US20150094192A1

US20150094192A1 - Exercise protocol creation and management system

Info

Publication number: US20150094192A1
Application number: US14/497,727
Authority: US
Inventors: Nathan SKWORTSOW; Henrik Per MOLIN
Original assignee: PHYSITRACK Ltd
Current assignee: PHYSITRACK Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-27
Filing date: 2014-09-26
Publication date: 2015-04-02

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for an exercise protocol creation and management system, comprising instructions executable on a processor for a patient data module, an automatic exercise protocol determination module, a protocol adjustment module and a graphical user interface. A storage is provided for storing the executable instructions, the patient data, the automatic exercise protocol, and a library of exercise protocols and videos related to each of the exercise protocols, that can be securely access by a patient.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/883,210, filed on Sep. 27, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise programs and more specifically to exercise program systems and more specifically to an exercise protocol creation and management system that is simple and easy to use.

BACKGROUND

Systems for providing exercise programs to people in order to provide rehabilitation instruction or exercise motivation exist. Additionally, there are methods to engage people to more accurately complete an exercise or to actively comply with exercise completion and compliance. Research has shown that video instruction increases compliance and clinical outcomes over more conventional methods of exercise demonstration such as paper drawn exercises. Disadvantageously, generating a complex individualized exercise protocol from a library of exercises is difficult and time consuming. Additionally, to provide useful patient specificity, each specific exercise in an assigned exercise protocol needs to be associated with several parameters including the length of the protocol, the number of times each exercise is to be performed, the specific date or time to be performed and with what resistance and/or weight/band/ball/additional equipment. Due to the time and complexity of generating specific tailor made exercise protocols has restricted their broader use.
Therefore, there is a need for an exercise protocol creation and management system that is simple and easy to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exercise protocol creation and management system, according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are a flowchart diagram of some steps of a method to create, assign, manage, store and modify an exercise protocol;

FIG. 3 is a simplified workflow diagram of the system;

FIG. 4 is a screenshot diagram of a graphical user interface (GUI) for an exercise protocol creator;

FIG. 5 is a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface showing a protocol interface for the system;

FIG. 6 is a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface showing a seven day week interface for the system;

FIG. 7 is a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface displaying a list of exercises to select for a patient;

FIG. 8 is a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface displaying an exercise customizer;

FIG. 9 is a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface displaying a customized exercise dialog so that the user can remove or modify the selected exercise;

FIG. 10 is a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface displaying a phase customizer;

FIG. 11 is a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface displaying a dialog to copy a phase;

FIG. 12 is a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface displaying a protocol customizer;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of the graphical user interface on a plurality of devices capable of displaying and running the system; and

FIG. 14 is a diagram of the graphical user interface running a patient protocol.

