Treadmill arrangement with pivoting forearm support

Abstract

Treadmill arrangement, with a treadmill frame and an endless belt running over rollers held in the treadmill frame and driven by a drive, one surface of which serves as a walking or running surface, wherein the treadmill frame has at least one lateral railing part or post element on each of the two sides, on which a forearm support is attached which is adjustable in angle with respect to a vertical center plane of the treadmill frame.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a treadmill arrangement comprising a treadmill frame and an endless belt running over rollers held in the treadmill frame and driven by a drive, one surface of which serves as a walking or running surface.

[0002] Treadmill systems for athletic training purposes have long been available in a wide variety of products. Their frames are typically equipped with a display and control panel at the front (i.e., in front of the user in the direction of use) for displaying and adjusting parameters and functions of the system, and often also for displaying the user's physical function parameters.

[0003] Gait analysis devices and methods that enable the recording and analysis of gait and utilize a treadmill are also known. Examples include DE 40 27 317 C1 and US Pat. No. 6,010,465 A. In R. Kram and AJ Powell: "A treadmill-mounted force platform," Appl. Physiol. 67 (4): 1692-1698 (1989), a known measuring device is described in which a treadmill is pulled across a measuring platform or surface, thus enabling the continuous recording of the forces exerted by a subject's feet on the ground.

[0004] DE 10 2010 004 504.7 describes a treadmill assembly that is controlled according to the actual gait of a user, specifically a rehabilitation patient, and in which, among other things, a shutdown process can be triggered. WO 2014 / 009046 A2, which originates from the applicant, describes a treadmill assembly and a method for operating such an assembly, wherein handles are mounted on both sides of the treadmill and a force sensor system is provided for registering and evaluating the holding forces applied by the user to the handles. By evaluating these holding forces, a safety shutdown of the treadmill can be controlled, for example; however, more complex evaluation and the activation of certain functions of the treadmill assembly are also possible.

[0005] Treadmill arrangements which are specifically suitable for use in rehabilitation and for elderly users with motor impairments are also the subject of DE 20 2015 101 590 U1 and DE 20 2015 102 320 U1 of the applicant as well as DE 199 16 508 C2.

[0006] A treadmill configuration optimized for broad therapeutic use is intended to enable gait training with appropriate support or weight relief, particularly for people with hemiparesis. Hemiparesis is often the result of neurological disorders and is one of the most common consequences of a stroke. Those affected suffer from this type of hemiparesis, either temporarily or permanently. Patients can often move their legs and are capable of gait training. The problem is that the arm on the affected side cannot be extended. The arms are often bent against the body and cannot be placed on currently available forearm supports that are essentially aligned parallel to the direction of walking.

[0007] Gait training is often completely omitted for these patients, or a complex whole-body unloading unit is used in which the patient is completely unloaded using restraint belts.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a further improved arrangement of the aforementioned type, which is particularly suitable for rehabilitation purposes and for independent use by elderly users who may have certain motor limitations. One goal is to further develop the system into an even more widely usable therapy and exercise device, while further increasing safety and user acceptance.

[0009] This object is achieved by an arrangement having the features of claim 1. Appropriate developments of the inventive concept are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention includes the idea of ​​improving the usability of a treadmill assembly for rehabilitation patients and elderly users through a suitably shaped assembly that allows for lateral support or holding with the hands upon stepping onto it and also during use of the assembly, without the user having to reach specific individual handles. It further includes the idea of ​​providing lateral railing parts and / or post elements for this purpose, which carry support or holding elements that can be grasped or grasped around by the user, or on which the user can rest their forearms.

[0011] According to the invention, a first arrangement is constructed such that the treadmill frame has at least one lateral railing part or post element on each side, on which a forearm support is mounted which is angle-adjustable with respect to a vertical center plane of the treadmill frame.

[0012] In a practical design, the forearm support can also be adjusted laterally and / or in height above the walking or running surface.

[0013] In other useful designs, a lockable swivel joint or ball joint is provided to adjust the angle of the forearm support.

[0014] For the lateral adjustment of the forearm support, a cross member can be provided in the railing part or post element, which can be moved laterally and locked in position, from which the forearm support projects essentially vertically upwards.

