US3752144A - Muscular evaluation method and testing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable apparatus and method for positioning a force sensor adjacent various portions of the patient''s body and for measuring and recording forces exerted by the voluntary muscles of the patient. The apparatus is calibrated such that the adjustment of the apparatus for positioning the patient and the force sensor may be recorded and later exactly reproduced. An adjustable calibrated platform positions the patient while an adjustable calibrated frame positions the force sensor. The frame and the patient support platform are relatively movable such that the force sensor may be positioned adjacent substantially any portion of the patient''s body. The adjustments of the apparatus are recorded such that the position of the patient and the force sensor may later be duplicated to compare the patient''s muscular condition at spaced time intervals.

Description

[451 Aug. 14, 1973 United States Patent Weigle, Jr.

Primary Examiner-Lawrence W. Trapp Attorney-Donald M. Wright et a1.

[ MUSCULAR EVALUATION METHOD AND TESTING APPARATUS [76] Inventor: Keith E. Weigle, Jr., Chagrin River Rd. Gates Mills, Ohio 44040 July 23, 1971 Appl. No.: 165,683

ABSTRACT A !"ad u aisie a piram anrmaa for positioning a force sensor adjacent van'ous portions of the [22] Filed:

patients body and for measuring and recording forces exerted by the voluntary muscles of the patient. The apparatus is calibrated such that the adjustment of the apparatus for positioning the patient and the force sensor may be recorded and later exactly reproduced. An adjustable calibrated platform positions the patient while an adjustable calibrated frame positions the force sensor. The frame and the References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS patient support platform are relatively movable such that the force sensor may be positioned adjacent substantially any portion of the patients body. The adjustments of the apparatus are recorded such that the position of the'patient and the force sensor may later be duplicated to compare the patients muscular condition at spaced time intervals.

19 Drawing Figures Provost et al Mastropaolo m h "MM m0 Man O. O o mc ei KTM 26 56 99 HH i 3,465,592 3,374,675 3/1968 2,590,055 3,285,070 3,l96,55l 7/l965 3,572,700 3/197] 31 Claims,

PAIENIED M181 3. 752 144 SHEEI 1 0F 7 ATTORNEYS PAIENTEU AUG 1 4 SNEEIZBFT eff 3&5: ATTORNEYS PAIENIEU nus 1 4191sSHEET 5 0F 7 J INVEN OR.

HIN' /v |9| KEITH E.WEIGLE ATTORNEYS PAIENIED AUG] 4 I975 SHEET 6 OF 7 INVENTOR. KEITH E. WEIGLE BY mwmyiwzzw ATTORNEYS PAIENIEDAUBI m lllu I I m INVENTOR. KEITH E. WEIG LE j znnzvs MUSCULAR EVALUATION METHOD AND TESTING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the science of muscular evaluation and more particularly to improved and novel methods and apparatus for muscular evaluation.

2. Prior Art A variety of muscle testing devices have been proposed by the prior art. However, no acceptable medical diagnostic apparatus has previously been developed which is suitable for use by members of the medical profession for properly evaluating the condition and progress of a patient suffering from a muscle disorder. Since suitable diagnostic apparatus has not been available, the diagnosis of persons with many types of muscular disorders has been relatively primitive. Even in the best of clinics known for their skilled physicians and elaborate equipment, the accepted and most exclusively used procedure for evaluating the muscular improvement or deterioration of a patient comprises having the patient push, pull, or exert some other force on the examining physician. The physician then endeavors to recall his impression of the force which the patient was able to exert during a previous visit, and compares these two events in his mind to reach a conclusion regarding the patient's condition.

The reliability of such an impression, recall, and evaluation procedure is questionable, particularly where the physician sees hundreds of patients between visits with any particular one patient. His ability to recall exactly what force a patient could exert during a prior visit is likely to be subject to error.

Hence, while a variety of muscular evaluation devices have been proposed, the fact remains that they have not been found to be practical or widely acceptable for use in medical diagnosis.

One significant problem common to most known muscular evaluation devices is that they are not adapted for use in testing muscles or muscle groups at substantially any selected position over the patient's body. Rather they comprise specialized devices adapted for use in testing only limited muscle groups, such as those associated with the hand, or the arm, etc.

Most known muscular evaluation devices are not designed to permit later duplication of the testing environment. This drawback is two-pronged in nature. First, most known muscular evaluation devices fail to provide adequate reference surfaces or positioning means whereby the relative position of the patient and the apparatus is exactingly controlled. Second, most known devices are not adequately calibrated such that their position relative to the patient can be recorded and later reproduced. Together these drawbacks render it impossible to assure that at each subsequent testing, the apparatus is positioned in the same relative location to the muscles being evaluated. Accordingly, a variation in the lever-arm through which forces are applied frequently results in false data which does not correspond to prior examinations.

It should be realized that a very significant need which has in no way been solved by prior art devices in the provision of an apparatus which can be universally used to provide significant muscular evaluation data on large numbers of patients. No acceptable apparatus has previously been developed whereby, for instance, data can be compiled toindicate normal ranges of muscle strengths for persons according to sex and body build. No universally acceptable apparatus or method for muscular evaluation has previously been provided, the data from which can be meaningfully interpreted and understood by doctors, athletic directors, and the multitude of others who must evaluate and classify persons according to physical fitness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a significant step forward in the science of muscular evaluation, and pro vides novel and vastly improved methods and apparatus for muscular testing and evaluation.

In accordance with one important aspect of the present invention, an adjustable apparatus is provided for receiving and supporting patients of a wide range of body builds. By the term patient", it is intended to include all such persons as may be tested by the methods and apparatus of the invention, and accordingly it is to be understood that persons who are not under the direct care of a doctor are not to be excluded from the intended scope of this term.

An adjustably positioned force sensor is provided which can be positioned adjacent substantially any portion of a patients body whereby forces exerted by various muscles and muscle groups can be sensed and recorded. The apparatus has calibrations associated with each of its adjustments whereby both the position of the patient and the position of the force sensor may be recorded and later be duplicated.

