Patent Publication Number: US-8529480-B2

Title: System and method for treating cervical vertebrae

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/050,780 filed May 6, 2008, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING CERVICAL VERTEBRAE,” which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present technology generally relate to systems and methods for treating cervical vertebrae. 
     Cervical vertebrae ailments can be painful and can limit an individual&#39;s daily activities. Further, if left untreated, cervical vertebrae ailments can lead to complications. For example, misaligned cervical vertebrae can lead to uneven pressure on discs, eventually leading to the nucleus pulposa creating pressure on annular fibers in one direction. Sustained pressure over time plus repetitive trauma of domestic activities in daily living or otherwise can lead to a risk of herniated discs. Chiropractic adjustments and cervical flexion-distraction can lead to centralization of nucleus, decrease wear and tear and aid realignment. 
     Devices configured to treat the cervical region and/or the lumbo/sacral region exist. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0047237, which names Pruett et al. and was published on Mar. 2, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,451, which issued to Splane, Jr. on Feb. 17, 2004; U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,640, which issued to Riddle et al. on Jun. 14, 1994; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,111, which issued to Steffensmeier on Oct. 2, 1990. 
     However, known devices do not provide automated cervical flexion-distraction in desired ranges of motion. There is, therefore, a need for improved systems and methods for treating cervical vertebrae. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain embodiments provide systems, methods and computer readable mediums encoded with computer instructions for treating cervical vertebrae. 
     For example, in certain embodiments, a cervical vertebrae treatment device includes a head support configured to support a patient&#39;s head; and a motion component operably connected to the head support, wherein the motion component is configured to provide movement of the head support about at least three axes. 
     For example, in certain embodiments, a method for treating cervical vertebrae includes: providing a head support that is operably connected to a motion component configured to provide movement of the head support about at least three axes; and moving the head support using the motion component. 
     For example, in certain embodiments, a computer readable medium encoded with a set of computer instructions for treating cervical vertebrae includes: an input routine that allows at least one of patient information and treatment information to be input using a user interface; and a control routine that allows a computer processor to control operation of a motion component in a cervical vertebrae treatment device based on at least one of the patient information and the treatment information, wherein the motion component is configured to provide movement of a head support about at least three axes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a motion component of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of the motion component illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a top view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a component of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a side-sectional view of a component of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a top view of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a top view of the treatment device illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 20A  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 20B  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 20C  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 20D  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 20E  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 20F  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a prior art treatment device. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a modified treatment device  2200  that includes components used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a control system used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a dialog for a user-interface used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. 
     
    
    
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Certain embodiments of the present technology provide systems and methods for treating cervical vertebrae. In the Figures, common elements are denoted with common identifiers. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a treatment device  100  used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The treatment device  100  includes: a lower table portion  102 , a middle table portion  104 , an upper table portion  106 , legs  120 , a head support  108 , and a motion component  114  that includes an arm  110 . The legs  120  are configured to maintain the lower table portion  102 , middle table portion  104 , and upper table portion  106  off the ground. In certain embodiments, for example, the table  100  may be raised or lowered to accommodate different size or disabled patients, for example, by adjusting the length of the legs  120 . In certain embodiments, for example, the motion component  114  is disposed between one or more of the table portions and the ground. In certain embodiments, for example, the motion component is attached to one or more of the table portions using a fastening system that includes screws, bolts, and/or other fasteners. In certain embodiments, for example, the upper table portion  106  can be removable to accommodate different body sizes and shapes. The axis z indicates horizontal displacement relative to an end  122  of the middle table portion  104 . The axis y indicates vertical displacement relative to a top  124  of the middle table portion  104 . The arm  110  is attached to the head support  108 . Movement of the arm  110  displaces the head support  108 . In the embodiments described herein, for example, movement of the arm  110  can be achieved using the motion component  400  described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, the motion component  114  is in communication with a control system, such as the control system described in connection with  FIG. 23 , for example, configured to control movement of the arm  110 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of a treatment device  200  used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The axis x indicates horizontal displacement relative to a side  204  of the middle table portion  104 . The treatment device  200  includes a switch  202  configured to deactivate the treatment device  200  such that the arm  110  does not move after the switch  202  is activated. In certain embodiments, for example, the switch  202  can be manually activated by depressing a button and/or voice-activated by speaking. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, the switch  202  is in communication with a control system that can be configured to control the arm  110 , such as the control system described in connection with  FIG. 23 , for example. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of components  300  of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In  FIG. 3 , the head support  108  is transparent such that the components below are shown. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a motion component  400  of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.  FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of the motion component  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The motion component  400  includes an arm  110  with a distal end  401  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) to which a head support can be attached, for example, using holes  436 . The motion component  400  can be used in connection with the treatment devices described in connection with  FIGS. 1-3 . The motion component  400  can be in communication with a control system, such as the control system described in connection with  FIG. 23 , for example, configured to control the motion component  400 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , for example, the motion component  400  includes guide rails  402 , a first motor  404 , a first motor screw  405 , a cross support  406 , a ball nut drive  408 , tie rod supports  410 , an arm support  412  with a threaded portion  413  provided therein, vertical supports  414 , pins  416 , a static plate  417 , a rotating plate  418 , a second motor  420 , a third motor  422 , a third motor screw  423 , a third motor screw guide  425 , an arm  110 , a fourth motor  424 , a fourth motor support  426 , a mounting plate  430 , a counter weight  432 , and a plurality of position indicators  434 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the motion component  400  includes a mounting plate  430  that can be fixedly attached to a treatment device, such as attached to an underside of a table portion and disposed beneath the table portion of the treatment device, for example. Fixedly attached to the mounting plate  430  are guide rails  402 . The guide rails  402  are static and are in sliding engagement with the tie rod supports  410 . The tie rod supports  410  are configured to slide over the guide rails  402  in the directions of the axis z. The cross support  406  is fixedly attached to the tie rod supports  410 . The cross support  406  is also fixedly attached to the ball nut drive  408 . The ball nut drive  408  includes a threaded interior cavity configured to receive the first motor screw  405 . The first motor screw  405  is mounted with the first motor  404  and configured to rotate in a first direction p (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and a second direction q (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The second direction q is opposite the first direction p. Activating the first motor  404  can provide for rotation of the first motor screw  405  in the first direction p or the second direction q. Rotating the first motor screw  405  in the first direction p can cause displacement of the cross support  406  in a first direction of the axis z, and rotating the first motor screw  405  in the second direction q can cause displacement of the cross support  406  in the opposite direction of the axis z. Displacement of the cross support  406  in either direction of the axis z likewise causes the arm  110  to be displaced in such direction of the axis z. Movement of the arm  110  in a direction of the axis z can provide for adjustment of a treatment device to fit a patient, for example, based on the height and/or body type of the patient. In certain embodiments, for example, the arm  110  can be displaced in a direction of the axis z up to 6 inches. Once a desired position about the z-axis is identified, the position of the arm  110  can be fixed in regard to the z-axis such that the arm  110  (and the head support  108  attached to the arm  110 ) cannot be displaced in a direction of the axis z. In certain applications, displacement of the arm  110  in a direction of the axis z may not be desired. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , for example, the static plate  417  is fixedly attached to the cross support  406 . The static plate  417  is attached to the rotating plate  418  such that the lower surface of the rotating plate  418  can rotate about the upper surface of the static plate  417 . The rotating plate  418  is mounted with the second motor  420  and configured to rotate in a first direction and the opposite direction about the upper surface of the static plate  417 . Activating the second motor  420  can provide for rotation of the rotating plate  418  in the first direction or the opposite direction. Rotating the rotating plate  418  in the first direction can cause displacement of the arm  110  in a first direction of the axis x (shown in  FIG. 5 ), and rotating the rotating plate  418  in the opposite direction can cause displacement of the arm  110  in the opposite direction of the axis x. In certain embodiments, for example, the arm  110  can be displaced in a direction of the axis x up to 120 degrees. The position of the arm  110  can be fixed in regard to the x-axis such that the arm  110  (and the head support  108  attached to the arm  110 ) cannot be displaced in a direction of the axis x. In certain applications, displacement of the arm  110  in a direction of the axis x may not be desired. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , for example, the vertical supports  414  are fixedly attached to the rotating plate  418 . The vertical supports  414  are attached to pins  416  that engage the arm support  412 . The arm support  412  is configured to rotate about the pins  416  in the directions of the radius r. The arm support  412  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  is spherical. In other embodiments, for example, the arm support is not spherical, for example, the arm support can be cylindrical with the flat portions engaging the pins. The arm support  412  includes a threaded portion  413  configured to receive the third motor screw  423 . The third motor screw  423  is mounted with the third motor  422  and configured to rotate in a first direction p (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and a second direction q (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The second direction q is opposite the first direction p. Activating the third motor  422  can provide for rotation of the third motor screw  423  in the first direction p or the second direction q. Rotating the third motor screw  423  in the first direction p can cause rotation of the arm support  412  in a first direction of the radius r about the pins  416 , thereby causing displacement of the arm  110  in a first direction of the axis y. Rotating the third motor screw  423  in the second direction q can cause rotation of the arm support  412  in the opposite direction of the radius r about the pins  416 , thereby causing displacement of the arm  110  in the opposite direction of the axis y. In certain embodiments, for example, the arm  110  can be displaced in a direction of the axis y up to 130 degrees. The position of the arm  110  can be fixed in regard to the y-axis such that the arm  110  (and the head support  108  attached to the arm  110 ) cannot be displaced in a direction of the axis y. In certain applications, displacement of the arm  110  in a direction of the axis y may not be desired. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , for example, the fourth motor  424  and the fourth motor support  426  are mounted with the arm support  412 . The fourth motor  424  engages the arm  110  such that activation of the fourth motor  424  can rotate the arm  110  in a first direction or the opposite direction indicated by s. In certain embodiments, for example, the arm  110  can be rotated in a direction of the radius s up to 90 degrees. In certain embodiments, for example, a counter weight  432 , such as an eleven pound counter weight, for example, can be attached to the fourth motor  424 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , for example, indicators  434  disposed on the arm  110 , arm support  412 , rotating plate  418  and the cross support  406  can be used to indicate the respective positions of the arm  110 , arm support  412 , rotating plate  418  and the cross support  406 . 
     In certain embodiments, for example, the fourth motor  424  or a fifth motor (not shown) can activate a system configured to pivot the head support  108  about the arm  110 . Pivoting of a head support  108  about the arm  110  is shown, for example, in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a system  500  configured to pivot the head support  108  about the arm. The system includes a first gear  502 , a translational member  504 , and a second gear  506 . In certain embodiments, for example, the head support  108  can be attached to the first gear  502  such that rotation of the first gear  502  pivots the head support  108  as shown in  FIG. 12 , for example. The first gear  502  is connected to the second gear  506  via the translational member  504  such that rotation of the second gear  506  in a first direction of the radius j rotates the first gear  502  in the first direction, thereby pivoting a connected head support  108  in the first direction. Likewise, rotation of the second gear  506  in a second direction opposite the first direction rotates the first gear  502  in the second direction, thereby pivoting a connected head support  108  in the second direction. 
     In certain embodiments, for example, the fourth motor  424  described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5  can activate the system  500  by rotating the second gear  506 . In certain embodiments, for example, a fifth motor can activate the system  500  by rotating the second gear  506 . In certain embodiments, for example, the system  500  can be mounted within the arm  110  described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of a treatment device  600  used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.  FIG. 6  illustrates movement of the head support  108  between a plurality of positions. The treatment device  600  includes a brace  602  that includes straps  604 . The straps  604  are configured to be secured to the head support  108 , thereby securing a patient&#39;s head  606  to the head support  108 . The brace  602  is configured such that a patient&#39;s face would be directed toward the head support  108  and the brace  602  wraps around the back of the patient&#39;s head  606 . In certain embodiments, for example, the straps  604  and the head support  108  can include Velcro to secure the straps  604  to the head support  108 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of components  700  of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , for example, the brace  602  includes a plurality of weights  702 , such as sand bags, for example, that can provide pressure to the back of a patient&#39;s head, thereby securing the patient&#39;s head to the head support  108 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the brace  602  described in connection with  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 9  illustrates a side-sectional view of the brace  602  described in connection with  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In certain embodiments, for example, a brace can be figured similarly to the brace  602  but without including the weights  702 . 
