Support devices including electrical stimulation systems and methods for using the same

A support device includes a base portion structurally configured to support a user, one or more engagement members coupled to the base portion and engagable with a surface, a distance sensor, a power source electrically coupled to one or more electrical stimulation electrodes, and a controller communicatively coupled to the distance sensor and the power source, the controller including a processor and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium including a computer readable and executable instruction set, which, when executed, causes the processor to receive a signal from the distance sensor indicative of a detected distance traveled by the support device, and send a signal to the power source to engage the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes based at least in part on the detected distance traveled by the support device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to support devices including electrical stimulation systems and methods for operating the same.

BACKGROUND

Support devices, such as wheelchairs and the like, are conventionally used to assist users in moving from one location to another. For example, wheelchairs may assist users that have limited or no use of their legs in moving between locations. However, the lack of use of a person's legs may lead to muscle atrophy and/or other undesirable outcomes.

SUMMARY

Support devices according to the present disclosure include electrical stimulation electrodes. In embodiments, the electrical stimulation electrodes may be engaged, thereby triggering contraction of the muscles of a user sitting within the support device. In embodiments described herein, engagement of the electrical stimulation electrodes may be based at least in part a distance traveled by the support device. By correlating the engagement of the electrical stimulation electrodes with the distance traveled by the support device, the electrical stimulation electrodes may cause the user's muscles to contract as if the user was walking the distance traveled by the support device. By contracting the user's muscles in this manner, support devices according to the present disclosure may assist in limiting muscle atrophy in the user's legs.

In one embodiment, a support device includes a base portion structurally configured to support a user, one or more engagement members coupled to the base portion and engagable with a surface, a distance sensor, a power source electrically coupled to one or more electrical stimulation electrodes, and a controller communicatively coupled to the distance sensor and the power source, the controller including a processor and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium including a computer readable and executable instruction set, which, when executed, causes the processor to receive a signal from the distance sensor indicative of a detected distance traveled by the support device, and send a signal to the power source to engage the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes based at least in part on the detected distance traveled by the support device.

In another embodiment, a method for operating a support device, the method includes moving the support device along a surface, where the support device includes a base portion structurally configured to support a user, and one or more wheels coupled to the base portion, detecting a distance traveled by the support device along the surface, and engaging one or more electrical stimulation electrodes based at least in part on the detected distance traveled by the support device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to support devices including electrical stimulation electrodes. The electrical stimulation electrodes, in embodiments, may be activated based at least in part on a distance traveled by the support device. By activating the electrical stimulation electrodes based at least in part on the distance traveled by the support device, a user's legs may be contracted in manner similar to if the user were to walk the distance traveled by the support device. By contracting the user's leg muscles in this way, muscle atrophy may be reduced as compared to support devices that do not stimulate and contract the user's leg muscles. These and other embodiments will now be described with reference to the appended figures.

As referred to herein, the phrase “communicatively coupled” refers to the interconnection of components of support devices described herein such that signals can be sent between the components, and may include, for example and without limitation, a wired connection, an optical connection, a wireless connection, or the like.

Referring initially toFIG.1a perspective view of a support device100is schematically depicted. In embodiments, the support device100includes a base portion102that is structurally configured to support a user. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIG.1, the base portion102includes a seat portion103and a back rest104. In use, a user can sit on the seat portion103and may lean against the back rest104. In some embodiments, the base portion102may further include one or more arm rests. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIG.1, the base portion102includes a first arm rest105aand a second arm rest105bthat can support a user's arms.

In embodiments, the support device100includes one or more engagement members coupled to the base portion102. The one or more engagement members are generally engagable with a surface, such as a floor or the ground. In the embodiment depicted inFIG.1, the one or more engagement members are one or more wheels coupled to the base portion102. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIG.1, the support device100includes a pair of front wheels108a,108b, and a pair of rear wheels110a,110b. The front wheels108a,108b, and the rear wheels110a,110bmay “roll” along the surface to provide the support device100with mobility. While in the embodiment depicted inFIG.1, the one or more engagement members include the front wheels108a,108band the rear wheels110a,110b, it should be understood that the one or more engagement members may include any suitable construction suitable for moving the support device along a surface, for example and not limited to movable legs, tracks, or the like. Furthermore, while in the embodiment depicted inFIG.1includes the front wheels108a,108band the rear wheels110a,110b, it should be understood that the support device100may include any suitable number of wheels, and may include more or fewer than the four wheels108a,108b,110a,110bdepicted in the embodiment shown inFIG.1.

