Patent Publication Number: US-8529418-B2

Title: Balance therapy system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/168,339 titled “Therabalance,” filed on Apr. 10, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     I. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to therapy devices and more particularly to devices for balance rehabilitation. 
     II. Background Discussion 
     People who have suffered severe brain trauma or have other brain/muscular diseases, such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis have difficulty with motor function, for example muscle control and balance. Physical therapy can help reduce the effect of some of the symptoms, as well as improve a patient&#39;s motor function. For example, physical exercise and stretching can help people with cerebral palsy to increase muscle control and balance, as well as develop better control over involuntary muscle movements. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a tool that can help patients with mechanical or muscular difficulties to improve their balance and physical control. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of a balance board include a platform operatively connected to a ball, the ball is configured to rotate within a socket. The platform can be selectively deflected in the horizontal and vertical directions by a set of supports, additionally when the platform is deflected it can rotate, as the ball rotates within the socket. The balance board also can include at least one brake pad that can selectively increase or decrease resistance on the ball, as the ball rotates within the socket. As resistance to the ball increases, resistance to the standing platform movement increases; and as resistance to the ball decreases, resistance to the standing platform movement decreases. 
     Other embodiments of the disclosure include an exercise system having a balance board and a computer electrically connected to the balance board. The balance board can include a standing platform including a ball connected to the standing platform. Rotation of the standing platform rotates the ball, and preventing the ball from rotating prevents the standing platform from rotating. A braking assembly can be configured to selectively prevent the ball from rotating, and thus selectively prevent the standing platform from rotating. The supports can variably apply a force to the standing platform, rotating and deflecting the standing platform. 
     Still other embodiments of the disclosure include a method of improving muscular function for a subject. The method comprises, providing a balance board having a standing platform that rotates on a ball within a socket, providing a deflector assembly to selectively rotate and deflect the platform and provide a braking system for the ball, such that braking the ball increases the resistance to the platform movement. Signaling the deflector assembly to provide a first force to the platform. Placing a subject on the platform, measuring the subject&#39;s force in the subject&#39;s attempt to return the platform to a first location. Additionally, placing a subject on the platform and then signaling the deflector assembly to provide another force to the platform and have the subject react to the deflection of the platform. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a right side view of a balance platform in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  B is a front perspective view of the balance platform illustrated in  FIG. 1A  in a deflected position. 
         FIG. 2  is a left perspective view of some embodiments of a braking system of the balance platform removed from the inner structure and subject platform of the balance platform. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of one braking assembly of the braking system illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example of the computer system to be used with the balance platform illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
     
    
    
     The use of the same reference numerals in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A balance system that can be used to increase motor and balance skills is disclosed. In some embodiments, the balance system includes a balance platform in communication with a computer system. The balance system in some embodiments, includes a standing platform supported by a central support. The standing platform can be rotated, angled and set to a variety of positions. The standing platform rotates on a ball within a socket and can be deflected in a variety of directions via actuators that act on the standing platform. Braking can be achieved through brake actuators including brake springs and pads acting on the ball within the ball and socket joint. The brake actuators and the deflection actuators can be individually controlled and set to specific levels. In some embodiments, the deflection actuators can be set to angle the standing platform at a particular angle, and the brake actuators can be set to provide a set level of resistance to movement of the standing platform in particular directions. These embodiments allow a therapist to evaluate a patient&#39;s ability to balance using specific muscles, and focus on the rehabilitation of certain muscles versus others. 
     In some embodiments the braking system and the actuators can be supported by a frame. Additionally, the frame can support a subject platform. The subject platform provides an area for a subject to stand before stepping onto the standing platform. The subject platform can additionally be provided with a handrail or other type of guide rail for the subject. 
