Title

MOBILIZATION THERAPY DEVICE AND MOBILIZATION SYSTEM

Technical Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a mobilization therapy device according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and more particularly to a mobilization system. Such devices having a body part support with a supporting surface configured to accommodate a body part of a patient, an actuation unit coupled to the body part support and configured to move the body part support such that a mobilization of the body part accommodated on the supporting surface of the body part support is inducible, and a control unit configured to control the actuation unit to adjust parameters of moving the body part support, can be used for the therapy of patients having the need of being mobilized. For example, such devices can be used in pain therapy of patients having back pain or similar.

Background Art

[0002] In many therapeutic applications, mobilization of body parts is an important issue for achieving an improvement of the health situation of patients. For example, in orthopaedics often it is desired to mobilize a body part after a surgical intervention or a trauma of the musculoskeletal system of the patient. Thereby, it is known to train the patient to perform specific exercises for moving the body part in an appropriate manner or a physiotherapist to apply a controlled moving of the body part on the patient. For making the therapy of patients more efficient and to disburden the involved therapist, it is known to use specific devices repeatedly moving the body part.

[0003] Also, it is known that for giving therapy to patients suffering from pain it can be beneficial to move or mobilize body parts in a well-controlled manner. For example, for patients having back pain it is recognized to be beneficial to mobilize the back in a well- controlled manner either by directly moving the back itself or by moving a body part which induces an indirect motion of the back. Particularly, elder persons which do not frequently mobilize their backs by natural movements such as running or walking in every days life and which lost the ability to move in a controlled manner have the tendency to suffer from pain in the back. It has been found that specifically repetitive movements of the body such as walking or running cause rotational movements in the spine which helps to prevent and rehabilitate back pain suffer.

[0004] For mobilizing backs or spines and, thereby, reducing pain it has been found that applying vibrational or repetitive movements called continuous passive motion to the back is beneficial. For conveniently achieving such mobilization specific plates or plate like devices are known which are positioned below the extremities and particularly below the feet of a patient. Even though such devices may help to achieve an appropriate and efficient therapy they typically have essential drawbacks which may prevent their success in therapy. Experiences show that such devices are difficult to adapt to the individual needs of a patient. For example, it is difficult to provide an appropriate extent and speed of body part movement which on one hand is indispensable to achieve an appropriate therapeutic effect and on the other hand does not cause discomfort to or even harm the patient. Also, in each individual therapy the correct positioning of such devices has to be assured in order to achieve a proper therapy. Further, on single such therapy device may be used by plural different patients such that they have to be readapted each time they are used by another patient. Moreover, during the course of therapy such devices require to be readapted, for example, when the mobility increases. Thus, there is no appropriate education about the best possible application of such devices. Often they are not well instructed such that their acceptance by the patients as well as by the therapists is low.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a mobilization therapy device allowing an improved individual automatic therapy by mobilization of a body part of a patient, particular the back with rotational movements.

Disclosure of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention this need is settled by a mobilization therapy device as it is defined by the features of independent claim 1 and by a mobilization system as it is defined by the features of independent claim 26. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] In one aspect the invention is a mobilization therapy device comprising a body part support, an actuation unit and a control unit. The body part support has a supporting surface configured to accommodate a body part of a patient. The actuation unit is coupled to the body part support and configured to move the body part support such that a mobilization of the body part accommodated on the supporting surface of the body part support can be induced. The control unit is configured to control the actuation unit to adjust parameters of moving the body part support.

[0008] The body part support is equipped with a plurality of sensor elements each positioned to sense a pressure or force induced by an associated section of the body part of the patient. Each of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support is connected to the control unit such that sensor element signals can be transmitted from each of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support to the control unit.

[0009] The control unit is configured to evaluate the sensor element signals transmitted from the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support, and to generate a sensor signal layout of the evaluated sensor element signals. It further is configured to identify a type of the body part by means of the generated sensor signal layout. In addition to the type of the body part, the control unit preferably is configured to identify an orientation of the body part and/or an individual patient using the device by means of the generated sensor signal layout.

[0010] The mobilization therapy device can be a single unit or a multi part construction.

[001 1 ] In connection with the invention, the term“body part” can relate to body parts in the narrow sense as well as to sections thereof, groups thereof or the like. Body parts of this kind can, e.g., be a back, a neck, a leg, a foot, a toe, a pelvis or the like. The term can particularly define the unit of the body which is intended to be moved by the mobilization device for therapeutic or other reasons. The term“type of body part” as used herein relates to a kind of the body part arranged on or at the body part support. Such types can be, e.g., back, arm, foot, head, shoulder, pelvis or well defined portions thereof like lower back, neck spine, or similar. [0012] The body part support is a structure having the supporting surface designed to accommodate the body part of the patient to be mobilized or another body part which is suitable for inducing a movement of the patient’s body part to be mobilized. Thereby, it is essential that the body part support is designed to allow directly or indirectly moving the body part in order to be capable of achieving a therapeutic effect. For example, the body part support can be a multi-plate-like unit and can have more or less flat supporting surface for receiving the body part such as shoulder blades of a patient.

[0013] The term“accommodate” used in connection with the body part support relates to positioning and supporting the body part. In particular, the body part can be positioned or arranged on or at the supporting surface of the body part support such that it is held or supported by it.

