Patent ID: 6273863
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: A43B,A61B

Abstract:
An adaptive weight bearing monitoring system for use in rehabilitating injuries to a lower extremity of a patient, comprising:at least one sensor disposed so as to detect weight forces applied to the lower extremity of the patient and to generate dynamic weight input signals;a processor responsive to objective parameters unique to the patient or the injury to the lower extremity of the patient to set an input target weight range for weight forces which may be applied to the lower extremity by the patient during the patient's rehabilitation of the lower extremity for optimized rehabilitation of the lower extremity, said processor comparing said dynamic weight input signals to said input target weight range and generating a first output signal when said dynamic weight input signals indicate that a weight force has been applied to the lower extremity which exceeds said input target weight range and generating a second output signal when said dynamic weight input signals indicate that a weight force has been applied to the lower extremity which is less than said input target weight range; anda stimulator responsive to said first and second output signals so as to generate and apply respective first and second stimulation signals to the lower extremity so as to cause the patient to adjust the amount of weight force to be applied to the extremity during the patient's next stride to bring said weight force into said target weight range.