Exercising apparatus for calf muscle stretching

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exercising apparatus for stretching of the calf muscle, comprising a foot support arranged with an inclination (α). On one side on the foot support a bar extends in a vertical direction and is rotatably arranged in a joint on the foot support. The bar comprises a handle part and a supporting part. The supporting part extends at least around a part of the calf, where stretching of a calf muscle on the user can be achieved by moving the bar forward towards a first part of the foot support while a heel part of the user is secured at the foot support.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to an exercising apparatus for calf muscle stretching.BACKGROUND[0002]During exercise, keep-fit activities and rehabilitation, it is common that the person exercising carry out so called stretching, for stretching of different groups of muscles like, inter alia the calf muscle. The calf muscle consists of two parts: the twin muscle (gastrocnemius) with its two projections from the back side of the condyles of the thigh bone and the soleus muscle, a flat muscle on the back side on the fibula. The muscle parts join in the Achilles tendon that attach at the heel bone (calcaneus). For stretching of the calf muscles, a usual exercise is to place the leg to be stretched in a direction behind the body as far back as possible, with the heel in contact with the underlying surface. The other leg is suitably placed a distance ahead of the body. Either the person leans against the wall or the like, or tries to balance with the hands around the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an improved aid for stretching the calf muscle group. The apparatus allows for efficient and effective stretching with minimal stress on other muscles. It is simple to use and prevents incorrect stretching. The apparatus includes a foot support with an inclined upper side for supporting the foot and attachment means for securing the heel. A bar is rotatably arranged on the foot support and extends at least around the calf muscle to provide sufficient stretching. The apparatus allows for relaxed stretching without straining other muscles and keeps the stretching position for a longer time."

Problems solved by technology

Shortened calf muscles may result in that the foot decides to take a position with the toes pointing downwards.

This may give inconveniences such as periostitis, Compartment syndrome, difficulties to descend stairs in a usual way, and also weakness in the shortened musculature.

The problem related to stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus is that unstressing is difficult since the muscle must be balanced, stressed and relaxed.

It is also difficult to find the correct stretching movement.

An exercise for stretching of the calf muscle as has been described above may thus be difficult or even impossible to perform correctly alone without facilities, for instance for unskilled exercisers or persons that are during rehabilitation training, and therefore there is a need for facilitating the stretching of the calf muscle.

In common for those known apparatus is that they are either relatively complicated or that they are not working satisfactory in a desired way.

Images