[0014] The term“coupled” as used in connection with the body part support and the actuation unit can relate to a mechanical connection between the body part support and the actuation unit. In particular, the body part support can be directly or indirectly mounted to a part of the actuation unit such as to its movement mechanics described below.

[0015] The parameters of moving the body part support may include any item or physical dimension allowing to define the movement of the body part support. For example, such parameters may comprise an acceleration, an amplitude, a movement direction, a frequency, a movement pattern or sequence, and the like.

[0016] In order that the sensor elements can sense the pressure or force induced by an associated section of the body part of the patient, they can be positioned on, in or below the supporting surface of the body part support. They, can also be coupled to the supporting surface. In particular, the each of the sensor elements can be provided to sense a specific and well defined position of the supporting surface.

[0017] The term“sensor signal layout” as used herein relates to a dataset or image data composed of data or information derived from the sensor element signals. In particular, by gathering the sensor element signals of each of the plurality of sensor elements a map or grid of pressure or force values can be generated. Thereby, by analyzing the map or grid, the type of the body part involved can efficiently be assessed. On the basis of that, the therapy can automatically or otherwise be adapted to be appropriate for the particular type of the body part being on or at the body part support. Moreover, the individual map or grid can be generated for each body part of any patient at defined periods during the treatment. Such sensor signal layout is indicative for the kind or type of body part, and can additionally be indicative for its position and orientation as well as for its behavior during movement therapy.

[0018] More specifically, in this connection it has been found that the pressure image or sensor signal layout of a particular body part of a particular patient is individual such that an identification of the patient can efficiently be achieved by evaluating the sensor signal layout. In particular, the plurality of sensor elements and the configuration of the control unit allow the device to automatically identify the patient and, moreover, the individual body part and its position involved. Like this, the device can automatically monitor and configure the therapy in accordance with the individual patient or body part using the device. Thus, an efficient sophisticated therapy can be achieved which may increase efficacy, safety and acceptance of the therapy.

[0019] Furthermore, by identifying the body part of the patient and the specific orientation on or at the mobilization therapy device, the therapy can be adapted or a signal can be provided to change position or orientation of the body part. Like this, efficacy and safety of the therapy can be increased. Also, by identifying the patient, earlier gathered information about the patient and his therapy session can be involved in therapy as well as information of a specific therapy session can be collected and associated to the patient. Like this, the therapy can be tracked, optimized and reports can be provided, e.g. to care givers. Additionally, evaluating the information about earlier and current therapy sessions allows for diagnosing the status of the patient and the performance of the therapy.

[0020] In use, the mobilization therapy device can be located under or at the body part at a desired position. For example, the device can be arranged on a bed or chair at the back, pelvis or neck of the patient. Thereby, the patient can be treated when lying, seating of half-seating. By automatically identifying the type of body part, the device can then automatically be set up for inducing an appropriate movements of the body part for treating it. Furthermore, when also the orientation of the body part is identified the movement can be adapted in accordance with the orientation of the body part or a signal can be provided to properly position the body part on or at the body part support. Still further, when also the individual patient using the device is identified the therapy by movement of the body part can be personalized. Additionally, data about the therapy can be collected for the individual patient and used in later therapy sessions.

[0021] Preferably, the plurality of sensor elements is distributed such that an average density of at least 0.2 sensor elements per square centimeter supporting surface or at least 0.5 sensor elements per square centimeter supporting surface or of at least 0.8 sensor elements per square centimeter supporting surface is provided.

[0022] By having the plurality of sensor elements spread over the supporting surface at the mentioned density, the mobilization therapy device according to the invention can be individualized to the patient using it and to the therapy intended to be provided to the patient. The control unit can then evaluate the situation and provide an appropriate motion for treating the specific patient. In particular, such pressure elements allow for providing a sufficiently fine grained pressure or force image of the body part accommodated on the supporting surface of the body part support such that an efficient individualized therapy and operation can be achieved.

[0023] Preferably, the control unit is configured to determine a pressure difference between two sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support by evaluating the sensor element signals transmitted by the two sensor elements, and to adjust the speed of moving the body part support such that the determined pressure difference is below a predefined threshold. Alternatively, the pressure difference can also be determined between two different points in time of the same single sensor element or of plural sensor elements.

[0024] The term“signal” as used herein can relate to a measurable or determinable physical quantity or unit or a sequence of such quantities or units, which is configured to represent an information. Particularly, a signal or data signal can be an electric voltage or potential, an acoustic pressure, an electromagnetic wave, a field force, a sequence or any combination thereof. In any case, signals or data signals are recordable or conceivable and distinctly determinable. Data signals can be binary data signals, digital electronic signals, electromagnetic signals or combinations thereof. The term “represent” in connection with signals or data signals can relate to an information connected to or embodied by the respective signal. Thereby, this term does not exclude that aside of the explicitly mentioned information also other information is comprised in the signal or data signal. For example, a data signal can represent an information by being conditioned in a specific manner, such that the information can be re-collected or determined from the data signal.

[0025] The two sensor elements being evaluated by the control units can be neighboring sensor elements or any sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements. They can also be the two sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements having the largest pressure difference of all possible pairs of sensor elements.

