (318, 320) located circumferentially adjacent to the motor locking button (302) for coupling the motor interface

(110) with the shaft coupling elements (118, 120). 8

[0042] The shaft coupling element (118, 120) structure includes shaft coupling gears (314, 316) that mates with the interface coupling gears (318, 320) on the interface (110, 114) to form a uniform, symmetric and automated moveable connection between the limbs. Further, the shaft coupling (118) includes a shaft release button (330) for releasing the shaft coupling (US) from the interface (110, 114). The interface release button (306) resiliently biased by the spring deflects the interface lock (310). The base of the interface clip (304) has a first length (304a) that is equal to the length of first interface slot in the first handle.

[0043] In an alternate embodiment, the shaft release button (330) is rigidly coupled with the motor locking button (302), so that, when the shaft release button (330) is pressed, the motor locking button (302) is automatically pressed to decouple the motor.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 3i, 3j and 3k, the apparatus (300i, 300j, 300k) with mechanical interconnection and working between the first handle (102), the second handle (106), the first interface (110) and/or second interface (114) and the pair of shaft coupling elements (118,

120) is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] During usage, the first handle (102) is strapped to the first limb, and the second handle (106) is strapped to the second limb.

[0046] The first interface (110) is mechanically locked with the first handle (102), and the second interface (114) is mechanically locked with the second handle (106). During locking action of the interfaces (110, 114) with the respective handles (102, 106), the user hears a clicking sound as a feedback alert to a user that the interfaces (110, 114) are locked in place.

[0047] In an embodiment, if the second interface (114) is not assembled with a second shaft motor, the motor locking button (302a) in the second interface (114) is pressed to receive the motor. The motor is inserted into the second interface (114) that engages with a ball bearing located adjacent to the motor locking button (302a). Once the second shaft motor is properly engaged with the ball bearing of the motor interface (114), the motor locking button (302a) is released to lock the second shaft motor in the second interface (114). 9

[0048] In another embodiment, if the first interface (110) is not assembled with a first shaft motor, the motor locking button (302) in the first interface (110) is pressed to receive the first motor. The first motor is inserted into the first interface (110) that engages with a ball bearing located adjacent to the motor locking button (302). Once the first shaft motor is properly engaged with the ball bearing of the motor interface (110), the motor locking button

(302) is released to lock the first shaft motor in the first interface (110).

[0049] Upon engaging the interfaces (110, 114) with the handles (102, 106), the pair of shaft coupling elements are coupled to the motor interfaces (110, 114). The shaft coupling elements (118, 120) structure includes shaft coupling gears that mates with the interface coupling gears on the first interface (110) to form a uniform, symmetric and automated moveable connection between the limbs.

[0050] The control panel is switched on to supply power to the motor interfaces (110, 114) through the first electrical connection that has a first power adaptor pin, and/or a second power adaptor pin respectively.

[0051] From the display of the control panel, the user can navigate to a motor control option through navigation buttons. After navigating to the drum motor control option, the user can press the select button to access the control of the first and second motors. Once the user gained the access to control the motors, the user gets options to individually control the motors. Once the user selects the mode of control for motors, the forward traction of the motor is controlled by right navigation button, and retraction of the motor is controlled by the left navigation button. The user can use a first knob to control the speed of the motors. Once the initial settings were done, the user can press a back button to exit motor control option.

[0052] The control panel is coupled with the second electrical connection through a third power adaptor pin to supply continuous micro- voltage to the surface electrodes that were patched on the first limb, and second limb respectively.

[0053] From the display of the control panel, the user can navigate to a nerve conduction control option through navigation buttons. After navigating to the nerve conduction control option, 10 the user can press the select button to access the control of nerve conduction surface electrodes Once the user gained the access to control the power of surface electrodes, the user can use the second knob to alter the power supplied to the surface electrodes. The user may calibrate the second knob, until a detectable nerve conduction value is displayed on the displa. Once the initial settings were done, the user can press the back button to exit nerve conduction control option.

