Variable weight units, computing device kit applications, and method of use

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods that enable a therapist to develop a therapeutic exercise for a patient. In one embodiment, a position tracking sensor is used by a patient, the movement of which can be recorded by an electronic computing device. The electronic computing device records the position tracking sensor movement as the therapist directs the patient to make a particular physical movement. The collected data enables the therapist to establish a range of motion for the patient and an exercise to enable the patient to increase the range of motion. The systems and methods then continue to monitor patient progress.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method that enables a therapist to develop a therapeutic exercise for a patient:
 providing a position tracking sensor to a patient, wherein the position tracking sensor includes a wireless communication system that enables an electronic computing device to wirelessly record any movement of the position tracking sensor;   using a first electronic computing device, recording the position tracking sensor movement as the therapist directs the patient to make a particular physical movement, wherein the position tracking sensor is attached to the patient such that the position tracking sensor moves concomitantly with the patient's particular physical movement; and   using the first electronic computing device, enabling the therapist to establish a range of motion for the patient and an exercise to enable the patient to increase the range of motion.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein electronic computing device is a tablet or smartphone. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise includes having the patient carry a first weight having a position tracking sensor embedded in the first weight. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the first weight is attached to a strap that is wrapped around the patient's leg. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the first weight is attached to a belt. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 using a second electronic computing device, monitoring the patient performing the exercise and tracking data enabling the therapist to determine whether the exercise was performed in accordance with therapist requirements.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the therapist establishes the range of motion by locating a joint on the patient associated with the range of motion, identifying a center location of the joint, and identifying desired movements of one or more limbs associated with the joint. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 using the first electronic computing device, capturing a digital image of the patient and calculating patient body and limb dimensions.   
     
     
         9 . A system that enables a therapist to develop a therapeutic exercise for a patient:
 a position tracking sensor, configured to be attached to the patient, wherein the position tracking sensor includes a wireless communication system that enables an electronic computing device to wirelessly record any movement of the position tracking sensor;   a first electronic computing device in wireless communication with the position tracking sensor, having a non-transitory computer readable medium, which, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:
 record the position tracking sensor movement as the therapist directs the patient to make a particular physical movement, wherein the position tracking sensor is attached to the patient such that the position tracking sensor moves concomitantly with the patient's particular physical movement; and 
 enable the therapist to establish a range of motion for the patient and an exercise to enable the patient to increase the range of motion. 
   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein electronic computing device is a tablet or smartphone. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a first weight having a position tracking sensor embedded in the first weight, configured to be used by the patient during the established exercise to increase range of motion. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a strap to support the first weight as it is attached to the patient's leg. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a weight belt to support the first weight attached to the patient's torso. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the first weight has a variable weight system. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the first weight has an interlocking system enabling it to be attached to a second weight. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a second electronic computing device having a non-transitory computer readable medium with instructions that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:   monitor the patient performing the exercise, and   track data enabling the therapist to determine whether the exercise was performed in accordance with therapist requirements.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the first electronic computing device is further configured to enable the therapist to establish the range of motion by locating a joint on the patient associated with the range of motion, identifying a center location of the joint, and identifying desired movements of one or more limbs associated with the joint. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the first electronic computing device is further configured to capture a digital image of the patient and calculate patient body and limb dimensions. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the position tracking sensor includes a gyroscope and accelerator subsystem. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the range of motion relates to one of: a hip, a knee, a shoulder, an elbow.