[0015] In a high-end version that enables meaningful evaluations and warnings, each forearm support is equipped with a force sensor configured to detect the force exerted by the user on the forearm support. The force sensor is associated with an evaluation device with output means for displaying a measurement result and / or issuing a warning signal.

[0016] The force sensor system can advantageously be formed by a plurality of pressure sensors or pressure distribution sensors integrated into the forearm support for the spatially resolved detection of the exerted force.

[0017] According to the invention, a further arrangement is such that the treadmill frame has at least one lateral railing part on each side, comprising a first horizontal railing section with a first height and a second horizontal railing section with a second height, less than the first height, on which a post element is mounted, which carries a holding element for gripping by hand or a support element for the forearm. The holding or support element is laterally adjustable, in particular in its angular position relative to a vertical center plane of the treadmill frame.

[0018] The railing sections do not necessarily have to be integrally connected to the base of the treadmill frame, but can also be detachable from it or even positioned relatively independently alongside it. Furthermore, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" only generally describe the position of the respective railing section; the corresponding sections can certainly be significantly inclined or even curved relative to the vertical or horizontal plane.

[0019] Preferably, the holding or supporting element is mounted in the post element in a height-adjustable and / or replaceable manner. The height adjustment can be achieved, in particular, with known telescopic constructions in locking steps to prevent unintentional vertical slipping of the holding elements, which could be dangerous for the user.Preferably, a set of various interchangeable holding or supporting elements is provided as accessories for the arrangement, comprising a first holding or supporting element in the manner of a rollator handle, a substantially L-shaped holding or supporting element having a forearm support extending substantially horizontally in the position of use and a handle extending substantially vertically therefrom, which can preferably be brought into a horizontal position by rotating or plugging, and a third holding or supporting element comprising a handle bar extending substantially horizontally in the position of use and / or a ring-shaped closed handle. This allows the treadmill arrangement to be flexibly adapted to different user groups and application situations.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the treadmill frame has a front railing section located near the front end of the treadmill, bridging the treadmill, and comprising a further horizontal railing section that can be grasped at least partially. This front railing section provides additional safety for the user, particularly against falling forward or in the event of physical disorders that suddenly make it difficult to keep up with the set speed of the treadmill. An additional benefit can be achieved by designing the front frame section for attaching a display and / or operating component of a user guidance unit, in particular by having a holder for the removable attachment of this component.

[0021] The essential function of the railing components outlined above can be realized simply and cost-effectively by designing at least some of the grippable railing sections as tubular sections with a diameter adapted to the human hand, particularly in the range between 2 cm and 4 cm. In a further simplified embodiment, each side railing component comprises a single metal tube that is bent or folded multiple times, and optionally, the front railing component is also formed by a single metal tube that is bent or folded multiple times.

[0022] Further preferably, the proposed lateral railing construction is to be used by means of suitable sensors to determine the loading or unloading of the extremities and also to obtain information about the movements and, in particular, any movement disorders of the user / patient, in order to ultimately further improve the safety features of the arrangement and / or to implement adapted user guidance. For this purpose, at least some of the railing sections of each lateral railing part or the holding element on the second railing section and, optionally, also the horizontal railing section of the front frame part are assigned a force sensor to register the supporting and / or holding force introduced by a user into the corresponding railing section or the holding element when using the treadmill arrangement in order to obtain a control signal for the drive.

[0023] In further embodiments of the invention, at least one component of the force sensor system is arranged directly in the corresponding railing section.

[0024] In particular, the component of the force sensor arranged in the railing section is designed as a load cell or a metal support connecting two pipe sections of the railing part with at least two strain gauges applied to opposite surfaces of the metal support.