In some embodiments, the support device100includes a foot rest106coupled to the base portion102that can be used to support a user's feet. In some embodiments, the support device100may include calf supports or the like positioned between the seat portion103and the foot rest106to support a user's legs.

Referring toFIGS.2A and2B, a side view and a front view of the support device100are schematically depicted, respectively. In some embodiments, the support device100includes one or more electrical stimulation electrodes. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2A and2B, the support device100includes a first quadriceps electrical stimulation electrode134aand a second quadriceps electrical stimulation electrode134d. The first quadriceps electrical stimulation electrode134aand the second quadriceps electrical stimulation electrode134dare structurally configured to engage the quadriceps muscles of a user's legs, for example a user's left and right quadriceps. In some embodiments, the support device100includes a first glute electrical stimulation electrode134band a second glute electrical stimulation electrode134c. The first glute electrical stimulation electrode134band the second glute electrical stimulation electrode134care structurally configured to engage the hamstring muscles (e.g., the gluteus maximus and/or biceps femoris muscles) of a user's legs (e.g., the user's right leg and left leg).

In some embodiments, the support device100includes a first tibia electrical stimulation electrode136aand a second tibia electrical stimulation electrode136d. The first tibia electrical stimulation electrode136aand the second tibia electrical stimulation electrode136dare structurally configured to engage the tibalis anterior muscles of a user's legs (e.g., the user's right leg and left leg). In some embodiments, the support device100further includes a first calf electrical stimulation electrode136band a second calf electrical stimulation electrode136c. The first calf electrical stimulation electrode136band the second calf electrical stimulation electrode136care structurally configured to engage the calf muscles of a user's legs (e.g., the user's right leg and left leg).

While in the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2A and2B, the first and second quadriceps electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134d, the first and second glute electrical stimulation electrodes134b,134c, the first and second tibia electrical stimulation electrodes136a,136d, and the first and second calf electrical stimulation electrodes136b,136c, it should be understood that the support device100may include any suitable number of electrical stimulation electrodes that are structurally configured to engage muscles of a user's legs. Further, while the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dare depicted as being positioned on the base portion102of the support device100, it should be understood that this is merely an example. In some embodiments, the electrical stimulation electrodes may be embedded in a fabric, garment or the like that is engaged with or worn by the user.

Referring toFIG.3, a control diagram for the support device100is schematically depicted. In embodiments, the support device100includes a controller120. As illustrated, the controller120includes a processor122, a data storage component124, and/or a memory component126. The memory component126may be configured as volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flash memory, secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable mediums. Depending on the particular embodiment, these non-transitory computer-readable mediums may reside within the controller120and/or external to the controller120.

The memory component126may store operating logic, analysis logic, and communication logic in the form of one or more computer readable and executable instruction sets. The analysis logic and the communication logic may each include a plurality of different pieces of logic, each of which may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/or hardware, as an example. A local interface is also included in the controller120, and may be implemented as a bus or other communication interface to facilitate communication among the components of the controller120.

The processor122may include any processing component operable to receive and execute instructions (such as from a data storage component124and/or the memory component126). It should be understood that while the components inFIG.3are illustrated as residing within the controller120, this is merely an example, and in some embodiments, one or more of the components may reside external to the controller120. It should also be understood that, while the controller120is illustrated as a single device, this is also merely an example.

In embodiments, the controller120is communicatively coupled to one or more components of the support device100. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIG.3, the controller120is communicatively coupled to a distance sensor130and a power source132. In some embodiments, the support device100further includes a user input138, a motor140, and/or an incline detection device142communicatively coupled to the controller120.

In embodiments, the distance sensor130is structurally configured to detect a distance traveled by the support device100. For example, in some embodiments, the distance sensor130may be an encoder or the like coupled to one or more of the wheels108a,108b,110a,110b(FIG.2B). In embodiments, the distance sensor130is communicatively coupled to the controller120such that signals can be sent to and/or received from the controller120. For example, in embodiments, the distance sensor130may send signals to the controller120indicative of a distance traveled by the support device100, as described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, activation of one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dis based at least in part on a detected distance traveled by the support device100, as described in greater detail herein.

In embodiments, the power source132includes a device that is suitable to provide power to the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136d. For example and without limitation, in embodiments the power source132may include a battery or the like that is electrically coupled to one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136d. In some embodiments, the power source132may include an electrode controller133that is either internal or external to the power source132. The electrode controller133may allow the power source132to selectively provide electrical power to the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136d. For example, the electrode controller133of the power source132may receive signals from the controller120directing the power source132to selectively engage (e.g., provide electrical power) to one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136d, as described in greater detail herein.