     In the embodiments described in connection with  FIGS. 6-9 , the patient&#39;s face is directed toward the head support  108  and the brace  602  wraps around the back of the patient&#39;s head  606 . In other embodiments, for example, the patient&#39;s face is directed away from the head support  108  and a brace can include a chin strap and/or a forehead strap. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.  FIG. 10  illustrates an exercise that comprises side-to-side movement of the head support  108 , which results in lateral flexion of the head  606  in the plane horizontal to the table  100 . The movement of the head support  108  and the head  606  is indicated by m. If viewed from above, the head support  108  moves in an arcing motion due to the constant length of the arm  110 . This motion can be achieved using the motion component  400  (described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) by activating the second motor  420  to provide horizontal displacement of the arm  110  in the directions of the axis x. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate top views of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In  FIG. 12 , the head support  108  is pivoted about the arm  110 . In certain embodiments, for example, exercises can be implemented with the head support pivoted 15-30 degrees to the left or right from the normal position (shown in  FIG. 11 ). Pivoting of the head support  108  about the arm  110  can be achieved using the motion component  400  (described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) by activating the fourth motor  422  and/or a fifth motor to activate the system  500  (described in connection with  FIG. 5A ) configured to pivot the head support  108  about the arm  110 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a front-end view of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.  FIG. 13  illustrates up and down movement of the head support  108 , which results in vertical flexion of the head  606  in the plane vertical to the table  100 . The movement of the head support  108  and the head  606  is indicated by m. If viewed from the side, the head support  108  moves in an arcing motion due to the constant length of the arm  110 . This motion can be achieved using the motion component  400  (described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) by activating the third motor  422  to provide vertical displacement of the arm  110  in the directions of the axis y. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate front-end views of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate up and down movement of the head support  108  in a tilted position, which results in flexion of the head  606  in both vertical and horizontal planes to the table  100 . In certain embodiments, for example, the head support can be tilted about 15-45 degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 13 . The movement of the head support  108  and the head  606  is indicated by m. If viewed from the side or above, the head support  108  moves in an arcing motion due to the constant length of the arm  110 . This motion can be achieved using the motion component  400  (described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) by first activating the fourth motor  424  to provide rotation of the arm  110  in a direction of the radius s, and then activating the second motor  420  and the third motor  422  to provide simultaneous horizontal and vertical displacement of the arm  110 . 
       FIGS. 16-20F  illustrate front-end views of components of a treatment device used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.  FIGS. 16-20  illustrate circumduction of the head support  108  relative to the table  100 , which results in circumduction of the head  606 .  FIGS. 20A-20F  illustrate saccro-occipital (SOT) motion of the head support  108  relative to the table  100 , which results in SOT motion of the head  606 . In  FIGS. 16-20F , the movement of the head support  108  and the head  606  is indicated by m. If viewed from the side or above, the head support  108  moves in an arcing motion due to the constant length of the arm  110 . This motion can be achieved using the motion component  400  (described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) activating the second motor  420  and the third motor  422  to provide simultaneous horizontal and vertical displacement of the arm  110 . 