[0026] By the control unit being appropriately configured, it can evaluate the sensor element signals generated during operation of the mobilization therapy device. In particular, the determined pressure difference can be indicative for a non fluent motion of the body part. Such non fluent motion is typically involved when the patient feels discomfort or movement fear which leads to an acute stiffening of the body part or portions thereof and eventually more pain. In such a situation the speed of the motion can be reduced such that until the determined pressure difference is below the predefined threshold which is indicative for a convenient therapy. Like this, therapy safety can be guaranteed as well as a therapeutic effect takes place and can be essentially increased. Also, the patient can be motivated or willing to frequently and/or to comparably long time apply the therapy.

[0027] Thereby, the control unit preferably is configured to increase the speed of moving the body part support until the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold and to reduce the speed of moving the body part support once the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold. Increasing the speed can be performed stepwise or continuously. Like this, the speed can be adjusted to be right at the maximum which still is convenient for the patient. Such adaptation of the speed allows for maximizing the therapeutic effect of a specific individual patient.

[0028] The control unit preferably is configured to control the actuation unit to adjust a pattern of moving the body part support and to adjust the pattern of moving the body part support such that the determined pressure difference is below a predefined threshold, preferably by maximum 20%, by maximum 10% or by maximum 5%. Thereby, the minimum speed at which the individual patient is not capable of smoothly moving can be reduced by a predefined value. This allows for efficiently implementing a speed for efficiently treating the individual patient. [0029] Thereby, the pattern of moving the body part support preferably comprises or is an extent of moving the body part support. Also, the control unit preferably is configured to increase the extent of moving the body part support until the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold and to reduce the extent of moving the body part support once the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold. Like this, in addition or alternatively to the speed also the extent of the movement can be considered in optimization of the therapeutic mobilization movement. This allows for additionally increasing efficiency of the therapy.

[0030] Preferably, the control unit is configured to evaluate the sensor element signals transmitted from the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support of a period of time, to generate a plurality of sensor signal layouts of the evaluated sensor element signals during the period of time, and to identify the type of the body part, the orientation of the body part and/or the individual patient by the generated plurality of sensor signal layouts. Such configuration of the control unit allows for dynamically evaluating the sensor signal layout. Compared to a static evaluation of the sensor data, such evaluation allows for increasing the accuracy of identification of the patient.

[0031 ] Preferably, the body part support comprises plural support members each having a portion of the supporting surface configured to accommodate the body part of the patient simultaneously, and the actuation unit is configured to move the support members separate from each other. Such a body part support allows for moving the body part in a plurality of desired fashions. Particularly, when the device is for mobilization of a back of the patient and the body part support is arranged to accommodate the back on the supporting surface, one support member can be positioned on one side of the spine and the another support member on the other side of the spine. Like this, the back can efficiently be rotation mobilized. The plural support members can be embodied in one single entity or in separate entities.

[0032] Thereby, the support members of the body part support preferably comprise two neighboring wings, wherein the actuation unit is configured to alternatingly move the wings. Such wings allow for a robust and efficient implementation of the multi member body part support. [0033] Further, the mobilization therapy device preferably comprises a base plate having a bottom surface on which the mobilization therapy device arranged in use, wherein the wings are mounted to the base plate via the actuation unit. Such arrangement allows for efficiently transmitting a movement from the actuation unit to the supporting surface of the body part support. Thereby, in a zero position, the wings preferably are inclined relative to the bottom surface of the base plate. The zero position can particularly be a position previous the device being moving, i.e. a starting position. Such inclined or wedge-shaped body part support allows for a particularly efficient support and therapy of a back of the patient while in a recumbent position.

[0034] Preferably, the sensor elements are pressure sensor elements. Such pressure sensor elements are elements capable and configured to sense a pressure. In particular, the pressure elements can be embodied to sense a pressure applied on the supporting surface of the body part support. Like this, the body part of the patient, its position, orientation and movement can efficiently be identified or detected and, thus, evaluated for achieving an efficient, effective and convenient therapy and operation.

[0035] The sensor elements of the device according to the invention can be single sensors. They can rely on any suitable technique for sensing pressure or force induced. In a preferred embodiment, the mobilization therapy device comprises at least one sensor assembly having a plurality of sensor cells, wherein each of the plurality of sensor elements is embodied as one of the sensor cells of the at least one sensor assembly. Such sensor assembly can be a sensor pad having the sensor cells or a similar structure. For example, such a sensor pad can be equipped with more than 50 or more than 800 or more than T500 sensor cells. The sensor assembly allows for extensively determining pressures which allows for efficiently evaluating the pressure image of the body part on the supporting surface.

[0036] Preferably, the mobilization therapy device comprises a battery coupled to the actuation unit and the control unit such that the actuation unit and the control unit are energizable by the battery. Such arrangement allows for providing the device as a mobile unit which can conveniently be handled and operated.

[0037] Preferably, the actuation unit is configured to repetitively move the body part support at a frequency in a range of between about 2 Hz and about 25 Hz, of between about 3 Hz and about 17 Hz, of between about 0.5 Hz and about 15 Hz or of between about 0.1 Hz and about 12 Hz, or of maximum 25 Hz. The repetitive movement can particularly be a cadenced movement. Such frequency of movement can particularly be beneficial in treating pain of body parts such as the back.

