Hip movement training device

Abstract

The invention relates to a training device (51, 52) for the muscle groups used to move the human hip, in particular also for patients with disabilities (e.g. knee problems, osteoarthritis, etc), said training device comprising: a support surface (6) for the foot of one supporting leg; and a rail (8) that can be actuated by the other leg to be trained so as to rotate about an axis (7) counter to a restoring force, wherein the axis of the rail (8) is arranged vertically, and wherein the rail (8) is designed either to support the foot of the extended other leg in the region of the height of the support surface (6) or to support the knee of the bent-backward lower leg of the other leg at a distance from the support surface (6).

Description

[0001] TRAINING DEVICE FOR HIP MOVEMENT

[0002] The invention relates to a training device for the muscle groups used to move the human hip.

[0003] Around the human hip joint, several differently sized muscles in a relatively complex network ensure movement. They enable a variety of mobility, of which walking is arguably the most common and widespread. Lateral steps, jumps, turns, and numerous other movements demand the full dimension of this network of five hip flexor muscles. This occurs through different movement sequences that can generally be summarized in six forms:

[0004] - Flexion and extension => flexion and extension of the lower extremities

[0005] - Abduction and adduction => lateral movement of the lower extremities

[0006] - Internal and external rotation => rotational movements in the interaction between upper and lower body

[0007] While there are already exercises and equipment for the first two complexes mentioned (flexion and extension / abduction and adduction), support for targeted training of the rotational muscles has so far been sought in vain.

[0008] There are various physiotherapy exercises for training the muscle groups in the human hip area. However, these exercises, which often require the use of aids, rubber bands, or similar devices, are very demanding for both the therapist and the patient. In particular, exercises that require sitting or lying on the floor are difficult or even impossible for patients with disabilities.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing a training device for the muscle groups used to move the human hip, in particular for patients with limitations (e.g. knee problems, arthrosis, etc.).

[0010] This object is achieved in a first embodiment by a training device for the muscle groups used to move the human hip, with a standing surface for the foot of one supporting leg and with a rotatable rail that can be actuated about an axis against a restoring force from the other leg to be trained, wherein the axis of the rail is arranged vertically and wherein the rail is designed either to accommodate the foot when the leg is stretched out in the region of the height of the standing surface or the knee when the lower leg of the leg is bent backwards at a distance from the standing surface.

[0011] On the other hand, the object is achieved in an alternative embodiment by a training device for the muscle groups used to move the human hip, with a standing surface for the foot of one supporting leg and with a rotatable rail which can be actuated about an axis against a restoring force from the other leg to be trained, wherein the axis of the rail is arranged horizontally and at a distance from the standing surface and wherein the rail is arranged to receive the foot with the thigh of the leg bent forwards at a radial distance from the axis in the manner of a pendulum and is designed like a stirrup.

[0012] The following applies to all therapy devices according to the invention: to prevent any limitations on patient use, all therapy devices must be operated while standing, with movement sequences that allow use by all conceivable user groups. A breakdown is provided below.

[0013] In the first embodiment of the invention, the user stands with their foot in a horizontally rotating rail with a vertical axis and the leg to be trained stretched out, while they stand with the foot of their supporting leg on the base for the foot. The rail is connected to the training weights via a gear train. For training, the user assumes the basic position, which already pre-tensions the relevant hip muscles. The hip muscles are then trained by alternating rotation of the foot in one direction and then the other, as well as inwards and outwards. If the foot cannot be used, the knee can be placed in the rail instead of the foot with the lower leg bent backwards. The rail is then positioned higher and at a distance from the base for the foot. The lower leg is positioned horizontally in the guide rail.The guide rail, in turn, allows for horizontal rotation via the vertically arranged axis. A gear train or pull mechanism also connects this device to the training weights that generate the restoring force. The exercise is performed by rotating the entire leg complex sideways. The muscular pre-tension is created by the user's positioning, turning sideways to the weights.

[0014] In the alternative embodiment of the invention with the horizontal instead of vertical axis, the user stands facing the axis and in front of it, i.e. also in front of the training weights, and positions one leg with the thigh bent upwards in a guide rail. As with the other devices, this is connected to the training weights via a gear train. The position of the guide rail can be flexibly adjusted in a circular manner for the application in order to specify both internal and external rotation and to adjust it to the side to be trained (left / right), as well as to create the appropriate pre-tension in the muscles. With this device, rotation takes place via a horizontally mounted axis to which a strut is attached that runs radially to one side like a pendulum, at the end of which the stirrup-like rail for the foot is provided.To perform the exercise, the thigh of the leg is rotated in a circular manner, clockwise or counterclockwise, inwards or outwards, like a pendulum movement.

