A method comprises obtaining rotational data and translational data for a joint. The rotational and translational data is indicative of rotational and translational movement of the joint during rotational and translational joint testing, respectively. The rotational and translational joint testing is implemented by a robotic testing apparatus. Respective zero torque points are determined for the rotational and translational movement based on the rotational data and the translational data. The respective zero torque points are combined for the rotational and translational movement to determine an equilibrium position for the joint. A biomechanical characteristic of the joint is ascertained based on an analysis of the equilibrium position.

A method includes obtaining load-deformation data for a joint, the load-deformation data being gathered via joint testing implemented by robotic test equipment, the robotic test equipment being configured for movement of the joint and comprising sensors to gather the load-deformation data during the movement. A load-deformation curve function for the load-deformation data is generated, the load-deformation curve function defining a curve fitted to the load-deformation data. A feature of the curve defined by the load-deformation curve function is quantified. A biomechanical characteristic of the joint is identified based on the quantified feature of the curve defined by the load-deformation curve function.

A method includes obtaining rotational data and translational data for a joint, the rotational and translational data being indicative of rotational and translational movement of the joint during rotational and translational joint testing, respectively, the rotational and translational joint testing being implemented by a robotic testing apparatus applied to the joint. A quantity indicative of joint play of the joint is computed. The quantity is computed via a function of the rotational data and the translational data. The method includes determining whether the computed quantity exceeds a joint play threshold and, if the computed quantity exceeds the joint play threshold, comparing the rotational data and the translational data with preset rotational data and preset translational data for the rotational and translation joint testing, respectively.

A knee examination method includes situating a patient on a patient support adjacent a robotic knee testing apparatus, the apparatus having a motion tracking system. The robotic knee testing apparatus is set up including defining a world coordinate system based on a fixed location of a transmitter of the motion tracking system. The patient is set up including determining one or more local coordinate systems each based on setting up the patient and on one or more robot based points. The robotic knee testing apparatus is operable to manipulate a leg of the patient.

A method and apparatus for accessing and imaging at least one body part of interest may position a subject in an imaging system to partially encloses the subject and partially expose the subject, and access at least one body part of the subject that is exposed outside the imaging system for a procedure. The at least one exposed body part is positioned to be imaged by the imaging system.

An auxiliary testing device assists a testing device for testing a respiratory function of a subject. The auxiliary testing device has a tubular member and a restraining member. The tubular member has a tubular shape and is connected to the testing device. The restraining member restrains a movement of a cheek of the subject.

A lower limb spasticity measurement method includes the step of setting the lower limbs of the person in a lower limb orthotic device of a gait activity machine, the step of starting up a motor of the gait activity machine to drive the lower limb orthotic device for lower limb activity, the step of getting a statistical distribution data from the output torque of the motor within a predetermined time and then calculating the statistical distribution data to obtain a threshold, and the step of determining whether the output torque of the motor is greater than the threshold or not, and then stopping motor if the output torque of the motor is greater than the threshold. Thus, the method of the invention can accurately measures spasticity in the lower limbs of a person without the use of sensors, effectively saving the cost of equipment.

Disclosed is a patient positioning assembly for orientating a patient with respect to a radiation source. The patient positioning assembly includes a translatable member movable in a vertical direction between a vertically downwards first position and a vertically upwards second position. The patient positioning assembly further includes a patient support assembly mounted to the translatable member and adapted to rotate relative to the translatable member about a vertical axis. The patient support assembly is configurable between a first orientation, which sustains the patient in a seated position, and a second orientation, which sustains the patient in a generally standing position.

An arm support for blood pressure monitoring, including an adjustable-height stand with a number of legs that support an upwardly-extending post. An arm-supporting saddle is fixed in position at the top of the post. The saddle has an upper arm-support surface that is configured to support an arm of a user. The top of the post is adjustable in height relative to the legs, to allow the saddle to be positioned at an appropriate height such that the user's arm when supported by the saddle is in a horizontal position.

A body coil for magnetic resonance imaging includes one or more coil elements incorporated in a shell material. The body coil has a rectangular basic shape. Two opposing edge sections of the body coil may be pivoted along one pivot axis, respectively, relative to a middle section. For this purpose, movement elements that effect pivoting are arranged on an edge section side.