Abstract:
A computerized system and method for establishing a posture correction exercise program requires observing the patient relative to a predetermined framework. This is done to identify postural mal-alignments for the patient that can be respectively referenced to a predetermined view plane (frontal; sagittal; and transverse planes) and graded according to their severity. Additionally, the patient&#39;s weight bearing sensations are obtained for use with the mal-alignment data. This data is then input to a computer where each mal-alignment is matched with an exercise to create the corrective exercise program. The corrective exercise program can then be edited to customize the program for the patient.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention pertains generally to physical exercise programs. More particularly, the present invention pertains to exercise programs that are generated with the assistance of a computer. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a system and method for generating corrective exercise programs for improving a person&#39;s posture. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Posture can be succinctly defined as being the position or carriage of the human body. More particularly, posture refers to the habitual or assumed disposition of the parts of the body when standing, sitting, etc. Anatomically, good posture is exhibited whenever the component parts of the body&#39;s musculoskeletal structure are in proper alignment with each other. It happens, however, not all persons have good posture. 
   The mal-alignments of body parts that manifest themselves as poor posture have long been considered to be a predisposing factor in causing injuries. Specifically, these injuries can cause acute and chronic pains that result from increased joint wear and tear, decreased efficiency, disuse atrophy of muscles, and abnormal muscle patterns caused by substitution. Suffice it to say that maintaining good posture is essential for good health. 
   Through the years, the mal-alignments (postural deviations) that contribute to poor posture have been generally defined with reference to particular view planes. Specifically, these view plans are: 1) the frontal plane, 2) the sagittal plane, and 3) the transverse plane. The frontal or coronal plane derives its name from the direction or the coronal suture of the skull. It is a vertical plane that extends through the body from side to side, and divides the body into front and back sections of equal weight. On the other hand, the sagittal plane derives its name from the sagittal suture of the skull. It is also a vertical plane and divides the body into right and left halves. Unlike the frontal and sagittal planes, the transverse plane is horizontal and divides the body into upper (cranial) and lower (caudal) halves. With reference to these respective planes, observable skeletal mal-alignments (postural deviations) can be measured and evaluated. As indicated above, however, observable skeletal mal-alignments will also indicate muscular dysfunctions. More specifically, as implied above, posture is a consequence of the musculoskeletal structure of the human body. Accordingly, although the skeletal structure of the body is more easily observed, the muscular system of the body also needs consideration. 
   Insofar as posture is concerned, the muscles of the body can be generally divided into two groups. More generally, this division is based on the functionality of the respective muscle groups. One group is the dynamic muscle group (i.e. muscles that actively contract to coordinate and control body movements) the other is the static muscle group (i.e. muscles that provide tonic muscle control). With poor body posture, it is known that the muscles of both groups are adversely affected. Specifically, the dynamic muscle group becomes weaker, while muscles of the static muscle group become shorter. 
   As recognized by persons skilled in the art, in addition to the mal-alignments (postural deviations) that can be observed relative to standardized view planes, a person&#39;s weight bearing sensations also provide valuable diagnostic data. Specifically, it is known that a person&#39;s weight bearing sensations, as perceived by their feet in a standing position, can be used to help qualify muscle function. Importantly, all this data can be collectively evaluated and used to prescribe a proper sequence of appropriate exercises for both the static and dynamic muscle groups. The object, of course, is to prescribe an exercise program that will effectively correct the mal-alignments (postural deviations) that contribute to poor posture. 
   It happens that the number and type of exercises that are useful for correcting body mal-alignments (postural deviations) are many and varied. Consequently, the selection and proper sequencing or ordering of exercises for an effective corrective exercise program can be difficult and time consuming. Moreover, subjective considerations such as the severity of a particular mal-alignment can greatly influence the content and implementation of a corrective exercise program. 
   In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system with a computerized method for creating a corrective exercise program that quickly and efficiently selects a sequence of appropriate exercises for correcting a person&#39;s posture. Another object of the present invention is to provide a computerized method for creating a corrective exercise program that is based on subjective considerations such as the weight bearing sensations of the person and the severity of particular postural deviations (mal-alignments). Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for creating a corrective exercise program that can be easily reviewed and verified. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system with a computerized method for creating a corrective exercise program that is easy to implement, simple to use and comparatively cost effective. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A system and method for electronically evaluating the posture of a patient for the purpose of establishing a corrective exercise program requires performing a so-called “active test” and then positioning the patient in a grided framework. While the patient is positioned in the framework, a record of the patient&#39;s observable deviations from a correct postural alignment (i.e. mal-alignments) is prepared. Specifically, the mal-alignments are recorded with reference to body-based view planes that include: a frontal plane; a sagittal plane; and a transverse plane. In addition to results of the active test and the mal-alignments that are observed relative to the view planes, subjective data is also obtained from the patient pertaining to their weight bearing sensations. 
   As indicated above, in accordance with the present invention, an evaluation of a patient&#39;s posture begins by giving the patient an active test. Specifically, this active test involves having the patient close his/her eyes while jogging in place for a period of time. The general direction, extent and nature of any deviational movement by the patient from his/her initial position is then recorded for use with other test results. 