     In connection with the exercises described in connection with FIGS.  10  and  13 - 20 F, each exercise can be started from a normal position, wherein the patient&#39;s head is not displaced vertically or horizontally. Exercises can also be started from a position that is offset horizontally and/or vertically from such a normal position. Normal positions and/or offset positions can be identified using indicators  434 . In certain embodiments, for example, exercises can be started from a position that is offset horizontally and/or vertically 15-30 degrees from the normal position. Also, the radius of circumduction and/or SOT motion can be varied between different exercises and/or within an exercise. An exercise can include any number of repetitions, and preferably includes 1-20 repetitions. In certain embodiments, for example, an exercise can be implemented at a low rate of speed, or a higher rate of speed. In certain embodiments, for example, an exercise can be implemented at a constant rate of speed or a varying rate of speed. In certain embodiments, for example, an exercise can be implemented at a low torque, or a higher torque. In certain embodiments, for example, an exercise can be implemented at a constant torque or a varying torque. In certain embodiments, for example, certain positions of an exercise, for example, a fully extended position, can be held for a certain amount of time, for example, 10-20 seconds. 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a prior art treatment device  2100 . The prior art treatment device includes a head support  2102  that is not capable of the range of motion of devices used in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.  FIG. 22  illustrates a modified treatment device  2200  that includes components used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Specifically, the modified device  2200  includes a motion component  114 , arm  110  and head support  108  configured to provide the range of motion described in connection with  FIGS. 1-20 . In certain embodiments, an existing table can be modified/retrofitted by attaching a motion component  114 , arm  110  and head support  108  configured to provide the range of motion described in connection with  FIGS. 1-20 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a control system  2300  used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The control system  2300  includes an input module  2302 , a processor  2304 , a memory  2305 , and an output module  2306 . The input module  2302  is configured to receive information from a user (for example, patient and/or a caregiver). The memory  2305  is configured to store information that can be accessed by the processor  2304 , such as in a database of patient histories, for example. The output module  2306  is configured to output information. In certain embodiments, for example, the input module  2302 , processor  2304 , memory  2305  and output module  2306  can be implemented in hardware, firmware and/or software and can be implemented separately and/or integrated in various combinations. 
     In certain embodiments, for example, the input module  2302  can be configured to receive information via a graphical user interface  2310 , a keyboard  2312 , a switch integrated with a treatment device  2314  and/or a microphone  2316 . For example, in certain embodiments, a caregiver can enter information regarding an exercise sequence via a graphical user interface and/or a keyboard. For example, the caregiver can select from exercise options that include vertical flexion, lateral flexion, stretching/extension, circumduction, sacro-occipital (SOT) motion and/or face pad rotation. Each exercise can be optionally customized as to the number of repetitions of the exercise, the range of motion of the exercise, the speed at which the exercise is carried out and/or the torque that will be applied. An exercise sequence can be optionally customized to include any number of exercises and/or repetition of exercises. For example, in certain embodiments, an exercise sequence can include 15 exercises and 30 repetitions. 
     In certain embodiments, for example, exercise sequences and/or individual exercises can be saved in memory  2305 , in a database, for example, such that previously programmed sequences and/or individual exercises are accessible for modification and/or implementation. Such a database can include, for example, fields for the: patient, exercise, number of repetitions of an exercise, range of motion of an exercise, speed of an exercise, and/or torque of an exercise. 
     In certain embodiments, for example, completion of an exercise sequence can be saved in memory  2305 , in a database, for example, such that completed exercise sequences are accessible for statistical and/or patient-based reporting. Such a database can include, for example, fields for the: patient, exercise, number of repetitions of an exercise, range of motion of an exercise, speed of an exercise, and/or torque of an exercise. 
     Once an exercise sequence is created, it can be implemented via a treatment device that is operably connected to and controlled by the processor  2304 . Examples of such treatment devices are shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 1-20F  and  22 . In certain embodiments, for example, a single run-through of an exercise sequence that includes multiple repetitions can be implemented. Such a run-through can allow a caregiver to validate the exercise sequence and/or allow a patient to communicate any pain that may result from implementing the exercise sequence. After such a run-through, the full exercise sequence can be implemented. 
     In certain embodiments, for example, an exercise sequence can be stopped by a patient and/or caregiver by manually activating the switch  2314  and/or by voice-activation via the microphone  2316 . In certain embodiments, for example, an exercise sequence can be stopped by a caregiver via the graphical user interface  2310  and/or the keyboard  2312 . 
     In certain embodiments, for example, the output module  2306  can be configured to output information as a visual display and/or printed matter. Information that can be output via the output module includes, for example: programming information (for use when selecting and/or modifying an exercise sequence), status information (for use during exercise sequence implementation) and reporting information (for providing details of completed sequences). 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a dialog  2400  for a user-interface used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The dialog  2400  includes fields configured such that patient information and exercise information can be input and/or edited. The dialog  2400  can be operably connected with the control system described in connection with  FIG. 23 . For example, in certain embodiments, the dialog  2400  can be operably connected with the input module described in connection with  FIG. 23 . 