[0038] The actuation unit preferably is configured such that a maximum amplitude of movement of the body part support is larger than 1 mm or larger than 2 mm. Further, the actuation unit preferably is configured such that a maximum amplitude of movement of the body part support is smaller than 30 mm, smaller than 20 mm or smaller than 10 mm. Amplitudes with such upper and lower boundaries and particularly being within such upper and lower limits can also be particularly beneficial in treating pain of body parts such as the back.

[0039] Preferably, the actuation unit comprises a movement mechanics coupled to the body part support and a motor for driving the movement mechanics. Thereby, the motor can be an electromotor such as a rotational or linear electromotor. The movement mechanics can comprise any mechanical means like a leverage, shaft, gear or the like, allowing for an efficient moving of the body part support by means of the motor. Such embodiment can be comparably robust and efficient.

[0040] The mobilization therapy device preferably comprises a data storage in which individual patient sensor signal layouts are stored, wherein the control unit is configured to identify the individual patient by comparing the generated sensor signal layout to the individual patient sensor signal layouts stored in the data storage. Such configuration allows for a particularly efficient identification of the patient.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit preferably is configured to identify a position of the body part on the supporting surface of the body part support by the generated sensor signal layout. Thereby, the control unit preferably is configured to adapt the parameters of moving the body part support in accordance with the identified position of the body part. Like this, an efficient individualized mobilization therapy can be provided which can take into account the position of the body part in a single therapy session.

[0042] Similarly, the control unit preferably is configured to identify an orientation of the body part on the supporting surface of the body part support by the generated sensor signal layout. Thereby, the control unit preferably is configured to adapt the parameters of moving the body part support in accordance with the identified orientation of the body part.

[0043] Preferably, the mobilization therapy device comprises a wireless communication adapter, wherein the control unit is configured to be adapted via the wireless communication adapter. Such arrangement allows for providing a convenient man-machine-interaction by means of a mobile or other device. For example, such therapy device can be coupled to a smartphone or a tablet of the patient or a practitioner who can evaluate the therapy and adjust the device via the smartphone or tablet. Or, it can be coupled directly to a server, e.g. via the Internet or a mobile phone network.

[0044] In another aspect, the invention is a mobilization system comprising a mobilization therapy device with a wireless communication adapter as described above and a console device comprising a wireless communication adapter. The console device is configured to regulate the control unit of the mobilization therapy device by transmitting data signals via the wireless communication adapters of the console device and of the mobilization therapy device. Such console device can be any suitable device such as a server computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet or a smartphone. It can be a user’s or a practitioner’s device.

[0045] The mobilization system according to the invention allows for achieving the effects and benefits described in connection with the mobilization therapy device and its preferred embodiments described above and below.

[0046] Thereby, regulating the control unit of the mobilization therapy device preferably comprises setting the threshold of the pressure difference between the two sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support of the mobilization therapy device. Such setting of the threshold allows the patient or practitioner to conveniently set up the device for a individual patient and his appropriate therapy.

[0047] Preferably, the console device is configured to obtain a threshold value from a server system and to set the threshold of the pressure difference between the two sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support of the mobilization therapy device in accordance with the threshold value. Such threshold value from the server system can be evaluated from a large number of previous therapies or of other experiences. Like this, the threshold can efficiently be defined to a suitable and preferred value. Also, an appropriate duration of the therapy and the best position for the device in accordance with the patient’s illness or its change can be set. Furthermore, the console device can make predictions about the therapy’s success in a chosen position, duration and the already performed history on the device.

[0048] Preferably, the console device is configured to transfer data obtained by the mobilization therapy device to a server system. The term“server system” relates to any structure being suitable to act as server in the system. In particular, the server system can be a single computer, a plurality of computers or a distributed system. For privacy reasons such data can be anonymized prior transfer to the server system. Gathering therapy data can allow to evaluate the therapies and to determine parameters of specific types of therapy.

[0049] Preferably, the console device is configured to obtain data signals of the plurality of sensor elements of the mobilization therapy device and to identify an individual user of the mobilization therapy device by means of the data signals.

[0050] The console device further is preferably configured to gather information of a therapy applied by the mobilization therapy device. Thereby, the information of the therapy preferably comprises duration, intensity, history, orientation and/or position. Such information gathering allows for evaluating end providing optimized parameters of specific types of therapy.

[0051] Preferably, the console device is configured to evaluate data obtained by the mobilization therapy device and to provide a diagnosis based on the evaluated data. Such automatic diagnosis allows for efficiently identify a specific treatment or mobilization. Like this, an appropriate therapy by movement can efficiently be established. Furthermore, the diagnostic data can be used to track progress or regress of the back’s mobility.

[0052] Preferably, the console device is configured to evaluate data obtained by the mobilization therapy device and to regulate the control unit to adjust the parameters of moving the body part support based on the evaluated data. Such arrangement allows for optimizing the therapy as well as for optimizing energy consumption and battery runtime.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053] The mobilization therapy device according to the invention and the mobilization system according to the invention are described in more detail herein below by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a top view on an embodiment of a mobilization therapy device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the mobilization therapy device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the mobilization therapy device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 shows a front view of the mobilization therapy device of Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the interior of the mobilization therapy device of Fig.