One advantage of the apparatus of the present invention is that testing conditions for a particular patient may be exactly duplicated at spaced time intervals. Accordingly the muscular condition of a patient can be accurately ascertained, and his muscular improvement or deterioration can be accurately measured. Another significant advantage is that patients of similar body build may be tested under identical conditions to improve data indicative of the normal range of muscular characteristics for patients of that particular body make-up.

Still another extremely significant advantage of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus whereby many muscular characteristics of patients of a wide variety of physical builds can be measured and correlated. The data so correlated may then be used to establish standards for muscular condition and normalicy ranges enabling the muscular condition of a particular patient to be meaningfully compared to that of many other persons.

In accordance with one method of muscular evaluation of the present invention, a patient is positioned in an adjustable calibrated supporting apparatus. The apparatus is then adjusted to accommodate the physical build of the patient. The apparatus is further adjusted to position a force sensor adjacent a portion of the patient which is movable in response to movement of such muscles as are to evaluated. The settings of the apparatus when so adjusted are recorded such that the patient may later be repositioned in the apparatus in exactly the same manner with the sensor adjacent the same portion of the patient. The force applied to the sensor by movement or the muscles under evaluation is then measured and recorded. By this arrangement, data obtained from repeated tests of. the patient over spaced intervals of time may be used to evaluate the patients muscular improvement or deterioration.

In accordance with another method of the present invention, a large number of patients are tested in an adjustable calibrated apparatus including patient support means and force sensor means which may be adjustably positioned to receive patients of a wide range of physical builds. Each of the patients is tested in accordance with the following steps:

1. the patient is positioned in the apparatus;

2. the apparatus is adjusted to accommodate the physical build of the patient;

3. the apparatus is further adjusted to position the force sensor adjacent a portion of the patient which is movable in response to movement of such muscles as are to be evaluated;

4. the settings of the apparatus so positioned are recorded in order that other patients of similar physical build may be positioned in exactly the same manner in the apparatus for testing; and,

5. the forces applied to the sensor by the patient upon moving the muscles under evaluation are measured and recorded.

The test information so obtained is then compiled into table corresponding to the physical make-up of the person so tested such that a range of performance characteristics is established for patients of various physical make-ups.

The present invention has a wide range of application. The apparatus is a highly versatile diagnostic tool for use by the medical profession. It is also useful in quantitatively evaluating the effect of drugs on the body.

In physiotherapy, the methods and apparatus of the invention permit the therapist to quantitatively evaluate the progress of a patient. Persons recovering from strokes have been found to improve to a point at which their improvement tends to plateau. The present invention enables the therapist to know when this plateau is reached, beyond which point most therapy is a waste of time.

The present invention is a valuable tool in programming the exercise of an athlete. Athletes tend to loose fitness or decay during the off-seasons of their particular sports. When they begin training again at the opening of a new season, different parts of their bodies regain fitness more quickly than others. The present in vention permits quantitative evaluation of the progress of an athletes training whereby the athletes muscle groups which are slow in responding to training can be detected. Where athletes are tested at the height of their fitness during a previous season, these test results may be compared with tests during a subsequent training perior to quantitatively evaluate the athletes fitness.

Still other applications for the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. As an employee screening device for industry, the present invention is effective to detect back injuries and other potential health problems. Accident victims complaining of a wide range of injuries can also be tested by the methods and apparatus of the present invention. By measuring the amount of force such persons are able to exert and the length of time over which they are able to continuously or repititiously exert such force, the presence or absence of an injury and its extent are often quantitatively determinable.

Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide improved methods and testing apparatus for muscular evaluation.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the muscular evaluation apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating in phantom various movements of the patient positioning apparatus;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 with portions broken away to illustrate detail;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view as seen from the plane indicated by the line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view as seen from the plane indicated by the line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a tension force sensor which may be used in conjunction with the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a compression force sensor;

FIGS. 8-11 are perspective views illustrating various padded muscle engaging devices for use in conjunction with the force sensors of FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 12 is a perspecive view illustrating a variable angle mounting device for the force sensors of FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a force sensor support for testing the bite of a patient;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a force sensor support for testing the facial muscles of a patient;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and,

FIGS. 16-19 are schematic illustrations showing an exemplary few of the muscle testing arrangements which may be provided by the apparatus of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, a muscular evaluation apparatus is shown generally at 10. Theapparatus 10 generally comprises apatient support device 11 and a forcesensor support frame 12. A force sensor, indicated generally by the numeral 13, is carried by theframe 12. As will be explained in greater detail, theforce sensor 13 includes an electrical signal generating means which is coupled by anelectrical cable 14 to an electrical display andrecording instrument 15.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the patient support device ll comprises a pair of generally trapezoidalshapedupright frame members 20. Themembers 20 rigidly support a horizontally disposedplatform 21.

A pair ofsupport panels 22, 23 are provided for wardly and rearwardly of theplatform 21. Each of thepanels 22, 23 is pivotally mounted for movement relative to theplatform 21. Thepanel 22 is hinged about an axis 24 so as to be pivotal from a position beneath theplatform 21 to a substantially horizontal position. Thepanel 23 is hinged about anaxis 25 so as to be pivotal from the vertical position shown in FIG. 2 to a sub stantially horizontal position. When thepanels 22, 23

are in their horizontal position, they serve as extensions for theplatform 21.

Thepanel 23 is provided with a centrally disposed throughaperture 26. A support bracket 27 extends through theaperture 26 so as to be movably carried by thepanel 23. A suitably paddedbackrest member 28 is carried by the bracket 27. A locking device 29 is provided for locking the bracket 27 in place relative to thepanel 23. A series of calibration marks 30 are provided along the bracket 27. By this arrangement, thebackrest 28 may be suitably positioned in contact with a patient and locked in place. The position of the backrest may then be ascertained from the calibration marks 30 and recorded. Thebackrest 28 and the support bracket 27 may be removed when thepanel 23 is positioned horizontally to serve as an extension for theplatform 21.