     In other embodiments, a computer system can be coupled with the balance platform. In these embodiments, the therapist can electronically control each brake actuator and platform actuator (i.e. set the resistance for the platform movement or set the angle of deflection for the standing platform). Additionally, the braking system can be calibrated such that if the brake pads wear down the acting force on the pads may be increased, thus providing a consistent level of braking (although the pads are worn). Further, the computer system can store data specific to each patient, such that a therapist can track a patient&#39;s progress throughout the entire therapy process. 
     One skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application. For example, while embodiments disclosed herein can focus on a balance platform for physical therapy or rehabilitation, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein equally apply to other types of training or treatment, such as to increase athletic responses or heal/prevent physical injuries. Furthermore, while embodiments disclosed herein can focus on actuators for displacement and resistance, other types of displacement and braking techniques/apparatuses can be used. Also, for the sake of discussion, the embodiments disclosed herein can tend to focus on therapy sessions including a patient and a doctor/therapist; however, these concepts apply to exercise outside of the therapy and dual person context. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these embodiments. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the balance board,  FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of the balance board shown in  FIG. 1A  in a deflected position. Referring now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the balance board  10  can include a standing platform  12  supported by a central support  20 , the central support  20  can be connected to the standing platform via fasteners  17 . The standing platform  12  can be deflected by deflection actuators  13  and can include a braking system  18 . The central support  20  is connected to a frame  15 , the frame  15  supports a subject platform  14  or walkway, the deflection actuators  13 , the platform controllers  24 , as well as the braking system  18  and central support  20 . 
     In some embodiments, the standing platform  12  provides an area for the subject or patient to stand while using the balance board  10 . The subject stands on the standing platform  12  and can push on different areas of the standing platform  12  in an attempt to deflect the standing platform  12  in a variety of directions. The force required by the subject to deflect the standing platform  12  can be adjusted by increasing the resistance or braking of the braking system  18 . In other embodiments, the subject can stand on the standing platform  12  and respond to deflection of the standing platform  12  produced by the deflection actuators. In still other embodiments, the standing platform  12  can be angled by the deflection actuators before the subject steps on to the standing platform  12 . The subject can act against the resistance and deflection to angle the standing platform  12  in another direction. 
     These types of movements by the subject on the standing platform  12  help a patient/subject develop better muscle control, response and balance. For example, if the standing platform  12  is deflected off horizontal level the patient can press against the unbalanced side, to push it back into a horizontal position, this can help to build up muscle control in the patient. Additionally, as the resistance of the standing platform  12  can be adjusted, the difficulty level can be increased as the patient&#39;s muscle control advances. 
     The standing platform  12  in some embodiments is substantially circular in shape, however in other embodiments, the standing platform  12  can be other shapes, such as square, rectangular, and the like. The standing platform  12  in various embodiments can be constructed out any other material suitable for supporting a person, for example, aluminum, steel, alloys, plastic, wood, or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the standing platform  12  can include a coating on top of the material. For example, the coating can be a non-slip plastic, grip tape, or sticky coating to provide better traction for the subject. 
     Turning again to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the standing platform  12  is operatively associated with the frame  15  via the central support  20 , which supports the standing platform  12 . The frame  15  provides support to the standing platform  12 , the braking system  18 , the deflection actuators  13 , as well as the deflection controllers  24  and the braking controllers  26 . The frame  15  includes outer support bars  16  connected to a lower support ring  21 , the outer support bars  16  provide support for the subject platform  14 . The lower support ring  21  further includes floor support bars  22 ,  23 , which rest on the ground beneath the balance board  10 . The floor support bars  22 ,  23  also provide attachment locations for the deflection controllers  24 , as well as the brake controllers  26 . The floor support bars  22 ,  23  also can be connected to the central support  20 . In some embodiments, the frame  15  can be constructed out of 1 inch aluminum bars, however in other embodiments the frame  15  can be constructed out of any other durable material, such as steel, alloys, plastic, and the like. 