1 in an embodiment of a mobilization system according to the invention;

Description of Embodiments

[0054] In the following description certain terms are used for reasons of convenience and are not intended to limit the invention. The terms“right”,“left”,“up”,“down”,“under" and“above" refer to directions in the figures. The terminology comprises the explicitly mentioned terms as well as their derivations and terms with a similar meaning. Also, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "proximal", "distal", and the like, may be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions and orientations of the devices in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. The devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along and around various axes include various special device positions and orientations. [0055] To avoid repetition in the figures and the descriptions of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. Omission of an aspect from a description or figure does not imply that the aspect is missing from embodiments that incorporate that aspect. Instead, the aspect may have been omitted for clarity and to avoid prolix description. In this context, the following applies to the rest of this description: If, in order to clarify the drawings, a figure contains reference signs which are not explained in the directly associated part of the description, then it is referred to previous or following description sections. Further, for reason of lucidity, if in a drawing not all features of a part are provided with reference signs it is referred to other drawings showing the same part. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements.

[0056] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a first embodiment of a mobilization therapy device 1 according to the invention, which is embodied to mobilize a back of a patient to treat pain and immobility. The mobilization therapy device 1 has a body part support 2 formed by two wings 22 as support members. The top of the wings 22 establish a supporting surface 21 of the body part support 2. The supporting surface 21 is configured to accommodate the back of the patient.

[0057] Each of the wings 22 of the body part support 2 is equipped with a sensor pad 3 as sensor assembly having a plurality of sensor cells 31 as sensor elements. In particular, 644 sensor cells 31 are regularly distributed over the supporting surface 21 in rows and columns. Like this, a density of about 0.85 sensor cells per square centimeter supporting surface 31 is provided. Each sensor cell 31 is positioned to sense a pressure induced by a section of the back of the patient when the supporting surface 21 accommodates the back.

[0058] In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 the mobilization therapy device 1 is shown from the front and from a lateral side. The mobilization therapy device 1 comprises a base plate 4 with a bottom surface on which the mobilization therapy device 1 is arranged in use. The wings 2 are tiltably mounted to the base plate 4. In particular, as can be best seen in Fig. 3, the wings 2 are mounted to be individually tilted about an axis at their right hand end side. Thus, the wings 22 can be moved up and down at their left hand end side and are vertically essentially fixed at their right hand end side. Thereby, the maximum height of the mobilization therapy device 1 , which is located near the left hand end side, can, e.g., alternatingly be changed by the wings 22 between a lower height of about 4.8 cm to an upper height of about 5.7 cm. Thus, a maximum amplitude of movement of the wings 22 of the body part support 2 is about 9 mm.

[0059] As can be best seen in Fig. 3, the mobilization therapy device 1 is essentially wedge-shaped. Thereby, the wings 22 are inclined relative to the bottom surface of the base plate 4 and, particularly, the height of the mobilization therapy device increases from left to right.

[0060] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a mobilization system 9 according the invention comprising the mobilization therapy device 1 , a smartphone 91 as console device and a server 92 as server system. For illustration purposes, in Fig. 5 the wings 22 are removed from the mobilization therapy device 1 such that its interior is visible.

[0061] Thereby, it can be seen that the mobilization therapy device comprises an actuation unit 6 with an electromotor 61 and a movement mechanics 62. The electromotor 61 and the movement mechanics 62 are mounted to the base plate 4 and, when the device 1 is assembled, coupled to the wings 22 of the body part support 2. The actuation unit 6 is configured to individually move the wings 22 such that a mobilization of the back accommodated on the supporting surface 21 can be induced.

[0062] Furthermore, the mobilization therapy device 1 is equipped with a control unit 8 and a battery 5. The control unit 7 is coupled and configured to control the actuation unit 6 for adjusting parameters of moving the wings 22. The battery 5 is coupled to the electromotor 61 , the control unit 7 and all other components requiring energy for operation.

[0063] The control unit 7 is further connected to the sensor pads 3 and, particularly, is in communication with each of their sensor cells 31. Like this, sensor element signals provided by or generated by the sensor cells 31 can be transmitted from each of the sensor cells 31 to the control unit 7.

[0064] The mobilization therapy device 1 further has a WLAN adapter 8 as wireless communication adapter. Similarly, the smartphone 91 , which can be the smartphone of the patient or of a practitioner such as a therapist, is equipped with a WLAN adapter such that the smartphone 91 can communicate with the mobilization therapy device 1. Thereby, the control unit 7 is configured to be adapted via the WLAN adapter 8 by means of the smartphone 91. More specifically, the smartphone 91 can regulate the parameters of the mobilization movements in the control unit 7, which in turn adapts the actuation unit 6 accordingly.

[0065] Beyond others, the control unit 7 can be regulated via the smartphone 91 by setting a threshold of a maximum pressure difference between any of two sensor cells 31. The control unit 7 is embodied to determine a real pressure difference between any of the two sensor cells 1 by evaluating the sensor element signals gathered from the sensor cells 31. The control unit 7 then adjusts the speed such that the determined real pressure difference is below the predefined threshold.

