Head and neck strengthening apparatus and method

Abstract

Resistance training apparatuses and methods for progressively exercising and strengthening the capital muscles and cervical muscles of the human head and neck. In particular, a head and neck strengthening apparatus of the present disclosure may have a frame supporting a resistance assembly, a seat assembly, and other components. The strengthening apparatus may be configured to receive a seated user, such as an athlete, trainee, or other individual. The resistance assembly may generally provide resistance, such as weight resistance, for a user to provide one or more head and/or neck strengthening exercises. For example, the user may perform one or more flexion and/or extension exercises with the apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 405,635, entitled Head and Neck Strengthening Apparatus and Method, and filed Oct. 7, 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present disclosure relates to training and exercise equipment and methods. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for training and exercising head and neck muscles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for strengthening capital and cervical muscles of the human head and neck using weighted resistance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Concussions have reached epidemic levels. There is no cure for concussions. Likewise, cervical spine injury (CSI) in collision sports continues to be a devastating annual reality. Measures taken to reduce concussions and cervical spine injury have not been effe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, additionally relates to a method of strengthening capital and cervical muscles. The method may include performing a neck extension against a weighted resistance, performing a neck flexion against a weighted resistance, performing a neck extension with a reduced range of motion against a weighted resistance, and performing a neck flexion with a reduced range of motion against a weighted resistance. In some embodiments, the method may additionally include performing a neck lateral flexion on a first side against a weighted resistance, and performing a neck lateral flexion on a second side against a weighted resistance. In some embodiments, the weighed resistance may be provided by a head and neck strengthening apparatus having a seat assembly for supporting a seated user, a resistance assembly, and a frame configured to support the seat assembly and resistance assembly. The resistance assembly may have a work arm configured to pivot about a first axis, a face pad coupled to the work arm and configured to engage the seated user's head, a cam arranged on a cam rod and configured to pivot about the first axis, and means for providing a weighted resistance against movement of the work arm and cam about the first axis.

Problems solved by technology

There is no cure for concussions.

Likewise, cervical spine injury (CSI) in collision sports continues to be a devastating annual reality.

Measures taken to reduce concussions and cervical spine injury have not been effective.

Certainly this research is important; however, it does little to nothing in prevention of concussion / CSI since such measures happen after the fact.

As these organic structures are strengthened, there may be a higher probability of decreased risk of frequency / severity of concussion / sub-concussion and CSI.

Although there have been neck machines developed in the past to isolate and train the larger strap muscles of the neck, there has been no known apparatus designed to train and isolate the capital muscles of the head that work in concert with the neck muscles to protect the cervical spine and slow the acceleration of the head during impacts and falls.

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