In embodiments, the user input138may include a device suitable to receive instructions and/or information from a user. For example, in embodiments, the user input138and may include an alpha-numeric keyboard, a graphical user interface (GUI), or the like. The user input138may send and/or receive signals to the controller120, for example, the user input138may receive an input from a user, and may send signals to the controller120indicative of the received user input. In some embodiments, the user input138may also display information received from the controller120indicative of the operation of various components of the support device100(e.g., the power source132, the motor140, the incline detection device142, etc.).

In embodiments, the incline detection device142is structurally configured to detect an orientation of the support device100. For example in embodiments, the incline detection device142an orientation of the support device100about the Y-axis as depicted inFIG.1. By detecting an orientation of the support device100, the incline detection device142may detect whether the support device100is on an inclined surface (e.g., moving uphill) or on a declined surface (e.g., moving downhill). In embodiments, the incline detection device142may include any suitable device for detecting an orientation of the support device100, and may include, for example and without limitation, a tilt sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) inclinometer, a pendulum-based inclinometer, a gyroscopic inclinometer, or the like. In embodiments, the incline detection device142is communicatively coupled to the controller120, and may send signals to the controller120indicative of a detected incline of the support device100, as described in greater detail herein.

In embodiments, the motor140may include a device suitable for providing the support device100with mobility. For example, in embodiments, the motor140may be coupled to one or more of the rear wheels110a,110b(FIG.2B) and/or one or more of the front wheels108a,108b(FIG.2B), and may be structurally configured to rotate one or more of the rear wheels110a,110b(FIG.2B) and/or the front wheels108a,108b(FIG.2B). For example and without limitation, the motor140may include a direct current (DC) motor, and alternating current (AC) motor, or the like. The motor140may be communicatively coupled to the controller120such that signals can be sent to and received from the controller120. For example, the motor140may receive signals from the controller120directing the motor140to actuate, rotating one or more of the rear wheels110a,110b(FIG.2B) and/or the front wheels108a,108b(FIG.2B). In some embodiments, the motor140is electrically coupled to the power source132and the motor140may be powered by the power source132.

Referring toFIGS.1,3, and4, example operation of the support device100will now be described. In embodiments, the controller120may receive a signal from the distance sensor130indicative of a distance traveled by the support device100. The controller120may send a signal to the power source132to engage one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dbased at least in part on the detected distance traveled by the support device100. For example, in some embodiments, the greater the distance traveled by the support device100, the greater number of times the one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dare engaged. However, in some embodiments, the lower the distance traveled by the support device100, the fewer number of times the one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dare engaged. As one example, in some embodiments, the controller120may send a signal to the power source132to engage one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136din accordance with a determined number of strides that would have been taken by the user to travel the detected distance traveled by the support device100.

For example, in some embodiments, the controller120may receive a signal indicative of an estimated stride length of a user. The controller120may receive a signal from the user input138, for example, indicative of an estimated stride length of a user. In some embodiments, a user may input an estimated stride length via the user input138. In some embodiments, a user may input characteristics from which an estimated stride length can be determined, for example, by the controller120. As one example, a user may input a height of the user via the user input138, and the controller120may determine an estimated stride length based at least in part on the input height of the user.

The controller120may determine a number of strides associated with the detected distance traveled by the support device100, and may send a signal to the power source132to engage the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dbased at least in part on the determined number of strides.

In some embodiments, the controller120may direct the power source132to engage the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136din an alternating manner to simulate a stride of the user. For example, in some embodiments, the controller120may send a signal to the power source132to engage a first electrical stimulation electrode134a,134b,136a,136b, where the first electrical stimulation electrode134a,134b,136a,136bis engaged with a first leg of the user. Subsequent to sending the signal to the power source132to engage the first electrical stimulation electrode134a,134b,136a,136b, the controller120may send a signal to the power source132to engage a second electrical stimulation electrode134c,134d,136c,136d, where the second electrical stimulation electrode134c,134d,136c,136dis engaged with a second leg of a user.

As one example and referring toFIGS.2B,3, and4, in some embodiments, the controller120may direct the power source132to engage one or more electrical stimulation electrodes engaged with a first leg of the user. For example and as shown inFIG.4, charts showing engagement timing and intensity of the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dis depicted. In particular, the charts show the engagement timing as from the beginning of a stride “0SL” to the end of a stride “1SL,” and shows the power level of the engagement of the one or more one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dranging from “0” to “MC.” As shown inFIG.4, the first quadriceps electrical stimulation electrode134a, the first glute electrical stimulation electrode134b, the first tibia electrical stimulation electrode136a, and/or the first calf electrical stimulation electrode136bmay be engaged. Subsequent to engaging the one or more of the electrodes engaged with the first leg of the user, the controller120may direct the power source132to engage one or more electrical stimulation electrodes engaged with the second leg of the user. For example, the second quadriceps electrical stimulation electrode134d, the second glute electrical stimulation electrode134c, the second tibia electrical stimulation electrode136d, and/or the second calf electrical stimulation electrode136cmay be engaged.