[0025] Depending on the application and user group of the treadmill system, the force sensor can be designed in a variety of ways, from low-cost to high-end versions. In many practical designs, the force sensor is assigned an output-side force evaluation device for numerically evaluating the applied supporting and / or holding force. In further designs, the force sensor can have a switching element with threshold characteristics for outputting a switching signal when a preset force threshold is exceeded. This represents a particularly simple and cost-effective implementation of the force sensor, which, in particular, does not require a separate force evaluation device and in which the occurrence of an impermissibly high force component in a predetermined direction immediately triggers a switching process.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the force sensor system is designed as a multi-axis sensor system for spatially direction-dependent detection of a user's supporting or holding forces. This allows the user's reactions to the treadmill, such as a holding reflex or supporting reflex in response to a change in speed or sudden discomfort, or even reflexes to compensate for unsteady gait, to be recorded and subjected to diagnostic evaluation.

[0027] More specifically, the multi-axis sensor system is designed at least to distinguish between holding forces acting in or against the treadmill's direction of movement, or between downward or upward force acting, preferably to distinguish between the direction of action of both support or holding force components. This enables evaluation of the aforementioned reflex-like reactions to changes in treadmill speed and self-explanatory speed control, as well as the detection of potential falls or posterior / anterior body sway. For example, the speed of the treadmill can be increased by pushing a handle forward and decreased by pulling it backward. Furthermore, the multi-axis sensor system is preferably also designed to distinguish between holding or actuating forces acting to the left or right, thereby making lateral body sway recording and evaluation possible.

[0028] In further expedient embodiments, the treadmill assembly is provided with a user guidance unit for the optical and / or acoustic output of display-accompanying instructions, in particular via earphones or loudspeakers and / or as text overlays via an image display device. In the context of the above-mentioned second aspect of the invention, it is expediently provided that the user guidance unit has an input connection connected to the force evaluation device for receiving output signals from the force evaluation device and is designed to generate and output instructions that are dependent on the output signals from the force evaluation device.

[0029] To further improve the safety features of the treadmill arrangement, according to a relatively independent aspect of the invention, at least the first and optionally also the third vertical railing section or, if provided, the front railing part is assigned a light barrier arrangement for detecting the passage of a user's body part. The or each light barrier arrangement is, in particular, connected for control purposes to the drive of the endless belt and / or the user guidance unit. Specifically, the or each light barrier arrangement is arranged on the corresponding railing section near the plane of the endless belt in such a way that it detects the passage of a user's lower leg.

[0030] The light barrier arrangements, in particular the arrangement arranged on the first vertical railing section, can, in one embodiment, comprise a plurality of horizontally spaced-apart light barrier devices. These can be used to distinguish between different types of user movements that lead to a disruption of the light path of at least one of the light barrier devices. In particular, a distinction can be made, for example, between an unconscious swinging back of a user's leg (with otherwise uninterrupted walking), which does not require any control intervention in the treadmill, and a problematic "backward drift" of the user, which would require stopping or at least slowing down the treadmill. The latter condition could occur if the light beam of several of the light barrier devices is interrupted within certain time limits.

[0031] Advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1A to 1C show three views of a treadmill arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2A to 2C show three views of the railing part of a treadmill arrangement according to a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3A to 3C show three views of the railing part of a treadmill arrangement according to a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 a sketch-like representation of an embodiment of a component of the force sensor system, Fig. 5 a block diagram of an embodiment of the evaluation of force sensor signals in a treadmill arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B a side view and top view of another treadmill assembly according to the invention, Fig. 7 a detailed view of the treadmill arrangement Fig. 6 and Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B Detailed views of modifications to the treadmill arrangement from Fig. 6.

[0032] Fig. 1A to 1C show, in a side view, top view, and front view, respectively, a treadmill assembly 10 with a plate-shaped treadmill frame or base plate 11, in the interior of which rollers and a drive of an endless belt 12 are housed (not shown), the upper surface 12a of which serves as a walking or running surface for a user. A lateral railing part 13 or 14 protrudes from the base plate 11 of the treadmill assembly or base frame 10 on the left and right sides, and near the front end of the upper side of the endless belt 12, which is the front end in the position of use, this is bridged transversely by a front railing part 15. In front of this railing part 15, the base plate 11 has an upper cover 11a, which can additionally serve as a flat projection surface or support an electro-optical image display screen.