SUMMARY

The present system overcomes the limitations in the prior art by providing a computer implemented exercise protocol creation and management system. The system comprises a processor with instructions executable on the processor for a patient data module, an automatic exercise protocol determination module, a protocol adjustment module and a graphical user interface. The system also has a storage for storing the instructions, the patient data, the automatic exercise protocol, and a library of exercise protocols and videos related to each of the exercise protocols that can be accessed by a patient. The patient data module comprises instructions to display a graphical user interface for entering patient data. The system can automatically create an exercise protocol based on the patient data using the automatic exercise protocol determination module. The protocol adjust module displays a graphical user interface to adjust the automatically determined exercise protocols. The system provides secure access to the stored exercise protocols by a patient using an Internet connected device, an offline device or both an Internet connected device and an offline device.
There is also provided a computer implemented method for using the system comprising creating an exercise protocol, assigning the exercise protocol to a specific patient, managing the exercise protocol, storing the revised exercise protocol, modifying the exercise protocol and storing the exercise protocol in the storage. The step of creating an exercise protocol comprises loading patient data, including name, date of birth and email address, displaying an exercise protocol creator graphic user interface, selecting a protocol start date, determining if this is a new protocol or an existing protocol, loading existing patient data if it is an existing protocol from the storage; displaying a seven day protocol calendar and automatically populating the protocol based on the patient data; adding exercises by filtering through an exercise list; displaying an exercise customizer after the exercise is selected to customize the exercise for the individual patient; repeating adding exercises and customizing the exercise until all additional exercises have been added to the protocol; removing exercises from the automatically populated protocol; duplicating exercises so that the patient does the exercise multiple time during the protocol; moving exercises around the protocol to add variety and to facilitate recovery; entering a new program; and storing the new protocol to the library stored in the storage. The storage can be a cloud based HIPPA compliant storage, so that the information and the protocol can be securely accessed from any Internet connected device.
The method further comprises user interface options for adding a new week of exercise protocols; removing the week; adding a phase; editing the phase; and editing the protocol. The step of adding a phase further comprises displaying a phase customizer, where the phase customizer comprises a drag and drop display for performing the steps above. Adding a new week of exercise protocols comprises displaying a graphical user interface for an exercise protocol creator; creating and assigning a new protocol; selecting, loading and assigning an existing protocol already available in the storage; modifying the automatically selected protocol provided by the system; selecting a region for the patient to exercise; selecting a program for the patient to exercise; setting a start date for the patient to begin the selected program; and assigning a protocol to the patient from exercises stored in the system. The user can create a new program comprising specific specialized exercises not stored in the system.
The seven day week graphic user interface display further comprises constructing a protocol; modifying a protocol by adding, removing, moving or duplicating exercises; automatically saving the protocol to the storage any time a protocol variable is manipulated; updating the seven day week graphic user interface. The seven day week interface comprises an exercise database filter, where the user can select individual exercises by region, objective and position. The method also has an exercise customizer interface, where the user can select to add an exercise to specific days, times and modify the specific exercise parameters including the number of sets, repetitions, and weight. Exercises are added by filtering through an exercise list by selecting one or more than one filter; searching the stored exercises; and selecting one or more than one exercise from the filtered list of exercise. Where the one or more than one filter is selected from the group consisting of a region filter, an objective filter, and a position filter.
The exercise customizer is displayed after the exercise is selected to customize the exercise for the individual patient. The customization comprises selecting an exercise protocol; and editing the exercise protocol. Editing the exercise protocol comprises selecting at least one day of the week for the patient to perform the exercise; selecting a time of day for the patient to perform the exercise protocol; selecting a duration for the exercise protocol; selecting a number of sets for the exercise protocol; selecting a number of repetitions for the exercise; selecting a weight, if applicable, for the exercise; and adding custom notes for the patient to either modify or explain the exercise protocol to the patient, where the notes are replicated throughout all instances of the specific exercise for the specific protocol for the specific patient.
The method also displays a phase customizer graphical user interface for: adding a phase; editing a phase; and copying a phase. The phase customizer also comprises a duration, ROM goals, strength goals, functional goals, B&P goals and restrictions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing an exercise protocol creation and management system that is simple and easy to use. The system provides at least 600 expert-created high definition exercise videos that can be assigned and remind patients of correct exercise technique. The videos cover a variety of exercises. For example, without limitations, the rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal conditions, stroke, occupational health and safety, ergonomic exercises as well as exercises supporting the intake of medication. Additionally, the user can record and upload their own videos for specialized exercises for specific patients. Studies show that home exercise programs help patients to be more adherent to the exercise protocol and therefore improve treatment outcomes. Patients can complete their home exercises anytime, anywhere via their smartphone, tablet or computer.