     The subject platform  14  provides an area for the subject to stand before and after stepping on the standing platform  12 . The subject platform  14  can be constructed out of similar materials to the standing platform  12  and some embodiments can include an exterior coating for the material as well. The subject platform  14  can be restricted from movement by the support bars  16 , as it provides a stable area for a subject to stand. In some embodiments, a handrail (not illustrated) can be secured to the subject platform  14 . For example, a handrail can be placed on an outer circumference of the subject platform or on the inner circumference of the subject platform  14 , or both locations. These embodiments provide a place of a subject to grab on to in order to support himself, while on the subject platform  14 , or on the standing platform  12 . The subject platform  14  can be shaped to essentially conform to the shape of the standing platform  12 , and in some embodiments, the subject platform  14  can be circular shaped. However, in other embodiments, the subject platform  14  can be shaped in a different shape from the standing platform  12 . 
     The deflection actuators  13  can be configured to deflect the standing platform  12  in the lateral and vertical directions, and in some cases the deflection actuators  13  can deflect the standing platform  12  in both the lateral and vertical directions concurrently. In some embodiments, the deflection actuators  13  act on a bottom side of the standing platform  12 , and can push upwards on the standing platform  12  to deflect it upwards or can be lowered (while other deflection actuators  13  can be raised) to lower the standing platform  12  in some directions. For example, in some embodiments the deflection actuators  13  can move from 0 to 25 degrees of deflection, and can allow for motion in the lateral and vertical directions either separately or at the same time. The deflection actuators  13  can be positioned such that when the standing platform  12  is deflected in some angles, some of the actuators may not be in contact with the standing platform  12 . This can be possible, as in some embodiments, the standing platform  12  may be supported only by the central support  20 , such that the deflection actuators  13  may not provide structural support for the standing platform  12 . In some embodiments, the deflection actuators  13  can be separated from each other deflection actuator  13  by 90 degrees, however it should be noted that the deflection actuators  13  can be separated by other distances as well. 
     The deflection actuators  13  in some embodiments can be limiter actuators. In other embodiments the deflection actuators  13  can be attached to supports/legs that act on the standing platform  12 , such that the deflection actuators  13  act on the supports (i.e. displacing the supports in a certain direction) and then each support can in turn act on the standing platform  12 . Additionally, each deflection actuator  13  can produce an electric signal indicating its respective displacement. 
     The deflection actuators  13  can be controlled by deflection controllers  24 . For example, in some embodiments, the deflection controllers  24  can raise and lower each deflection actuator  13 . In some embodiments, the deflection controllers  24  can raise and lower each deflection actuator  13  by providing varying electrical signals to each deflection actuator  13 . The deflection controllers  24  house electrical components for each deflection actuator  13 , and the deflection controllers  24  can be electrically connected to a computer system. Although each deflection actuator  13  has been illustrated with its own deflection controller  24 , there can be other embodiments, for example, there can be a singular deflection controller  24  for all the deflection actuators  13 . In these embodiments, the deflection controller  24  can control every deflection actuator  13 . Further, the deflection actuators  13  and the deflection controllers  24  can include sensors, such as sonar sensors, or the like to detect the position/deflection changes of each actuator  13 . These embodiments allow for a therapist, subject or doctor to be able to determine (and monitor) the deflection angle and amounts for each actuator  13 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the braking system  18  attached to the standing platform  12 , removed from the frame  15  and the subject platform  14 .  FIG. 3  illustrates an enlarged view of one brake assembly  31 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , the standing platform  12  can rotate via a ball  30 , the standing platform  12  is connected to the ball  30  by a ball support rod  28  and a support plate  44 . The support rod  28  also can connect at a bottom portion of the ball  30  the support  42 . As the deflection actuators  13  act on the standing platform  12  to displace it in the horizontal or vertical directions, the ball  30  rotates within a socket or joint created by the braking assemblies  31 . The ball  30  allows the standing platform  12  to rotate in a number of directions, while providing stability for the standing platform  12 . 
