Structure and method for increasing proprioceptive demands on foot, ankle and lower leg

Abstract

An exercise surface for increasing the proprioceptive demands on the foot, ankle and lower leg. The exercise surface includes a plurality of projections extending upward therefrom, and is adapted for use as an exercise mat or a treadmill belt.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a structure and method for increasing the proprioceptive demands on the foot, ankle and lower leg. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise surface which includes a plurality of projections extending upward therefrom. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Foot, ankle and lower leg sprains are probably the most common injuries in sports. Of these injury classifications, the ankle sprain is the most common type. Ankle sprains are generally classified into grades 1, 2, 3, which correspond to mild, moderate, or severe involvement. They are also classified into three anatomic types: lateral, medial, and syndesmosis. More than 85% of all ankle sprains occur in the lateral ligaments. The surrounding musculature, articular surfaces and the associated neural structures may also be affected. These injuries are known to recur and create prolonged disability. A n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method which increases the proprioceptive demands on the foot, ankle and lower leg and which mimics the terrain normally encountered by athletes and individuals so that effectiveness of training can be improved and rehabilitation time decreased.

[0012] Rehabilitation training on the exercise surface of the present invention generally provides stimuli to the foot / ankle complex, knee, hip joints and lower limbs in general, as well as the vestibular components of balance. Sequential removal of the overlays during rehabilitation training provides for a progressive increase in the perturbations to the above-mentioned structures.

[0013] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, different exercise surfaces are provided in a set of at least two exercise mats. The exercise surfaces in the set of mats preferably differ from each other in the heights of the plurality of projections, the modulus of elasticity of the plurality of projections, and / or in the surface treatment. During rehabilitation training, the healthcare professional can progress the athlete through the different mats in the set, thereby changing the proprioceptive demands placed on the foot, ankle and lower leg.

[0014] In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, different exercise surfaces are provided in a set of at least two belts adapted for use on a treadmill. Preferably, the set of belts are provided as a belt kit. The exercise surfaces in the set of treadmill belts preferably differ from each other in the heights of the plurality of projections, the modulus of elasticity of the plurality of projections, and / or in the surface treatment. During rehabilitation training, the healthcare professional progresses the athlete through the different belts in the set, thereby changing the proprioceptive demands placed on the foot, ankle and lower leg.

Problems solved by technology

These injuries are known to recur and create prolonged disability.

A number of studies have demonstrated that if left unresolved, these injuries will lead to chronic instability, which may affect future athletic performance and put an athlete at greater risk for re-injury.

In addition, individuals encounter many uneven and unexpected obstacles on sidewalks, in parks or in carpeted homes.

Therefore, proprioceptive training on flat and level surfaces is only effective to a certain degree in an individual's rehabilitation and ease of return to competition or activity of daily living with minimal risk of re-injury.

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