System and method for supervised home care rehabilitation of stroke survivors

Abstract

A transportable apparatus for performing cardiovascular training, including: an exercise device that is adapted to enable a user to perform a specific motion pattern; an ergometer that provides an indication of the amount of work performed by the user of the exercise device; an alarm system that provides an indication to the user responsive to the readings of the ergometer; wherein the alarm system is preprogrammed to provide indications responsive to one or more readings of the ergometer based on the results of a cardiorespiratory exercise test performed on the user with the exercise device.

1 . A transportable apparatus for performing cardiovascular training, comprising:
 an exercise device that is adapted to enable a user to perform a specific motion pattern;   an ergometer that provides an indication of the amount of work performed by the user of the exercise device;   an alarm system that provides an indication to the user responsive to the readings of the ergometer:   wherein said alarm system is preprogrammed to provide indications responsive to one or more readings of the ergometer based on the results of a cardiorespiratory exercise test performed on the user with said exercise device.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said exercise device is adapted to be attached to a wheel chair to enable performing exercise while seated in the wheel chair. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said exercise device is adapted to be activated by the large muscles in the area of the thigh and pelvis. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said exercise device is adapted to cause the user's legs to perform reciprocal motion. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said alarm system provides continuous readings related to the amount of effort performed by the user. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein said readings are provided as audio signals. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein said readings are provided as visual signals. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the level of resistance of the exercise device is adjusted to match the ability of the user. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the exercise device is calibrated with a different level of resistance on each side of the exercise device. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the cardiorespiratory exercise test determines a maximum amount of effort allowed by the user during a single session. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said alarm system provides signals to remind the user to perform exercise 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said alarm system provides signals to notify the user to stop performing exercise. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said alarm system provides signals to help the user to follow a pre-programmed exercise plan. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said alarm system prevents the user from continuing to perform exercise with the exercise device. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein said exercise device is adapted to be used while the wheel chair is stationary 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein said exercise device is adapted to enable the user to control the motion of the wheel chair. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , further comprising a pump that produces compressed air from the exercise performed by the user. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the compressed air is used to move the wheel chair. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the motion pattern is determined by a physiotherapist examination. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the motion pattern is designed to fit the user's neurological or motor deficiency. 
     
     
         21 . A method of performing home based cardiovascular exercise training, comprising:
 assembling an exercise device that is transportable by a single person;   designing a motion pattern to be performed by the user of the exercise device;   adjusting the resistance of the elements of the exercise device based on the physical state of the user and the designed motion pattern;   training the user to use the exercise device;   testing the cardiorespiratory ability of the user while using the exercise device and monitoring the readings of an ergometer that provides indication of the effort of the user while using the device;   planning a fitness program based on the testing;   programming an alarm system of the exercise device to provide the user with indications responsive to various readings of the ergometer while using the exercise device.   
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 21 , wherein said exercise device is adapted to be attached to a wheelchair. 
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 21 , further comprising warning the user if he exceeds a pre-determined exercise rate. 
     
     
         24 . A method according to  claim 21 , wherein said alarm system prevents said user from performing exercise with said exercise device responsive to readings from the ergometer.