     The dialog  2400  includes a field  2402  in which patient identification information, such as a patient file number, for example, can be entered. The dialog  2400  includes a field  2404  in which a patient&#39;s name can be entered. The dialog  2400  includes a field  2432  in which notes can be entered. The dialog  2400  includes a field  2408  in which an exercise identification number can be entered. The dialog  2400  includes a field  2410  in which the number of times an exercise is to be iterated can be entered. 
     The dialog  2400  includes a field  2406  in which a length can be entered that corresponds to displacement in the direction of the axis z as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The dialog  2400  includes a field  2414  in which a degree of rotation can be entered that corresponds to rotation about the radius s as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     The dialog  2400  includes a field  2416  in which lateral flexion in a first direction (e.g., to the left) can be entered that corresponds to displacement in the direction of the axis x as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The dialog  2400  includes a field  2418  in which lateral flexion in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction (e.g., to the right) can be entered that corresponds to displacement in the direction of the axis x as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     The dialog  2400  includes a field  2420  in which vertical flexion in a first direction (e.g., up) can be entered that corresponds to displacement in the direction of the axis y as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The dialog  2400  includes a field  2422  in which lateral flexion in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction (e.g., down) can be entered that corresponds to displacement in the direction of the axis y as shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     The dialog  2400  includes a field  2424  in which circumduction size information can be entered. In certain embodiments, for example, entering circumduction size information can include choosing a predetermined circle size using corresponding identifiers. In such embodiments, 1 can be entered to indicate circumduction in a large radius; 2 can be entered to indicate circumduction in a medium radius; and 3 can be entered to indicate circumduction in a small radius. In certain embodiments, for example, entering circumduction size information can include entering the actual circle radius to be used in circumduction. 
     The dialog  2400  includes a field  2426  in which circumduction position information can be entered. In certain embodiments, for example, entering circumduction position information can include choosing a predetermined circle position using corresponding identifiers. In such embodiments, for example, 1 can be entered to indicate circumduction in the normal position (i.e., circumduction about a set point with no lateral or vertical offsets); 2 can be entered to indicate circumduction in a lowered position (i.e., circumduction about a set point that is vertically offset below the normal position without being laterally offset); 3 can be entered to indicate circumduction in a raised position (i.e., circumduction about a set point that is vertically offset above the normal position without being laterally offset). In certain embodiments, for example, entering circumduction position information can include entering the actual distance to be offset from the normal position in a vertical and/or lateral direction. 
     The dialog  2400  includes a field  2428  in which SOT motion can be indicated. Indicating SOT motion can provide for SOT motion as shown in  FIGS. 20A-20F . In such embodiments, for example, the circumduction size and circumduction position information can be used to provide for the size and positioning of the SOT motion. 
     The dialog  2400  includes a field  2430  in which head support pivot information can be entered that corresponds to pivoting of the head support as shown and described in connection with  FIG. 12 , for example. In certain embodiments, for example, a dialog can the left) can be entered. In certain embodiments, for example, a dialog can include a field in which the degree of pivot in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction (e.g., to the right) can be entered. 
     The dialog  2400  includes a previous button  2434  that when activated can move to an exercise that precedes the current exercise based on exercise number. The dialog  2400  includes a next button  2436  that when activated can move to an exercise subsequent to the current exercise based on exercise number. The dialog  2400  includes an edit button  2438  that when activated can allow the fields of the current exercise to be edited. The dialog  2400  includes a record button  2440  that when activated can allow the fields of the current exercise to be saved. The dialog  2400  includes a setup button  2442  that when activated can allow the exercise sequence to be saved. The dialog  2400  includes an exit button  2444  that when activated exits the dialog. 
     In certain embodiments, for example, a dialog for a user-interface used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, does not include all of the fields shown in  FIG. 24 . In certain embodiments, for example, a dialog for a user-interface used in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, can include fields not shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     While the invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.