Device for training and / or rehabilitation of an ankle and method for controlling such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a training and / or rehabilitation device (1) comprising: a first support (10) for supporting a first foot (P1) of a subject, the first support (10) being mounted movably relative to a supporting surface (5) and having a first supporting face (10A) for the first foot; and a second support (20). The first support (10) comprises a first fastening system (15, 16) for fastening the foot (P1) on the first support (10). The first support (10) is mounted pivotably relative to the supporting surface (5) about a single first pivot axis (B-B) substantially parallel to the supporting surface, the first pivot axis (B-B) forming an angle (β), with respect to a first external direction (C-C) of the foot (P1), which is included in a range of between 13° and 33°.

Description

Device for training and / or rehabilitating an ankle and method for controlling such a device Technical field [1] The invention relates to the field of apparatus and devices for the rehabilitation of human joints and in particular of the ankle. [2] The invention relates more specifically to a device for training and / or rehabilitating an ankle and a training and / or rehabilitating method. State of the prior art [3] In the case of a lateral sprain, that is to say the vast majority of ankle sprain situations, without appropriate rehabilitation, the cases of recurrence are relatively high. Proprioception and post-traumatic re-musculation work are therefore essential to avoid such a recurrence. As a result, rehabilitation and ankle training protocols and devices dedicated to this proprioception and re-musculation work have been developed. [4] The devices conventionally used are generally based on a platform made unstable, for example by means of a half-sphere, a half-cylinder or a contact edge as an unstable contact surface of said platform. However, we know that the most important muscles for reacting to an inversion of the foot are the evertor muscles. If such a platform allows for proprioception and overall re-musculation work, it is only based on uncontrolled work in terms of directions, angles, forces and is in no way adapted to target the evertor muscles. Thus, the proprioception and re-musculation work permitted by this type of device is not totally adapted and may require longer ankle rehabilitation than a more suitable device could allow. [5] To overcome these drawbacks, there are training and / or rehabilitation devices, such as those taught by documents FR2818912A1, FR2641183A1 and EP1767249B1, which allow the ankle to be stressed in certain directions of instability. this, for some of them, with the application of a resistance force. Thus, the possibility of defining the directions of instability and the possible application of constraints makes it possible to optimize the rehabilitation and strengthening work of the ankle. This work can be better targeted and be more effective than that allowed by the unstable platforms mentioned above, the rehabilitation of the ankle is improved. [6] However, these devices are not perfectly adapted. [7] For some of these devices, the axis of rotation of the instability is not congruent with the natural axis of rotation of the ankle, which is not very suitable and results in muscular work that is also not or only slightly suitable (the instability requiring, for example, the extensor muscles, flexor muscles, etc.). [8] Similarly, for some of these devices, the fact that the physiotherapist must himself define the direction(s) of instability makes use difficult. However, the directions of instability conducive to ankle rehabilitation work are difficult to identify anatomically, which makes this adjustment difficult. In addition, adapting the footwear to the configuration of the patient's foot often impacts the settings of the directions of instability, which does not allow a physiotherapist to choose a single setting for all of his patients. [9] For some of these devices, the positioning of the foot is done by poorly adapted tightening systems which leave the foot with significant degrees of freedom and mean that the work carried out is more global work of the ankle muscles, rather than the specific work of the evertor muscles.

[0010] Finally, for some of these devices, only one foot is positioned on its mobilization system, without taking into account the second foot, which leaves the patient the freedom to choose postures in which he will mobilize muscles other than the muscles to be re-educated.

[0011] Thus, there would be an interest in providing a training and / or rehabilitation device that can provide specific muscular work and effective proprioception work without requiring a physiotherapist to define the direction of instability to ensure such specificity and effectiveness. Statement of the invention

[0012] The invention aims to meet the above needs.

