United States Patent (19)
`Church et al.
`
`||||I|||||||III
`US005474083A
`11
`Patent Number:
`5,474,083
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`54) LIFTING MONITORING AND EXERCISE
`TRAINING SYSTEM
`(75) Inventors: John Church, Miami; William R.
`Hassel, Davie; Fred Naghdi, Boca
`Raton, all of Fla.
`73) Assignee: Empi, Inc., St. Paul, Minn.
`21 Appl. No.: 152,082
`22 Filed:
`Nov. 15, 1993
`Related U.S. Application Data
`63 Continuation of Ser. No. 657,954, Feb. 21, 1991, abandoned,
`which is a continuation of Ser. No. 319,850, Mar. 6, 1989,
`abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 938,830,
`Dec. 8, 1986, abandoned.
`int. Cl. ..................... A61B5/04
`(51
`52 U.S. Cl. ..................
`... 128/733; 128/782
`58) Field of Search ..................................... 128/733, 736,
`128/774, 775, 781, 782; 340/573; 33/571,
`512; 73/865.1
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,875,929 3/1975 Grant ...................................... 340,573
`3,991,745 11/1976 Yoslow et al.....
`... 33/512
`4,108,164 8/1978 Hall, Sr. ........
`... 33/52
`4,331,161
`5/1982 Patel ..............
`... 128/736
`4,367,752 1/1983 Jimenez et al.
`... 128/782
`4,399,824 8/1983 Davidson ......
`... 128/736
`4.418,337 11/1983 Bader ...
`... 34.0/573
`4,450,437 5/1984 Ho .............
`... 34.0/573
`4,655,227 4/1987 Gracovetsky .....
`... 128/781
`4,665,928 5/1987 Linial et al. ............................ 128/782
`
`
`
`4,667,513 5/1987 Konno ..................................... 128/774
`4,667,685 5/1987 Fine ........................................ 128/782
`Primary Examiner-Kyle L. Howell
`Assistant Examiner-John P. Lacyk
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kinney & Lange
`57
`ABSTRACT
`The invention is directed to a microprocessor based system
`utilizing electromyographic sensor to monitor muscle force
`for lift training and exercise training. In the lift training
`embodiment the electrodes of the electromyographic sensor
`are secured to a belt so that they are located adjacent to the
`lower back of the user when wearing the belt. The lift
`training embodiment is also provided with a goniometer to
`measure lifting angle during training, which together with
`muscle force generated by the lowerback is compared in the
`microprocessor to a programmed lifting parameters and if
`these parameters are exceeded the user is warned by and
`audible indicator. The lift trainer embodiment also periodi
`cally measures interelectrode impedance to insure actual
`usage. The exercise training embodiment has a bar graph
`display displaying muscle intensity and two light emitting
`diodes alerting a user when to contract or relax a monitored
`muscle group. The microprocessor is programmed with a
`exercise routine and alerts a user when the routine is to
`begin, the duration of muscle contraction and relaxation, and
`the repetitions required. During exercise the user can moni
`tor muscle intensity from the bar graph display and or
`auditory feedback element. An alternate lift training systems
`comprises a belt mounted goniometer which is operatively
`coupled to a microprocessor having an electronic memory
`for time logging a lifting session. To insure actual usage the
`belt is also provided with temperature and/or motion sen
`SOS.
`
`18 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`IPR2018-00564
`Garmin EX1008 Page 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 1 of 11
`
`5,474,083
`
`
`
`1.
`
`81.
`
`fig. 3
`
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 2 of 11
`
`5,474,083
`
`9,2
`
`22
`
`82
`
`|()||(No.slov}{g} [ ]O ORJEV,
`
`
`
`TU WAJOWEW
`
`- G2
`
`EONVOIECHW]
`
`||SELL
`
`|NEWBTB
`
`† 6.45
`
`IPR2018-00564
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 3 of 11
`
`5,474,083
`
`
`
`
`
`START
`LIFT
`
`Ophonese
`neo-ooooooose
`TIME
`END
`LIFT
`O LIFTNG NO LOAD
`o BACK STRAIGHT
`o KNEES BENT
`
`START
`
`END
`
`TIME
`O LIFTNG LOAD
`o BACK STRAKGHT
`o KNEES BENT
`
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 4 of 11
`
`5,474,083
`
`SART
`LIFT
`
`END
`LIFT
`
`TIME
`O LIFTING NO LOAD
`O BACK BENT
`O KNEES LOCKED
`
`fig. As 4.