[0033] The lateral railing parts 13, 14 are shaped similarly and each comprise a first vertical railing section 13a, 14a rising close to the end of the endless belt 12 from its plane (or the top side of the base plate 11), followed by a first horizontal railing section 13b, 14b, followed by a downwardly extending second vertical railing section 13c, 14c, followed by a second horizontal railing section 13d, 14d and finally a third vertical railing section 13e or 14e leading the railing part down to the plane of the endless belt 12 or the platform 11.As can be seen in the figure, the second horizontal railing section 13d, 14d extends at a significantly lower height than the first horizontal railing section 13b, 14b, and an integrally attached (e.g., welded) post element 13f, 14f protrudes vertically from it, with a removable and height-adjustable forearm support 16 or 17 fixed to its upper end. In one embodiment, elastic elements 13g are integrated into the railing on both sides of the railing section 13d or 13f or in the area of ​​the removable forearm support, allowing a certain degree of mobility of the forearm supports. The elements 13g can, for example, be designed as rubber buffers. This allows for better training of the subject's postural control while walking.

[0034] The front railing part 15 is approximately U-shaped and has a further horizontal railing section 15c, which extends slightly forward from the upright railing sections 15a, 15b and is also referred to here as the third horizontal railing section.

[0035] The side railing parts 13, 14, as well as the front railing part 15, are here formed entirely from a steel or aluminum tube, the diameter of which is dimensioned such that the respective railing part can be easily grasped by a user and he can hold on there well, and in practical design they will normally have a protective and grip-enhancing paint or powder coating.

[0036] A force sensor 18A is provided on each of the side railing sections 13, 14, on both sides of the post elements 13f, 14f in the second horizontal railing section 13d, 14d. These force sensors 18A can detect the holding or supporting forces of a user (vertical and optionally also horizontal forces) when using the treadmill; the evaluation of these signals is described below. The arrangement of force sensors mentioned here is merely exemplary; the sensors can also be provided at other points on the side railing sections, or additional sensors can be mounted at other locations—possibly also on the front railing section 15.

[0037] Furthermore, light barriers 18B are arranged in the lower area of ​​the first vertical railing section 13a, 14a as well as in the transition area between the second horizontal and the third vertical railing section 13d / 13e or 14d / 14e. The light barriers 18b are intended to detect the user entering and, if applicable, exiting the treadmill via the rear access as well as unintentional exiting of the treadmill to the front (e.g., in the event of a trip). Preferably, when the light barrier in the rear area of ​​the treadmill is triggered, the belt's travel is automatically stopped and can be restarted by triggering the light barrier in the front area. With the corresponding signals from the light barriers, an intervention in the drive of the treadmill arrangement can thus be carried out, as described in sketch form below as an example.The light barriers acting transversely to the direction of travel can be formed as reflective light barriers or from a separate transmitting and receiving element.

[0038] The forearm supports 16, 17 on the side railing sections 13, 14 have raised handles (not specifically marked) and a forearm rest at the front end, providing particularly comfortable support for the user. A removable and tilt-adjustable display and control unit 19 for the assembly is mounted on the front railing section 15. This allows the user to use it for support or holding on, while also controlling the assembly's operation as needed.

[0039] Not shown are the handles mounted horizontally on the forearm support. These allow the user to hold on without using the forearm supports. This advantageous adjustment option may make it possible to completely dispense with the front railing section 15.

[0040] Fig. 2A to 2C show in a side view, top view and rear view respectively a modification of the Fig. 1A to 1C and described above, the basic structure being the same as in the first embodiment and not described again here. The railing part 23 differs from the railing part 13 in that a simple handle 26 in the manner of a walker handle is mounted in the upright post part 23f.

[0041] Fig. 3A to 3C show in a side view, top view and rear view, respectively, as a further modification of the Fig. 1A to 1C and described above, a railing part 33 in which an approximately T-shaped handle 36 is fixed in the upright post section 33f, offering the user different gripping options than the forearm supports of the first embodiment. The design of the force sensor system is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

[0042] Fig. 3D and Fig. 3E show the Fig. 3A-3C, namely the post parts 33f each with an approximately ring-shaped closed handle 36' ( Fig. 3D) or 36" ( Fig. 3E), instead of the T-shaped grab bar. The grab handles 36' or 36" have a distance between the lower and upper handle section that is at least large enough to allow sufficient space to grip the upper handle section. The "cranked" version as a 36" grab element in Fig. 3E has an advantageously large connecting semicircle between the lower and upper handle sections, which on the one hand allows the user to comfortably grip from the front or back and at the same time does not unduly restrict the height adjustability in the post section 33f.