[0013] The invention relates to this purpose to a device for training and / or rehabilitating at least one first ankle of a subject, the training and / or rehabilitating device comprising: at least one support surface by which the training and / or rehabilitating device is intended to be supported on a ground, a first support intended to support a first foot of the subject corresponding to the first ankle, the first support being mounted movably relative to the support surface and having a first support face for the first foot, a second support intended to support a second foot of the subject and having a second support face, the first support and the second support being arranged, in at least one configuration of the training and / or rehabilitating device in which the first and second support faces are parallel to the support surface,at the same distance from the at least one support surface so that the first and second support faces are at a substantially equal height with respect to the ground in said at least one configuration, the first support comprises a first system for fixing the first foot on the first support shaped to fix a first orientation and a first positioning of the first foot relative to the first support, said first orientation and first positioning defining a first external direction of the first foot corresponding to an orthogonal projection of an external edge of a mid-foot of the first foot on the first support face, the second support having a system for positioning the second foot in order to define a second orientation and a second positioning of the second foot on the second support,the first support being mounted to pivot relative to the support surface around a single first pivot axis substantially parallel to the support surface, the first pivot axis forming an angle with respect to the first external direction which is included in a range between 13° and 33°, or even between 18° and 28° and, advantageously between 21° and 25° in a direction of rotation going from the inside to the outside of the first foot, and intercepting an orthogonal projection of a heel of the first ankle of the subject on the first support face when the orientation of his first foot is fixed by the first fixing system.

[0014] With such a device, the combination of the first fixation system and the mounting of the first pivoting support relative to the support surface ensures that the rehabilitation of the foot is carried out in a direction corresponding substantially to a horizontal projection of the Henke axis, in order to provide optimized stress on the ankle muscles and especially the evertor muscles. Thus, the work of proprioception and muscle building is optimized. In addition, this optimization is also enabled by the correct positioning of the first foot, authorized by the first fixation system and by the positioning system of the second foot, thereby ensuring that the body is well positioned and that the pivot axis of the first support is in correspondence with a horizontal projection of the Henke axis of the first ankle. This positioning, moreover, can be done without the intervention of a physiotherapist.

[0015] Furthermore, the use of two supports with such an arrangement ensures that the subject is able to use the support in a standing position. This standing position, not necessarily permitted by the devices of the prior art, is a position where the body weight is involved in the exercise, which is interesting due to the similarity with the real constraints that the ankle undergoes, which contributes significantly to the optimization of the proprioception and muscle building work enabled by the training and / or rehabilitation device.

[0016] If, as indicated in the introductory part of this document, the training and / or rehabilitation device according to the invention is particularly suitable for enabling post-traumatic muscle work and proprioception work, the present device can also be used preventively in the context of sports training for a subject who has not suffered any trauma. Indeed, such work to strengthen an athlete's ankles makes it possible to reduce the risk of injuries which could penalize their sporting practice.

[0017] It will be noted that advantageously, the support of the support surface on the ground is stable and in particular of the hyperstatic type. In this way, the subject is able to use the device according to the invention in complete safety.

[0018] In this document, references to the different parts of the subject's foot, in particular the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot, correspond to the anatomical definitions of said parts. Thus, by forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot, is meant, here and in the rest of this document, respectively the part corresponding to the phalanges / metatarsals assembly of said foot, the part corresponding to the cuboid, medial, intermediate and lateral cuneiform bones, and navicular assembly of said foot and the part corresponding to the talus and calcaneus assembly of said foot. In the same way, by median axis of a foot, is meant the axis of the foot passing through the center of the heel and between the second and third metatarsals.

[0019] By direction defined by an orthogonal projection of an “external edge of a midfoot” is meant here and in the rest of this document, in accordance with the understanding of a person skilled in the art, namely a specialist in foot morphology such as an orthopedist or a podiatrist, an average direction defined by this external edge of the midfoot, such a direction being usual for a person skilled in the art. In the context of the present invention, this direction can be defined by an orthogonal projection of the external edge of the midfoot onto the first support face by taking an average of this projection in order to define a straight line corresponding to said direction. Indeed, such an average makes it possible to compensate for the fact that the external edge of the midfoot is not perfectly straight and partially compressible, and to obtain an average direction which is usually used for a person skilled in the art as shown in Figure 1A.It will be noted that depending on the embodiments, this direction can be defined by a support wedge for the outer edge of the midfoot (see in particular figures 1A to 3, 5A and 7), or by an inner edge of an outer side of a shoe intended to accommodate the first foot (see figure 8B). These wedges are perfectly straight and make it possible to provide an approximation of this average direction defined by the outer edge of the midfoot when the feet are supported on them.

[0020] The first fixation system, by making it possible to fix the positioning and orientation of the first foot, can, in particular, provide a fixation of the foot on the first support. With such support, the first foot is thus secured against tearing when the subject uses the training and / or rehabilitation device and is thus held in position during the pivoting of the first support. In this way, the proprioception and / or remusculation work is particularly optimized and the subject is reassured with regard to the risks of displacement of his foot during the use of the device.