The system can also send automatic SMS and/or email reminders help patients stay on track. Patients can send their healthcare providers instant feedback after each exercise providing additional incentives and feedback. This increased patient accountability and motivation helps to improve patient adherence and treatment outcomes. Additionally, the system saves valuable time for both healthcare providers and patients alike, by providing the appropriate exercises without having to constantly go to the healthcare provider for updates and progress checkups. Patient feedback in real-time can be used to proactively adjust home exercise programs or schedule additional consultations. Healthcare providers can create a exercise program in less than a minute. Also, the system stores the created exercise programs so that they can be re-used or shared with colleagues.
The system also comprises a secure, cloud-based platform, HIPAA compliant storage so that the protocols can be access via user devices where ever there is an Internet connection.
All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any system, any device or part of a system or device disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intended use.
Methods and systems that implement the embodiments of the various features of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, the first digit of each reference number indicates the figure where the element first appears.
As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific detail. Well-known circuits, structures and techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.
Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures can illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer programs according to various embodiments disclosed. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of code, that can comprise one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function. Additionally, each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
Moreover, a storage may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other non-transitory machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “machine readable medium” includes, but is not limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels and various other non-transitory mediums capable of storing, comprising, containing, executing or carrying instruction(s) and/or data.
Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine-readable medium such as a storage medium or other storage(s). One or more than one processor may perform the necessary tasks in series, distributed, concurrently or in parallel. A code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or a combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted through a suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc. and are also referred to as an interface, where the interface is the point of interaction with software, or computer hardware, or with peripheral devices.
In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the invention.
The term “protocol” refers to an exercise program, a medical guideline, or medical protocol, document aimed at providing criteria regarding management, and treatment in specific areas of healthcare.
The term “patient data” refers to all the criteria necessary to assess and evaluate a patient to determine the proper exercise protocol.
Various embodiments provide an exercise protocol creation and management system. One embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise protocol creation and management system. In another embodiment, there is provided a method for using the system. The system and method will now be disclosed in detail.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a diagram of an exercise protocol creation and management system 100 according to one embodiment. A user, generally a doctor, physician, physical therapist, etc., 102 accesses a processor 104 comprising instructions executable on the processor for executing a patient data module 106, an exercise protocol determination module 108 and a protocol adjustment module 110. Once the processor 104 has stored the patient data from the patient data module 106, the processor 104 comprises instructions to automatically create an exercise protocol based on the patient data. As will understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, exercise protocols change based upon new scientific discoveries and technological advances in physical therapy and equipment. The instructions executable on the processor 104, use the latest scientific information available to automatically create an exercise protocol 108 based on the patient data 106. After the automatic exercise protocol determination 108 is complete, the user 102 can adjust the exercise protocols to better suit the individual, or use the protocol as determined by the system and make adjustments at a later time. Once the exercise protocol is complete, it is stored in a storage located in the processor 104. The patient 118, can then access the protocol from any Internet connectable device 112, 114, 116 and 117 capable of displaying the protocol, demonstration videos or both the protocol and the demonstration videos. Currently, the Internet connectable devices can be selected from the group consisting of a smartphone 112, a tablet 114, a computer 116 and a smart television 117. Also, the protocol can be stored locally on patient's portable device, if the patient chooses to download the exercise protocol for offline support. Optionally, an offline version of the system 100 can be used by the patient to access the exercise protocol without the need for an Internet connection.