Motorized Lower Body Rehabilitation Device and Method

Abstract

Disclosed is a motorized rehabilitation apparatus and method for disabled, impaired or injured individuals, which trains a proper gait, increases blood flow, relieves stress, and reconditions lower body muscles and joints. The device comprises a powered stationary bicycle having a seat, handle grips, and rotating foot pedals that receive motive input from an electric motor and user input. The device further includes a pair of thigh braces that are connected together between the user's thighs via a hingeable link and chain that controls and trains an individual's limbs through the pedal rotation. The disclosed method further combines the present bicycle device for rehabilitation in conjunction with visual stimuli in the way of a three dimensional television display that stimulates endorphins, relieves mental stress and allows the motive input from the bicycle and mild user input to exercise the limbs of a user without focusing on the rehabilitation activity.

1 . A walking gait training and lower body rehabilitation device, comprising:
 a motorized stationary bicycle device having a frame, a user seat, a pair of user pedals forward of said seat, and a motor and drivetrain assembly for rotating said pedals via first and second pedal crank;   a visual stimulus forward of said seat.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said pedals further comprise a securement means for securing said user's feet to each pedal. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said motor is variable speed and controllable by said user. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said visual stimulus further comprises a television. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said television further comprises a three dimensional display technology. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said visual stimulus is a projector that projects images away from said user and onto a surface. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a control brace connecting to a first and second thigh region of said user, said brace comprising a first and second removable thigh cuff surrounding each thigh and connected therebetween via at least one link having a pivotable connection to each cuff.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein a first link and a second tether are utilized for increased freedom of movement. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a control interface for controlling said pedal rotation speed, direction and operation. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said motor and drivetrain assembly further comprise a means of monitoring back pressure against a desired operational direction, wherein said pedal cranks are ceased if a threshold back pressure is applied by a user to prevent injury or further unwanted rotation. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said seat is adjustable position relative to said foot pedals is adjustable via a sliding platform connection that is positionally securable via a pin lock mechanism along said frame. 
     
     
         12 . A walking gait training brace, comprising:
 a control brace connecting to a first and second thigh region of a user, said brace comprising a first and second removable thigh cuff surrounding each thigh and connected therebetween via at least one link having a pivotable connection to each cuff.   
     
     
         13 . A walking gait training and lower body rehabilitation method, comprising the steps of:
 utilizing a stationary and motorized pedal bicycle to rotate a user's legs in a reciprocal motion;   utilizing a visual stimulus in front of said user to improve mood, stimulate said user's mind and release endorphins, and to further distract and encourage said user while his or her legs are being mobilized.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the steps of:
 allowing the user to input force on the bicycle pedals if desired and able.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the steps of:
 controlling the motion of said user's legs using a pair of linked thigh braces to control said user's thighs and improve said user's gait.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the steps of:
 utilizing a feedback means of monitoring back pressure against said pedal bike operational direction, and ceasing said pedal cranks if a threshold back pressure is applied by a user to prevent injury or further unwanted rotation.