A pair of threaded clamping bolts 31 are carried by opposite sides of thepanel 22. A pair of slottedlatch arms 32 are slidably positioned on the bolts 31 such that the bolts 31 may be tightened to clamp thearms 32 against the sides of thepanel 22. Thearms 32 are mounted about an axis 33 for pivotal movement relative to theframe members 20. By this arrangement, the bolts 31 serve to clamp or lock thepanel 22 in position.

A pair ofarms 34 extend from thepanel 23 into the region below theplatform 21. Thearms 34 journal the ends ofarod 35 which extends between the lower ends of thearms 34. A notched latchingarm 36 is pivotally mounted on arod 37. Therod 37 extends between theframe members 20 and has its ends journaled by the frame members. The notched latchingarm 36 is engageable with therod 35 to lock thepanel 23 in its vertical position. Alternately therod 35 is engageable with the underside of theplatform 21 to hold thepanel 23 in its horizontal position.

A pair of arm supports 40 are adjustably carried by theframe members 20. Thearm support 40 are constructed in a manner similar to thebackrest 28, and include suitably paddedsupport portions 41 carried on calibratedbrackets 42. Thebrackets 42 are extensible in vertical directions relative to theframe members 20. Lockingdevices 43 are provided to lock thebrackets 42 in place relative to theframe members 20.

An adjustable foot support member is provided between theframe members 20. The foot support includes amovable platform 51 carried between a pair ofuprights 52. Theuprights 52 are calibrated along their lengths to indicate the position of the platform.

Theforce sensor frame 12 includes a pair of horizontally extendingtrack members 60. Afirst carriage structure 61 is slidably mounted on thehorizontal track members 60. Thefirst carriage 61 includes a pair of vertically extendingtrack members 62. Asecond carriage structure 63 is slidably mounted on thevertical track members 62. Thesecond carriage 63 includes a horizontally extending mountingbar 64. Theforce sensor 13 is removably secured to thebar 64, as will be described in greater detail.

A chain drive system is provided for moving thefirst carriage structure 61 along thehorizontal track member 60. As is best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the track members comprises an outwardly facing U- shaped channel having a roller chain positioned therein. Thechains 70 are reeved aroundsprockets 71 carried onshafts 72 journaled by thetrack members 60. Thechains 70 are endless and connect withcarriage base members 73.

A rotatable crank 74 is provided for moving the chains and hence thecarriage 61 along thetracks 60. Thecrank 74 is mounted on ashaft 75. Theshaft 75 is rotatably supported by abracket 76. Asprocket 77 is carried on theshaft 75. An alignedsprocket 78 is carried on theshaft 72. Anendless chain 79 is reeved around thesprockets 77, 78. By this arrangement, rotation of thecrank 74 will cause rotation of theshafts 75, 72 and, consequentially, movement of thechains 70 and thecarriage 61.

Referring to FIG. 4, the arrangement of parts within one of theU-shaped channels 60 is shown in greater detail. Each of thesprockets 71 is keyed to an end of one of theshafts 72 by a key 80. Asnap ring 81 carried in an annular groove in theshaft 72 holds thegear 71 in place on the shaft.

Thecarriage base members 73mount stub shafts 83. Ball bearings 84 carried on thestub shafts 83 support thecarriage 61 for movement relative to thetracks 60.Brackets 84a are connected to thebase members 73. Thebrackets 84a connect with theendless chains 70 tocausethe carriage 61 to movein response to movement of the chains. Theshafts 72 andsprockets 71 assure that thechains 70 will move in unison to move thecarriage 61.

Threaded lockingbolts 85 are carried by threaded apertures formed through thecarriage base members 73. The lockingbolts 85 are positioned to releasably engage thetracks 60 to clamp thefirst carriage 61 and thetrack 60 to prevent relative movement therebetween.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, thesecond carriage 63 includes a pair ofend plates 90. The end plates mountstub shafts 91.Ball bearings 92 are mounted on thestub shafts 91 to guide the movement of thecarriage 63 relative to the upright tracks 62. Snap rings 93 engage grooves in thestub shafts 91 and hold thebearings 92 in place.

Endless roller chains 95 are positioned in theupright tracks 62 in a manner similar to that of thechains 70.Brackets 96 are carried by theend plates 90 for connection with thechains 95.

Threaded lockingbolts 96a are carried by threaded apertures formed through theend plates 90. The lockingbolts 96a are positioned to releasably engage thetracks 62 to clamp thesecond carriage 63 and thetracks 62 to prevent relative movement therebetween.

A rotatably mountedcontrol shaft 100 is journaled for support by thetracks 62 adjacent their upper ends. Theshaft 100 carriessprockets 101. Theroller chains 95 are reeved over thesprockets 101.Cranks 102 are provided to rotate theshaft 100 and to move thechains 95 in unison.

As is best seen in FIG. 3, asprocket 103 is provided adjacent the lower end of each of thetracks 63.Stub shafts 104 rotatably mount thesprockets 103. Thechains 95 are reeved around thesprockets 103.

The horizontal mountingbar 64 is provided withcalibration marks 105 along its length. The calibration marks 105 serve to indicate the position of theforce sensor 13 along thebar 64.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, two embodiments of theforce sensor 13 are shown in greater detail. Both embodiments have identical outer housing and support structures, which will now be described.

A C-shaped mounting bracket 1 10 is provided to support theforce sensor 13 from the horizontally extending mountingbar 64. A threaded clampingmember 11 1 extends through a threadedaperture 112 in the C- shaped bracket for releasably engaging the mountingbar 64. By this arrangement, the C-shaped bracket may be positioned anywhere along the mountingbar 64 and clamped in position.

The C-shaped bracket has a second threadedaperture 113. Theapertures 112, 113 are preferably axially aligned. A forcesensor mounting stud 114 is threaded into the aperture 1 13. The stud 1 14 is formed integrally with ahousing end plate 115. Thehousing end plates 115 differ in configuration in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, as will be explained in greater detail.