`
`
`
`START
`
`END
`
`TIME
`O LIFTING LOAD
`O BACK BENT
`O KNEES LOCKED
`
`fig. A5 N
`
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 5 of 11
`
`5,474,083
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S.
`
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 6 of 11
`
`5,474,083
`
`
`
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`7 of 11
`Sheet
`
`5,474,083
`
`
`
`Z2
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 8 of 11
`
`5,474,083
`
`START SESSION, READ NV. RAM,
`INITIALIZE RELEVANT WARIABLES
`
`GET ST EMG VALUE AND SE
`TOP AND BOTTOM OF SCALE
`TO THIS VALUE
`
`GET NEW EMG VALUE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DISPLAY BOTTOMOST
`BAR GRAPH ELEMENT,
`SET BOTTOM OF SCALE
`TO NEW VALUE
`
`DISPLAY TOPMOS
`BAR GRAPHELEMENT,
`SET TOP OF SCALE
`TO NEW VALUE
`CALCULATE NEW DISPLAY ELEMENT, Y, 8 DISPLAY
`go
`( NEW VALUE-BOTTOM AE) N
`TOP VALUE-BOTTOM VALUE
`WHERE N = F BAR GRAPHDISPLAY ELEMENTS
`
`
`
`WAT APPROX MO SECOND
`
`fig, 9
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 10 of 11
`
`5,474,083
`
`82
`
`8
`
`2 4 6
`
`fig. fy
`
`8
`
`82 COI D
`
`2 4 6
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 11 of 11
`
`5,474,083
`
`&
`
`61 625
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`

`1
`LIFTNG MONTORING AND EXERCISE
`TRAINING SYSTEM
`This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
`07/657,954, filed Feb. 21, 1991, now abandoned; which is a
`continuation of application Ser. No. 07/319,850, filed Mar.
`6, 1989, now abandoned; which is a continuation of appli
`cation Ser. No. 06/938,830, filed Dec. 8, 1986, now aban
`doned.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
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`30
`
`20
`
`5,474,083
`2
`tored. It is also important to measure lumbar angle during a
`lifting operation to insure that heavy weights are lifted
`correctly, as such the belt is also provided with a goniometer
`for measuring lumbar angle during a lifting operation. Both
`the muscle force signal and the goniometer output are
`applied to a microprocessor which compares these signals
`with preprogrammed lifting parameters. If these signals
`exceed the preprogrammed lifting parameters an indicating
`means is activated to indicate to the user he has exceeded
`these parameters. An electronic memory is coupled to the
`microprocessor recording these events. The microprocessor
`can be coupled to a compliance computer which reads the
`memory and tabulates the lifting operations for evaluating
`various lifting operations and compliance with the prepro
`grammed parameters. The microprocessor and EMG sensor
`together with a signal source are used to measure interelec
`trode impedance to establish that the device is actually worn
`and used.
`An alternate embodiment of this system comprises using
`agoniometer to measure lifting angle and logging into the
`memory of the microprocessor any time a user exceeds the
`lifting or lumbarangle parameters. The belt can also be fitted
`with temperature and/or motion sensors to monitor if the belt
`is being worn by a user.
`A similar system is used in physical therapy wherein the
`therapist prescribes that a muscle or muscle group be
`isometrically exercised for a period of time during a speci
`fied time interval, such as a day. An electromyographic
`sensor is used to monitor IEMG and is coupled to a
`microprocessor which displays the IEMG intensity on a bar
`graph. The microprocessor is also provided with a clock
`which first indicates when an exercise program is to begin;
`second when to contract the muscle or muscle group; and
`third when to relax the muscle or muscle group. The
`microprocessor is also provided with an electronic memory
`for recording the actual time, duration of the tensioning, and
`the muscle force exerted. The microprocessor can be
`coupled to a compliance computer which reads the elec
`tronic memory and tabulates the exercise results, indicating
`compliance with predetermined exercise program.