[0021] The system for positioning the second foot may comprise a second system for fixing the second foot on the second support shaped to fix the second orientation and the second positioning of the second foot relative to the second support, said second orientation and second positioning defining a second external direction of the second foot corresponding to an orthogonal projection of an external edge of a mid-foot of the second foot on the second bearing face, in which the second support is pivotally mounted relative to the bearing surface around a single second pivot axis substantially parallel to the bearing surface, the second pivot axis making an angle with respect to the second external direction which is included in a range between 13° and 33°, or even between 18° and 28° and advantageously between 21° and 25° in a direction of rotation going from the inside to the outside of the second foot,and intercepting an orthogonal projection of a heel of the subject's second ankle on the support face when the orientation of his second foot is fixed by the second fixing system, the training and / or rehabilitation device preferably comprising a pivoting locking system configured to allow pivoting locking of the first support and the second support.,

[0022] In this way, the device allows training and / or rehabilitation of the subject's second ankle, with the same advantages as for the first ankle.

[0023] The second support may be integral in movement with the support surface with the second support face arranged parallel to the support surface.

[0024] Thus, the training and / or rehabilitation device can be simpler and therefore less expensive to manufacture while still benefiting from the advantages linked to the invention.

[0025] The training and / or rehabilitation device may further comprise at least one first constraint element arranged to exert a constraint force on the pivoting of the first support in a direction of rotation of inversion of the first foot of the subject which is intended to be supported there, the at least first constraint element being preferentially selected from the group of gravitational constraint elements, elastic constraint elements and electromagnetic constraint elements.

[0026] Such a constraint element allows active training and / or rehabilitation of the first ankle and thus optimization of the work offered by the device.

[0027] The first system for fixing the first foot to the first support may comprise a first strap arranged to hold a forefoot of the first foot in contact with the first support face and at least one first wedge on which an external edge of the midfoot and / or a rearfoot of the first foot is intended to come into contact when it is supported by the first support face, the first strap and the first wedge being preferentially arranged to constrain the first foot to bear on the first support but also to constrain the external side of the first foot to bear on the first wedge so as to fix the first external direction.

[0028] With such a system the position and orientation of the first foot are perfectly fixed, while ensuring, thanks to the strap, good support of the first foot throughout the use of the training and / or rehabilitation device by the subject.

[0029] The first fixing system may further comprise a second wedge on which an internal edge of the midfoot and / or a rearfoot of the first foot is intended to come into contact when it is supported by the first support face, said second wedge being able to be mounted movably relative to the first support, the first wedge being integral with the first support.

[0030] In this way, the training and / or rehabilitation device allows good support of the first foot regardless of its morphology.

[0031] The first strap may comprise a support portion intended to come to bear on an external part of the top of the forefoot of the first foot of the subject, said support portion preferably having an external part and an internal part succeeding one another in a lateral direction of the first foot intended to be held by the strap going from the outside to the inside of said first foot, the external part having a greater hardness than that of the internal part.

[0032] Such a configuration provides a plating of the external part of the first foot while it is highly mobilized in the exercises allowed by the training and / or rehabilitation device. This provides a particularly optimized proprioception and muscle building work offered by the device according to the invention.

[0033] The first system for fixing the first foot to the first support may comprise at least one first fixing element for fixing at least one first shoe to the first support by fixing the first orientation and the first positioning of the first foot received in said at least one first shoe.

[0034] The second positioning system may include a second attachment element for attaching at least one second shoe to the second support by defining the second orientation and the second positioning of the second foot, the first shoe being selected from a right shoe and a left shoe, the second shoe being the other of a right shoe and a left shoe.

[0035] The at least one first shoe may be a right shoe, and the first fastening system further comprises at least one third fastening element for fastening at least one third shoe to the first support by fixing the first orientation and the first positioning of the first foot received in the at least one third shoe, the at least one third shoe being a left shoe.

[0036] The at least one first constraint element may comprise at least one first elastic return element and preferably a second elastic return element, or even a third or more elastic return elements, the training and / or rehabilitation device further comprising an engagement system configured to engage said at least one first elastic return element with the first support, and, when the first constraining means comprise a second elastic return element or even a third elastic return element, the engagement system may have a configuration in which it engages the second elastic return element or even the third elastic return element with the first or more supports.

