Apparatus and Method for Evaluating a Hypertonic Condition

Abstract

An apparatus and method for evaluating a hypertonic condition such as spasticity in a movable extremity are described. The apparatus includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a sensor-adapted for quantifying force or pressure. The apparatus further includes a data communication device adapted for transmitting data signals obtained from the accelerometer, said gyroscope, and said sensor for processing and real-time display. The method includes the steps of moving the extremity through a range of motion about an axis of rotation. During the movement of the limb parameters such as acceleration, angular velocity, the force applied to the extremity, and the time duration to move the extremity through the range of motion are all measured. The measured parameters are then transmitted to a data processor which processes the data to generate information that characterizes the hypertonic condition of the extremity for immediate feedback to the examiner or storage in a database for monitoring of the patient's condition. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is described an apparatus and method for simulating movement of a limb that has a hypertonic condition based on characterizing information from a real limb.

1 . Apparatus for evaluating spasticity in a movable extremity of a patient comprising:
 an accelerometer for measuring the acceleration of a point on the extremity during movement thereof in a range of motion of the extremity;   a gyroscope for measuring the angular velocity at which the extremity moves in the range of motion;   a sensor adapted for measuring the force applied to the extremity as the extremity is moved through the range of motion;   a data communication device adapted for transmitting data signals from said accelerometer, said gyroscope, and said sensor;   a base on which said data communication device, said accelerometer, said gyroscope, and said sensor are mounted; and   means for attaching said base to the extremity.   
   
   
       2 . Apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a data processor mounted on said base and connected between said accelerometer, said gyroscope, said sensor, and said data communication device for processing the data signals to modify a characteristic of the data signals prior to their being transmitted by said data communication device. 
   
   
       3 . A device as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising an electric power source operatively connected to said accelerometer, said gyroscope, said sensor, and said data communication device for providing electric power to said accelerometer, said gyroscope, said sensor, and said data communication device. 
   
   
       4 . An apparatus for simulating movement of a limb that has a hypertonic condition comprising:
 an actuator adapted to be driven by a control signal;   an artificial limb attached to said actuator so as to be rotated by said actuator;   a control processor operatively connected to said actuator for providing the control signal thereto, wherein said control processor is programmed with parameters of position, velocity, and torque that represent the motion of a real limb having a hypertonic condition, whereby the control signal is varied by said control processor.   
   
   
       5 . A method of simulating a hypertonic condition in a limb comprising the steps of:
 programming a control processor with desired parameters of position, velocity, and torque that characterize the hypertonic condition during motion of a real limb;   generating a control signal based on said desired parameters; and   applying the control signal to an actuator that drives an artificial limb.