A method of analyzing thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS) in a subject by performing quantitative dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (QdMRI) analysis. The QdMRI analysis includes performing four-dimensional (4D) image construction of a TIS subject's thoracic cavity. The 4D image includes a sequence of two dimensional (2D) images of the TIS subject's thoracic cavity over a respiratory cycle of the TIS subject. The QdMRI analysis also includes segmenting a region of interest (ROI) within the 4D image, determining TIS measurements within the ROI, comparing the TIS measurements to normal measurements determined from ROIs in 4D images of the thoracic cavities of normal subjects that are not afflicted by TIS, and outputting quantitative markers indicating deviation of the thoracic cavity of the TIS subject relative to the thoracic cavities of the normal subjects.

A method and apparatus for simulating, measuring and recording a subject's ability to perform a varying range of barrier reaches is provided. The apparatus includes a variable barrier reach instrument for simulating an actual barrier that the subject may lean against in performing a work task The variable barrier reach instrument may include a physical barrier having a substantially horizontal upper surface at a height above a base point. A sensing and recording device may be positioned proximate to the variable barrier reach instrument for sensing and recording a plurality of barrier reach data points as the subject bends forward against the physical barrier. A computer and an associated software program are also provided into which the recorded data points are entered. An algorithm may be contained within the software program that generates an interpolated arc reflecting the subject's reach at the physical barrier height from the recorded data points. Storage means associated with the computer are further provided for storing the interpolated arc and recorded data points.

A gait assistance slab is provided. The gait assistance slab includes a body that includes an outer surface. The gait assistance slab further includes a plurality of sensors disposed inside the body. The gait assistance slab further includes a plurality of actuators disposed inside the body. The gait assistance slab further includes circuitry communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the plurality of actuators. The circuitry detects a presence of a person on the outer surface based on an electric signal acquired from one of the plurality of sensors. The circuitry determines a level of actuation of one of the plurality of actuators based on the detected presence of the person and the acquired electric signal. The circuitry further controls, based on the determined level of actuation, the one of the plurality of actuators to assist gait of the person on the outer surface.

A toe correction apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The toe correction apparatus includes: a first sensor attachable to a first side of a hallux proximate to a second toe for measuring first pressure information between the hallux and the second toe; and a processor, configured to determine a degree to which the hallux bends to the second toe according to the first pressure information, and control an inflation amount or a deflation amount of an adjustable airbag between the hallux and the second toe according to the degree to which the hallux bends to the second toe.

A system to provide health and wellness data, comprising a platform for placement; at least one imaging sensor associated with the platform for capturing images; and a processor adapted to analyze the images to determine health and wellness data is disclosed. A toilet for assessing health and wellness of a user, comprising a bowl supported by a base; a platform for placement of a user's feet; at least one imaging sensor mounted on the base; and a processor adapted to analyze the images to determine health and wellness is disclosed. A method for assessing health and wellness comprising acquiring one or more images of the foot a user; using a processor to analyze the one or more images for health and wellness factors; and making the results of the health and wellness analysis available to the user on one or more digital platforms is disclosed.

Embodiments of systems and methods for monitoring use of an orthopedic device are at least disclosed. In some embodiments, the system can include an orthopedic device, a housing, and a controller. The orthopedic device can provide support to a limb of an individual. The orthopedic device can include a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field. The housing can attach to the individual, and the housing can support a magnetometer configured to generate a signal responsive to the magnetic field. The controller can determine from the signal whether the individual is using the orthopedic device to provide support to the limb and accordingly output usage indications.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a program that causes a computer to perform an obtaining process, an analyzing process, and an extracting process. In the obtaining process, the computer obtains a radiographic moving image showing a motion of a specific part of an examinee. In the analyzing process, the computer analyzes the radiographic moving image obtained in the obtaining process. In the extracting process, the computer extracts, among frames constituting the radiographic moving image, a specific frame that visibly shows a detection target in the specific part, based on a result of analyzing a dynamic state of the specific part in the analyzing process.

Non-invasive intracranial pressure detection and/or monitoring and use of data with respect thereto. Illustratively, with respect to a method, there can be a method to digitally produce and communicate intracranial pressure data from skull deformation electric signals, the method including: receiving, from at least one sensor, detected skull deformation electric signals at electrical equipment configured to transform and process the skull deformation signals that are received; transforming and processing, by the electrical equipment, the received skull deformation electric signals to produce digital intracranial pressure data; and outputting, by the electrical equipment, the digital intracranial pressure data via an output device operably associated with the electrical equipment to render the digital intracranial pressure data.

Systems and methods for triggering inspiration and/or cycling exhalation with a ventilator are described herein. In particular, systems and methods for synchronizing ventilator breath delivery with patient breath demand utilizing a digital sample counting trigger mode are described herein. The digital sample counting triggering mode characterizes digital samples taken from a measured or estimated parameter during the patient inhalation/exhalation period to synchronize breath delivery with patient breath demand.

A method for measuring vibration transmittance of a sternum noninvasively includes producing vibration, transmitting the vibration to a first side the sternum through skin and soft tissues, obtaining response data of the sternum from a second side of the sternum through skin and soft tissues, which first and second sides of the sternum are on different sides of the midline of the sternum, and processing said response data for determining transmittance of vibration of the sternum. The response data may be used for defining state of a patient such as sternal instability of the breastbone or abnormal healing in the sternum after open chest surgery by surgeons.