[0043] Fig. Figure 4 shows a sketch of a force sensor 48 adapted to the railing constructions of the proposed treadmill arrangement, which can be inserted between the tube ends of two adjacent tubular railing sections 43.1, 43.2. This force sensor has a solid cuboid-shaped

[0044] Metal support 48.1, which is firmly connected to the opposite ends of the railing sections 43.1, 43.2, for example, by welding. Strain gauges 48.2, 48.2 of conventional design are applied to each of the two surfaces of the metal support 48.1. These strain gauges 48.2, 48.3 are used to record bending of the metal support resulting from a force being applied to one of the railing sections by a user. The force signals are picked up by evaluation electronics via corresponding connections of the strain gauges (not specifically designated here).

[0045] Fig. 5 shows, in a schematic detail representation in the form of a functional block diagram, essential components or aspects of the evaluation and control component 50 of an embodiment of the treadmill arrangement.

[0046] A commercially available multi-axis force sensor can be used as the force sensor 51, which is connected to the railing sections with its force-absorbing surface in such a way that the supporting or holding force introduced by the user is transmitted to the sensor with precise direction and magnitude. The evaluation and control component 50 can also specifically process output signals from the Fig. 1A - 4. On the output side, the force sensor 51 is connected to a holding force preprocessing stage 52, at whose output interference-free holding force components Fx, Fy, and Fz are output. This preprocessed signal then passes via a synchronization stage 53 to a gait characteristic evaluation stage 54. This stage provides the user's gait characteristic, determined based on the measurement signals from the force sensor 51, or key parameters of such a characteristic, to an evaluation computer 55 of the physician or physiotherapist.

[0047] On the other hand, the preprocessing stage 52 is connected to a holding force comparison unit 56, in which the spatially and temporally resolved supporting or holding force is continuously compared with comparison data or comparison patterns stored in a comparison value memory 56a. The comparison data / patterns represent supporting or holding forces that users exert on the forearm support or the associated handle in typical usage situations, particularly when there is a risk of falling. The comparison process can, in particular, have a threshold value characteristic, and as a result, a first input signal of a processing and control unit 57 of the treadmill arrangement is provided at the output of the comparison unit 56, the output signal of which is then sent to the drive 58.

[0048] Depending on the direction in which the user applies force to the forearm support or handle, as well as the magnitude of the force, changes in the treadmill's speed can be controlled, even to the point of shutting it down (stopping it if necessary). The belt can also be prevented from starting unless the user is supported or secured using the support elements. This control process is largely independent of the user's will and primarily takes into account their movement pattern when using the railing sections, forearm supports, or handles.

[0049] Furthermore, the measured forces on the handles can be used to trigger an acoustic, visual, or haptic feedback signal when a certain force, particularly vertical force, is exceeded or undercut. This allows for targeted relief of strain on one or both sides of the body, for example, after surgery.

[0050] In the version shown, a signal from a light barrier 18B (see also Fig. 1A - 1C) is fed into the processing and control unit, where it is processed in addition to the force signal to generate a control signal for treadmill operation. The light barrier and the signal it emits are optional.

[0051] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B show a treadmill assembly 10', the basic structure of which corresponds to that of the treadmill assembly 10 of Fig. 1A to 1C and whose parts are therefore designated with reference numerals based on the illustration of that treadmill arrangement.

[0052] From a frame-shaped base plate 11', in whose frame structure a treadmill 12' is housed, railing sections 13.1', 13.2' and 14.1', 14.2' protrude on both sides, providing support for a patient while using the treadmill. Between each of the two side railing sections 13.1', 13.2' and 14.1', 14.2', a crossbar 15' or 16' runs, which is fixed to the railing sections on the respective side and has a T-shape.