[0054] Upon setting the drum motor interface (110, 114), and the nerve conduction surface electrodes, the user may press the diagnose button on the control panel. Once the diagnose button is pressed, the display will prompt for forward traction or retraction, or both. The user may select appropriate option through the navigation arrows. Once the user finalizes the mode of traction, the user can press the select button to start the traction. The drum motor rotates in accordance with the option selected by the user. In case if second motor is activated from the control panel, first handle (102) gets articulation with a static second handle (106) as shown in FIGS. 3i - 3k, and in case if first motor is activated from control panel, second handle (106) gets articulation with a static first handle (102).

[0055] After diagnosis, the user will have an option to save the current measurement data in the storage disk through the select button. In future, if the user needs patient’s diagnostic date, the saved data may be opened from the storage disk for further analysis.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a method of measuring a muscle tone as depicted from the flowchart 400 in Fig. 4. The method includes the step S402 of strapping a first handle to a first limb and a second handle to a second limb of a patient. In S404 locking a first interface to the first handle and a second interface to the second handle.

In S406 inserting a first dual shaft motor in the first interface and locking the dual shaft motor with the first interface by pressing a first motor locking button located in the first interface. In S408 coupling a pair of shaft coupling elements to the first interface and the second interface such that when the first dual shaft motor is actuated, a symmetric traction is formed between the first interface and the second interface thereby generating uniform relative motion to translate the second handle. In S410 positioning at least two surface electrodes between the first limb and the second limb to measure a nerve conduction velocity 11 between the first limb and the second limb, and in S412 assessing by a control system the nerve conduction velocity and an angular movement of the first dual shaft motor to measure the muscle tone. [0057] In an advantageous aspect, during measurement, in case if the patient feels pain, the increased velocity of blood flow is detected by real time measurement of nerve conduction velocity methodology from the control panel, and the control panel sends stop signal to the motor to halt. [0058] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems, methods and processes without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

[0059] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

12 Claims:

1. An apparatus (100) for measuring a muscle tone, the apparatus comprising:

a first interface (110) configured to accommodate a first dual shaft motor (112) wherein the first interface (110) is coupled to a first handle (102) that holds a first limb (104);

a second interface (114) coupled to a second handle (106) that holds a second limb (108);

a pair of shaft coupling elements (118, 120) configured to couple the first interface (110) and the second interface (114) such that when the first dual shaft motor (112) is actuated, a symmetric traction is formed between the first interface (110) and the second interface (114) thereby generating uniform relative motion to translate the second handle (106); at least two surface electrodes (128, 130) positioned between the first limb (104) and the second limb (108) to measure a nerve conduction velocity between the first limb (104) and the second limb (108), and

a control system (122) configured for assessing the nerve conduction velocity and an angular movement of the first dual shaft motor (112) to measure the muscle tone.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of shaft coupling elements (118, 120) include a geared connection each to radially couple the first interface to the second interface.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second interface (114) includes a second dual shaft motor (116).

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control system (122) compares a value of the nerve conduction velocity that is detected between the first limb (104) and the second limb (108) with a pre-stored threshold value, wherein the system (122) stops the first dual shaft motor (112) when the value of the nerve conduction velocity exceeds beyond the threshold value.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control system (122) powers the first interface (110) through a first electrical connection (124). 13

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control system (122) powers the second interface (114) through a first electrical connection (124).

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control system (122) includes a second electrical connection (126) that powers the at least two surface electrodes (128, 130) to measure the nerve conduction velocity.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first handle (102) includes a first interface slot (202) to enable mechanical insertion of the first interface (110), and the second handle (106) includes a second interface slot (204) to enable mechanical insertion of the second interface (114).

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a motor locking button (302) for releasably coupling the dual shaft motor (112) with the first interface (110).

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the dual shaft motor (112) is energized by a power socket that is powered by the control system (122) through the first electrical connection (124).

11 The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprises an interface clip (304) at a distal end of the first interface (110) to be released by an interface release button (306) wherein the interface release button (306) is resiliently biased by a spring (308) to release an interface lock (310).

