Dynamic stability training system

Abstract

The described dynamic stability training system comprises a weighted object suspended between two elastic bands, with one band anchored to a fixed point and the other attached to a user's limb. The system generates unpredictable forces, requiring continuous muscle adjustments, enhancing core strength, stability, and neuromuscular coordination. It mimics real-world balance challenges, improving muscle co-contraction and synergies, reaction time and functional strength. The weighted object may have attachment points for elastic bands and can be adjustably weighted in embodiments. The system is versatile, allowing various configurations and exercises, making it suitable for diverse fitness and rehabilitation needs.

Description

Dynamic Stability Training SystemField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment, specifically focusing on systems and devices designed for dynamic stability training. It involves exercise apparatuses that enhance physical fitness by improving stability, strength, coordination, and proprioception through the use of weighted objects and elastic bands that generate nonlinear dynamic motion and is aimed at providing versatile, effective workout solutions for various users, including athletes and individuals undergoing rehabilitation, by engaging multiple muscle groups and enhancing neuromuscular coordination through unpredictable resistance forces .Background

[0002] The quest for effective exercise devices that enhance stability, strength, and coordination has led to the development of various training systems.

[0003] For example, US 2023 / 0103853 A1 (Bui) 6 April 2023 describes a multi-modal, portable exercise device designed to improve strength, balance, and stability. This device combines the benefits of training with balance balls and resistance bands, offering a versatile workout tool that can be easily transported. It consists of two hemispheric bodies that form a spherical exercise ball when joined and can be used separately for various exercises. The device aims to provide comprehensive fitness and rehabilitation benefits, including core strength, muscular endurance, and neuromuscular coordination, while being cost-effective and convenient to use.

[0004] WO 2018 / 194269 A1 (Cho) 25 October 2018 describes a tethered ball which is kicked up towards the user’s face during use. It features an adjustable strap, a guide for the strap, a connector, and a stator for securing the strap. The device aims to be user-friendly, durable, and easy to manufacture, with the added benefit of including sensors and a display to track exercise metrics. The device allows for adjustable resistance and improved usability in various physical exercises.

[0005] However, these types of traditional exercise equipment focus on linear, predictable movements, which can limit the engagement of stabilising muscle groups and the development of proprioceptive skills.

[0006] Nonlinear dynamic motion, characterised by chaotic and unpredictable movements, requires continuous adjustments from the user's muscles to maintain balance and control. This type of motion engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, particularly the core and stabilising muscles, enhancing overall neuromuscular coordination and proprioception. Such dynamic stability training is crucial for improving reaction time, functional strength, and injury prevention, as it mimics real-world scenarios where balance and stability are constantly challenged.

[0007] To address these limitations, fitness experts and inventors have explored dynamic and multidirectional movement patterns to create more comprehensive workout regimes.

[0008] For example, US 891 1334 B1 (Cotter et al.) 16 December 2014 discloses an exercise device which features a water-tight, spherical compartment that can be filled with water to provide resistance and destabilisation to enhance muscle recruitment and stability training. It includes handles and knobs for improved grip and versatility, enabling full range of motion exercises while reducing stress on joints and the risk of injury and is designed to be portable, cost-effective, and suitable for various rehabilitation and fitness activities.

[0009] Despite the advantages of nonlinear dynamic motion, existing exercise devices have not effectively integrated this concept into their design. There remains a need for an innovative system that leverages nonlinear dynamic motion to provide a versatile and effective stability training experience. Such a system would not only enhance physical fitness but also be suitable for a wide range of users, from athletes to individuals undergoing rehabilitation.Summary of the Disclosure

[0010] The described dynamic stability training system embodiment comprises a weighted object suspended between proximal and distal bands, wherein the distal band is anchored to a fixed point and a free end of the proximal band is attached toa user's limb. Usually, the user stands far away from the fixed point, such as 2 m or more.

[0011] In use, the nonlinear dynamic motion of the weighted object creates fast and unpredictable forces and perturbations on the limb, facilitating dynamic stability training. This dynamic chaotic movement requires continuous adjustments from the user's muscles, particularly in the core and stabilising muscle groups, to maintain balance and control. The constant, varied forces ensure that the user engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, enhancing muscle co-contractions, proprioception and neuromuscular coordination.

[0012] This type of training improves overall stability, strength, and reaction time, as the body learns to adapt to the ever-changing stimuli. Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of the motion mimics real-world scenarios where balance and stability are challenged, thereby providing functional strength and injury prevention benefits. The system's design ensures that these dynamic forces are safely and effectively applied, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and rehabilitation purposes.