`The electrodes for the electromyographic sensor can be
`mounted in cotton gauze webbing that is the inner layer of
`a cast. In this way arm and leg muscles can be exercised and
`monitored while being encased in a cast. Additionally the
`electrodes can be mounted on cylindrical objects that can be
`fitted into natural body orifices for measuring muscle force
`exerted by the muscles attempting to close these orifices.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the lift training belt
`secured to a user.
`FIG. 3 is a top view of the belt.
`FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram of the lift training
`system.
`FIGS. 5a-5d are graphs of muscles force and lifting angle
`versus time for various lifting scenarios.
`FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the lift training operating
`system.
`FIG. 7 is a front view of the exercise training device.
`FIG. 8 is an electrical block diagram of the exercise
`training system.
`-
`FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the auto ranging technique for the
`bar graph display of this exercise training system.
`FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a cast using the
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`The invention is directed to a system for monitoring the
`lifting motion and/or the exercise training of an individual.
`Both systems comprise a preprogrammed microprocessor
`that is operatively coupled to an electromyographic sensor
`that is used to measure muscle force for a predetermined
`muscle group. However an alternate embodiment of the lift
`training system, does not employ electromyographic sensors
`instead relying solely on a goniometer to monitor lifting
`angle.
`2. Description of the Prior Art
`Annually millions of workers suffer from work related
`low back pain, most of which is attributed to improperlifting
`techniques. Such injuries result in work time lost and
`disability claims costing employers large amounts of money
`each year.
`A number of devices have been proposed to monitor and
`provide feedback as to a person's correct posture. Such
`devices may comprise longitudinal belts that are wrapped
`from a person's waist over his or her shoulder, these devices
`monitor belt tension insuring that the user's back is being
`held upright, See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,608,541, 4,007,733, and
`4,055,168. Other devices include conventional belts that are
`fitted with sensors for monitoring stomach sag, which indi
`cates improper posture because of relaxation of the stomach
`muscles, See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,582,935, and 3,670,320. U.S.
`Pat. No. 3,644.919, discloses a signaling device indicating
`the improper position of a skier's legs during skiing.
`In addition to monitoring lifting technique and motion it
`is also important to monitor a person's exercise program
`during physical therapy to insure that the physical therapy is
`being done properly, for the correct intensity and duration.
`Devices for measuring overall physical loads have been
`proposed, See U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,865; but these devices do
`not tend to be directed to a specific muscle group for
`measuring the muscle force used in an exercise or the
`duration of that exercise.
`SUMMARY
`The amount of force exerted by a muscle is directly
`related to its enervation by virture of the amplitude and
`frequency of constituent action potentials. Therefore it is
`possible to measure muscle force with electromyographic
`(EMG) techniques. In integrated electromyography (IEMG)
`the myoelectric signal is rectified and time averaged to
`produce an accurate representation of the EMG signal
`energy which can be related to muscle force.
`In the lift monitoring mode of the present invention, an
`electromyographic sensor is secured to a belt that is wrapped
`around a user's waist so that electrodes of the sensor are
`positioned adjacent to the lower back muscles of the user's
`65
`back. In this way the amount of muscle force exerted by the
`lower back muscles during a lifting operation can be moni
`
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`10
`
`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
`
`3
`exercise training electrodes.
`FIG. 11 is a side view of a cylindrical mounting assembly
`for the sensing electrodes that is adapted to be inserted into
`a female's vagina.
`FIG. 12 is a side view of cylindrical mounting assembly
`for the sensing electrode that is adapted to be inserted into
`a user's anus.
`FIG. 13 is an electrical block diagram of an alternate
`embodiment of the lift training system.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the belt mounted lift training system.