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein a base of the interface clip (304) has a length equal to length of the first interface slot (202) in the first handle. 14

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the dual shaft motor (112) is released from the interface (110, 114) by pressing the motor locking button (302) and pulling out the dual shaft motor (112, 116) through a decoupling gap (312).

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the dual shaft motor (112, 116) is inserted into the interface (110, 114) by pressing the motor locking button (302) and pushing-in the dual shaft motor (112, 116) through the decoupling gap (312).

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the pair of shaft coupling elements (118, 120) includes a first shaft coupling element (118) and a second shaft coupling element (120).

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the first shaft coupling element (118) includes a geared connection (314) configured to radially couple a first side of the first interface (110) and a first side of the second interface (114).

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the second shaft coupling element (120) includes a geared connection (316) configured to radially couple a second side of the first interface (110) and a second side of the second interface (114).

18. A method of measuring a muscle tone, the method comprises the steps of:

strapping a first handle (102) to a first limb (104) and a second handle (106) to a second limb (108) of a patient;

locking a first interface (110) to the first handle (102) and a second interface (114) to the second handle (106);

inserting a first dual shaft motor (112) in the first interface (110), and locking the dual shaft motor (112) with the first interface (110) by pressing a first motor locking button (302) located in the first interface (110);

coupling a pair of shaft coupling elements (118, 120) to the first interface (110) and the second interface (114) such that when the first dual shaft motor (112) is actuated, a symmetric traction is formed between the first interface (110) and the second interface (114) thereby generating uniform relative motion to translate the second handle (106); 15 positioning at least two surface electrodes (128, 130) between the first limb (104) and the second limb (108) to measure a nerve conduction velocity between the first limb (102) and the second limb (106), and

assessing by a control system (122) the nerve conduction velocity and an angular movement of the first dual shaft motor (112) to measure the muscle tone.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the first dual shaft motor (112) is inserted into the first interface (110) and engage with a ball bearing located adjacent to the first motor locking button (302) wherein the first motor locking button (302) is pressed to lock or unlock the first dual shaft motor (112) with the first interface (110).

20. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein a second dual shaft motor (116) is inserted into the second interface (114) and engage with a ball beating located adjacent to a second motor locking button (302a) wherein the second motor locking button (302a) is pressed to lock or unlock the second shaft motor (116) with the second interface (114).

21. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the pair of shaft coupling elements (118, 120) include shaft coupling gears (314, 316) that mates with the interface coupling gears (318, 320) on the motor interface (110, 114) to form a uniform, symmetric and automated moveable connection between the first limb (104) and the second limb (108).

22. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the control panel (122) is switched on to supply power to the motor interfaces (110, 114) through the first electrical connection (124) that has a first power adaptor pin and/or a second power adaptor pin respectively.

23. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein operation of the first dual shaft motor (112) is controlled by navigating to a motor control options wherein a forward traction of the motor is controlled by a right navigation button and a retraction of the motor (112) is controlled by a left navigation button.

24. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the control panel (122) is coupled with a second electrical connection (126) through a power adaptor pin to supply continuous 16 micro-voltage to the at least two surface electrodes (128, 130) patched on the first limb (104) and second limb (108).

25. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the at least two surface electrodes (128, 130) are controlled using a nerve conduction control option.

26. The method as claimed in claim 25 further comprises the step of initiating a diagnosis by pressing a diagnose button and selecting traction wherein if the first dual shaft motor (112) is activated from control panel (122), the second handle (106) gets articulation with a static first handle (102).

27. The method as claimed in claim 25, further comprises the step of initiating a diagnosis by pressing a diagnose button and selecting traction wherein if the second dual shaft motor (116) is activated from control panel (122), the first handle (102) gets articulation with a static second handle (106).

28. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the control panel (122) detects an increased velocity of blood flow by real time measurement of the nerve conduction velocity to evaluate pain felt by the patient, and the control panel (122) sends a stop signal to the first dual shaft motor (112) when velocity of blood flow is more than the pre-stored threshold value.

29 The method as claimed in claim 26, further comprises the step of saving a measurement data in a storage disk after diagnosis is completed.