[0013] The weighted object may feature a pair of attachment points located directly opposite each other on its surface, with the elastic bands connected to these points. The free end of the proximal band may include a handle, allowing it to be gripped by the user's hand when the limb involved is an arm. Alternatively, the free end may feature a cuff designed to secure around the user's leg, facilitating use with lower limbs. The cuff may alternatively engage an upper arm or wrist, thereby freeing the user’s hands for complimentary tasks during the stability training.

[0014] In embodiments, the system can include a handheld pole, with the free end of the band attached to one end of the pole, providing another method of use. The weighted object can be stretched either horizontally or vertically between the bands, offering versatility in exercise orientation.

[0015] Each band preferably may stretch to in excess of 1 metre, providing ample stretch and resistance.

[0016] The weighted object itself is an inflatable ball in an embodiment, which can preferably be adjustably weighted with water, enhancing the training's adaptabilityand intensity. The attachment points on the ball may comprise skirts adhering to its surface, retaining shackles via webs, while each band includes clips for easy, releasable connections.

[0017] The present system provides a dynamic and versatile exercise system that enhances stability, strength, and coordination through nonlinear dynamic motion, while allowing for customisation and varied use cases.

[0018] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a dynamic stability training system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 shows an inflatable weighted ball of the system in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 shows an attachment point of the system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4 shows an arrangement of panels used to construct the weighted ball of Figure 2 in accordance with an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates the operating principle of the system;

[0025] Figure 6 shows a method of use of the system for improving movement stability of the arm;

[0026] Figure 7 shows a method of use of the system for improving movement stability of the leg;

[0027] Figure 8 shows a method of use of the system for improving movement stability of the arms simultaneously whilst performing dexterity exercises;

[0028] Figure 9 shows an embodiment wherein the system further comprises a pole and wherein the weighted object of the system is attached to an end thereof;

[0029] Figure 10 shows a variation of the system of Figure 9;

[0030] Figure 1 1 shows an embodiment wherein a handle is connected between the attachment points;

[0031] Figure 12 shows an embodiment wherein the system comprises a rigid holder to assist holding of the weighted object for arm exercises; and

[0032] Figure 13 shows an embodiment wherein the system comprises a handle pressing the hand directly against the weighted object for arm exercises.Description of Embodiments

[0033] Figure 1 shows a dynamic stability training system 100 comprising a weighted object 101 configured to be stretched between proximal and distal bands 103, as shown in Figure 5. The distal band 103A is anchored to a fixed point 104, and the free end of the proximal band 103B is attached to a user’s limb 105. The nonlinear dynamic motion of the weighted object 101 generates unpredictable forces and perturbations acting on the limb 105 for dynamic stability training.

[0034] The weighted object 101 may have a pair of attachment points 102 located directly opposite each other on its surface. The bands 103 may releasably attach to the attachment points 102 to suspend the weighted object 101 between the elastic resistance bands 103. In accordance with this arrangement, the bands 103 may be disconnected from the attachment points 102 to reconfigure the present system for other modes of use, as described in further detail below.

[0035] The elastic resistance bands 103 may comprise an outer sheath protecting elastic strands therein. Distal ends of the elastic resistance bands may comprise handles for handheld use or cuffs 106 which engage around a limb, such as a leg , wrist or upper arm for hands-free use. According to the embodiment of Figure 1 , each band 103 may be approximately 40 cm in length but may stretch to more than 1 m in length.

[0036] According to the preferred embodiment shown, the weighted object 101 is a plastic inflatable ball 107 which can be adjustably weighted with water. The water further provides a destabilising effect enhancing the nonlinear dynamic motion. With reference to Figure 2, the ball 107 may comprise a two-way valve 108 which can be used to fill the ball 107 with water and inflate the ball 107 with air.

[0037] Figure 4 shows the plastic ball 107 manufactured from a plurality of plastic panels 109. These panels may comprise a straight panel 109A, U-shaped panels 109B, and independent panels 109C which are shaped to form a sphere when their edges are connected together.

[0038] With reference to Figure 3, each attachment point 102 may comprise a skirt 1 10 adhering to the surface of the ball 107 and retaining a shackle 1 1 1 via a web 1 12. The shackle 1 1 1 may generally take the form of a closed D-shackle having a clip aperture 1 13 and a web aperture 1 14.

[0039] Each elastic resistance band 103 may similarly comprise one or more closed shackles 1 15, and a releasable clip 1 16 (such as a carabiner or the like) may be used to connect the shackles 1 1 1 , 1 15 together. The inner ends of the elastic resistance band 103 may comprise a protective sheath 1 17.