As one example and as shown inFIG.4, in some embodiments, a user's gluteus maximus muscle and/or hamstring in the user's first leg may contract upon the activation of the first glute electrical stimulation electrode134b(FIG.2B). Subsequent to the activation of the first glute electrical stimulation electrode134b(FIG.2B) a user's gluteus maximus muscle in the user's second leg may contract upon the activation of the second glute electrical stimulation electrode134c(FIG.2B). By alternately engaging electrical stimulation electrodes engaged with the first leg and the second leg of the user, the user's muscles may contract in a manner similar to a walking stride.

In some embodiments, the controller120may direct the power source134to engage the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dat different power levels. Without being bound by theory, the power level (e.g., the electrical intensity) at which the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dare engaged is associated with the intensity with which a user's muscles contract. For example, engaging the one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dwith a comparatively high power level may cause a comparatively large muscle contraction, as compared to engaging the one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dwith a comparatively low power level.

For example and referring toFIGS.3and4in some embodiments, the controller120sends a signal to the power source132to engage a first one of the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dat a first power level. Subsequent to sending the signal to the power source132to engage the first one of the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dat the first power level, the controller120may send a signal to the power source132to engage the first one of the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dat a second power level that is different than the first power level.

As one example and referring toFIG.4, in some embodiments, the controller120sends a signal to the power source132to engage the first glute electrical stimulation electrode134bat a first power level at the beginning of the stride “0.” Subsequent to engaging the first glute electrical stimulation electrode134bat the first power level, the controller120sends a signal to the power source132to engage the first glute electrical stimulation electrode134bat a second power level that is different than the first power level. For example and as shown inFIG.4, in some embodiments, at mid-stride (e.g., 0.5SL), the first glute electrical stimulation electrode134bis engaged at a power level 0.5 MC, as compared to the beginning of the stride “0,” at which the first glute electrical stimulation electrode134bis engaged at a power level MC that is greater than the power level 0.5 MC. As further shown inFIG.4, each of the one of the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dcan be engaged at different power levels at different points in the stride, thereby varying the level of contraction of muscles in a manner similar to if the user were walking.

In some embodiments, the power level (e.g., the intensity of the engagement) of the one of the one or more electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dis based at least in part on the detected incline of the support device100, for example, as detected by the incline detection device142. As one example, in response to receiving a signal from the incline detection device142that the support device100is on a positive incline (e.g., that the support device100is traveling uphill), the controller120may direct the power source132to engage the one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dat a comparatively high power level. In response to receiving a signal from the incline detection device142that the support device100is on a negative incline (e.g., that the support device100is traveling downhill), the controller120may direct the power source132to engage the one or more of the electrical stimulation electrodes134a,134b,134c,134d,136a,136b,136c,136dat a comparatively low power level, where the comparatively low intensity is lower than the comparatively high power level. In this way, the support device100may simulate the engagement of the user's muscles in accordance with the terrain (e.g., the incline or decline) traversed by the support device100.

It should now be understood that embodiments described herein are directed to support devices including electrical stimulation electrodes. The electrical stimulation electrodes, in embodiments, may be activated based at least in part on a distance traveled by the support device. By activating the electrical stimulation electrodes based at least in part on the distance traveled by the support device, a user's legs may be contracted in manner similar to if the user were to walk the distance traveled by the support device. By contracting the user's leg muscles in this way, muscle atrophy may be reduced as compared to support devices that do not stimulate and contract the user's leg muscles.

Having described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detail and by reference to specific embodiments, it is noted that the various details described in this disclosure should not be taken to imply that these details relate to elements that are essential components of the various embodiments described in this disclosure, even in cases where a particular element is illustrated in each of the drawings that accompany the present description. Rather, the appended claims should be taken as the sole representation of the breadth of the present disclosure and the corresponding scope of the various embodiments described in this disclosure. Further, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various described embodiments provided such modification and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is noted that recitations herein of a component of the present disclosure being “structurally configured” in a particular way, to embody a particular property, or to function in a particular manner, are structural recitations, as opposed to recitations of intended use. More specifically, the references herein to the manner in which a component is “structurally configured” denotes an existing physical condition of the component and, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structural characteristics of the component.