[0015] The aforementioned embodiment of the invention can advantageously provide a disc that can be rotated about its axis against the restoring force and to which the rail is rigidly connected, wherein the strut is then designed for the releasable attachment of a projecting training lever. This lever can be covered with a foam roller. Since many physiotherapy practices have only limited space available and thus the separate use of multiple devices is difficult to implement, this design of the alternative embodiment allows all complexes of the hip muscles to be trained with just a single therapy device. A removable lever, optionally covered with a foam roller, for performing the movements is attached to the disc in such a way that it can be used to implement all necessary training movements without the need for multiple devices.The removable lever with foam roller allows for various other types of exercises to be performed to train the muscles in the hip area.

[0016] The lever's rotation mechanism allows for flexible training of other movements, such as a leg lift. For this, the user stands at a right angle to the side. If necessary, they can find support for the exercise using the handles provided higher or to the sides.

[0017] Overall, the invention provides a concept for holistic training of the muscles in the hip area, particularly for use by patients in rehabilitation / physiotherapy, but also generally in the area of ​​general fitness, strengthening, and health maintenance.

[0018] Further embodiments and developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

[0019] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 shows the training device in a schematic side view, in a first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 shows a modified embodiment of the training device in a schematic front view and Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the training device in a schematic side view.

[0022] The training device 51 according to Figure 1 is used to train the muscle groups used to move the human hip. It has a base 6 for the foot of one supporting leg and a rotatable rail 8 that can be actuated about an axis 7 against a restoring force from the other leg to be trained. The axis 7 of the rail 8 is arranged vertically. The rail 8 is designed to accommodate the foot when the other leg is stretched out in the region of the height of the base 6. By rotating the foot, the rail 8 is rotated about the axis 7, which rail 8 is connected to known training weights inside the rearmost support 9 via a gear train (not shown in detail here) to generate the restoring force.

[0023] In order to ensure that the test subject can always stand safely during training on the training device 51 according to Figure 1, a handle 10 is provided in the upper area.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a modified embodiment of a training device 52 in a schematic front view, as shown in Figure 1, with identical reference numerals representing identical details. Unlike embodiment 51, the axle 7 extends approximately knee-high above the base 6 up to the rail 8, which is also designed to accommodate the lower leg bent backward—instead of the foot—when the knee of the other leg is bent.

[0025] An alternative embodiment of a training device 53 to Figure 1 and Figure 2 is shown in Figure 3 in a schematic side view

[0026] This training device 53 is also used to train the muscle groups used to move the human hip. It also has a standing surface 6 for the foot of one supporting leg and is provided with a rotatable rail 8 arranged parallel to the standing surface and with a horizontal axis 7 (in contrast to the embodiments 51, 52 with a vertically arranged axis according to Figures 1 and 2) which can be actuated against a restoring force from the other leg to be trained, wherein the axis 7 of the rail is arranged horizontally and at a distance from the standing surface 6 and wherein the rail 8 is arranged at a distance from the axis and is designed like a stirrup to accommodate the foot when the thigh of the leg is bent and pulled forwards.

[0027] Furthermore, a disc 11 is provided, which can rotate around the axis counter to the restoring force and to which the rail 8 is rigidly connected via a radially extending strut 12. The strut is designed to releasably secure a projecting training lever 13, which is at least partially covered by a foam roller 14.

Claims

Training device for the muscle groups used to move the human hip Claims 1. Training device (51, 52) for the muscle groups used to move the human hip, with a standing surface (6) for the foot of one supporting leg and with a rotatable rail (8) which can be actuated about an axis (7) against a restoring force from the other leg to be trained, the axis of the rail being arranged vertically and the rail (8) being designed either to accommodate the foot when the other leg is stretched out in the region of the height of the standing surface (6) or the knee when the lower leg of the other leg is bent backwards at a distance from the standing surface (6).

2. Training device (53) for the muscle groups used to move the human hip, with a standing surface (6) for the foot of one supporting leg and with a rotatable rail (8) which can be actuated about an axis (7) against a restoring force from the other leg to be trained, wherein the axis (7) of the rail (8) is arranged horizontally and at a distance from the standing surface (6) and wherein the rail (8) is arranged at a radial distance from the axis (7) and is designed like a stirrup to accommodate the foot when the thigh of the leg is bent forwards.

3. Training device according to claim 2, characterized in that on the axis (7) a radially extending strut (12) is attached, at the end of which the stirrup-like rail (8) is provided.

4. Training device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a disc (11) is provided which is rotatable about the axis (7) against the restoring force and to which the rail (8) is rigidly connected via the strut (12).

5. Training device according to claim 4, characterized in that the strut (12) is designed for the releasable fixing of a projecting training lever (13) which is at least partially covered with a foam roller (14).

6. Training device according to claim 2, characterized in that the distance of the axis (7) of the rail (8) from the standing surface (6) is adjustable.

7. Training device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotatable rail (8) which can be actuated about an axis (7) against a restoring force from the other leg to be trained is connected to training weights known per se via a gear train.

8. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by at least one handle (10).

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