     The ball  30  can include a flat bottom  46 , in order to allow the support rod  28  to connect to the support  42 . In some embodiments, the support rod  28  carries most of the vertical load of the standing platform  12 . In these embodiments, the ball  30  can also have a larger range of motion (than a rounded bottom), as the ball  30  can deflect to steeper angles because the bottom  46  of the ball  30  can better avoid hitting the support  42 . In some embodiments, the ball  30  can be constructed out of steel, however in other embodiments the ball  30  can be constructed out of similarly strong materials, such as steel alloys, and the like. Additionally, in some embodiments the ball  30  can be substantially hollow. Further, there can be a coating included on the outside surface of the ball  30 . These embodiments, can increase or decrease the resistance of the standing platform  12 , i.e. by increasing or decreasing the friction on a surface of the ball  30 . 
     The ball braking assemblies  31  create a socket or joint for the ball  30  to rotate, the braking assemblies  31  are attached to the center support  20  by support  42 . The support  42  can be secured to the central support  20 , the support  42  connects the braking assemblies  31  to the balance board  10  system. In some embodiments, there can be three braking assemblies  31  spaced around the ball  30 . In these embodiments, the braking assemblies  31  can be spaced 120 degrees apart from each other. However, in other embodiments, there can be fewer or more braking assemblies  31  spaced in any manner, depending on the size of the ball  30  or the desired level of braking control. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the support  42  can be formed as a singular piece and include a prong or leg for each braking assembly  31 . In some embodiments, there can be three legs, such that the support  42  forms a “Y” shape. The braking assemblies  31  can additionally be connected to the floor support bars  22 ,  23 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each braking assembly  31  can include a brake pad  36 , a brake pad rod  38 , a lever arm  32 , a connection bracket  33 , connection fasteners  34 ,  40 , and a brake controller  26 . The brake pads  36  can be controlled by each respective brake controller  26 . For example, the brake controller  26  provides a signal or force to the lever arm  32  and the lever arm  32  pushes (or pulls) the brake pad rod  38 . The brake pad rod  38  subsequently applies or reduces force to springs (not shown) and the springs act on the brake pad  36 , and the brake pad  36  reacts on the ball  30 . In these embodiments, the braking system  18  applies friction (or other braking mechanisms) directly to the ball  30 . These embodiments provide predictable resistance and calibration for the balance board  10  system. For example, as each pad  36  can be individually controlled, the standing platform  12  can be calibrated to each subject and easily set to return to a specific resistance. Additionally, the braking system  18  allows for variable resistance within the socket, as applied to the ball  30 . The braking system  18 , can be configured to provide braking on the ball  30  constant symmetric resistance to the ball  30 . Further, the braking system  18  can apply more force to the lever arm  32  if a brake pad  36  begins to wear out. In these embodiments, the life of the braking system  18  can be extended, while maintaining a consistent level of braking force applied to the ball  30 . For example, if one brake pad  36  wears down, the force for the pad&#39;s lever arm  32  may be increased for a set level of braking on the ball  30 , while the other pads  36  (and their lever arms  32 ) may remain the same. Similarly, if the brake pads  36  have all worn consistently, the force for each pad  36  may be increased to maintain a consistent level of braking. 
     The brake pads  36  apply a force to the ball  30  in order to slow it down or stop it completely. For example, by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to the ball  30  the brake pads  36  can completely stop the ball  30  from rotating in a certain direction. Further, the brake pads  36  may apply uniform symmetrical resistance to either a horizontal or vertical rotation axis of the ball  30 . In some embodiments, the brake pads  36  can be curved to substantially follow the shape of the ball  30 . These embodiments, allow the brake pads  36  to better be able to stop movement of the ball  30 , as the entire pad  36  can be applied against a surface of the ball  30 . The brake pads  36  can be constructed out of zinc in some embodiments, but in other embodiments, the pads  36  can be constructed out of any other suitable materials, such as those materials having strong coefficients of friction, or other materials including a coating to increase the coefficient of friction. Further, each pad  36  as well as each brake pad rod  38  can include sensors to indicate the amount of friction applied to the ball  30 , as well as the amount of deflection of the brake controller  26 . These embodiments allow the balance board  10  system to alert a subject (via a computer display) that the braking system  18  can be worn out. 
