Physical capacity assessment system

Details Physical capacity assessment system Physical capacity assessment system

1998-11-06

2001-02-13

Mulcahy, John (Department: 3764)

Surgery

Diagnostic testing

Measuring anatomical characteristic or force applied to or...

C073S379010, C482S006000, C482S009000, C482S900000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06186961

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for assessing an individual's physical capacity from both a strength and a range of motion standpoint.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In today's society where on the job injuries occur in ever increasing numbers, it is extremely important to be able to assess an individual's physical capacity for both injury preventative and rehabilitation purposes.
By assessing an individual's physical strengths and weaknesses an employer can determine which jobs that individual should or should not perform. Furthermore, physical injuries, e.g. muscle strains and the like can be helped to heal by performing appropriate exercises. However, over exertion or working at the wrong exercises can be detrimental to such healing. These factors can only once again be determined by having an accurate assessment of the individual's physical capacities.
As a result of the growing number of people in the workforce, there are more and more claims against employers and ultimately insurance companies for on the job injuries. most of these claims are legitimate, but there are unfortunately also fraudulent claims. The legitimacy of a claim can be determined by means of a physical capacity assessment system.
In view of the above, there is a very real need for such as system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a physical capacity assessment system which is based on a testing apparatus at which physical tasks are performed by an individual being tested by the system. The apparatus has a support base, a column extending upwardly from the base and a workstation to which load is applied by the individual when performing the tasks. The workstation is supported by, and is adjustable in position in a number of different planes relative to, the column. The apparatus includes means which shows positioning of the workstation and means which measures load placed on the workstation.
According to the above features, the apparatus is usable by individuals of various different sizes and is further capable of having those individuals perform the tasks at various different positions on the apparatus.
According to an aspect of the present invention a method of assessing the physical capacity of an individual comprises putting the individual through a plurality of testing cycles in which each cycle consists of the individual moving a load of predetermined weight through a course of predetermined distance while monitoring both length of time and physical exertion on the individual to complete the course.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5275045 (1994-01-01), Johnston
patent: 5462065 (1995-10-01), Cusimano

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