A hollow cylindrical housing is secured to theend plate 115 bysuitable fasteners 121. Theend plate 115 serves to close one end of thehousing member 120. The other end of the housing is closed by anapertured end plate 122. Theend plate 122 is secured to the housing bysuitable fasteners 123.

Arod member 124 is telescopically carried within thehousing 120. Therod 124 extends through anaperture 125 in theend plate 122. Theouter end 126 of therod 124 is threaded to provide attachment means in order to mount various muscle engaging devices, as will be explained in greater detail.

The portion of therod 124 which extends internally of thehousing 120 carries acoil spring 130. Thecoil spring 130 is a compression coil spring adapted to exert a force opposing its compression in an axial direction.

Aplunger 131 secured to therod 124 engages one end of thecoil spring 130. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the other end of the coil spring engages theend plate 122.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the other end of the coil.

spring engages theend plate 115.

Referring to FIG. 6, theend plate 115 has a substantially planar configuration which serves simply to close one end of thehousing 115. Theplunger 131 is slip fitted within the housing and serves to support therod 124.

Referring to FIG. 7, theend plate 115 has a substantiallycylindrical portion 135 extending into thehollow housing 120. Theportion 135 has acylindrical guide hole 136 which carries one end of therod 124.

In each of the force sensor embodiments alinear potentiometer 140 is provided to sense relative movement of the ends of thespring 130. Thelinear potentiometer 140 comprises a variable resistance device including ahousing 141 which telescopically receives an axiallytranslatable shaft 142. Linear potentiometers of this type are sold by Bourne Laboratories, Riverside, California.

In each of the embodiments of the force sensor, thetransducer housing 141 is mounted on thehousing 120, while theshaft 142 is secured to theplunger plate 131. By this arrangement, theshaft 142 will move with therod 124 to vary the resistance of the transducer in accordance with the relative position of therod 124 and thehousing 120.

A pair ofconductors 143 connect with thetransducer 140 and extend through anaperture 144 in the wall ofhousing 120. Theconductors 143 form part of thecable 14 which connects with theconsole 15. Thecable 14 also includes a shielded jacket to shield theconductors 143 from spurious signals.

Referring to FIGS. 8-11, several embodiments of muscle engaging devices are illustrated. Each of the muscle engaging devices includes asquare shoulder 150. A threadedaperture 151 is provided in the shoulder to provide attachment means for threadably receiving the threadedend 126 of one of theforce sensor rods 124. Additionally, each of the muscle engaging devices has abracket structure 152 havingportions 153 suitably padded. Thebracket structure 152 is rigidly connected to theshoulder 150. By this arrangement, the muscle engaging devices may be threaded onto theforce sensor rods 124 so as to be supported by the force sensor.

Thebracket structures 152 may take on a variety of configurations, some of which are illustrated in FIGS. 8-11. It will be understood that the bracket structures are intended to provide a suitable configuration for engaging various regions of a patients body. The devices of FIGS. 8 and 9 provide padded regions opposite theshoulder 150 and, as such, are primarily intended for use with the tension force sensor of FIG. 6. The devices of FIGS. 10 and 11 provide padded regions adjacent theshoulder 150 and, as such, are primarily intended for use with the compression force sensor of FIG. 7. As will be apparent, many other muscle engaging devices may be constructed with such contours and surfaces as are required to engage particular body surface portions.

Referring to FIG. 12, a variable angle mounting device is shown for supporting theforce sensors 13. Thevariable angle mount 160 is intended to replace the C-shapedmounting bracket 110 where theforce sensor 13 needs to be tilted relative to thebar 64.

Thevariable angle mount 160 includes a C-shapedbracket 161 with a threadedlocking bolt 162. Asemicircular support portion 163 connects with thebracket 161. Theportion 163 defines a semi-circular chamber within which is positioned acircular disc 164. Ashaft 165 has its ends joumaled by theportion 163. Theshaft 165 extends through thedisc 164 and rotatably mounts thedisc 164 with suitable bearings, not shown.

Asquare shoulder 166 rigidly connects with thedisc 164. Theshoulder 166 is provided with a threadedaperture 167. The threadedaperture 167 is adapted to receive the threadedstud 114 which mounts theforce sensor 13.

Thesemi-circular portion 163 is provided with asemicircular slot 168. Calibration marks 169 are formed on thedisc 164. The calibration marks 169 may be read in conjunction with one or more reference marks 170 to indicate the angular positon of thedisc 164 relative to thebracket 161.

A clampingscrew 171 is threaded through an aperture in theportion 163 for releasably engaging thedisc 164. By this arrangement, the disc can be clamped in a preselected position to hold one of the force sensors.

Referring to FIG. 13, a special purpose force sensor support is illustrated. Thesupport 180 is designed to facilitate measuring the bit force of a patient. Thesupport 180 comprises first andsecond arms 181, 182 which are pivotally connected at 183. One end of each of thearms 181, 182 is provided with a throw-awayplastic insert 184. Theinserts 184 are removably interference fitted over the end portions of thearms 181, 182 and may be replaced following each use so as to provide a sanitary means of engaging a patients teeth.

Theinserts 184 are provided withend portions 185 of reduced cross-section.Shoulders 186 mark the transition between the main body of theinserts 184 and their reduced cross-sectional end portions. Theshoulders 186 are intended to be positioned in abutting contact with a patients front teeth. By this arrangement, the patients biting force is applied to thesupport 180 along a lever arm of controlled length, and the test environment may be easily duplicated at a later date.

A mountingblock 188 forms the other end of thearm 181. The mountingblock 188 includes a C-shapedbracket 189 with a threadedlocking bolt 190 for securing thesupport 180 to thebar 64.

The mountingblock 188 also includes a threadedaperture 191 for receiving the threadedstud 114 of thecompression force sensor 13 as illustrated in FIG. 7. Thearm 182 is provided with a threadedaperture 193 adapted to receive the threadedend 126 of the forcesensor piston rod 124.

Thesupport 180 operates in the manner of a pair of pliers to apply a compression force to thesensor 13 in response to the patients exerting a biting force on theinserts 184. As will be apparent, thesupport 180 may be constructed with a variety of lever arm lengths, or witharms 181, 182 of adjustable calibrated length, so as to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the force sensor measurements in accordance with the biting capacity of a particular patient.