[0037] Such a constraint element allows the training and / or rehabilitation device to perform both relatively unconstrained work, i.e. under "body weight", lightened if the subject is seated or complete if the patient is standing, particularly aimed at proprioception when the first support is not engaged with an elastic return element, and more constrained work particularly aimed at muscle building / re-muscle building, when the first support is engaged with an elastic return element.

[0038] The training and / or rehabilitation device may further comprise at least one sensor capable of providing information relating to a positioning and / or angular displacement of the first support relative to the support surface.

[0039] Such a sensor makes it possible to qualify the subject's reaction to the instability caused by the pivoting of the first support and the possible constraint applied to it.

[0040] The training and / or rehabilitation device may further comprise a first locking element configured to lock the first support in a rest position in which the first bearing face is parallel to the bearing surface, the first locking element preferably being automated in such a way as to authorize a command to switch the locking system from an unlocked configuration in which the first support is free to leave the rest position to a locked configuration in which the first support is held in the rest position.

[0041] When the training and / or rehabilitation device comprises a system for positioning the second foot comprising a second fixing system and comprises a pivoting locking system, the pivoting locking system may comprise said first locking element.

[0042] The training and / or rehabilitation device may further comprise at least one first stop configured to limit the angle of rotation of the first support with respect to the support surface, said stop preferably providing a rotation stop in the direction of inversion rotation of the first foot of the subject which is intended to be supported by the first support, the at least one first stop preferably being adjustable.

[0043] In this way, the pivoting amplitude of the first support can be limited and thus the stress on the first ankle by the training and / or rehabilitation device can be adapted as closely as possible to the training and / or rehabilitation needs of the subject.

[0044] Method for controlling a device for training and / or rehabilitating at least a first ankle of a subject according to the invention, comprising the following steps: placing the first support in a rest position in which the first support face is parallel to the support surface, releasing the first support from its rest position with preferentially applying a constraint force to the pivoting of the first support in a direction of rotation of inversion of the first foot of the subject which is intended to be supported there, detecting a return of the first support to the rest position.

[0045] A control method allows the implementation of the training and / or rehabilitation device according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0046] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the description of exemplary embodiments, given purely for informational purposes and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings in which: Figure 1A illustrates a top view of a first example of arrangement of a training and / or rehabilitation device according to the invention, Figure 1B illustrates a top view of a second example of arrangement of a training and / or rehabilitation device according to the invention, Figure 2 illustrates schematically and in perspective a training and / or rehabilitation device according to a first embodiment of a training and / or rehabilitation device according to the invention, Figure 3 illustrates schematically and in perspective a variant of the training and / or rehabilitation device according to the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, Figure 4 illustrates in a perspective side view a training and / or rehabilitation device according to a second embodiment corresponding to a practical implementation of the invention, integrating a holding bar, Figure 5A illustrates in a perspective side view the training and / or rehabilitation device according to a second embodiment in which the holding bar has been removed, Figure 5B illustrates in a rear view the training and / or rehabilitation device according to a second embodiment with the holding bar removed,Figure 5C illustrates in a front view the training and / or rehabilitation device according to a second embodiment with the holding bar removed, Figure 5D illustrates in a side view the training and / or rehabilitation device according to a second embodiment with the holding bar removed, Figure 6 illustrates in a perspective view the constraint element equipping the training and / or rehabilitation device, Figure 7 illustrates schematically and in perspective a third embodiment of a training and / or rehabilitation device according to the invention in which the training and / or rehabilitation device comprises a separate element for each of the subject's feet,Figure 8A illustrates in a top view a training and / or rehabilitation device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in which only a first support is pivotable and in which the first support has a first fixing element for fixing a left shoe and a second fixing element for fixing a right shoe, the drawings of the feet in shade being added for information purposes to show the positions that can be adopted by the subject, Figure 8B illustrates a top view of the training and / or rehabilitation device according to the fourth embodiment illustrated in Figure 8A equipped with shoes for training or rehabilitation of the right foot.

[0047] Identical, similar or equivalent parts of different figures bear the same numerical references so as to facilitate the transition from one figure to another.

[0048] The different parts represented in the figures are not necessarily on a uniform scale, to make the figures more readable.