`Belt 10 is secured to just above the waist of a user in a
`conventional manner. The belt is provided with three elec
`trodes 12, 14 and 16 which are electrically coupled to
`monitoring device 18 through wires (not shown in these
`figures). The electrodes are secured to the belt so that as the
`belt is worn the electrodes are located adjacent to a patient's
`lower back. The training and monitoring device is located in
`a pocket on the belt. Goniometer 20 is also mounted on the
`belt and is located so that it is positioned adjacent to a
`patient's side so that as a patient bends the goniometer can
`monitor the bending angle. It should be noted that by
`mounting the training and monitoring device so that it too is
`located on the patent's side, the goniometer can be located
`in the device rather than having a separate mounting location
`on the belt.
`The belt can be fabricated from a light weight elastomeric
`fabric and is designed to be worn just above the waist. The
`belt fastener or securing member can be made from hook
`and pile fasteners located at the adjoining ends of the belt.
`The electrodes themselves are silver element pads that serve
`as surface electrodes of an electromyographic sensor. The
`goniometer and the electrodes are connected to the moni
`toring device via wires located in the fabric that terminate in
`metallic snaps that can be coupled to mating snaps located
`in the training and monitoring device.
`FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram of the training and
`monitoring device. The monitoring device comprises elec
`tromyographic sensor 22 which is operatively connected to
`control means 24 through an analog to digital converter 26.
`Goniometer 20 is also coupled to the control means through
`converter 26. The control means comprises a microproces
`sor unit acting also as an internal clock and is interfaced to
`an electronic memory 25 that forms a recording means. The
`microprocessor is coupled to a indicator means 27, which
`can be auditory and/or vibrational for indicating to the user
`a lifting condition which exceeds preset parameters pro
`grammed into the microprocessor.
`In operation the myoelectric signals from the three elec
`trodes are amplified by high gain differential amplifier 28,
`filtered by bandpass filter 30 and directed to envelope
`detector 32 which converts the raw EMG waveform of the
`55
`myoelectric signals into an approximation of the total myo
`electric energy which essentially comprises a muscle force
`signal. Also, it is within the purview of the invention that at
`least one electromyographic sensor member may be dis
`posed on the belt which senses muscle force and produces a
`rectified and time averaged signal forming a muscle force
`signal responsive to the lifting movement of the lower back
`of the user. As the resulting muscle force signal is an analog
`signal it is converted into a digital format acceptable to the
`microprocessor. Similarly the goniometerforms a horizontal
`angle signal that comprises a lifting angle signal that is also
`converted from an analog to a digitalformat before being
`
`5,474,083
`4
`directed to the microprocessor. It should be noted that
`goniometer measures the lumbar angle including bending or
`lifting angle components of anterior and/or left/right lateral
`angles.
`FIG.5 reflects the idealized behavior of lumbar angle and
`EMG measurement under several lifting conditions. The
`EMG curves shown do not not include components of
`intertia and body weight.
`FIG. 5a and 5c are graphical presentations of lifting no
`loads in a back straight position and back bent position. As
`can be seen in the back straight position the horizontal angle
`changes only slightly whereas in the backbent position the
`horizontal angle changes from nearly Zero degrees to ninety
`degrees. However since no additional load is involved in
`either lifting sequence the amount of muscle force (EMG)
`required is minimal. In FIGS. 5b and 5d a load is lifted and
`although the lifting angle is identical to the no load
`sequence, the amount of muscle force required in each
`sequence varies considerably because of the lifting method
`ology. In the backbent position the amount of muscle force
`required from the lower back tends to mirror the change in
`lifting angle where as in the back straight position during the
`initial lifting motion the amount of lowerback muscle force
`is considerably reduced because the legs are doing the
`lifting.
`In training a user of the system, a teacher programs the
`microprocessor via the compliance computer 38 with a set of
`lifting parameters which include limits as to muscle load and
`horizontal angle. As there is interplay between these param
`eters the teacher can set up a system wherein a combination
`of the parameters triggers a feedback warning signal. For
`example in FIGS. 5c the user has taken an incorrect lifting
`angle but since the user is not lifting any load the indicator
`is not triggered. However in FIG. 5d the user has taken an
`incorrect lifting position and is lifting a load, therefore the
`indicator is triggered. As such the present system gives the
`teacher the ability to program triggering parameters that are
`a combination of the lifting angle and muscle force required.