Referring to FIG. 14 aforce sensor support 200 is illustrated. The support includes a pair of relatively movableU-shaped frame members 201, 202. Themember 202 is substantially hollow along its length and telescopically receives theends 203, 204 of themember 201. A pair of threadedlock members 205 are carried.

by themember 202 tov releasably engage theends 203, 204 and thereby clamp themembers 201, 202 against relative movement. v

Themember 201 is provided with a C-shapedmount ing bracket 206 of the same type employed in the aforedescribed supports. The C-shapedbracket 206 mounts thesupport 200 on thebar 64.

A cross-member 210 extends between opposite legs of theU-shaped member 201. A pair ofarms 211, 212 are pivotally mounted at 213 on thecross-member 210. Thearms 211, 212 are provided withmuscle engaging pads 214, 215 at one end, and with forcesensor support apertures 216, 217 at the other end. In the manner of thesupport 180, aforce sensor 13 is supported by theapertures 216, 217 so as to extend between thearms 211, 212.

Thesupport 200 is adapted to be positioned over the head of a patient. A paddedbracket 218 is carried by theframe member 202 for engaging the back of a patient's head. With the support positioned over a patient's head, theframe members 201, 202 are adjusted to bring thepads 214, 215 into engagement with the patients cheek muscles. Such force as may then be exerted by the patient in holding hismouth closed and puffing his checks is then transmitted to theforce sensor 13. In this embodiment, thesensor 13 isa tension sensor as shown in FIG. 6.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that awide variety of force sensor supports and muscle engaging brackets may be used with the apparatus of the present invention. However, one significant feature of the wide variety of patient support and force sensor support devices that may be used with the apparatus of the present invention is that the apparatus is calibrated in conjunction with each adjustable member to enable the settings of the apparatus to be recorded and later exactly duplicated.

While the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3 provides anupstanding carriage 61 which is movable relative to thetrack members 60 and to thepatient support device 11, the arrangement of these structures may be reversed while still rendering the carriage and the patient support relatively movable. Referring to FIG. 15, a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, thepatient support device 11 is mounted onrollers 230 which engage track members 60'. Theupstanding members 62 are rigidly secured to the track members 60'. By this arrangement, instead of the members 62' forming a carriage which is movable relative to thepatient support device 11, the patient support device is rendered movable relative to themembers 62'. calibrations are still provided along the track members 60' to ascertain the position of the patient support device.

The advantage of the arrangement of FIG. 15 is that the chain drive for thecarriage 61 can be eliminated. The patient support device 11' is sufficiently rigid that it can simply be pushed intoposition along the tracks 60' and thenlocked in place. By eliminating the movement between thetrack members 60 and 62, these members may be rigidly connected to reduce play in the force sensor support apparatus. Except for these modifications, the apparatus of FIG. 15 is substantially identical to the apparatus of FIG. 1 and will not be described in further detail.

Referring to FIGS. 16-19 various applications of the described apparatus are illustrated schematically. In FIG. '16,theforce sensor 13 is shown positioned in eng'agement with the forehead of a patient. By this arrang'ement, certain neck muscles of the patient may be exercised to exert a compressive force on thesensor 13 which may then be recorded. In FIG. 17, theforce sensor 13 is positioned in engagement with the back of the head of a patient. By this arrangement, certain other neck muscles may be exercised to exert a tensile force on thesensor 13. In FIGS. 18 and 19, theforce sensor 13 is positioned, respectively in engagement with the ankle and wrist of a patient. By this arrangement, certain muscles of the leg and arm may be exercised to exert a compressive force on thesensor 13.

Referring once again to FIG. 1, thedisplay console 15 includes agalvanometer 180.Suitable controls 181 are provided for calibrating and changing the scale of the galvanometer. Appropriate electrical signal amplification circuitry, not shown, is provided to amplify the signal provided by theforce sensor 13 and feed it to thegalvanometer 180.

Theconsole 15 may also include suitable recording apparatus for continuously graphically recording the signal from thesensor 13. Since such recording apparatus is wellknown and doesnot form a part of the present invention, it will not be described in detail.

In operation, a patient is positioned on thepatient support device 11. The various movable portions of thesupport device 11 are then adjusted to accommodate the particular build of the patient. The settings of the patient support are then recorded so that the exact same testing environment 'may later be duplicated.

Thecarriages 61, 63 are then moved into position and locked. Theforce sensor 13 is then fitted with an appropriate muscle engaging device and locked in position. The positions of the carriages and the force sensor are then recorded.

With the force sensor in position, the patient exercises the muscles under observation so as to exert his maximum available force on thesensor 13. This force causes thespring 130 in thesensor 13 to compress. Simultaneously, thelinear potentiometer 140 sends a signal which is representative of the magnitude of the exerted force. Theconsole 15 visually presents the signal on thegalvanometer 180 and suitably records the signal graphically if so desired.

The positions of the force sensor and the patient may be changed as desired during the examination to test other muscles and muscle groups. The data so obtained may then be compiled with data from other patients to establish normalcy ranges. By this arrangement, the muscular condition of the patient may be thoroughly and comprehensively evaluated.

Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing'from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

l. A method of evaluating muscular condition comprising the steps of:

a. positioning a patient on an adjustable calibrated supporting apparatus;

b. adjusting the apparatus to accommodate the physical make-up of the patient;

0. further adjusting the apparatus to position a force sensor adjacent a portion of the patient which is movable in response to movement of such muscles as are to be evaluated;

d. recording the settings of the apparatus when so adjusted such that the patient may later be repositioned on the apparatus in exactly the same manner with the sensor adjacent the same portion of the patient;

e. measuring the force applied to the sensor by the patient upon moving the muscles under evaluation; and,

f. recording the data so obtained whereby the patient may be repeatedly tested over a period of time to evaluate his muscular condition improvement or deterioration.