[0049] The different possibilities (variants and embodiments) must be understood as not being mutually exclusive and can be combined with each other. Detailed description of specific embodiments

[0050] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate, in a top view, two examples of arrangement of a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 for a subject according to the invention.

[0051] It can thus be seen in these figures that such a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 comprises: at least one support surface 5, not shown in figures 1A and 1B and visible in figure 2, by which the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 is intended to be supported on a ground 2, a first support 10 intended to support a first foot PI of the subject corresponding to the first ankle, the first support 10 being mounted movably relative to the support surface 5 and having a first support face 10A for the first foot, a second support 20 intended to support a second foot P2 of the subject corresponding to a second ankle, the second support 20 being mounted movably relative to the support surface 5 and having a second support face 20A for the second foot P2.

[0052] Of course, if in the present configurations the support surface 5 is materialized by a face of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1, this The support surface may also be virtual and be defined, for example, by lower edges of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 by which the device rests on the ground. This possibility is shown in particular by Figures 4 to 5D in the context of the second embodiment in which the lower edges are provided by the support profiles of the base.

[0053] The first support 10 and the second support 20 are arranged, in a rest configuration of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 in which the first and second bearing faces 10A, 20A are parallel to the bearing surface 5, at the same distance from the at least one bearing surface 5 so that the first and second bearing faces 10A, 20A are at a substantially equal height relative to the ground in said at least one configuration.

[0054] According to the principle of the invention, the first support 10 comprises a first fixing system 17A of the first foot PI on the first support 10 shaped to fix a first orientation and a first positioning of the first foot PI relative to the first support 10, said first orientation and first positioning defining a first external direction (or external straight line) of the first foot CC corresponding to an orthogonal projection of an external edge of a mid-foot of the first foot PI on the first support face 10A. In these configurations, the first fixing system comprises a single wedge 17A, having a non-referenced pad, on which an external part of the first foot comes to bear. As a variant, the entire wedge 17A can advantageously be covered with foam to have more pleasant contact with the external edge of the foot.

[0055] According to the present configurations illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, in a manner identical to the first support 10, the second support 20 comprises a second fixing system 27A of the second foot P2 on the second support 20 shaped to fix a second orientation and a second positioning of the second foot P2 relative to the second support 20, said second orientation and second positioning defining a second external direction (or second external straight line) of the first foot C'-C' corresponding to an orthogonal projection of an external edge of a mid-foot of the second foot P2 on the second bearing face 20A. In a manner identical to the first fixing system, the second fixing system comprises a single wedge 27A, having an unreferenced cushion, on which an external part of the forefoot of the second foot Pl, P2 rests on said cushion.

[0056] It will be noted that in the context of this example arrangement, the wedge 17A, by providing support for the outer edge of the midfoot of the first foot PI, makes it possible to define, when the first foot PI of the subject is placed on the first support 10, the first external direction. Similarly, the wedge 27A, by providing support for the outer edge of the midfoot of the first foot PI, makes it possible to define, when the second foot P2 of the subject is placed on the second support 20, the second external direction.

[0057] According to these configurations of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1, the single wedge 17A, 27A, which is associated with each of the first and second supports 10, 20, is preferably adjustable in order to offer an adaptation to the morphology of the first and second feet P1, P2. Such an adjustment, not shown, can be provided for example by means of a wedge 17A, 27A mounted mobile in translation, this with a fixed orientation with respect to the corresponding support 10, 20, and placed in contact with the foot or else adjusted with a positioning indication depending on a morphological datum of said foot, such as a shoe size or a measurement of the width of the foot. Such an adjustment can thus make it possible to adjust the positioning of the foot P1, P2 with respect to the movement of the first and second supports 10, 20 relative to the support surface 5.As indicated above, this single wedge 17A, 27A preferably comprises a cushion, not referenced, made of an elastically deformable material, such as foam. This cushion is advantageously arranged so that an external part of the forefoot of the corresponding foot Pl, P2 comes to bear on the latter when said foot Pl, P2 has its orientation and positioning fixed by the fixing system. It will be noted that, of course, according to a variant not illustrated and in order to finely adjust the orientation and positioning of the foot, the mobile mounting of the wedge 17A, 17B can comprise an angular adjustment of the wedge having a degree of freedom between an angle -3 to + 3° with respect to a working direction (corresponding to the orthogonal projection of the Henke axis of the foot Pl, P2) in order to adapt to any morphological particularity of the feet PI, P2 of the subject.

