Proprioceptive/kinesthetic apparatus and method

Abstract

Proprioceptive or kinesthetic exercise methods and apparatus are described. In one embodiment, a proprioceptive treadmill is described that comprises a foot-contact running surface that rotates about a pair of spaced pulleys, the running surface comprising at least one protuberance protruding upwards from the running surface. Proprioceptive exercise surfaces, exercise bicycles, steppers, ski machines, rowing machines and elliptic exercise machines are also described.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 222,992, filed Aug. 19, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to apparatus for training, developing and enhancing proprioceptive and kinesthetic skills, neuromuscular control and core stability.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Proprioception refers to the ability to know where a body part is located in space and to recognize movements of body parts (such as fingers and toes, feet and hands, legs and arms). Kinesthesia is a related term, and refers to the sensation by which position, weight, muscle tension and movement are perceived. In some of the medical literature, proprioception refers to the conscious and unconscious appreciation of joint position, while kinesthesia refers to the sensation of joint velocity and acceleration. Proprioception is often used int...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention seeks to provide novel proprioceptive and kinesthetic exercise apparatus, which provides significant advantages over prior art apparatus, such as tilt boards or shoes with a single protrusion. As is described more in detail hereinbelow, in one embodiment of the present invention, footwear is provided that includes two bulbous protrusions protruding from the underside thereof, instead of the single ball of the prior art boards and shoes. The extra protrusion may significantly increase the possibilities and enable walking, and accelerate and improve the results of proprioceptive and kinesthetic treatment plans. Other proprioceptive and kinesthetic exercise devices are provided, such as novel treadmills, exercise surfaces, exercise bicycles, exercise steppers, ski machines or elliptic exercise machines, as is described more in detail hereinbelow.

[0013]The apparatus of the present invention may be used in proprioceptive, neuromuscular control and coordinative exercises and training for children and athletes alike, for developing and improving proprioceptive and kinesthetic ability. The invention may be used to perform exercises and training to prevent injuries in athletes and non-athletes alike. The invention may be used to work on core stability for stabilizing the back and hips area, to prevent, stop or reduce back pain. The invention may be used in exercising and training persons who have had ankle, knee, hip and back injuries in the past (or other injuries) in order to prevent future recurrences of such injuries. The invention may be used in exercising and training persons with physical handicaps (e.g., cerebral or neurological diseases or other disabilities). A user of the exercise devices of the invention may move in six degrees of freedom (translation in three mutually orthogonal directions (x, y, z) and rotation about these axes (azimuth, elevation and roll)). All of the exercises and training sessions involve causing instability to the person while in motion, particularly translational motion—walking, running or other movement.

Problems solved by technology

All of the exercises and training sessions involve causing instability to the person while in motion, particularly translational motion—walking, running or other movement.

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