KEYWORDS

   - Respiratory Rehabilitation

   - Passive limb movement

   - Cycle ergometer

   - Respiratory Parameters

   - Robotic System

Integrated system for respiratory rehabilitation consisting of a passive cycle ergometer with variable movement and set by a control interface that uses instantaneous ventilation scanning to modulate pedalling speed.

SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND

There are several respiratory rehabilitation systems that involve the passive movement of the limbs of a subject with stereotyped frequencies through a pre-set device. For example, some involve the movement of the lower limbs through a pedaling unit, whose speed is programmed in advance based on the patient's respiratory parameters and whose rotation speed is controlled and stereotyped.

A disadvantage of such systems is that they do not consider the state of the subject during exercise. If it happens that the evolution of the respiratory parameters is not in accordance with what was predicted at the beginning of the session, it could be necessary to intervene manually to change the pedalling speed or to stop the system.

Another disadvantage is that the solutions currently in use necessarily require the intervention of an operator, typically a member of specialized staff, and a dedicated clinic.

TECHINCAL FEATURES

This integrated system for respiratory rehabilitation includes a passive limb movement apparatus, equipped with its own motor, and a monitoring device equipped with at least one sensor configured to detect data related to the subject. The invention falls within the scope of robotic systems for passive limb movement.

The proposed innovative robotic technology of passive movement continuously uses respiratory parameters to set exercise speed to optimize the recovery of a physiological and stable respiratory rhythm following ventilation disturbances. The device could be with a smart interface that automatically controls the motor of a cycle ergometer, instantaneously adjusting the rotation speed in relation to the respiratory rate. Respiratory parameters are continuously monitored by portable and non-invasive sensors applied to the subject that continuously send feedback to the smart interface.

The control module contains one or more data-processing units configured to receive data sensed by at least one sensor and, based on this data, control the speed of the motor of the movement apparatus. Thus, there is the advantage of having an integrated system that can independently manage the variable speed of limb movement based on the subject's state during exercise.

The data processing unit, which can be implemented with the resources of artificial intelligence, is configured to continuously monitor the data received from the sensors, and to control the motor of the movement apparatus in real time, based on the data received.

EVIDENCE / RESULTS 

Although the current cycle ergometers like the ones used at the IMFR Gervasutta in Udine for neurorehabilitative purposes are set to work with stereotyped frequency exercise programs, they have been considered adequate for preliminarily testing the system we proposed. The sensors for respiratory assessment adopted at pulmonary rehabilitation were considered appropriate for monitoring ventilatory parameters as required by our system.

For the reasons stated above, the development of a control interface can be easily integrated with the modules already present in clinics and authorized for safe use on subjects to preliminarily test the effectiveness of this approach.

POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS

• Neuromotor rehabilitation gymnastics
• Gyms and wellness industry
• Electromedical laboratories
• Physiotherapy centres

ADVANTAGES

The proposed technology offers the following benefits:

• modulates respiratory function towards physiological homeostasis
• combines the osteo-muscular and cardiovascular benefits of limb mobilization with respiratory re-education
• cycle ergometer uses artificial intelligence control resources
• use of passive mobilization programs that are not stereotyped but instantaneously personalized on the characteristics of the subject during the training session
• technology accessible to all, even in bedridden individuals
• ease of wearability with portable peripherals, minimally invasive and adaptable to individual biomechanical parameters
• autonomy of use through a resource that works autonomously and does not require an external operator
• independence of use even at home without the need to go to specialized facilities
• wide range of use, from psychophysical well-being practices to sports training up to improving the quality of life in aging and the treatment of numerous respiratory and neuromotor disorders

INVENTORS: Giuliano Taccola, Rosamaria Apicella