[0040] Figure 6 shows a method of use of the system 100 wherein the weighted object 101 is suspended generally horizontally between the bands 103. The distal band 103A is attached to a fixed rail 1 18 or the like, and the handle or cuff 106 of the proximal band 103B is held in the hand. As shown in Figure 6, the straps can be stretched to more than 1 metre, allowing the user to stand 2 metres or more away from the fixed point 104. As the user moves the hand, the nonlinear dynamic motion of the weighted object 101 generates unpredictable forces and perturbations acting on the hand for dynamic stability training of the arm.

[0041] Figure 7 shows an alternative method of use wherein the cuff 106 is attached around a user’s leg. Specifically, the cuff 106 of the proximal band 103B engages the thigh, while the distal band 103A is attached to a fixed point 104 on gym equipment. As the user moves the leg, such as by stepping, the nonlinear dynamic motion of the weighted object 101 generates unpredictable forces and perturbations acting on the thigh for dynamic stability training of the leg.

[0042] Figure 8 shows a further hands-free method of use wherein a pair of systems 100 are attached with respective cuffs 106 to the upper arms (or alternatively the wrists) to train both arms simultaneously. According to this method of use, the handsare free for performing complementary dexterity exercises, such as catching a ball in the example shown.

[0043] Figure 10 shows a further method of use wherein the system 100 further comprises a pole 1 19 and the free end of the proximal band 103B is attached to an end of the pole 1 19. The distal end of the distal band 103A may engage the foot as the fixed point 104. In this example, the user holds the pole 1 19 across the shoulders. The nonlinear dynamic motion of the weighted object 101 generates unpredictable forces and perturbations acting on the pole 1 19 for dynamic stability training of the torso.

[0044] Figure 9 shows a variation wherein the weighted object 101 is attached to an end of the pole 1 19 by the proximal band 103B alone to swing freely, providing a different type of nonlinear dynamic motion.

[0045] Figure 1 1 shows an alternative embodiment which comprises a central handle 122 attached between relatively short bands 103 to form a continuous loop. The weighted object 101 can be swung over the hand backwards and forwards for stability training of the arm.

[0046] Figure 12 shows a further alternative embodiment which comprises a rigid holder 123 having an elongate arm engaging portion 124 which may be strapped to the underside of the forearm using straps 125 and which may comprise comfortable padding 126. The elongate arm engaging portion 124 may engage a concave weighted object engaging portion 127. When the rigid holder 123 is attached to the arm as shown in Figure 12, the weighted object 101 is held between the palm of the hand and the weighted object engaging portion 127 for performing weighted object resistance exercises of the arm.

[0047] Figure 13 shows a yet further alternative embodiment wherein a flat handle 128 connected between relatively short bands 103 presses the hand directly against the weighted object 101 and can be used in a similar manner as described in relation to Figure 12.

[0048] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it willbe apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A system comprising a weighted object stretched between proximal and distal elastic resistance bands, wherein, in use, the distal band is anchored to a fixed point and a free end of the proximal band simultaneously engages a user’s limb, wherein nonlinear dynamic motion of the weighted object generates unpredictable forces and perturbations acting on the limb for dynamic stability training.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the weighted object has a pair of attachment points located directly across from each other on the weighted object's surface and wherein the bands are attached to the attachment points respectively.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the free end comprises a handle and wherein the user’s limb is an arm and wherein the handle is gripped by a hand of the arm.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the free end comprises a cuff and wherein the user’s limb is a leg and wherein the cuff is secured around the leg.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the free end comprises a cuff and wherein the user’s limb is an arm and wherein the cuff is secured around an upper arm.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a handheld pole and wherein the free end is attached to an end of the pole.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pole is held across the user’s shoulders.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the distal band is anchored to the user’s foot.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the weighted object is stretched horizontally between the bands.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the weighted object is stretched vertically between the bands.1 1. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each band is more than 1 m.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the weighted object is an inflatable ball.

13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inflatable ball is adjustably weighted with water.

14. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein each attachment point comprises a skirt adhering to a surface of the ball which retains a shackle via a web.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein each band comprises a clip releasably connecting a respective shackle.

16. The system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising another weighted object stretched between respective proximal and distal bands which is attached simultaneously to another user’s limb.

17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the limbs are arms.

18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein free ends are attached to upper arms.

19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein hands are used simultaneously to perform a dexterity exercise.

20. A dynamic stability training method involving the system as claimed in claim 1 , the method comprising stretching the weighted object between the bands by anchoring the distal band to the fixed point and engaging a limb using the proximal band wherein nonlinear dynamic motion of the weighted object generates unpredictable forces and perturbations acting on the limb for dynamic stability training.

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