There is described an orthosis comprising: a first portion adapted to be secured to an upper arm region of a wearer; a second portion hingedly connected to the first portion and comprising a pair of elongate members spaced apart to extend along opposing sides of a lower arm region of the wearer, each of the elongate members terminate at a distal end adjacent to a wrist of the wearer and being connected by a connecter extending at least partially around the wrist of the wearer; wherein, the distal ends of the elongated members each have a connector element formed therein for facilitating engagement with the wearer's hand so as to maintain the wearer's hand in either a pronated or a supinated position.

The present invention provides a compact, wearable and portable self driven rehabilitation device which is cost effective, light weight, portable, easy to use and customizable to fit as needed. It provides real-time mirroring effect for better visual feedback.

An orthotic device includes an upper arm section for receiving an upper portion of an arm of a subject, a forearm section for receiving a forearm section of the arm, and at least one elbow joint rotatably coupling the upper arm section and the forearm section. In the orthotic device, the forearm section includes a release control operatively coupled to the at least one elbow joint, where the release control is configured to transition the at least one elbow joint from a restricted motion state to a free motion state when the release control is activated.

A method for exercising a joint and a limb including the following: preventing movement of an exercise device actuation member in a first direction unless pressure exerted by the limb against the actuation member is equal to or greater than a predetermined first target pressure; permitting movement of the actuation member in the first direction at a first predetermined speed when pressure exerted by the limb against the actuation member is equal to or greater than the predetermined first target pressure; preventing movement of the actuation member in a second direction unless pressure exerted by the limb against the actuation member is equal to or greater than a predetermined second target pressure; and permitting movement of the actuation member in the second direction at a second predetermined speed when pressure exerted by the limb against the actuation member is equal to or greater than the predetermined second target pressure.

A motion assistance apparatus including a first support configured to support a waist of a user, a side frame connected to the first support and configured to cover at least a portion of a side of the waist, and a joint assembly connected to the side frame such that a location of the joint assembly is adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the side frame, and configured to be located at a part of a hip joint of the user is disclosed.

The invention comprises an apparatus for arm exercise for therapy of a subject. The apparatus comprises a base comprising a planar upper surface. A first set of parallel rails are affixed to said upper surface of the base, the first set of parallel rails comprising a first rail and a second rail positioned parallel to each other and separated from each other by a predefined first distance. A second set of rails comprising at least a third rail having a first end and a second end are also provided, wherein said first end is slidably mounted on the first rail and said second end is slidably mounted on said second end. A sliding mount is slidably affixed to the second set of rails, and configured such that said sliding mount can be slidingly moved between the first end and the second end of the third rail.

A therapeutic bracelet includes a strip of elastomeric material that defines an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a plurality of finger holes extending through the strip. The strip of elastomeric material is configured to be positioned over an operative hand of a user and to be worn around a wrist of the user. Upon periodic removal of the therapeutic bracelet from the wrist, the user inserts one or more digits in the finger holes from the interior surface and stretches the therapeutic bracelet with a thumb of the operative hand or with an opposite hand. A method of using the therapeutic bracelet to alternately strengthen and stretch the operative hand is also provided. The bracelet may also be used for supporting the wrist in an ergonomically correct position; and, when turned inside out, for massaging sore or injured muscles.

A control system and method for an exoskeleton is provided. The control system utilizes the admittance control paradigm to provide a system and method for manipulating the exoskeleton using minimal force from the user. A force/torque sensor and servo motors are fitted onto a passive arm support, enabling motorized support for a user with upper extremity weaknesses. The exoskeleton may be used on any extremity. The admittance control paradigm includes an impedance control and an admittance control to allow a user with upper extremity weakness and limited independence to intuitively and with minimal force control the precise trajectory of their arms to achieve a greater degree of independence in activities of daily living. Unlike existing passive arm supports that utilize springs or rubber bands to balance the user's arm against gravity, this system provides more precise gravity compensation and minimizes the amount of force required to control the exoskeleton.

A haptic device is disclosed comprising at least one fluidic actuator operatively connectable with pumping means; and a plurality of movable members mechanically connected with said at least one fluidic actuator, wherein said movable members can perform a displacement upon actuation of the fluidic actuator and/or resist the movements of a body part of a user upon actuation of the fluidic actuator, to provide a tactile and/or force haptic sensation to a body part of a user. Methods for providing a haptic sensation to a user and receiving haptic input commands from a user are also disclosed.

In one embodiment, a torque-compensating assistive wrist brace includes a hand member adapted to be provided on a user's hand, a forearm member adapted to be provided on the user's forearm, and an assistive linkage that connects the hand and forearm members together, the assistive linkage being configured to apply a balancing torque to a wrist of the user that counteracts intrinsic stiffness within the wrist and assists the user in rotating the wrist in both the flexion and extension directions.