[0058] Of course, these configurations illustrate an example of conformation and arrangement of the first and second supports 10, 20. Thus, the shape and dimensioning of the first and second supports 10, 20 can be modified and adapted without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, for example, if the inner edges (i.e., edges facing each other) of the first and second supports 10, 20 are rectilinear and parallel to each other, this is a choice of the inventors. Thus, the first and second supports 10, 20 can have a curved shape, to be as close as possible to the shape of the foot P1, P2, or a generally rectangular shape to facilitate their manufacture, without departing from the scope of the invention.It will also be noted that, preferably, the first and second supports, and their respective fixing systems, can be shaped in such a way that the centers of the orthogonal projections T1, T2 of the heels of the first and second feet Pl, P2 on the corresponding support faces 10A, 20A are at a distance of between 18 and 40 cm, or even between 20 and 30 cm or even between 22 and 28 cm, this distance being particularly advantageously substantially equal to 25 cm.

[0059] According to the invention, the first support 10 is pivotally mounted relative to the support surface 5 around a single first pivot axis BB substantially parallel to the support surface, the first pivot axis BB making an angle |3 with respect to the first external direction CC which is substantially equal to 23° in a direction of rotation going from the inside to the outside of the first foot PI, and intercepting the orthogonal projection T1 of a heel of the first ankle of the subject on the first support face when the orientation of his first foot PI is fixed by the first fixing system. In such a configuration, the pivot axis BB corresponds substantially to an orthogonal projection of the Henke axis of the first foot on the first support face 10A, which is ideal for rehabilitation and muscle building of the first ankle.

[0060] It will be noted that in such a configuration, the pivot axis BB makes substantially an angle a of 16° with respect to a median axis MM of the first foot PI, which corresponds to an orthogonal projection of the Henke axis on the first support face 10A.

[0061] It will be noted that according to a more general possibility of the invention allowing good rehabilitation and muscle building of the subject's first ankle, the angle P with respect to the first external direction CC can be included in a range between 13° and 33°, or even between 18° and 28° and advantageously between 21° and 25° according to a direction of rotation going from the inside to the outside of the first foot PI.

[0062] In the configurations illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, the second support 20 has a similar configuration. Thus, the second support 20 is pivotally mounted relative to the support surface 5 around a single second pivot axis B'-B' substantially parallel to the support surface, the second pivot axis B'-B' making an angle P' with respect to the second external direction C'-C' which is substantially equal to 23° in a direction of rotation going from the inside to the outside of the second foot P2, and intercepting an orthogonal projection T2 of a heel of the second ankle of the subject on the second support face 20A when the orientation of his second foot P2 is fixed by the second fixing system 27.In a manner identical to the first support 10 and in general, the angle P' with respect to the second external direction C'-C' can be included in a range between 13° and 33°, or even between 18 and 28° and advantageously between 21° and 25° in a direction of rotation going from the inside to the outside of the second foot P2.

[0063] The configurations of Figure 1A and Figure 1B are distinguished only by the opening angle between the first and second orientation CC, C'-C defined by the first and second fixing systems 17A, 27A, the angles P, P' between the pivot axes BB, B'-B' and the first and second direction CC, C'-C being identical in these two configurations. Indeed, in the case of the configuration of Figure 1A, which is particularly advantageous, the first and second feet Pl, P2 with their first and second orientation, defined by their median axes MM, M'-M', fixed by the first and second fixing system 17A, 27A define an angle of 12°. In the second configuration illustrated in Figure 1B, the first and second feet Pl, P2 with their first and second orientation fixed by the first and second fixing system 17A, 27A define an angle of 20° between the median axes MM, M'-M' of the first and second feet Pl, P2.It should be noted that in a usual configuration of the invention, the. first and second feet Pl, P2 with their first and second orientation fixed by the first and second fixing system 17A, 27A define an angle between the median axes MM, M'-M' of the first and second feet Pl, P2 between 0° and 30°, preferably between 6° and 18°, or even between 9° and 15°. This angle between the median axes MM, M'-M' of the first and second feet Pl, P2 is particularly advantageously, as is the case in FIG. 1A, substantially equal to 12°.