     The brake pad rod  38  can contain springs to increase or decrease force applied to the brake pads  36 . In these embodiments, the springs may be used to gradually apply/reduce force to the brake pads  36 . However, in other embodiments, the brake pad rod  38  can apply a force directly to the brake pads  36 , i.e. the springs can be omitted. Additionally, there can be multiple brake pad rods  38  for each brake pad  36 , these embodiments distribute the force from the springs and/or lever arm  32  throughout the entire brake pad  36 . The brake pad rod  38  can connect to a lever arm  32  at a hinge  48  located at a top portion of the lever arm  32 . The hinge  48  can be configured to secure the brake rod arm  38  to the lever arm  32 , while still allowing the lever arm  32  to rotate with respect to the brake rod  38 . Similarly, the lever arm  32  can be connected at a connection point  50  to the support  42 , the support  42  can connect to an attachment piece  34 , which can then attach to the lever arm  32 . 
     The lever arm  32  provides a force to the brake pad rod  38  in order to increase the movement resistance of the standing platform  12 . For example, if a subject wishes to increase the difficulty of deflecting the standing portion  12  in a certain direction, the lever arm  32  can be used to increase the resistance on the ball  30  in that direction. The lever arm  32  can be connected (via a fastener  40 ) to a brake controller  26 . Thus, the lever arm  32  can be configured to respond to electrical or mechanical signals from the brake controller  26 , and move the brake pad rod  38  accordingly. The brake controllers  26  can be brake actuators, that displace according to a signal. In these embodiments the brake controllers  26  can pull the brake pad control rods  38  away from the brake pad  36  (and away from the ball  30 ) to decrease the amount of braking and displace towards the ball  30  (i.e. towards a center of the balance board  10 ) to increase the force on the brake pad  36 , thus increase the braking of the standing platform  12 . 
     Similar to the deflection actuators  13  and deflection controllers  24 , there can be sensors located at on the brake controllers  26 , as well as the lever arm  32  and/or the brake pads  36 . These embodiments, provide data regarding displacement, and resistance of the braking system  18 . This allows for a subject/therapist to calibrate the braking system  18 , monitor the resistance applied to the ball  30 , as well as determine whether the braking system  18  may be worn out. The sensors can be sonar displacement sensors, position sensors, force sensors, and the like. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the computer system  50  that can be used in conjunction with the balance board  10 . In some embodiments, the deflection actuators  13  and the braking system  18  can be monitored and controlled via the computer system  50 . For example, the braking system  18  can provide electronic signals indicating the amount of braking force applied to the ball  30 . Similarly, the amount of force applied by the braking system  18  may be controlled by a doctor/therapist via the computer system  50 . 
     In some embodiments, the computer system  50  is capable of storing and/or processing signals, such as to receive signals from the balance board  10  system, process those signals to display related information in terms of the standing platform displacement  12 , resistance, and the like. In these embodiments, a therapist (or other subject) can read real-time position and resistance displays produced by the balance board  10 . Similarly, the computer system  50  can be used to communicate positions to the balance board  10 . In these embodiments, the therapist (or other computer system  50  subject) can set the position of each deflection actuator  13  (and in turn set the position of the standing platform  12 ), as well as set the resistance level of the standing platform  12 . The computer system  50  can also be used to track patient progress as well as compare different patients/subjects. 
