Therapeutic or exercise apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for use as an exercise or therapeutic apparatus, the apparatus comprising a first and at least one second slidable element, each of the slidable elements having at least one reduced friction sliding surface, wherein the reduced friction sliding surface of the first element slides over the reduced friction sliding surface of the at least one second element during exercise or therapy.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to therapeutic or exercise devices and in particular to rehabilitation devices for assisting a user to maintain or improve range of motion, particularly following injury or surgery and for low impact exercise.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Exercise machines in general, are well-known. There are a large number of different machines for exercising different muscles of the body.[0003]Devices to exercise the abdominal muscles in particular are also known. One such known device is constructed such that the exerciser lies on the floor in a supine position, with their head and shoulders supported by a padded member. The padded member is attached to two ground bearing members which are circular in shape and are adapted to provide a rocking motion. The exerciser holds the two ground bearing members and utilising their abdominal muscles, rocks their head and shoulders forward and backward within the machine.[0004]These types of machines often pla...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a therapeutic or exercise apparatus that can be used for both exercise and therapy purposes. The apparatus has two slidable elements that can slide against each other during use. The slidable elements have reduced friction surfaces that allow for smooth movement during exercise or therapy. The apparatus can be used on a variety of surfaces, such as a floor, wall, or table, and can be adjusted to different needs and levels of intensity. The apparatus can be padded for added comfort and can be provided in different sizes. The technical effects of this invention include improved exercise and therapy experiences, as well as increased flexibility and customization options for users."

Problems solved by technology

These types of machines often place stress on the users lower back and may also stress the user's neck.

These folding structural elements within the overall device may collapse during vigorous exercise.

There is also no means for adjustment in the intensity of the exercise, as it relies only on assisting the natural motion of sitting up.

Also, due to their complexity, they are more expensive to construct.

This requires heavier construction which also impacts on cost and ease of use.

The machines may become heavy and cumbersome and even though they fold, can still be difficult to move.

Should the ball fall or otherwise loss contact, the individual could injure themself if their physical aliment was of a type that would not allow for sudden movements.

However, excess movement may cause the individual to fall of the ball defeating any beneficial effects.

The booties are limited as they can only be used on a user's feet.

The farther you slide out, the more resistance you will feel resulting in a more intense abdominal workout.

All four of the above devices are relatively complex which increases the number of parts which can be broken.

This makes the use of current ball technology limited to those persons who have the assistance of support personnel or risk injury to themselves while attempting rehabilitation.

There is an additional problem which exists for elderly people in that they generally lack the physical strength or flexibility to exercise using a ball which involves lowering themselves onto the ground and the like.

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