`The monitoring system is battery operated and located in
`a lockable housing so that after the teacher has programmed
`the microprocessor, the housing is locked and the battery
`cannot be tampered with by the user. The microprocessor is
`provided with interface 36 comprising a plug for coupling
`the microprocessor to compliance computer 38. The com
`pliance computer can be an IBM PC compatible unit and is
`used to interrogate the memory so that a training session can
`be tabulated for evaluation by the teacher. In addition this
`interface can be used for programming the microprocessor
`with the programmed lifting parameters. As can be seen in
`FIG. 6, the compliance computer is provided with monitor
`42, input keyboard 44, and printer 46.
`To insure that the monitoring system is operating cor
`rectly the microprocessor periodically activates interelec
`trode impedance test 48 shown in FIG. 8 to check if
`electrode contact is sufficient. The test applies a bipolar
`sinusoidal signal across the EMG inputs, the impedance is
`then measured by the microprocessor. In addition the micro
`processor can be provided with a testing system for testing
`battery voltage to insure proper voltage to the monitoring
`system. In the event that the contacts fail the impedance test
`or the battery has insufficient voltage the microprocessor
`signals the user through the indicator means and turns off the
`system.
`FIGS. 7-12 are directed to an exercise training system
`which is similar to the lift training monitoring system. As
`can be seen in FIG. 8 the circuitry is similar except that the
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`exercise training system is provided with visual feedback
`displays this ratio by lighting up the correct number of bar
`graph display elements.
`display means 50 comprising a bar graph, and alerting
`means 52 comprising three light emitting diodes. The audi
`FIG. 10-12 disclose different devices for securing the
`tory feedback element 27, which in the lifting training
`electrodes of the electromyographic sensor to selected body
`system is an indicating means, in this embodiment is used in
`location. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the
`conjunction with the visible display means and the alerting
`electrodes are secured to cotton gauze 74 that forms the
`inner liner of a cast for a limb. The monitoring housing and
`means to inform the patient audibly that these displays have
`related circuitry because of its compact nature, can then be
`been triggered.
`embedded in casting material 75 of the outer cast layer. The
`Bar graph. 50 is a liquid crystal or light emitting diodedi
`bar graph display is located at an angle to the housing to
`splay that is used for displaying muscle force used during
`facilitate viewing by the patient.
`use. The exercise training system is auto ranging with
`FIGS. 11 and 12 are directed to electrode mounting
`respect to the bar graph, the alogorithm for auto ranging the
`assemblies that are designed to be inserted into a naturally
`bar graph is disclosed in FIG. 9. During an exercise period
`occurring body orifices. These assemblies are cylindrical and
`light emitting diode 54 lights up indicating to the user to
`have three stainless steel electrode bands located about their
`contract the muscle group that is equipped with the elec
`circumference. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, com
`tromyographic electrodes. The user keeps that muscle con
`prises cylindrical member 80 which is inserted into a female
`tracted until light emitting diode 54 is turned off, and light
`vagina so that the female patient can monitor the exercise of
`emitting diode 56 lights up indicating to the user to relax the
`associated vaginal muscles. The embodiment illustrated in
`muscle group. Contract/relax cycles are repeated as deter
`FIG. 12 comprises cylindrical member 81 and is inserted
`mined by the preprogramed microprocessor. The intensity of
`into a patient's anus for monitoring a patient's exercise of
`the muscle contractions is fed back to the user by viewing
`the anal sphincter muscles. Both units are made from
`bar graph. 50 which indicates muscle force used.
`injected molded plastic, and are provided with depth gauges
`A physical therapist first applies the electromyographic
`82 which can be adjustable positioned and fixed on the
`electrodes to a patient adjacent to the muscle group to be
`cylindrical members by the therapist.
`exercised. Then the therapist programs the microprocessor
`An alternate embodiment of the lift training system is
`via the compliance computer of the training system, by
`illustrated in FIG. 13 and comprises a lift training system.