[0064] It will be noted that according to a possibility not shown in the present configurations illustrated by figures 1A and 1B and making it possible to optimize the work of muscle building (or remusculation) of the ankle, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 can also comprise at least one of the following elements: at least one first constraint element arranged to exert a constraint force on the pivoting of the first support 10 in a direction of rotation of inversion of the first foot PI of the subject which is intended to be supported there, at least one sensor capable of providing information relating to a positioning and / or angular displacement of the first support 10 with respect to the support surface 5, a first locking element configured to lock the first support in a rest position in which the first support face 10A is parallel to the support surface 5,and at least one first stop configured to limit the angle of rotation of the first support 10 with respect to the support surface 5.,

[0065] In order to illustrate more specifically some of these elements of a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to the invention, Figure 2 illustrates such a device according to a first embodiment. In this first embodiment, only the first support 10 is movable relative to the support surface 5, the second support 20 being fixed relative to the support surface 5 and comprising a positioning system 25A including an imprint of the second foot P2 on which the subject must position his second foot P2 as an alternative to a second fixing system 27A as described in the context of the configurations of Figures 1A and 1B. Apart from these differences and the use of a first fixing system which is advantageous due to the use of a first strap 15, 16, this first embodiment has a configuration in accordance with that illustrated in FIG. 1A.

[0066] In this first embodiment, the second support 20 is integral in movement with the support surface 5 with the second support face 20A arranged parallel to the support surface 5. A connection is provided by a second support merged with an upper surface of the training and / or rehabilitation device.

[0067] It can also be seen in Figure 2 that the only first support 10 being pivotally mounted with respect to the support surface 5, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 is dedicated to the left foot PI of the subject. Of course, as a variant, it is perfectly conceivable, for example by providing a first and a second support 10, 20 independent of each other as described below in connection with Figure 7, to provide a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 having a first support 10 shaped to allow work on both the left and right foot Pl, P2, without demonstrating any inventive activity.

[0068] In order to ensure good support of the first foot PI on the first support 10 and good maintenance of the first orientation and the first positioning, the first fastening system comprises: a first strap 15, 16 arranged to hold a forefoot of the first foot PI in support of the first support face, a first wedge 17A on which an external edge of the rear foot of the first foot PI is intended to come to bear when it is supported by the first support face, a second wedge 17B on which an internal edge of the rear foot of the first foot PI is intended to come to bear when it is supported by the first support face 10A.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the first strap 15, 16 and the first wedge 17A are arranged to bear on an external side of the first foot PI so as to fix the first external direction CC. Thus in this first embodiment, it is this assembly of the first strap 15, 16 and the first wedge 17A which makes it possible to define the first external direction CC whereas in the first and second configurations illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, it was the only first 17A wedge that allows such a definition.

[0070] It will be noted that in the present embodiment, it is therefore the alignment between the external edge of the strap 15, 16 and the first wedge 17A, on which the external edge of the midfoot of the first foot PI of the subject is intended to be supported, which makes it possible to define the first external direction.

[0071] In order to allow adjustment of the first fastening system to the morphology of the first foot PI of the subject: the first strap 15, 16 is adjustable to allow adaptation to the morphology of the foot PI by comprising a support portion 15, intended to fold down to bear on an external part of the top of the forefoot of the first foot and provided with a closure system, such as a buckle, and a strap portion 16 shaped to cooperate with the closure system so as to allow the foot PI to be held pressed against the first support face 10A by the first strap 15, 16, the second wedge 17B is mounted to move relative to the first support 10 so as to allow the external part of the first foot PI to bear on the first wedge 17A.

[0072] As shown in Figure 2, the bearing face 20A of the second support comprises a single imprint of the second foot 25A as a positioning system, it is of course conceivable that the positioning system is different without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, it is perfectly conceivable that as a variant, the positioning system 25A comprises a plurality of markers, each marker corresponding to a foot morphology or to foot placement information, or even comprises one or more shims of the same type as those of the configurations of Figures 1A and 1B or those which are presented in connection with Figure 7.

[0073] It will be noted that if in the present embodiment, the first and second wedges 17A, 17B are arranged to bear on respectively an external edge and an internal edge of the rear foot, it is perfectly conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention, that at least one of the first and second wedges 17A, 17B is arranged to bear on an edge of the midfoot instead of the rear foot.