   For purposes of the present invention, the grided framework preferably includes a vertically oriented planar backdrop that has grid lines for a plurality of horizontally oriented rows and a plurality of vertically oriented columns. Additionally, the framework includes a vertically oriented plumb line that is distanced from the backdrop to allow the patient to be positioned between the backdrop and the plumb line. 
   To identify postural deviations relative to the sagittal plane, the patient stands in the framework with his/her sagittal plane substantially perpendicular to the backdrop (i.e. frontal plane substantially parallel to the backdrop). Anterior, frontal right, posterior, frontal left and transverse views can then be taken of the patient. To identify postural deviations relative to the frontal plane, the patient turns and stands in the framework with his/her sagittal plane substantially parallel to the backdrop. Left and right views can then be taken. Postural deviations in the transverse plane are best observed from an overhead, superior, view point. Data that has been obtained from a patient, pertaining to his/her weight bearing sensations and his/her mal-alignments relative to the view planes, can be directly input to a computer. Optionally, the collected data can be somehow recorded and subsequently input into the computer. 
   For the present invention, a computer is used to group mal-alignments (postural deviations) according to their view plane and within each view plane group, to then evaluate the mal-alignments for their severity. The mal-alignments are then placed in order within their respective view plane according to their severity. Next, the computer is used to compare the ordered mal-alignments with various physical exercises for the purpose of appropriately matching exercises with mal-alignments. Typically, there will be several exercises that are needed for the correction of each mal-alignment. In any event, once exercises have been identified and selected for the correction of a particular mal-alignment, they are sequenced according to the efficacy of the exercise. The result is a corrective exercise program that can be output from the computer. 
   In most instances, the sequencing of exercises in the corrective exercise program will be established, in a preferred order, to reduce postural deviations (mal-alignments) in the frontal plane, reduce postural deviations in the sagittal plane and, reduce postural deviations in the transverse plane. In general, postural deviations referenced to the frontal plane include anterior/posterior pelvic tilts, forward/backward head, knee recurvatum, glenohumeral anterior/posterior translation, exaggerated/decreased anteroposterior spinal curves, and trunk rotations. Further, postural deviations referenced to the sagittal plane include left/right head side bend, high/low shoulder, high/low iliac crest, knee valgus and varus, tibial rotation, foot hyperpronation/supination, calcaneal valgus and varus. Still further, postural deviations referenced to the transverse plane include head rotations, trunk rotations, shoulder internal rotation, scapulae abduction, medial/lateral patella position, and internal/external hip rotations. 
   Once the corrective exercise program is output from the computer, it can be subsequently varied and customized by a therapist for the particular person whose posture is being corrected. A report for the corrective exercise program is then prepared and automatically generated to memorialize the findings. The corrective exercise program is then sent to the patient in any of several ways, such as by mail (i.e., hard copy) or email, as well as by CD/DVD, VHS or Streamed Video. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a patient/person standing in the framework of the present invention for the purpose of obtaining posture mal-alignment data; 
       FIG. 2  is a posture evaluation chart for a patient/person representing commonly seen mal-alignments; 
       FIG. 3  is an operational flow chart for a computer that is useful for implementing the methods of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 4  is a table of exercises for correcting postural deviations (mal-alignments). 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a framework for use with the present invention is shown, and is generally designated  10 . As impliedly shown in  FIG. 1 , the intended use of the framework  10  is for the observation and measurement of postural deviations (mal-alignments) of a person/patient  12 . Included in the framework  10  for these purposes are a planar backdrop  14  and a plumb line  16 . More specifically, the backdrop  14  is oriented vertically and has a plurality of vertical lines  18 , of which the lines  18   a–c  are exemplary. The backdrop  14  also has a plurality of horizontal lines  20 , of which the lines  20   a–c  are exemplary. Together, the lines  18  and  20  form a grid-work. In front of this grid-work (backdrop  14 ) the plumb line  16  is hung from a point  22  on a structure (such as a ceiling, not shown) and is held taut by a weight  24 . As shown, the plumb line  16  is distanced from the backdrop  14  to allow the person/patient  12  to stand between the backdrop  14  and the plumb line  16 . 
   With specific reference to the person/patient  12 , three different view planes can be identified. These are: a frontal plane  26 , a sagittal plane  28  and a transverse plane  30 . In general, the frontal plane  26  divides the person/patient  12  into front and back halves, while the sagittal plane  28  divides the person/patient  12  into right and left halves. The transverse plane  30 , on the other hand, divides the person/patient  12  into upper (coronal) and lower (caudal) halves. Accordingly, when the person/patient  12  is standing in the framework  10 , between the backdrop  14  and the plumb line  16 , substantially as shown in  FIG. 1 , postural deviations (mal-alignments) can be observed relative to the vertical lines  18  and horizontal lines  20  on the backdrop  14 . Specifically, as intended for the present invention, a therapist (not shown) will observe the person/patient  12  in the framework  10  from the perspective indicated by arrow  32 . The postural deviations (mal-alignments) of the person/patient  12  can then be recorded on a posture evaluation chart that is shown and generally designated  34  in  FIG. 2 . 