[0066] The control unit 7 is further configured to evaluate the sensor element signals transmitted by the sensor cells 31 to generate a sensor signal layout. This sensor signal layout is used by the control unit 7 to individually identify the patient. Typically, the sensor signal layout of the back of one specific patient is individual similar as fingerprints. In particular, the control unit 7 is equipped with a data storage 71 in which individual sensor signal layouts and other data gathered during or about the mobilization therapy is stored. The individual patient is the identified by the control unit 7 by comparing the generated sensor signal layout to the individual patient sensor signal layouts stored in the data storage 71.

[0067] Further, the sensor signal layout generated by the control unit 7 is used to identify a position and an orientation of the body on the supporting surface 21 of the mobilization therapy device 1. Based on the identified position and orientation of the back, the control unit 7 then adapts the parameters of moving the wings 22 accordingly.

[0068] The smartphone 91 is connected to the server 92 via the Internet 93, e.g., by the World Wide Web (WWW), peer to peer or similarly. The smartphone 91 gathers information from the server 92 and provides data to the server 92. In particular, it is arranged to transfer data obtained by the mobilization therapy device 1 to the server 92.

[0069] For example, the smartphone 91 can gather information about a specific therapy to be applied by the mobilization therapy device 1 from the server 91 and to regulate the control unit 7 such that it adjusts the actuation unit 6 to induce a movement or movement pattern suiting the specific therapy. Besides the specific movement or movement pattern, the gathered information about the therapy also comprises its duration, intensity, history, orientation and position of the back on the supporting surface 21 .

[0070] Still further, the smartphone 91 evaluates data obtained by the mobilization therapy device 1 and forwards the evaluated data to the server 92. Based on the comprehensive data about the movement of the back on the supporting surface 21 the server 92 provides a diagnosis about the situation of the back. The diagnosis can then be provided to the user or operator via the smartphone 91 . For performing all the tasks mentioned above, the smartphone 91 and the server 92 execute a specific software or app belonging to the mobilization therapy device 1 .

[0071 ] This description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention should not be taken as limiting-the claims defining the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description and the claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, it will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below.

[0072] The disclosure also covers all further features shown in the Figs individually although they may not have been described in the afore or following description. Also, single alternatives of the embodiments described in the figures and the description and single alternatives of features thereof can be disclaimed from the subject matter of the invention or from disclosed subject matter. The disclosure comprises subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or the exemplary embodiments as well as subject matter comprising said features.

[0073] Furthermore, in the claims the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The terms“essentially”,“about”,“approximately” and the like in connection with an attribute or a value particularly also define exactly the attribute or exactly the value, respectively. The term“about” in the context of a given numerate value or range refers to a value or range that is, e.g., within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be electrically or mechanically directly coupled, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0074] The present disclosure further comprises the following subject matter which may or may not be covered by the claims.

[0075] Embodiment 1 is a mobilization therapy device comprising: (i) a body part support configured to accommodate a body part of a patient, (ii) an actuation unit coupled to the body part support and configured to move the body part support such that a mobilization of the body part accommodated on the body part support is inducible, and (iii) a control unit configured to control the actuation unit to adjust speed of moving the body part support. The body part support is equipped with a plurality of sensor elements each positioned to sense a pressure induced by an associated section of the body part of the patient. Each of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support is connected to the control unit such that sensor element signals are transmittable from each of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support to the control unit. The control unit is configured (a) to determine a pressure difference between two sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support by evaluating the sensor element signals transmitted by the two sensor elements, and (b) to adjust the speed of moving the body part support such that the determined pressure difference is below a predefined threshold.

[0076] Embodiment 2 is the mobilization therapy device of embodiment 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to increase the speed of moving the body part support until the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold and to reduce the speed of moving the body part support once the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold. [0077] Embodiment 3 is the mobilization therapy device of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to control the actuation unit to adjust a pattern of moving the body part support and to adjust the pattern of moving the body part support such that the determined pressure difference is below a predefined threshold, preferably by maximum 20%, by maximum 10% or by maximum 5%.

[0078] Embodiment 4 is the mobilization therapy device of embodiment 3, wherein the pattern of moving the body part support is an extent of moving the body part support.

[0079] Embodiment 5 is the mobilization therapy device of embodiment 4, wherein the control unit is configured to increase the extent of moving the body part support until the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold and to reduce the extent of moving the body part support once the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold.

[0080] Embodiment 6 is the mobilization therapy device of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the body part support comprises plural support members configured to accommodate the body part of the patient simultaneously, and the actuation unit is configured to move the support members separate from each other.

[0081] Embodiment 7 is the mobilization therapy device of embodiment 6, wherein the support members of the body part support comprise two neighboring wings, wherein the an actuation unit is configured to alternatingly move the wings.

[0082] Embodiment 8 is the mobilization therapy device of embodiment 7, comprising a base plate having a bottom surface on which the mobilization therapy device arranged in use, wherein the wings are mounted the base plate via the actuation unit.

[0083] Embodiment 9 is the mobilization therapy device of embodiment 8, wherein in a zero position the wings are inclined relative to the bottom surface of the base plate.