     In some therapy treatments, the therapist can configure the deflection actuators  13  to deflect the standing platform  12  to a certain angle or tilt. Once the standing platform  12  has been tilted, the subject can mount onto the standing platform  12 . The therapist can then measure the time it takes the subject to reach a balanced state while standing on the tilted standing platform  12 . The balanced state for the subject may be maintaining a level position on the standing platform  12 . The subject&#39;s time may be recorded (i.e. the time it takes for the subject to reach a balanced position). The time can then be compared against other patients&#39; times, previous times by the subject, or other data. The goal for the subject can be to reach a balance state in a minimum amount of time, and the therapist can (via the computer  50 ) chart and store the balance time for each session. 
     Other therapy treatments can involve starting the standing platform  12  in a horizontal (i.e. not deflected) position and the therapist can then have the subject mount the standing platform  12 . The therapist can then deflect the standing platform  12 , with the object to measure the subject&#39;s ability to balance while the platform has different degrees of deflection. It should be noted that there are multiple types of treatments available and these previous examples are just certain instances of how the balance board  10  and computer  50  system can be used in combination to evaluate and improve a subject&#39;s balance and muscle function. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the computer system  50  can be an implementation of enterprise level computers, such as one or more servers. In other embodiments, the computer system  50  can be a personal computer and/or a handheld electronic device. A keyboard  60  and mouse  64  can be coupled to the computer system  50  via a system bus  72 . The keyboard  60  and the mouse  64 , in one example, can introduce subject input to the computer system  50  and communicate that subject input to a processor  58 . Other suitable input devices can be used in addition to, or in place of, the mouse  64  and the keyboard  60 . An input/output unit  52  (I/O) coupled to the system bus  72  represents such I/O elements as a printer, audio/video (A/V) I/O, etc. Further, the balance board  10  system can be coupled to the computer system  50  via the input/output unit  52 . In these embodiments, the sensors located throughout the balance board  10  can provide feedback to be processed by the processor  58 . 
     In other embodiments, the balance board  10  can additionally include an additional computer system  50  in order to process the data signals directly. In other embodiments, the balance board  10  can include a processor or microcontroller for receiving signals from the various sensors and communicating them (via the input/output unit  52 ) to the computer system  50 . 
     Computer  50  also can include a video memory  62 , a main memory  66  and a mass storage  68 , all coupled to the system bus  72  along with the keyboard  60 , the mouse  64  and the processor  58 . The mass storage  68  can include both fixed and removable media, such as magnetic, optical or magnetic optical storage systems and any other available mass storage technology. The bus  72  can contain, for example, address lines for addressing the video memory  62  or the main memory  66 . 
     The system bus  72  also can include a data bus for transferring data between and among the components, such as the processor  58 , the main memory  66 , the video memory  62  and the mass storage  68 . The video memory  62  can be a dual-ported video random access memory. One port of the video memory  62 , in one example, is coupled to a video amplifier  54 , which is used to drive a monitor  56 . The monitor  56  can be any type of monitor suitable for displaying graphic images, such as a cathode ray tube monitor (CRT), flat panel, or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor or any other suitable data presentation device. 
     The computer system includes a processor  58 , which can be any suitable microprocessor or microcomputer. The computer system  50  also can include a communication interface  70  coupled to the bus  72 . The communication interface  70  provides a two-way data communication coupling via a network link. For example, the communication interface  70  can be a satellite link, a local area network (LAN) card, a cable modem, and/or wireless interface. In any such implementation, the communication interface  70  sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information, such as seismic signals that have been separated from a blended signal and/or blended signals. 
     Code received by the computer system  50  can be executed by the processor  58  as the code is received, and/or stored in the mass storage  68 , or other non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, the computer system  50  can obtain program code in a variety of forms. Program code can be embodied in any form of computer program product such as a medium configured to store or transport computer readable code or data, or in which computer readable code or data can be embedded. Examples of computer program products include CD-ROM discs, ROM cards, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, computer hard drives, servers on a network, and solid state memory devices. 
     Regardless of the actual implementation of the computer system  50 , the data processing system can execute operations that allow for the processing and analysis of multiple waveform and seismic signals.