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, there is shown a flowchart diagram 200 of some steps of a method to create, assign, manage, store and modify an exercise protocol. As can be seen, the exercise protocol creator begins by loading patient data 202 including name, date of birth and email address before being directed to the exercise protocol creator graphic user interface. Then, a protocol start date is selected 204. Next, a determination is made 206 as to whether or not this is a new protocol or an existing protocol. If it is an existing protocol, patient data is loaded 208 from the storage 220. Next, the system executes instruction to display a seven day protocol 210 calendar and automatically populates the protocol based on the patient data. Then, the user can add exercises 212 by filtering through an exercise list 214. Next, after the exercise is selected, an exercise customizer is displayed so that the exercise can be customized for the individual patient. Once all additional exercises have been added to the protocol, the patient data and the protocol can be saved 218 to the storage 220. Optionally, the storage 220 can be a cloud based HIPPA compliant storage, so that the information and the protocol can be securely accessed from any Internet connected device. Then, exercises can be removed 222 from the automatically populated protocol. Once the exercise has been removed 224 from the protocol it is stored in the storage 220. Next, exercises can be duplicated 226 so that the patient does the exercise multiple time during the protocol. After the exercise is duplicated 228, it is stored with the patient data in the storage 220. Then, exercises can be moved 230 around the protocol to add variety and to facilitate recovery. When the exercise has been moved 232, it is stored in the storage 220 along with the patient data. Next, the user can enter a new program 234. After the user has interred the new program data 234, the login information is sent to the end user 236. Additionally, the new protocol it added to the library stored in the storage 220.
Also, user interface options 240 provide instructions executable on a processor to add a new week 242, remove the week 246, adding a phase 250, edit the phase 258, and edit the protocol 260. The user can duplicate the preceding week 244 using the user interface options 240.
When the user removes a week 248 the storage 240 is updated. When the user adds a phase 250, the system 100 has instructions executable on a processor to display a phase customerizer 252. The user can remove a phase 254 or edit the phase 258 and then save the changes 256 in storage 240. When the user selects two edit the protocol 260, the system 100 comprises instructions executable on the processor to allow the user to drag and drop exercises in a protocol display 262. When the user has completed dragging and dropping exercises in the protocol splay 262, the protocol is added to a protocol library 264. Then, the user can save the changes 256 to the protocol library 264 in storage 240.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a simplified workflow diagram 300 of the system. In its most basic form the system provides instructions executable on a processor to add a patient 302, assign a program 304 and update patient progress 306.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a screenshot diagram of a graphical user interface 400 (GUI) for an exercise protocol creator. The user can then chose to create and assign a new protocol or use and assign an existing protocol already available in the storage. As can be seen, the user can select the patient 402 to modify be automatically selected protocol provided by the system 100. The user can select a region 404 and a program 406 that the user wants the patient to exercise. Then, the user can set the start date 408 for the patient to begin the selected program 406. Once the user selects the start date 404 that the end-user can start the protocol, and assigning a protocol to the patient, the system displays the seven day week graphic user interface to the user 500. Alternatively, the user can create a new program 410 comprising specific specialized exercises not listed or stored in the system 100.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a screenshot diagram 500 of the graphical user interface showing a protocol interface for the system. The system 100 can also display a detailed seven day protocol 500. Each phase 502 of the protocol can be accessed and modified for each individual day 504 by the user.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a screenshot diagram 600 of the graphical user interface showing a seven day week of the protocol. Using the seven day week graphic user interface, the user constructs or modifies a protocol by adding, removing, moving or duplicating exercises. Any time a protocol variable is manipulated, it is automatically saved to the storage 240 and the seven day week graphic user interface 600 is updated.
The seven day week graphic user interface includes an exercise database filter where the user can select individual exercises by region, objective and position. Clicking on an individual exercise directs the user to the exercise customizer graphic user interface where the user can select to add an exercise to specific days or times (either am or pm) and modify the specific exercise parameters including the number of sets, repetitions, and weight.
At the seven day week graphic user interface, UI options (read user interface options) allow the user to add, remove or duplicate a week, or to add, remove or edit a phase, or to edit a protocol. Adding a week duplicates the content associated with the current week view of the seven day week graphic user interface.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a screenshot diagram 700 of the graphical user interface displaying a list of exercises to select for a patient. A list of at least 600 exercises and their accompanying high definition videos can be listed by the system 100. As can be seen, filters 702, 704, 706, 708, and 710 can be used to find the appropriate exercise four the patient protocol desired by the user. The user can select the theme 702 to supply a list of exercises for a particular theme 702 selected by the user. Additionally, the user can select a specific region 704 to filter the results displayed on the list 700. The user can also filter the list 700 by selecting a particular objective 706. Finally, the user can select a specific position 708 for the patient's protocol. Optionally, the user can search the database of exercises 710 by typing in keywords. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the filters 702-710 can be used alone or in combination with each other. For example, the user can select a specific region 704, and a specific position 708 to display a list of exercises that match that particular criteria. As can be appreciated, this provides an almost infinite variety of protocols again be created quickly and efficiently unlike the prior art.
Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface displaying an exercise customizer 800. As can be seen, the exercise customizer 800 provides instructions executable on the processor for selecting and editing the exercise protocol. First the user selects at least one day of the week 802 for the patient to perform the exercise. The user can select all days or individual days. Then, the user can select a time of day 804 for the patient to perform the exercise protocol. The user can select morning, evening or both morning and evening for the patient to perform the exercise protocol. Next, the user selects a duration 806 for the exercise protocol. Then, the user selects a number of sets 808 for the exercise protocol. Next, the user selects a number of repetitions 810 for the exercise. Finally, the user selects a weight 812, if applicable, for the exercise. Additionally, the user is presented with a video 814 that will be presented to the patient when using the protocol. The user can also add custom notes 816 for the patient to either modify or explain the exercise protocol to the patient. Any notes are replicated throughout all instances of the specific exercise for the specific protocol for the specific patient.
Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a screenshot diagram 900 of the graphical user interface displaying a customized exercise dialog so that the user can remove or modify the selected exercise. As can be seen, the user has selected a particular exercise protocol for the patient. The protocol comprises a Monday through Friday morning a system for an suppinator stretch to be done for two weeks, three sets, 10 reps, her 5 seconds. Now, the user can add an additional exercise 902 for the patient's exercise protocol.
Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface displaying a phase customizer 1000. The phase customizer 1000 provides instructions operable on a processor for adding or editing a phase. The phase customizer 1000 comprises a duration 1002, ROM goals 1004, strength goals 1006, functional goals 1008, B&P goals 1010 and restrictions 1012 that the user can use when adding a phase to the exercise protocol. When the user has completed entering information in the face customizer 1000, the user selects save 1014 and the phase is saved to the storage 240.
Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface displaying a dialog 1100 to copy a phase. In this embodiment of the phase customizer 1000, there is also provided instructions to enable a copy of a previous phase to be entered, thereby saving the user time and efforts by not having to reenter the information.
Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a screenshot diagram of the graphical user interface displaying a protocol customizer 1200. When editing a protocol 258, the system 100 provides instructions executable on a processor to display the protocol customizer 1200 graphic user interface. Here, the user can enter the program name 1202, a region 1204, the description 1206, and a start date 1208.
The phase customizer 1200 allows the user to add specific comments 1206 and goals for each phase of the protocol. The use can also set a start date 1208 for each phase of the protocol.
The protocol customizer 1200 provides instructions to modify protocol information and assign a start date 1208 to the protocol if the protocol has not yet started. When the user adds the protocol, it is automatically added to the storage 240.
Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a diagram 1300 of the graphical user interface on a plurality of devices capable of displaying and running the system. As can be seen, the system 100 comprises instructions executable on a processor so that protocols can be displayed on a plurality of devices, including smartphones and tablets. This provides the patient with flexibility when performing the exercise protocol. The patient can be anywhere there is an Internet connection to access their custom exercise protocol created by the system 100. This also provides motivation and accountability from the patient due to the fact that there's no excuse that they could not access the exercise protocol. Additionally, a stand-alone version is provided so that the patient can access the protocol without requiring an Internet connection.
Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown a diagram 1400 of the graphical user interface running a patient protocol. As can be seen, the protocol can be presented as a list in a series so that the patient can do each exercise in accordance with the protocol provided by the system 100. Additionally, a Real-Time feedback can be provided to the user by the patient in the form of a completed 1402 or not completed 1404 selection on the protocol transmitted by the system 100. This also provides additional incentives if the patient and provides Real-Time feedback to the user to determine whether or not the protocol needs to be adjusted to meet both the patients abilities and to minimize any recovery.
What has been described is a new and improved system and method for an exercise protocol creation and management system that is simple and easy to use, overcoming the limitations and disadvantages inherent in the related art.
Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that other versions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be illustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained in this disclosure.
All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A computer implemented exercise protocol creation and management system, the system comprising:

