Device and method for exercise and rehabilitation

Abstract

An exercise device and method for exercising the muscles of the torso and arms. The exercise device includes a support bracket and at least one flexible arm member having a proximal end pivotally coupled to the support bracket and at least one distal end. Elastic extension members with handles provide restorative tension force which attach to the distal end(s) of the flexible arm member(s) whereby a trainee while remaining secured and comfortable in the exercise station grasps the handles and rotates the arm member from an upwardly first position to a downwardly second position thereby providing a multitude of exercise combinations. The bracket can be removeably mounted on a vertical surface and may be used while sitting or standing. The device and method permit the same muscle group to be exercised along different planes passing through that same muscle group, thereby achieving a more specific strengthening of that muscle group as desired.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to a device and method for exercise and rehabilitation and more particularly to human torso and arm isokinetic exercises and methods which utilizes elastomeric cords to provide variable resistance permitting a plurality of exercises, and which may be easily mounted upon a rigid surface such as a chairback of an exercising apparatus or wall. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] In recent years, physical therapists and sports trainers alike have been emphasizing the use of natural, multi-joint, resistive exercises in the routines that they design. However, most physical therapy patients and beginning exercisers are not in condition to handle even mimimal weight loads usually due to one or more of the following factors: (1) injury, (2) lack of strength in a particular muscle group, (3) gross weakness of entire body. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism that can create a sense of le...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] Still yet another object of the present invention and method is to provide easy operability from the exercise position, special consideration was given for the elderly, expectant, or handicapped but structurally engineered to perform reliably under constant use from a world class athlete to an orthepedic patient.

[0020] Even still another object of the present invention is to provide gentle transitions between extension and flexion which are accomplished through the self-adjusting articulable resilient arm having a cambered body design which decelerates the user through the final end range of motion. No matter how much force is exerted, limb segment velocity cannot exceed the instantaneously self adjusting resilient arm.

[0021] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method of exercising the human torso and arms while minimizing joint shear forces.

[0022] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved exercise device which is truly simple to use and economical to manufacture.

[0023] Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved exercise device which is conveniently disassembled for storage and transportation and requires no power connection.

[0024] According to an important feature of the invention the articulable resilient arm member may be easily and rotatably adjusted from an upward to a downward position to provide a multitude of upper and lower torso and arm exercises in an uninterrupted progression whereby the user remains comfortably positioned in the exercise station throughout the entire workout routine. Moreover, the apparatus and method permits the same muscle groups to be exercised along different planes passing through that same muscle group, thereby achieving a more specific strengthening of that muscle group, as desired.

Problems solved by technology

However, most physical therapy patients and beginning exercisers are not in condition to handle even mimimal weight loads usually due to one or more of the following factors: (1) injury, (2) lack of strength in a particular muscle group, (3) gross weakness of entire body.

Moreover, while the above mentioned devices are directed to exercise devices, none of these devices disclose the provision (by introducing new structual and system component parts) whereby the trainee holding the handles of the extension members and performing a simple arm swing, rotatably adjusts the articulable arm(s) from an upright vertical first position to a downward vertical second position while remaining comfortably and securely positioned in the exercise station, thereby eliminating downtime of trainee or therapist for mechanical realignment or replacement of component parts allowing the trainee to continue an uninterrupted and predetermined litany of exercises.

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