This is to improve performance of selected internal organs by stimulating the organs through vibration and vibrating action to restore their normal useful functions by vibrating action. The system includes a probe which is introduced through the rectum and has a vibrating element at the end of a flexible shaft having a length sufficient to reach the ileosecal valve in the intestinal tract.

Methods and apparatus for increasing cerebral blood flow for improving the flow of blood to the brain during and/or following an ischaemic stroke. The apparatus includes a plurality of inflatable cuffs to be positioned, in use, around a respective limb of a patient. Once inflated, the cuffs exert a pressure upon the limb to reduce blood flow to the limb below the point at which the cuff is positioned. Reducing blood flow to the limbs causes an increase in blood flow to the brain, and will therefore improve stroke outcomes. The apparatus includes a control module for controlling inflation and deflation of each cuff. The control module detects, measures and monitors cerebral blood flow and uses these measurements to control inflation and deflation of each cuff such that cerebral blood flow is maintained above a baseline level during treatment of the patient.

An apparatus for massage of a user in a reclined position, including a housing structure having a base portion with a user support surface for supporting the user in a reclined position, and a top cover portion that extends the full length of the base portion so that the user being disposed or the user support surface is disposed between the base portion and the top cover portion, a massage assembly disposed adjacent the user support surface, and a video display disposed on an inner surface of the top cover portion so that the video display is visible to the user disposed on the user support surface.

A self-massaging tool is provided. The self-massaging tool comprises a first base layer. Further, the self-massaging tool comprises a second layer formed upon the first base layer, wherein the second layer comprises a plurality of rounded protruding structures configured to assert pressure during self-massage of the user, wherein the self-massaging tool has a curved shape providing an outward bulge around its center when the self-massaging tool is aligned with the spine of the user, and wherein the curved shape of the self-massaging tool facilitates a neutral alignment with the spine of the user.

A compression garment system and method that may include a head garment portion configured to be donned on a head of a body. The compression garment and method may further include a neck garment portion configured to be donned on a neck of the body. A controller may be configured to control pressure applied by each of one or more head pressure applying regions and/or each of one or more neck pressure applying regions to move lymph at least from the head towards the neck.

A passive stent for retaining an organ in an expanded state configured to adhere and substantially conform to an external surface of the organ may include an inner layer, an outer layer, and a middle layer that is enclosed by the inner layer and the outer layer, comprising a plurality of components configured to interlock and maintain the organ in an expanded state upon application of a vacuum. A method for retaining an organ in an expanded state may include applying at least one force to the organ to place the organ in the expanded state; applying a passive stent to an external surface of the organ; and applying a vacuum to the passive stent sufficient to cause a plurality of components of at least one layer of the passive stent to interlock, where the at least one layer is configured to maintain the organ in the expanded state after interlocking.

The present invention provides an apparatus designed to assist users in ascending or descending stairs. The system preferably comprises an apparatus with a handle, a horizontal top surface, side walls, front and rear vertical surface, a plurality of horizontal bottom surfaces, and a vertical face between said horizontal bottom surfaces.

A lung gas exchange device includes a front housing, at least one strap configured to affix the front housing to an anterior neck of a user, a vibration device positioned within the front housing, a wear plate configured to transfer vibration from the vibration device to the anterior neck of the user, a power source configured to provide power to the vibration device, a power control mechanism configured to allow a user to turn on and off the vibration device; and a central processing unit board connected to the power control mechanism, the power source, and the vibration device.

Systems and methods for exerting forces on a body, including a support structure defining a space and a plurality of surface contacting units that are configured to exert force upon the body, such that the weight is distributed away from the primary weight bearing regions to non-weight bearing regions of the body, or vice versa, without exerting significant shear or frictional forces on surfaces of the body. The systems and methods may be used to exert forces to cause fluid shift in different compartments of the body. Applications include treatment of various disease conditions including pressure ulcers, heart failure, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, osteoporosis, injuries of spine and to slow microgravity-induced bone and muscle loss. The systems and methods may be used to simulate gravity, weightlessness or buoyancy, in rehabilitation medicine. The system may include a chair, bed, a wearable suit or an exoskeleton.