[0084] Embodiment 10 is the mobilization therapy device of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the sensor elements are pressure sensor elements.

[0085] Embodiment 11 is the mobilization therapy device of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, comprising at least one sensor assembly having a plurality of sensor cells, wherein each of the plurality of sensor elements is embodied as one of the sensor cells of the sensor assembly. [0086] Embodiment 12 is the mobilization therapy device of any one of embodiments 1 to 11 , comprising a battery coupled to the actuation unit and the control unit such that the actuation unit and the control unit are energizable by the battery.

[0087] Embodiment 13 is the mobilization therapy device of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the actuation unit is configured to repetitively move the body part support at a frequency in a range of between about 2 Hz and about 25 Hz, of between about 3 Hz and about 17 Hz, of between about 0.5 Hz and about 15 Hz or of between about 0.1 Hz and about 12 Hz, or of maximum 25 Hz.

[0088] Embodiment 14 is the mobilization therapy device of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the actuation unit is configured such that a maximum amplitude of movement of the body part support is larger than 1 mm or larger than 2 mm.

[0089] Embodiment 15 is the mobilization therapy device of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the actuation unit is configured such that a maximum amplitude of movement of the body part support is smaller than 30 mm, smaller than 20 mm or smaller than 10 mm.

[0090] Embodiment 16 is the mobilization therapy device of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the actuation unit comprises a movement mechanics coupled to the body part support and a motor for driving the movement mechanics.

[0091] Embodiment 17 is the mobilization therapy device of any one of embodiments 1 to 16, comprising a wireless communication adapter, wherein the control unit is configured to be adapted via the wireless communication adapter.

[0092] Embodiment 18 is a mobilization system comprising a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 17 and a console device comprising a wireless communication adapter, wherein the console device is configured to regulate the control unit of the mobilization therapy device by transmitting data signals via the wireless communication adapters of the console device and of the mobilization therapy device.

[0093] Embodiment 19 is the mobilization system of embodiment 18, wherein regulating the control unit of the mobilization therapy device comprises setting the threshold of the pressure difference between the two sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support of the mobilization therapy device. [0094] Embodiment 20 is the mobilization system of embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the console device is configured to obtain a threshold value from a server system and to set the threshold of the pressure difference between the two sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support of the mobilization therapy device in accordance with the threshold value.

[0095] Embodiment 21 is the mobilization system of any one of embodiments 18 to 20, wherein the console device is configured to transfer data obtained by the mobilization therapy device to a server system.

[0096] Embodiment 22 is the mobilization system of any one of embodiments 18 to 21 , wherein the console device is configured to obtain data signals of the plurality of sensor elements of the mobilization therapy device and to identify a type of the body part, an orientation of the body part and/or an individual patient or individual user of the mobilization therapy device by means of the data signals.

[0097] Embodiment 23 is the mobilization system of any one of embodiments 18 to 22, wherein the console device is configured to gather information of a therapy applied by the mobilization therapy device.

[0098] Embodiment 24 is the mobilization system of embodiment 23, wherein the information of the therapy comprises a duration, an intensity, history, an orientation and/or a position.

[0099] Embodiment 25 is a mobilization therapy device comprising: (i) a body part support having a supporting surface configured to accommodate a body part of a patient, (ii) an actuation unit coupled to the body part support and configured to move the body part support such that a mobilization of the body part accommodated on the supporting surface of the body part support is inducible, and (iii) a control unit configured to control the actuation unit to adjust parameters of moving the body part support, wherein (iv) the body part support is equipped with a plurality of sensor elements each positioned to sense a pressure or force induced by an associated section of the body part of the patient, (v) each of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support is connected to the control unit such that sensor element signals are transmittable from each of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support to the control unit, and (vi) the plurality of sensor elements is distributed such that an average density of at least 0.2 sensor elements per square centimeter supporting surface or at least 0.5 sensor elements per square centimeter supporting surface or of at least 0.8 sensor elements per square centimeter supporting surface is provided.

[00100] Embodiment 26 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 25, wherein the control unit is configured to determine a pressure difference between two sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support by evaluating the sensor element signals transmitted by the two sensor elements, and to adjust the speed of moving the body part support such that the determined pressure difference is below a predefined threshold.

[00101] Embodiment 27 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 26, wherein the control unit is configured to increase the speed of moving the body part support until the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold and to reduce the speed of moving the body part support once the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold.

[00102] Embodiment 28 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 26 or 27, wherein the control unit is configured to control the actuation unit to adjust a pattern of moving the body part support and to adjust the pattern of moving the body part support such that the determined pressure difference is below a predefined threshold, preferably by maximum 50%, by maximum 20%, by maximum 10% or by maximum 5%.

[00103] Embodiment 29 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 28, wherein the pattern of moving the body part support is an extent of moving the body part support.

[00104] Embodiment 30 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 29, wherein the control unit is configured to increase the extent of moving the body part support until the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold and to reduce the extent of moving the body part support once the determined pressure difference is higher than the predefined threshold.

[00105] Embodiment 31 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 30, wherein the body part support comprises plural support members each having a portion of the supporting surface configured to accommodate the body part of the patient simultaneously, and the actuation unit is configured to move the support members dependent on or separate from each other.

