Sliding exercise apparatus

Abstract

A sliding exercise apparatus which in some embodiments may include a hard layer frame which may comprise a hard surface; a body contacting layer which may comprise a body contacting surface located opposite to said hard surface and which may be coupled to the hard layer frame opposite to the hard surface; and a removable cover which may be configured to cover a portion of the hard surface. A method of providing flexion and extension exercise to a joint using the sliding exercise apparatus is also provided. The method may include moving an appendage of a user that is in communication with an appendage joint in flexion motion and / or extension motion under a level of frictional resistance by moving the appendage and apparatus across a resistive surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14 / 808,582, filed on Jul. 24, 2015, entitled “SLIDING EXERCISE APPARATUS”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14 / 524,389, filed on Oct. 27, 2014, entitled “SLIDING EXERCISE APPARATUS”, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the fields of rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, exercise, and fitness. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatuses that facilitate motion and exercise.BACKGROUND[0003]Joints and muscles are very important for various physical activities such as safe ambulation (walking), stair climbing, moving objects, for balancing, and all other daily mobility activities. Most joints are capable of a wide range of motion including extension and flexion allowing for motions which may move a structure away from or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a sliding exercise apparatus that can help people with physical activities, such as rehabilitation and exercise. The apparatus includes a hard layer frame, a body contacting layer, and a removable cover that can be positioned over the hard surface. The hard surface makes contact with the ground when the removable cover is removed and makes contact with the ground when the removable cover is positioned over the hard surface. The apparatus can also provide flexion and extension exercise to a joint by moving the appendage of the user on the apparatus in flexion and extension motions under different levels of frictional resistance. The technical effects of this patent are that it provides a comfortable and effective way to exercise while supporting muscles and joints. It also allows for flexion and extension exercise under different levels of friction to improve training effectiveness.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, current flexion and extension exercise apparatuses are typically bulky and expensive which is prohibitive for in home, hospital and or clinic use which limits the time and frequency a person is able to perform these beneficial exercises.

Additionally, current flexion and extension exercise apparatuses are also unable to allow a person to perform the exercises on different surfaces such as when a patient is required to perform heel slide flexion and extension exercises.

However, a towel slides poorly over a soft or carpeted surface and a wooden board slides poorly over hard surfaces and may damage a hard surface over which it is slid.

Even wooden or plastic boards comprising low friction skid plates may damage hard surfaces with a repetitive sliding motion which does not promote exercise compliance and consistency and does not motivate the patient to complete their heel slide exercise.

In another example, a Physical Therapist may encourage a patient to perform heel slide exercises by lying, sitting or long sitting on a mat or bed and sliding the foot or heel back and forth in flexion and extension on the mat or bed, however, the foot slides poorly over the (lumpy) bed surface and it is difficult to slide the foot back and forth on a mat due to friction.

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