[0053] In the vertically upright part of the T-shaped cross members 15' and 16', a likewise vertically upright post element 17' or 18' is mounted, to whose free upper end a forearm support 19' or 20' is adjustable. The post elements 17' and 18' are each mounted (via a guide and fixing mechanism not shown here) in a height-adjustable manner in the upright part of the cross members 15' or 16'. At their upper end, a guide sleeve 21' or 22' is mounted, in which a support 23' or 24', running transversely to the treadmill, is mounted laterally displaceably and fixable in a predetermined lateral position. This ultimately forms the actual support of the respective forearm support 19' or 20', and the associated details are shown in Fig. 7 shown.

[0054] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, one (inner) end of the support 23' carries a vertically upright rod-shaped extension 25', on whose free end sits a pivot joint 26' with a locking screw 27'. On this, in turn, sits the forearm support 19', which comprises an armrest part 19a' and a handle 19b', and is angle-adjustable relative to the support 23'.

[0055] The forearm support 19' is adjustable via the swivel joint 26', the holder of the support 23' in the guide sleeve 21' and the guide of the post element 17' in the upright part of the cross member 15 both in its angular position with respect to the longitudinal extent of the treadmill frame as well as in its lateral position and in its height and can thus be adjusted with the utmost flexibility to the anatomy and movements of a restricted treadmill user.

[0056] Fig. 8A shows a modification of the Fig. 7, in which a force measuring sensor 28' is additionally arranged below the pivot joint 26', which is configured in particular as a multi-axis sensor for detecting the directions and magnitudes of the forces exerted by a user on the forearm support 19'. Details of such force measuring devices are described above; reference can be made here.

[0057] Fig. Figure 8B shows a further modification of the Fig. 7, in which the joint attached to the upper end of the rod 25' is designed as a ball joint 29 with a locking screw 30'. This ball joint 29' also allows for an angle adjustment of the forearm support relative to the horizontal.

[0058] Furthermore, the invention can also be implemented in a variety of modifications of the examples shown here and aspects of the invention highlighted above. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 40 27 317 C1

[0003] US 6,010,465 A

[0003] DE 10 2010 004 504.7

[0004] WO 2014 / 009046 A2

[0004] DE 20 2015 101 590 U1

[0005] DE 20 2015 102 320 U1

[0005] DE 199 16 508 C2

[0005] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] R. Kram and AJ Powell: “A treadmill-mounted force platform” Appl. Physiol. 67 (4): 1692-1698 (1989

[0003]