`programming a time interval in which the exercise routine is
`Goniometer 20 which is used to measure lumbar angle. The
`to begin, the timed interval for contracting a muscle group
`temperature sensor 90 may be of the kind disclosed in Patel
`and relaxing a muscle group, and the number of repetitions.
`U.S. Pat. No. 4331,161 or Davidson U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,
`The therapist then couples the unit to the electrode leads and
`824; the motion sensor 92 may be of the kind similarly used
`the patient can then conduct his own physical therapy by
`in odometers used by walkers, runners and athletes; and
`using isometric exercises for contracting the desired muscle
`these temperature sensors and motion sensors are all deemed
`group for the required duration and repetitions and moni
`to be well known in the prior art. Temperature sensor 90
`toring the intensity of the exercise on the bar graph.
`and/or motion sensor 92 are also mounted on the belt and
`As with the lift training and monitoring system the
`indicate the belt is being worn by a user. In this way, the
`exercise training system can be coupled to compliance
`actual usage of the lift training system is logged together
`computer 38 through interface 36, which can comprise a
`with a log of incorrect lifting angle.
`simple jack. The compliance computer is used to program
`As with the previously discussed lift training system, such
`the microprocessor and to tabulate the patient's performance
`as a device or component as the electromyographic sensor
`with the exercise program by interrogating the electronic
`22 of FIGS. 1-3, the microprocessor is programmed with
`memory which recorded the exercise session. The therapist
`lifting parameters via the compliance computer that when
`can then program into the microprocessor a new training
`exceeded trigger indicator means 27 to alert the user. The
`routine based upon the patient's actual performance in the
`compliance computer is used to interrogate the electronic
`last training session. As with the lift training system the
`memory for evaluating and tabulating the results of the lift
`compliance computer is also used to program the micropro
`monitoring session.
`CCSSO.
`It should be noted that the ouput signals of usage sensors
`FIG. 7 is a front view of the training and monitoring
`90 and 92 do not have to be applied to converter 26 if the
`device which is relatively compact. The circuitry including
`signals are already in digital form. In addition the usage
`the microprocessor, the electronic memory, and the elec
`sensors can be used on the belt disclosed in FIGS. 1-3.
`tromyographic processing circuitry are contained in housing
`The invention should not be limited to the above-de
`60. The device is provided with a start/stop switch 72 for
`scribed embodiments but should be limited solely to the
`overriding the exercise routine programmed into the micro
`claims that follows.
`processor, and a third light emitting diode 73 indicates the
`What is claimed and desired to be secured by letters
`device is not functioning correctly based upon its self
`Patent is:
`testing, which is identical to the self testing of the lift
`1. A lifting monitoring system for providing information
`training device.
`representative of a patient's lifting movements, including:
`FIG. 9 discloses a flow chart illustrating the method of
`body mounting means adapted to releasably secure at
`auto ranging the bar graph display. At the start of an exercise
`least portions of the system to the patient's body;
`session the exercise parameters programed into electronic
`EMG electrode means adapted to releasably attach to the
`memory via the compliance computer are read by the
`patient's body, for sensing EMG signals representative
`microprocessor and are used to initialize relevant variables.
`of the patient's muscle activity during lifting move
`The auto ranging method then through subsequent EMG
`(muscle force) readings sets a continually updated top value
`ments,
`lifting position sensing means mounted to the body
`and bottom value for the bar graph scale. The method then
`65
`mounting means, for providing position signals repre
`calculates a new EMG reading located between the top and
`sentative of the patient's body position during lifting
`bottom value as a ratio of the EMG range and as such
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`IPR2018-00564
`Garmin EX1008 Page 15
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`7
`movements;
`memory means mounted to the body mounting means, for
`storing lifting data representative of predetermined
`standards of the patient's lifting movements as a func
`tion of muscle activity and body position;
`control means mounted to the body mounting means and
`coupled to the EMG electrode means, the lifting posi
`tion sensing means and the memory means, for gener
`ating alarm signals as a function of the EMG signals,
`position signals and lifting data when the patient's
`lifting movements exceed the predetermined standards;
`and
`alarm means mounted to the body mounting means and
`coupled to the control means, for providing sensory
`stimulus in response to the alarm signals.