a) a processor comprising instructions executable on the processor for executing:

1) a patient data module;

2) an automatic exercise protocol determination module;

3) a protocol adjustment module; and

4) a graphical user interface;

b) a storage for storing the executable instructions, the patient data, the automatic exercise protocol, and a library of exercise protocols and videos related to each of the exercise protocols; and

c) means for accessing the storage by a patient.

2. The system of claim 1, where the patient data module comprises instructions to display a graphical user interface for entering patient data.

3. The system of claim 1, where the processor further comprises instructions to automatically create an exercise protocol based on the patient data.

4. The system of claim 1, where the automatic exercise protocol determination module comprises instructions executable on the processor to automatically create an exercise protocol based on the patient data.

5. The system of claim 1, where the protocol adjust module comprises instructions executable on the processor to display a graphical user interface to adjust the automatically determined exercise protocols.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising instructions executable on the processor to provide secure access to the stored exercise protocols by a patient using an Internet connected device, an offline device or both an Internet connected device and an offline device.

7. A computer implemented method for using an exercise protocol creation and management system, the method comprising the steps of:

a) creating an exercise protocol;

b) assigning the exercise protocol to a specific patient;

c) managing the exercise protocol;

d) storing the revised exercise protocol;

e) modifying the exercise protocol; and

f) storing the exercise protocol in a storage.

8. The method of claim 7, where the step of creating an exercise protocol comprises the steps of:

a) loading patient data, including name, date of birth and email address;

b) displaying an exercise protocol creator graphic user interface;

c) selecting a protocol start date;

d) determining if this is a new protocol or an existing protocol;

e) loading existing patient data if it is an existing protocol from a storage.

f) displaying a seven day protocol calendar and automatically populating the protocol based on the patient data;

g) adding exercises by filtering through an exercise list;

h) displaying an exercise customizer after the exercise is selected to customize the exercise for the individual patient;

i) repeating steps g) and h) until all additional exercises have been added to the protocol;

k) removing exercises from the automatically populated protocol;

l) duplicating exercises so that the patient does the exercise multiple time during the protocol;

m) moving exercises around the protocol to add variety and to facilitate recovery;

n) entering a new program; and

o) storing the new protocol to the library stored in the storage.

9. The method of claim 8, where the storage can be a cloud based HIPPA compliant storage, so that the information and the protocol can be securely accessed from any Internet connected device.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising user interface options for:

a) adding a new week of exercise protocols;

b) removing the week;

c) adding a phase;

d) editing the phase; and

e) editing the protocol.

11. The method of claim 10, where the step of adding a phase further comprises displaying a phase customizer.

12. The method of claim 11, where the phase customizer comprises a drag and drop display for performing the steps in claim 10.

13. The method of claim 10, where the step of adding a new week of exercise protocols comprises the steps of:

a) displaying a graphical user interface for an exercise protocol creator;

b) creating and assigning a new protocol;

c) selecting, loading and assigning an existing protocol already available in the storage;

d) modifying the automatically selected protocol provided by the system;

e) selecting a region for the patient to exercise;

f) selecting a program for the patient to exercise;

g) setting a start date for the patient to begin the selected program; and

h) assigning a protocol to the patient from exercises stored in the system.

14. The method of claim 13, where the user can create a new program comprising specific specialized exercises not stored in the system.

15. The method of claim 8, where the seven day week graphic user interface display further comprises the steps of:

a) constructing a protocol;

b) modifying a protocol by adding, removing, moving or duplicating exercises;

c) automatically saving the protocol to the storage any time a protocol variable is manipulated in steps a) and b); and

d) updating the seven day week graphic user interface.

16. The method of claim 15, where the seven day week graphic user interface further comprises an exercise database filter, where the user can select individual exercises by region, objective and position.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising an exercise customizer graphic user interface, where the user can select to add an exercise to specific days, times and modify the specific exercise parameters including the number of sets, repetitions, and weight.

18. The method of claim 8, where the step of adding exercises by filtering through an exercise list further comprises the steps of:

a) selecting one or more than one filter;

b) searching the stored exercises; and

c) selecting one or more than one exercise from the filtered list of exercise.

19. The method of claim 18, where the one or more than one filter is selected from the group consisting of a region filter, an objective filter, and a position filter.

20. The method of claim 8, where the step of displaying the exercise customizer after the exercise is selected to customize the exercise for the individual patient further comprises the steps of:

a) selecting an exercise protocol; and

b) editing the exercise protocol, where the step of editing further comprises the steps of:

1) selecting at least one day of the week for the patient to perform the exercise;

2) selecting a time of day for the patient to perform the exercise protocol;

3) selecting a duration for the exercise protocol;

4) selecting a number of sets for the exercise protocol;

5) selecting a number of repetitions for the exercise;

6) selecting a weight, if applicable, for the exercise; and

7) adding custom notes for the patient to either modify or explain the exercise protocol to the patient, where the notes are replicated throughout all instances of the specific exercise for the specific protocol for the specific patient.

21. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of displaying a phase customizer graphical user interface, where the phase customizer comprises steps for:

a) adding a phase;

b) editing a phase; and

c) copying a phase.

22. The method of claim 21, where the phase customizer graphical user interface comprises a duration, ROM goals, strength goals, functional goals, B&P goals and restrictions.