2. The method of claim 1 including the additional step of providing the sensor with a remotely positioned indicator means operably coupled thereto for remotely indicating the magnitude of the force sensed.

3. A method of establishing performance tables indicative of the relative muscular condition of a person as compared to other persons of similar physical makeup, comprising the steps of:

a. providing an adjustable calibrated apparatus in cluding patient support means and force sensor support means which may be adjustably positioned to receive patients of a wide range of physical builds and to position a force sensor means adjacent various portions of the patients positioned in the apparatus; I

b. testing a large number of patients each in accordance with the following steps:

i. positioning a patient in the apparatus; ii. adjusting the apparatus to accommodate the physical make-up of the patient so positioned;

iii. further adjusting the apparatus to position the force sensor adjacent a portion of the patient which is movable in response to movement of such muscles as are to be evaluated;

iv. recording the settings of the apparatus so positioned in order that other patients of similar physical make-up may be positioned in exactly the same manner in the apparatus and so tested; and,

v. measuring and recording the force applied to the sensor by the patient upon moving the muscles under evaluation; and,

c. compiling the test information so obtained into tables corresponding to the physical make-up of the persons so tested such that a range of performance characteristics may be established for patients of various physical make-ups.

4. An apparatus for evaluating the muscular condition of muscles of a patient, comprising:

a. an adjustable calibrated apparatus including pa tient support means and force sensor support means;

b. force sensor means carried by said force sensor support means and adapted to engage a portion of a patients body;

c. said patient support means comprising relatively movable members which are adjustable to adapt said patient support means to receive and support patients of a wide range of physical make-ups, said patient support means being calibrated such that the adjustments made in therelative positions of said'members to accommodate a patient of a particular physical make-up may be reproduced at a later time when working with the same patient or a patient of similar physical make-up;

d. said force sensor support means and said patient support means being relatively movable to adjustably position said froce sensor means adjacent a predetermined portion of a patient which is movable in response to movement of such muscles as 'are to be tested;

e. said force sensor support means being calibrated such that the adjustments made in the apparatus to position said force sensor means adjacent said predetermined portion of said patient may be reproduce at a later time; and,

f. indicator means connected to said force sensor means for providing an indication of the force applied to the force sensor by movement of the muscles under evaluation.

5. The apparatus of claim 4:

a. including a frame which comprises horizontally extending track means engaging said force sensor support means and said patient support means; and wherein b. one of said support means is rigidly secured to said track means while the other support means is movable along said track means relative to said one support means.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein:

a. said patient support means comprises a platform which may be adjusted to receive and support a patient in sitting or lying positions; and,

b. said platform is calibrated such that the adjustments made to position a particular patient may be recorded and reproduced at a later time.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein:

a. said force sensor support means comprises frame means having relatively movable components which may be adjusted to position said force sensor means adjacent a selected portion of the body of a patient; and,

b. said frame means is calibrated such that the adjustments made to position said force sensor means may be recorded and reproduced at a later time.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said force sensor support means is rigidly secured to said track means and said patient support means is movable along said track means.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said patient support means is rigidly secured to said track means and said force sensor support means is movable along said track means.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said frame means includes carriage means movable relative to said patient support means.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 10 wherein said frame means additionally includes substantially vertically extending track means mounting said carriage means for movement relative to said patient support means, said vertically extending track means and said carriage means having calibration markings associated therewith such that the position of said carriage means relative to said patient support means can be recorded and later reproduced.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein said carriage means includes a substantially horizontally extending force sensor mounting means adjustably secured thereto, and calibration markings are associated with said mounting means such that the position of said mounting means may be recorded and later reproduced.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 12 wherein said force sensor mounting means comprises an angularly adjustably mount for a force sensor, said mount having calibration markings associated therewith such that the angular position of a force sensor can be recorded and later reproduced.

14. An apparatus for evaluating the muscular condition of selected groups of muscles of a patient, comprising:

a. an adjustable calibrated apparatus including patient support means and force sensor support means;

b. force sensor means carried by said force sensor support means and adapted to engage a portion of a patients body;

0. said patient support means and said force sensor support means having portions extending into engagement with each other to define a translational path of relative movement whereby said support means are movable relative to each other along said path;

d. said portions having calibration markings associated therewith such that the relative positions of said support means may be recorded and later reproduced;

c. said patient support means comprising relatively movable members which are adjustable to adapt said patient support means to receive and support patients of a wide range of physical make-ups, said patient support means being calibrated such that the adjustments made in the relative positions of said members to accommodate a patient of a particular physical make-up may be reproduced at a later time when working with the same patient or a patient of similar physical make-up;

f. said force sensor support means being adjustable to position said force sensor means adjacent a predetermined portion of a patient which is movable in response to movement of such muscles as are to be tested, said force sensor support means being calibrated such that the adjustments made in the apparatus to position said force sensor means adjacent said predetermined portion of said patient may be reproduced at a later time; and,

g. indicator means associated with said force sensor means for providing an indication of the force applied to the force sensor by movement of the muscles under evaluation.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 14 wherein said force sensor means comprises a tension force responsive device including movable members, means biasing said members toward each other, and signal generating means coupled between said members for indicating the relative position of said members.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 14 wherein said force sensor means comprises a compression force responsive device including relatively movable members, means biasing said members apart, and signal generating means coupled between said members for indicating the relative position of said members.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 14 wherein said force sensor means includes first and second relatively movable members, biasing means engaging'each of said members, signal generating means coupled between said members for indicating their relative position, said first member being adapted for mounting on said frame, and said second member being adapted to carry a muscle engaging device.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein said first member comprises a housing telescopically receiving said second member, and said biasing means is disposed within said housing.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein said force sensor means additionally includes a muscle engaging device carried by said second member, said muscle engaging device being lightly padded to comfortably engage a portion of the patients body.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein said force sensor comprises a tension force responsive device and said muscle engaging device includes portions engageable with certain portions of a patients body for applying a tension force to said force sensor.

21. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein said force sensor comprises a compression force responsive device and said muscle engaging device includes portions engageable with certain portions of a patients body for applying a compression force to said force sensor.