   By cross referencing  FIG. 1  with  FIG. 2  it will be appreciated that direct visual observations of the person/patient  12  can be made from five different perspectives. Two of these perspectives pertain to the frontal plane  26 , two pertain to the sagittal plane  28 , and one perspective pertains to the transverse plane  30 . For all five perspectives, the therapist views the person/patient  12  in the direction indicated by arrow  32 . Specifically, insofar as views relative to the sagittal plane  28  are concerned, the person/patient  12  stands between the backdrop  14  and the plumb line  16 , with the plumb line  16  in the sagittal plane  28 . Then, facing the therapist, an anterior observation  36  of the person/patient  12  is made (i.e. with the person/patient  12  positioned as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Also, when facing away from the therapist (i.e. with the person/patient  12  looking toward the backdrop  14 ) a posterior observation  38  is made. 
   To obtain views of the person/patient  12  relative to the frontal plane  26 , the person/patient  12  turns so that the frontal plane  26  is substantially perpendicular to the backdrop  14 . Also, the plumb line  16  should lie in the frontal plane  26 . In this position, a right side observation  40  of the person/patient  12  can be made. By turning around to face the opposite direction, again with the frontal plane  26  substantially perpendicular to the backdrop  14 , a left side observation  42  can also be made. 
   While the person/patient  12  is being observed, a superior observation  44  that is taken generally with reference to the transverse plane  30 , is also made. Preferably, the superior observation  44  will be from a perspective taken in the direction of arrow  45 . Additionally, subjective data concerning the weight bearing sensations of the person/patient  12  are also obtained. As indicated in  FIG. 2 , the data concerning the anterior observation  36 , the posterior observation  38 , the right side observation  40 , the left side observation  42 , the superior observation  44  and the weight bearing sensations are all recorded on the posture evaluation chart  34 . 
   In addition to the data that is collected about the person/patient  12  with reference to the framework  10 , it is also to be appreciated that data from an active test is also obtained for inclusion on the posture evaluation chart  34 . As indicated above, the active test is performed by having the person/patient  12  close his/her eyes and then run or jog in place. The amount of time the person/patient  12  runs or jogs with their eyes closed is subjective. Most likely, however, the elapsed time for the active test will not be more than about ten or twenty seconds. In any event, whatever deviation the person/patient  12  experiences in movement from their initial location, while supposedly jogging in place with their eyes closed, is recorded for evaluation in conjunction with other data. Specifically, the data recorded from the active test will include the direction and extent of any deviational movement, as well as the time in the exercise at which such movement begins. 
     FIG. 3  indicates that the data from the posture evaluation chart  34  can be used as input to a computer that will functionally follow an operational flow chart such as the one shown and generally designated  46  in  FIG. 3 . Optionally, the flow chart  46  can be used directly. In either case, the input of this data is indicated in the chart  46  by block  48 . Action block  50  in chart  46  then indicates that the mal-alignments recorded in the postural evaluation chart  34  are ordered according to their respective view planes (i.e. frontal plane  26 , sagittal plane  28 , and transverse plane  30 ). Next, the inquiry block  52  and its associated functional blocks shown in  FIG. 3  indicate that each mal-alignment is evaluated and ordered according to the severity of the particular mal-alignment. Once the mal-alignments have been organized, action block  54  in flow chart  46  indicates that appropriate exercises are selected. Typically, these exercises will be selected from the table  56  shown in  FIG. 4  and will be arranged as a sequence of exercises that, in order, are designed to reduce postural deviations in the frontal plane  26 , reduce postural deviations in the sagittal plane  28 , and reduce postural deviations in the transverse plane  30 . 
   In general, postural deviations (mal-alignments) referenced to the frontal plane  26  include anterior/posterior pelvic tilts, forward/backward head, knee recurvatum, glenohumeral anterior/posterior translation, exaggerated/decreased anteroposterior spinal curves, and trunk rotations. On the other hand, postural deviations (mal-alignments) that are referenced to the sagittal plane  28  include left/right head side bend, high/low shoulder, high/low iliac crest, knee valgus and varus, tibial rotation, foot hyperpronation/supination, calcaneal valgus and varus. Further, postural deviations (mal-alignments) that are referenced to the transverse plane  30  include head rotations, trunk rotations, shoulder internal rotation, scapulae abduction, medial/lateral patella position, and internal/external hip rotations. 
   As intended for the present invention, exercises will be automatically selected from those listed in table  56  ( FIG. 4 ) for use in the corrective exercise program. Nevertheless, although the present invention is intended to be comprehensive and effective in the exercise selection process, the present invention also provides the user/therapist with the ability and opportunity to edit and modify the program when appropriate (see block  58  in chart  46 ). In each case, the result is an output  60  that can be used by a therapist to implement an effective program of exercises that will correct the posture of his/her patient/person  12 . 
   While the particular System and Method for Implementing Postural Realignment Programs as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.