This invention relates to a method for manufacturing an individualized immobilization element for the non-invasive immobilization and/or mobilization of at least a segment of a body part of a patient in a predetermined position relative to a reference and/or in a pre-certain configuration. The method comprises the steps of (i) providing a data set that comprises a three-dimensional image of an outer contour of at least a part of the segment of the body part to be immobilized and/or mobilized and (ii) the manufacture of at least a part of the immobilization element by rapid manufacturing of a shape on the basis of said data set using a polymeric material containing a thermoplastic polymer having a melting point less than or equal to 100° C., wherein the polymer material contains a nucleating agent for enhancing the of the crystallization of the thermoplastic polymer.

The present disclosure provides a wearable garment comprising (a) a sheath having a first end and a second, wherein the sheath defines a cavity in a wearable position, wherein the sheath has a first opening at the first end, and wherein the sheath comprises a first material, and (b) one or more relief zones coupled to the sheath, wherein the relief zones comprise a second material, wherein a pressure distribution of the second material is greater than a pressure distribution of the first material.

A brace for restricting the movement of a shoulder joint, the brace including a trunk module attachable to a human body, wherein the trunk module includes a strap for attaching the brace to the body; and at least one first part of a locking mechanism; a forearm module pivotable relative to the trunk module, the forearm module further including a second part of a locking mechanism capable of engaging and disengaging with said first part of the locking mechanism; and a posterior upper arm support attached to the trunk module in a fixed position; wherein in a first orientation the at least one first part of the locking mechanism is engaged with the second part of the locking mechanism; and wherein in a second orientation the at least one first part of the locking mechanism is disengaged from the second part of the locking mechanism.

A tremor stabilization apparatus, for example for helping to stabilize tremors of user with Parkinson's Disease or Essential Tremor. The tremor stabilization apparatus has a housing that is attachable to a part of a user's body and a rotatable flywheel assembly mounted to the housing. The rotatable flywheel assembly includes a rotatable flywheel, a prime mover arranged to rotate the flywheel about a flywheel rotation axis, and a gimbal to which the flywheel is attached. The gimbal is pivotally mounted to the housing at a hinge formed between the gimbal and the housing and defining a precession axis such that the flywheel can precess with respect to the housing about the precession axis. The precession axis is fixed relative to the housing. The tremor stabilization apparatus further includes a biasing member arranged to oppose precession of the rotatable flywheel assembly and urge the rotatable flywheel assembly to an equilibrium position.

An orthosis, and components thereof, that may be used as a shoulder brace for immobilization of the arm and shoulder joint may comprise components that may allow for abduction, internal/external rotation and allow for flexion and extension simultaneously. Methods of using the brace and methods of using the brace and treating shoulder injuries are similarly provided.

The invention relates to a brace comprising: (i) a distal mounting portion comprising a first loop configured to enclose a portion of an arm of a patient wearing the brace; (ii) a proximal mounting portion comprising a second loop configured to enclose a portion of the arm of the patient wearing the brace; and (iii) a body portion positioned between, and connected to, the distal mounting portion and the proximal mounting portion. The body portion includes at least two layers defining a pouch region between the two layers and configured to receive an object.

A thumb brace comprising a glove having a thumb portion disposed between a palm side and a back side and comprising a first attachment region positioned adjacent a base of the thumb portion and a second attachment region positioned on the back side of the glove; a first elastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a second end, wherein the mid-portion is disposed within a cradle of the glove between the thumb portion and an index finger portion of the glove, the first end is releasably attached to the first attachment region, and the second end is releasably attached to the first attachment region, whereby the first strap extends a distal end of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the brace; and a second elastic strap having a first end, a mid-portion, and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the palm side of the glove and the second end is releasably attached to the second attachment region, whereby the second strap reduces a proximal end of a thumb metacarpal bone of a user of the brace.

An orthosis, and components thereof, that may be used as a shoulder brace for immobilization of the arm and shoulder joint may comprise components that may allow for abduction, internal/external rotation and allow for flexion and extension simultaneously. Methods of using the brace and methods of using the brace and treating shoulder injuries are similarly provided.

A system for moving or assisting in movement of a body part of a subject, as well as a rehabilitation system including such a movement assistance system, includes a body part interface configured to be secured to the body part, and a motor-actuated assembly connected to the body part interface to move the body part interface to cause flexion or extension movement of the body part. A force sensing module is configured to measure forces applied between the body part interface and the motor-actuated assembly to ascertain at least one of volitional flexion and volitional extension movement of the body part by the subject, among other functions that may be implemented in movement assistance and rehabilitation systems using the disclosed force sensing module designs.

In some embodiments, a body anchor for supporting an assistive device can include: a cuff to exert a compression force on a body part of a user; and one or more tensile elements having first ends and second ends. The first ends of the tensile elements can be configured to be attached to the assistive device. The second ends of the tensile elements can be arranged about the cuff to cause the compression force to vary in proportion to a load exerted by the assistive device.