22. An apparatus for evaluating the muscular condition of muscles of a patient by positioning the patient in a predetermined attitude and measuring the static force which the patient is able to exert along a plurality of pre-selected axes comprising:

a. patient support means for receiving and supporting a patient, said patient support means comprising relatively movable members which are adjustable to adapt said patient support means to receive and support the particular body build of the patient under evaluation, said patient support means being calibrated such that adjustments made in the relative positions of said members to accommodate that patient may be reproduced later to facilitate positioning of that patient or another patient of similar body build in a desired testing attitude;

b. force sensor means for selectively engaging predetermined portions of the patient's body and for generating a signal representative of the static force which the patient is able to exert on said force sensor means along an axis;

0. force sensor support means coupled to said patient support means for supporting said force sensor means, said force sensor support means being adjustable and calibrated to facilitate the positioning of said force sensor means in contact with a selected portion of the patient so as to measure the force which he is able to exert along a corresponding one of a plurality of predetermined axes.

23. The apparatus ofclaim 22 additionally including indicator means operably coupled to said force sensor means for providing a visual indication of the force applied to said force sensor means.

24. The apparatus ofclaim 22 additionally including track means interposed between said patient support means and said force sensor means for facilitating the repositioning of said force sensor means relative to the patient.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 additionally including locking means associated with said track means for releasably locking said force sensor means in a desired position relative to the patient.

26. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said force sensor support means includes carriage means movable along said track means for positioning said force sensor means in a desired position relative to the patient.

27. The apparatus ofclaim 22 wherein said force sensor means comprises first and second members, one received telescopically within the other, means axially biasing said members toward a predetermined neutral position, and means for generating a signal representative of the force applied in moving said members axially relative to each other away from said neutral position.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said biasing means is pre-selected in accordance with the range of force which will be exerted to move said first and second members relative to each other, such that the biasing means exerts a biasing force of a magnitude which will limit the axial relative movement of the members to a range which is less than one inch in length, whereby the variation in positioning of the patient during testing is minimized.

29. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said force sensor means comprises two assembled relatively movable members, one being carried by said force sensor support means and the other having first attachmerit means thereon for detachably mounting a muscle engaging device, said apparatus including a plurality of differently shaped muscle engaging devices respectively adapted for engagement with different parts of a patients body and each having attachment means cooperable with said first attachment means.

30. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said force sensor support means comprises a mounting bar and means rigidly supporting said bar at locations spaced longitudinally of the bar, said force sensor means being mounted on said bar.

31. Apparatus according toclaim 30 in which said force sensor support means and said patient support means are relatively movable in one direction, and in which said mounting bar extends in a direction transverse to said one direction and said force sensor means is adjustably positionable along said mounting bar in said transverse direction.

Claims (31)

1. A method of evaluating muscular condition comprising the steps of: a. positioning a patient on an adjustable calibrated supporting apparatus; b. adjusting the apparatus to accommodate the physical make-up of the patient; c. further adjusting the apparatus to position a force sensor adjacent a portion of the patient which is movable in response to movement of such muscles as are to be evaluated; d. recording the settings of the apparatus when so adjusted such that the patient may later be re-positioned on the apparatus in exactly the same manner with the sensor adjacent the same portion of the patient; e. measuring the force applied to the sensor by the patient upon moving the muscles under evaluation; and, f. recording the data so obtained whereby the patient may be repeatedly tested over a period of time to evaluate his muscular condition improvement or deterioration.

2. The method of claim 1 including the additional step of providing the sensor with a remotely positioned indicator means operably coupled thereto for remotely indicating the magnitude of the force sensed.

3. A method of establishing performance tables indicative of the relative muscular condition of a person as compared to other persons of similar physical make-up, comprising the steps of: a. providing an adjustable calibrated apparatus including patient support means and force sensor support means which may be adjustably positioned to receive patients of a wide range of physical builds and to position a force sensor means adjacent various portions of the patients positioned in the apparatus; b. testing a large number of patients each in accordance with the following steps: i. positioning a patient in the apparatus; ii. adjusting the apparatus to accommodate the physical make-up of the patient so positioned; iii. further adjusting the apparatus to position the force sensor adjacent a portion of the patient which is movable in response to movement of such muscles as are to be evaluated; iv. recording the settings of the apparatus so positioned in order that other patients of similar physical make-up may be positioned in exactly the same manner in the apparatus and so tested; and, v. measuring and recording the force applied to the sensor by the patient upon moving the muscles under evaluation; and, c. compiling the test information so obtained into tables corresponding to the physical make-up of the persons so tested such that a range of performance characteristics may be established for patients of various physical make-ups.

4. An apparatus for evaluating the muscular condition of muscles of a patient, comprising: a. an adjustable calibrated apparatus including patient support means and force sensor support means; b. force sensor means carried by said force sensor support means and adapted to engage a portion of a patient''s body; c. said patient support means comprising relatively movable members which are adjustable to adapt said patient support means to receive and support patients of a wide range of physical make-ups, said patient support means being calibrated such that the adjustments made in the relative positions of said members to accommodate a patient of a particular physical make-up may be reproduced at a later time when working with the same patient or a patient of similar physical make-up; d. said force sensor support means and sAid patient support means being relatively movable to adjustably position said froce sensor means adjacent a predetermined portion of a patient which is movable in response to movement of such muscles as are to be tested; e. said force sensor support means being calibrated such that the adjustments made in the apparatus to position said force sensor means adjacent said predetermined portion of said patient may be reproduce at a later time; and, f. indicator means connected to said force sensor means for providing an indication of the force applied to the force sensor by movement of the muscles under evaluation.