Claims

[1] Treadmill arrangement, with a treadmill frame and an endless belt running over rollers held in the treadmill frame and driven by a drive, one surface of which serves as a walking or running surface, wherein the treadmill frame has at least one lateral railing part or post element on each side, on which a forearm support is attached which is adjustable in angle with respect to a vertical center plane of the treadmill frame. [2] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the forearm support is additionally adjustable laterally and / or in height above the walking or running surface. [3] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a lockable swivel joint or ball joint is provided for adjusting the angular position of the forearm support. [4] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein for the lateral adjustment of the forearm support a support is provided in the railing part or post element which is laterally displaceable and lockable in its position, from which the forearm support projects substantially vertically upwards. [5] Treadmill arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the forearm supports are each assigned a force sensor which is configured to detect a force exerted by the user on the forearm support and the force sensor is assigned an evaluation device with output means for displaying a measurement result and / or for outputting a warning signal. [6] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the force sensor system comprises a plurality of pressure sensors or pressure distribution sensors integrated into the forearm support for the spatially resolved detection of the exerted force. [7] Treadmill arrangement, with a treadmill frame and an endless belt running over rollers held in the treadmill frame and driven by a drive, one surface of which serves as a walking or running surface, wherein the treadmill frame has at least one lateral railing part on each side, which has a first horizontal railing section that can be grasped around, with a first height and a second horizontal railing section with a second height, less than the first height, on which a post element is attached, wherein the post element carries a lateral holding or supporting element, in particular adjustable in its angular position to a vertical center plane of the treadmill frame, for gripping by hand. [8] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the holding or supporting element is mounted in the post element in a height-adjustable and / or replaceable manner. [9] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 7, with a set of various interchangeable holding elements, which comprises a first holding element in the manner of a rollator handle, a substantially L-shaped holding element which has a forearm support which runs substantially horizontally in the position of use and a handle which stands substantially vertically therefrom, and as a third holding element a handle bar which runs substantially horizontally in the position of use and / or a ring-shaped closed handle. [10] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the vertically upright handle is changeable in position, in particular pluggable or rotatable into a horizontal position. [11] Treadmill arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each lateral railing part comprises, near its entry end, a first vertical railing section which can be grasped around at least in sections, a second vertical railing section between the first and the second horizontal railing section and a third vertical railing section at the front end of the second horizontal railing section in the direction of use. [12] Treadmill assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the treadmill frame has a front railing part placed near the front end of the treadmill, bridging the treadmill and comprising a third horizontal railing section which can be grasped around at least in sections. [13] Treadmill arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the grippable railing sections are designed as tube sections with a diameter adapted to the human hand, in particular in the range between 2 cm and 4 cm. [14] Treadmill arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each lateral railing part comprises a multiply bent or folded individual metal tube and in particular also the front railing part is formed by a multiply bent or folded individual metal tube. [15] Treadmill arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the railing sections of each lateral railing part or the holding element on the second horizontal railing section and optionally also the third horizontal railing section on the front railing part is assigned a force sensor for registering the supporting and / or holding force introduced by a user into the corresponding railing section or the holding element when using the treadmill arrangement in order to obtain a control signal for the drive. [16] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 15, wherein at least one component of the force sensor system is arranged directly in the corresponding railing section. [17] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the component of the force sensor arranged in the railing section is designed as a load cell or a metal support connecting two pipe sections of the railing part with at least two strain gauges applied to opposite surfaces of the metal support. [18] Treadmill arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 17, wherein the force sensor system is assigned an output-side force evaluation device for numerical evaluation processing of the introduced supporting and / or holding force or force acting on the seat. [19] Treadmill arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 18, wherein the force sensor system comprises a switching element with threshold characteristic for outputting a switching signal when a preset force threshold is exceeded. [20] Treadmill arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 19, wherein the force sensor system is designed as a multi-axis sensor system for spatial direction-dependent detection of supporting and / or holding forces of the user. [21] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the multi-axis force sensor system is designed at least to distinguish between supporting and / or holding forces acting in or against the direction of movement of the treadmill or between supporting and / or holding forces acting downwards or upwards, preferably to distinguish between the direction of action of both supporting or holding force components. [22] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 21, wherein the multi-axis force sensor system is also designed to distinguish between support and / or holding forces acting to the left or to the right. [23] Treadmill arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, with a user guidance unit for the optical and / or acoustic output of display-accompanying instructions, in particular via earphones or loudspeakers and / or as text overlays by an image display device. [24] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the user guidance unit has an input terminal connected to the force evaluation device for receiving output signals of the force evaluation device and is designed to generate and output action instructions which are dependent on the output signals of the force evaluation device. [25] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the front railing part is designed for attaching a display and / or operating component of the user guidance unit, in particular having a holder for removable attachment of the display and / or operating component. [26] Treadmill arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 25, wherein at least the first vertical railing section and optionally also the third vertical railing section or, if provided, the front frame part is assigned a light barrier arrangement for detecting the passage of a body part of the user, wherein the or each light barrier arrangement is connected in particular in terms of control to the drive of the endless belt and / or the user guidance unit. [27] A treadmill assembly according to claim 26, wherein the or each light barrier assembly is arranged on the respective railing section near the plane of the endless belt so as to detect the passage of the lower leg of a user. [28] A treadmill assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 27, wherein the second railing portion or the post member or the support member in the post member includes short elastic railing portions. [29] Treadmill arrangement according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the light barrier arrangement provided on the first vertical railing section has at least two horizontally spaced-apart light barrier devices and is associated with an evaluation device which evaluates the fact and, if appropriate, the temporal sequence of the passage of a body part of the user, in particular his lower leg, through more than one of the light barrier devices and outputs a corresponding signal.

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