Patient Assist Devices on the Rise
From: Popular Electronics - 06/18/2009 - page 44
By: Roger Allan

Patient-assist devices are becoming more widespread as electronic and
mechanical technologies find applications in the medical field. This is
particularly true for the rapidly growing elderly population and for the
handicapped. 

American Honda Motor Inc. recently demonstrated a prototype to support the
elderly and those who suffer from weakened leg muscles but can still walk on
their own. The Stride Management Assist is a lightweight wearable device that
obtains information about the user’s walking motion from hipangle sensors. 

.. 

Ideal Life recently introduced the first Bluetooth-enabled chair scale for
home use. The FDA-approved Body Manager Plus is designed for individuals who
are too frail or obese to use conventional scales. The company also offers a
line of FDA-approved products for assisting patients with chronic conditions
such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, asthma, diabetes, and chronic
obstructive pulmonary diseases. 

Care Track International's Mobile Locator wrist transmitter tracks and
locates patients with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, autism, and Down
syndrome as well as elderly patients with disabilities who are likely to get
lost. The SafetyNet from LoJack Corp. provides similar services. These
products cost about $25 to $30 a month to use, and they can be provided free
in cases of urgent need. 

From:
http://electronicdesign.com/Articles/Print.cfm?ArticleID=21301

Links:
Honda's prototype Stride Management Assist device
http://electronicdesign.com/files/29/21301/fig_07.gif

Stride Management Assist
http://corporate.honda.com/innovation/walk-assist/

Ideal Life - Bluetooth-Enabled Chair Scale for Home Use
http://www.themobilehealthcrowd.com/?q=node/250

Care Track
http://www.caretrak.com/

LoJack SafetyNet
http://www.lojack.com/SafetyNet/Pages/caregivers-guardians-family-members.aspx