`2. The lifting monitoring system of claim 1 and further
`including means for mounting the EMG electrode means to
`the body mounting means.
`3. The lifting monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the
`body mounting means includes a belt adapted to releasably
`secure around the waist of the patient.
`4. The lifting monitoring system of claim 3 and further
`including means for mounting the EMG electrode means to
`the belt in such a manner that when the belt is worn by the
`patient, the electrode means are positioned adjacent to the
`patient's back to sense lower back muscle activity.
`5. The lifting monitoring system of claim 4 wherein the
`EMG electrode means includes at least three electrodes.
`6. The lifting monitoring system of claim 4 wherein the
`lifting position sensing means includes a goniometer
`mounted to the belt for providing position signals represen
`tative of the patient's back position during lifting move
`lents.
`7. The lifting monitoring system of claim 1 wherein:
`the EMG electrode means includes means for sensing
`EMG signals representative of lower back muscle
`activity of the patient;
`the lifting position sensing means includes means for
`sensing the lifting angle of the patient's back; and
`the memory means includes means for storing backlifting
`data representative of predetermined standards of the
`patient's lifting movements as a function of back
`muscle activity and back position; and
`the control means includes means for generating alarm
`signals as a function of the EMG signals, the lifting
`angle and lifting data when the patient's back lifting
`movements exceed the predetermined standards.
`8. The lifting monitoring system of claim 1 wherein the
`control means further includes:
`processing means for causing compliance data represen
`tative of the patient's lifting movements to be stored in
`the memory means; and
`interface means for outputting the compliance data from
`the memory means.
`9. The lifting monitoring system of claim 8 and further
`including a compliance monitor interconnected to the inter
`face means, for providing a display of the compliance data.
`10. The lifting monitoring system of claim 1 and further
`including a programming source means for providing lifting
`data.
`11. The lifting monitoring system of claim 10 wherein the
`control means further includes:
`interface means configured for interconnection to the
`programming source means, for receiving lifting data;
`and
`
`5,474,083
`8
`processing means coupled to the interface means, for
`causing the received lifting data to be stored in the
`memory means.
`12. A lifting monitoring system for providing information
`representative of a patient's lifting movements, including:
`body mounting means adapted to releasably secure at
`least portions of the system to the patient's body;
`EMG electrode means configured to be releasably
`attached to the patient's body, for sensing EMG signals
`representative of the patient's muscle activity during
`lifting movements;
`lifting position sensing means mounted to the body
`mounting means, for providing position signals repre
`sentative of the patient's body position during lifting
`movements;
`memory means mounted to the body mounting means for
`storing compliance data representative of the patient's
`lifting movements;
`control means mounted to the body mounting means and
`coupled to the EMG electrode means, the lifting posi
`tion sensing means and the memory means, for causing
`the compliance data representative of the patient's
`lifting movements to be stored in the memory means as
`a function of the EMG signals and the position signals;
`an interface means coupled to the control means for
`outputting the data.
`13. The lifting monitoring system of claim 12 and further
`including a compliance monitor interconnected to the inter
`face means, for providing a display of the compliance data.
`14. The lifting monitoring system of claim 12 wherein the
`body mounting means includes a belt adapted to releasably
`secure around the waist of the patient.
`15. The lifting monitoring system of claim 14 and further
`including means for mounting the EMG electrode means to
`the belt in such a manner that when the belt is worn by the
`patient the electrode means are positioned adjacent to the
`patient's back to sense lower back muscle activity.
`16. The lifting monitoring system of claim 12 wherein:
`the EMG electrode means includes means for sensing
`EMG signals representative of lower back muscle
`activity of the patient;
`the lifting position sensing means includes means for
`sensing the lifting angle of the patient's back; and
`the control means includes means for causing compliance
`data representative of the patient's back lifting move
`ments to be stored in the memory means.
`17. A portable lifting monitoring system configured to be
`worn by a patient, for monitoring and providing feedback
`representative of a patient's lifting movements, including:
`belt means adapted