[00106] Embodiment 32 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 31 , wherein the support members of the body part support comprise two neighboring wings, wherein the actuation unit is configured to alternatingly move the wings.

[00107] Embodiment 33 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 32, comprising a base plate having a bottom surface on which the mobilization therapy device is arranged in use, wherein the wings are mounted to the base plate via the actuation unit. [00108] Embodiment 34 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 33, wherein in a zero position the wings are inclined relative to the bottom surface of the base plate.

[00109] Embodiment 35 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 34, wherein the sensor elements are pressure sensor elements. [00110] Embodiment 36 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 35, comprising at least one sensor assembly having a plurality of sensor cells, wherein each of the plurality of sensor elements is embodied as one of the sensor cells of the at least one sensor assembly.

[00111] Embodiment 37 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 36, comprising a battery coupled to the actuation unit and the control unit such that the actuation unit and the control unit are energizable by the battery.

[00112] Embodiment 38 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 37, wherein the actuation unit is configured to repetitively move the body part support at a frequency in a range of between about 2 Hz and about 25 Hz, of between about 3 Hz and about 17 Hz, of between about 0.5 Hz and about 15 Hz or of between about 0.1 Hz and about 12 Hz, or of maximum 25 Hz.

[00113] Embodiment 39 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 38, wherein the actuation unit is configured such that a maximum amplitude of movement of the body part support is larger than 1 mm or larger than 2 mm.

[00114] Embodiment 40 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 39, wherein the actuation unit is configured such that a maximum amplitude of movement of the body part support is smaller than 30 mm, smaller than 20 mm or smaller than 10 mm.

[00115] Embodiment 41 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 40, wherein the actuation unit comprises a movement mechanics coupled to the body part support and a motor for driving the movement mechanics.

[00116] Embodiment 42 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 41 , wherein the control unit is configured to evaluate the sensor element signals transmitted from the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support, and to generate a sensor signal layout of the evaluated sensor element signals.

[00117] Embodiment 43 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 41 , wherein the control unit is configured to identify a type of the body part, an orientation of the body part and/or an individual patient by the generated sensor signal layout.

[00118] Embodiment 44 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 43, comprising a data storage in which individual patient sensor signal layouts are stored, wherein the control unit is configured to identify the individual patient by comparing the generated sensor signal layout to the individual patient sensor signal layouts stored in the data storage.

[00119] Embodiment 45 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 42 to 44, wherein the control unit is configured to identify a position of the body part on the supporting surface of the body part support by the generated sensor signal layout.

[00120] Embodiment 46 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiments 45 to, wherein the control unit is configured to adapt the parameters of moving the body part support or of the mobilization therapy device in accordance with the identified position of the body part. [00121] Embodiment 47 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 42 to 46, wherein the control unit is configured to identify an orientation of the body part on the supporting surface of the body part support by the generated sensor signal layout.

[00122] Embodiment 48 is a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 47, wherein the control unit is configured to adapt the parameters of moving the body part support or of the mobilization therapy device in accordance with the identified orientation of the body part.

[00123] Embodiment 49 is a mobilization therapy device according to any one of embodiments 25 to 48, comprising a wireless communication adapter, wherein the control unit is configured to be adapted via the wireless communication adapter.

[00124] Embodiment 50 is a mobilization system comprising a mobilization therapy device according to embodiment 49 and a console device comprising a wireless communication adapter, wherein the console device is configured to regulate the control unit of the mobilization therapy device by transmitting data signals via the wireless communication adapters of the console device and of the mobilization therapy device.

[00125] Embodiment 51 is a mobilization system according to embodiment 50, wherein regulating the control unit of the mobilization therapy device comprises setting the threshold of the pressure difference between the two sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support of the mobilization therapy device.

[00126] Embodiment 52 is a mobilization system according to embodiment 50 or 51 , wherein the console device is configured to obtain a threshold value from a server system and to set the threshold of the pressure difference between the two sensor elements of the plurality of sensor elements of the body part support of the mobilization therapy device in accordance with the threshold value.

[00127] Embodiment 53 is a mobilization system according to any one of embodiments 50 to 52, wherein the console device is configured to transfer data obtained by the mobilization therapy device to a server system.

[00128] Embodiment 54 is a mobilization system according to any one of embodiments 50 to 53, wherein the console device is configured to obtain data signals of the plurality of sensor elements of the mobilization therapy device and to identify a type of the body part, an orientation of the body part and/or an individual patient using the mobilization therapy device by means of the data signals.

[00129] Embodiment 55 is a mobilization system according to any one of embodiments 50 to 54, wherein the console device is configured to gather information of a therapy applied by the mobilization therapy device.

[00130] Embodiment 56 is a mobilization system according to embodiment 55, wherein the information of the therapy comprises duration, intensity, orientation, history and/or position. [00131] Embodiment 57 is a mobilization system according to any one of embodiments

50 to 56, wherein the console device is configured to evaluate data obtained by the mobilization therapy device and to provide a diagnosis based on the evaluated data.

[00132] Embodiment 58 is a mobilization system according to any one of embodiments 50 to 57, wherein the console device is configured to evaluate data obtained by the mobilization therapy device and to regulate the control unit to adjust the parameters of moving the body part support based on the evaluated data.