Kinematic System

Abstract

A kinematic system is described. The kinematic system includes a kinematic device to train a subject to move in an optimal form during functional activities. The kinematic system comprises an attachment mechanism, a projector to project a first light line along a first axis and a second light line perpendicular to the first light line, and a multi-directional joint. The kinematic system works such that when the subject performs functional activities, the functional activities comprising one or more of taking a step, sitting down, standing up, walking, running, cutting a corner and ascending or descending steps, a movement in the line of light indicates rotation, anterior-posterior tilt, abduction-adduction, flexion-extension and lateral tilt of the user's joint, enabling correction of movement associated with the functional activities to the optimal form.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A kinematic system including a kinematic device to train a subject to move in an optimal form during functional activities, the kinematic system comprising:
 an attachment mechanism to attach the kinematic device securely to the subject at a designated location, the location selected based on a type of motion of the subject to be evaluated;   projector to project a first light line along a first axis and a second light line perpendicular to the first light line;   a multi-directional joint to enable a portion of the kinematic device to move independently of the attachment mechanism, the multi-directional joint enabling an adjustment of the kinematic device so that the first and the second lines of light are aligned along a horizontal and vertical axis;   such that when the subject performs functional activities, the functional activities comprising one or more of taking a step, sitting down, standing up, walking, running, cutting a corner and ascending or descending steps, a movement in the line of light indicates rotation, anterior-posterior tilt, abduction-adduction, flexion-extension and lateral tilt of the user's joint, enabling correction of movement associated with the functional activities to the optimal form.   
     
     
         2 . The kinematic system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the projector comprises a light source and a line generator, to generate the lines of light.   
     
     
         3 . The kinematic system of  claim 2 , wherein the first line of light utilizes a first light source and the second line of light utilizes a second light source, and the projector comprising a light emitting diode (LED) and a line generator to generate the lines of light. 
     
     
         4 . The kinematic system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second kinematic device, for attachment to a different location on the subject, wherein a relative motion of the light lines projected by the first kinematic device and the second kinematic device provide additional information about the subject's motion.   
     
     
         5 . The kinematic system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clip and a strap. 
     
     
         6 . The kinematic system of  claim 5 , wherein the multi-directional joint is used to attach the kinematic device to the clip; and
 the kinematic system includes a plurality of straps having different shapes and sizes, enabling the kinematic system to be attached to a plurality of different locations on a subject's body.   
     
     
         7 . The kinematic system of  claim 1 , wherein the location of the kinematic system is along the extremities of the subject, including the humerus, forearm, wrist, hand, femur, lower leg, ankle and foot. 
     
     
         8 . The kinematic system of  claim 1 , wherein the location of the kinematic system is along or adjacent to a spine and joints adjacent to the spine including the pelvis, rib cage, scapula and head. 
     
     
         9 . The kinematic system of  claim 1 , wherein the training is further for one or more of:
 rehabilitation of a subject with an orthopedic dysfunction;   assisting in recovery from a neurologic insult;   teaching controlled motion to a subject with a neurologic disorder, such as Parkinson's disease, Parkinsonism, ataxia, dystonia, or multiple sclerosis facilitating exercises and techniques to teach controlled motion.   
     
     
         10 . A kinematic system including a kinematic device to train a subject, the kinematic system comprising:
 an attachment mechanism to attach the kinematic device securely to the subject at a designated location along a spine and joints adjacent to the spine including the pelvis, rib cage, scapula and head;   projector to project a first light line along a first axis and a second light line perpendicular to the first light line;   a multi-directional joint to enable a portion of the kinematic device to move independently of the attachment mechanism, the multi-directional joint enabling an adjustment of the kinematic device so that the first and the second lines of light are aligned along a horizontal and vertical axis;   such that when observing movements of the subject, the rotation, anterior-posterior tilt, abduction-adduction, flexion-extension and lateral tilt shown by the first light line and the second light line, can be used to teach motion associated with functional activities to the subject.   
     
     
         11 . The kinematic system of  claim 10 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clip and a strap. 
     
     
         12 . The kinematic system of  claim 11 , wherein the multi-directional joint is used to attach the kinematic device to the clip; and
 the kinematic system includes a plurality of straps having different shapes and sizes, enabling the kinematic system to be attached to a plurality of different locations on a subject's body.   
     
     
         13 . The kinematic system of  claim 10 , wherein the location of the kinematic system is along the extremities of the subject, including the humerus, forearm, wrist, hand, femur, lower leg, ankle and foot. 
     
     
         14 . A method of training a subject to perform functional activities, the method comprising:
 attaching a kinematic device, projecting two perpendicular lines of light, securely to the subject at a designated location along a core of the user, the core defined by the spine and joints adjacent to the spine including the pelvis, rib cage, scapula and head;   adjusting the kinematic device using a multi-directional joint so that the two perpendicular lines of light are aligned along a horizontal and vertical axis;   observing movement in the two perpendicular lines of light as the subject performs a normal daily activity; and   adjusting the subject's movements, based on the observed rotation, anterior-posterior tilt, abduction-adduction, flexion-extension and lateral tilt shown by the two perpendicular lines of light, to teach correct motion associated with functional activities to the subject.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 attaching a second kinematic device to a different location on the subject, wherein a relative motion of the light lines projected by the first kinematic device and the second kinematic device provide additional information about the subject's motion.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clip and a strap. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the multi-directional joint is used to attach the kinematic device to the clip; and
 the attaching further comprises selecting one of a plurality of straps having different shapes and sizes, the selecting based on a the attachment location on a subject's body.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the location of the kinematic system is along the extremities of the subject, including the humerus, forearm, wrist, hand, femur, lower leg, ankle and foot. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the location of the kinematic system is along or adjacent to a spine and joints adjacent to the spine including the pelvis, rib cage, scapula and head. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the training is further for one or more of:
 rehabilitation of a subject with an orthopedic dysfunction;   assisting in recovery from a neurologic insult;   teaching controlled motion to a subject with a neurologic disorder, such as Parkinson's disease, Parkinsonism, ataxia, dystonia, or multiple sclerosis facilitating exercises and techniques to teach controlled motion.