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

[0011] In a preferred embodiment this is achieved by providing a contoured mounting bracket including a suitably disposed connector housing having parallel spaced-side walls containing aligned aperture cores to couple with an articulable resilient arm member having retractable pop-pins affixed on respective first end, whereby the articulable arm releasably and pivotably interconnects to the connector housing. The distal end(s) of the articulable resilient arm contain annular slots to which may be attached either metallic coil springs or elastomeric rubber cords secured by a plug or clip terminating in a hand grip. The exercise device can be disassembled for portability and allows a workout to be performed in a minimum amount of space.

[0027] According to still another feature of the invention and method, the articulable resilient arm may be dipped or coated in a rubber padding material to enhance asthetics and prevent abusive wear.

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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