5. The apparatus of claim 4: a. including a frame which comprises horizontally extending track means engaging said force sensor support means and said patient support means; and wherein b. one of said support means is rigidly secured to said track means while the other support means is movable along said track means relative to said one support means.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein: a. said patient support means comprises a platform which may be adjusted to receive and support a patient in sitting or lying positions; and, b. said platform is calibrated such that the adjustments made to position a particular patient may be recorded and reproduced at a later time.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: a. said force sensor support means comprises frame means having relatively movable components which may be adjusted to position said force sensor means adjacent a selected portion of the body of a patient; and, b. said frame means is calibrated such that the adjustments made to position said force sensor means may be recorded and reproduced at a later time.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said force sensor support means is rigidly secured to said track means and said patient support means is movable along said track means.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said patient support means is rigidly secured to said track means and said force sensor support means is movable along said track means.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said frame means includes carriage means movable relative to said patient support means.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said frame means additionally includes substantially vertically extending track means mounting said carriage means for movement relative to said patient support means, said vertically extending track means and said carriage means having calibration markings associated therewith such that the position of said carriage means relative to said patient support means can be recorded and later reproduced.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said carriage means includes a substantially horizontally extending force sensor mounting means adjustably secured thereto, and calibration markings are associated with said mounting means such that the position of said mounting means may be recorded and later reproduced.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said force sensor mounting means comprises an angularly adjustably mount for a force sensor, said mount having calibration markings associated therewith such that the angular position of a force sensor can be recorded and later reproduced.

14. An apparatus for evaluating the muscular condition of selected groups of muscles of a patient, comprising: a. an adjustable calibrated apparatus including patient support means and force sensor support means; b. force sensor means carried by said force sensor support means and adapted to engage a portion of a patient''s body; c. said patient support means and said force sensor support means having portions extending into engagement with each other to define a translational path of relative movement whereby said support means are movable relative to each other along said path; d. said portions having calibration markings associated therewith such that the relative positions of said support means may be recorded and later reproduced; e. said patienT support means comprising relatively movable members which are adjustable to adapt said patient support means to receive and support patients of a wide range of physical make-ups, said patient support means being calibrated such that the adjustments made in the relative positions of said members to accommodate a patient of a particular physical make-up may be reproduced at a later time when working with the same patient or a patient of similar physical make-up; f. said force sensor support means being adjustable to position said force sensor means adjacent a predetermined portion of a patient which is movable in response to movement of such muscles as are to be tested, said force sensor support means being calibrated such that the adjustments made in the apparatus to position said force sensor means adjacent said predetermined portion of said patient may be reproduced at a later time; and, g. indicator means associated with said force sensor means for providing an indication of the force applied to the force sensor by movement of the muscles under evaluation.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said force sensor means comprises a tension force responsive device including movable members, means biasing said members toward each other, and signal generating means coupled between said members for indicating the relative position of said members.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said force sensor means comprises a compression force responsive device including relatively movable members, means biasing said members apart, and signal generating means coupled between said members for indicating the relative position of said members.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said force sensor means includes first and second relatively movable members, biasing means engaging each of said members, signal generating means coupled between said members for indicating their relative position, said first member being adapted for mounting on said frame, and said second member being adapted to carry a muscle engaging device.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said first member comprises a housing telescopically receiving said second member, and said biasing means is disposed within said housing.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said force sensor means additionally includes a muscle engaging device carried by said second member, said muscle engaging device being lightly padded to comfortably engage a portion of the patient''s body.

20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said force sensor comprises a tension force responsive device and said muscle engaging device includes portions engageable with certain portions of a patient''s body for applying a tension force to said force sensor.

21. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said force sensor comprises a compression force responsive device and said muscle engaging device includes portions engageable with certain portions of a patient''s body for applying a compression force to said force sensor.

22. An apparatus for evaluating the muscular condition of muscles of a patient by positioning the patient in a predetermined attitude and measuring the static force which the patient is able to exert along a plurality of pre-selected axes comprising: a. patient support means for receiving and supporting a patient, said patient support means comprising relatively movable members which are adjustable to adapt said patient support means to receive and support the particular body build of the patient under evaluation, said patient support means being calibrated such that adjustments made in the relative positions of said members to accommodate that patient may be reproduced later to facilitate positioning of that patient or another patient of similar body build in a desired testing attitude; b. force sensor means for selectively engaging predetermined portions of the patient''s body and for generating a signal representative of the static force which the patient is able to exert on said force sensOr means along an axis; c. force sensor support means coupled to said patient support means for supporting said force sensor means, said force sensor support means being adjustable and calibrated to facilitate the positioning of said force sensor means in contact with a selected portion of the patient so as to measure the force which he is able to exert along a corresponding one of a plurality of predetermined axes.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 additionally including indicator means operably coupled to said force sensor means for providing a visual indication of the force applied to said force sensor means.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 additionally including track means interposed between said patient support means and said force sensor means for facilitating the repositioning of said force sensor means relative to the patient.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 additionally including locking means associated with said track means for releasably locking said force sensor means in a desired position relative to the patient.

26. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said force sensor support means includes carriage means movable along said track means for positioning said force sensor means in a desired position relative to the patient.

27. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said force sensor means comprises first and second members, one received telescopically within the other, means axially biasing said members toward a predetermined neutral position, and means for generating a signal representative of the force applied in moving said members axially relative to each other away from said neutral position.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said biasing means is pre-selected in accordance with the range of force which will be exerted to move said first and second members relative to each other, such that the biasing means exerts a biasing force of a magnitude which will limit the axial relative movement of the members to a range which is less than one inch in length, whereby the variation in positioning of the patient during testing is minimized.

29. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said force sensor means comprises two assembled relatively movable members, one being carried by said force sensor support means and the other having first attachment means thereon for detachably mounting a muscle engaging device, said apparatus including a plurality of differently shaped muscle engaging devices respectively adapted for engagement with different parts of a patient''s body and each having attachment means cooperable with said first attachment means.

30. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said force sensor support means comprises a mounting bar and means rigidly supporting said bar at locations spaced longitudinally of the bar, said force sensor means being mounted on said bar.

31. Apparatus according to claim 30 in which said force sensor support means and said patient support means are relatively movable in one direction, and in which said mounting bar extends in a direction transverse to said one direction and said force sensor means is adjustably positionable along said mounting bar in said transverse direction.

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