[0074] The mobile mounting of the second wedge 17B, not shown in FIG. 2, is advantageously referenced with respect to a morphological datum of said foot, such as a size of the subject's foot PI. This mobile mounting of the second wedge 17B may be of different types without departing from the scope of the invention, such as, for example, a sliding friction mounting on the first support 10 or a removable mounting with a plurality of locations arranged on the first support, each corresponding to a range of values ​​of said morphological datum.

[0075] Likewise, in order to provide optimized support for the first foot on the first support, the support portion 15 is in the form of a wide band designed to conform to and be pressed against the forefoot and the base of the instep when it is tensioned by the strap portion 16 using a tensioning system. To ensure good support for the foot while maintaining comfortable contact for the top of the foot, it is provided that the support portion 15 has an external part 15A and an internal part 15B succeeding each other in a lateral direction of the first foot PI, each comprising a respective comfort foam. In order to promote the proprioception and muscle building work offered by the device according to the invention, it is advantageous to firmly press the external part of the foot which is very mobilized in the exercises permitted by the device, and for this purpose, the comfort foam of the external part 15A can comprise a relatively rigid foam, for example a foam of hardness 70 SHORE A. The comfort foam of the internal part 15B which covers the internal part of the foot, less mobilized in the exercises permitted by the device and more sensitive, can comprise a foam of less hardness than that of the external part 15A, for example a foam of hardness 40 SHORE A. Thus, the external part 15A has a greater hardness than that of the internal part 15B.

[0076] If in the present embodiment, the first constraint element is not shown, with the exception of an adjustment lever 186, in accordance with the possibility of the invention, such a first constraint element is arranged to exert a constraint force on the pivoting of the first support 10 in a direction of rotation of inversion of the first foot PI of the subject which is intended to be supported therein. Such a first constraint element can in particular be selected from the group comprising: gravitational constraint elements, such as one or more masses arranged to constrain the first support 10 to pivot in the direction of inversion of the first foot PI, elastic constraint elements, such as springs and elements made of elastically deformable materials, electromagnetic constraint elements, such as an electric motor arranged to constrain the first support 10 to pivot in the direction of inversion of the first foot PI.

[0077] These elements all have the ability to constrain pivoting. It will be noted that by using an electromagnetic constraint element as a means of constraining pivoting, such a design can also allow operation in passive resistance or friction, and offer exercises where the patient is the motor and fights against a force slowing the pivoting of the first support 10. It will be noted that this advantage can easily be achieved with an electromagnetic constraint element of the electric motor type. Indeed, such motors offer the possibility of precise constraint control, both in terms of torque and angular position of the first support 10.

[0078] In the context of the embodiments of the invention, the at least one first constraint element may comprise, as specified below in the context of the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, a plurality of elastic return elements 181, 182, 183 associated with an engagement system 185. Thus, according to this possibility, the lever 186 may allow control of the engagement system 185 in order to allow engagement of one or more elastic return elements 181, 182, 183 with the first support 10 and thus allow control of the application of the constraint force to the pivoting of the first support 10 and its adjustment.

[0079] In the context of the present embodiment, the engagement system is configured to allow engagement of each of the elastic return elements 181, 182, 183 with the first support 10 independently of the engagement or not of the other return elements 181, 182, 183, thus offering great flexibility in the applicable constraint force values. Of course, other configurations of the engagement system are perfectly conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, for example, the engagement system may be configured to allow individual coupling of the first support 10 with each of the constraint elements, the accessible constraint force values ​​corresponding only to those provided by each of the constraint elements taken individually. In an identical manner, it is perfectly conceivable that the engagement system is adapted to allow incremental coupling of the constraint elements, the engagement of the second constraint element necessarily having to be done with the first opposite element, and that of the third constraint element requiring the coupling of the first and second constraint elements.

[0080] In a similar manner, if the present embodiment does not show a first locking element configured to lock the first support 10 in the rest position, FIG. 2 nevertheless shows a mechanical actuator 19 capable of implementing such locking. In this way, from such a mechanical actuator 19, the subject or the physiotherapist is able to unlock the first support 10 in order to allow it to pivot with respect to the support surface 5 and to begin the muscle building and proprioception work of the subject's ankle. Of course, if the first locking element is not shown in the present application, it may consist of a simple retractable latch, capable of blocking the first support 10 in its rest position when it is in an active position, that is to say not retracted.

[0081] It will also be noted, even if this is not shown in Figures 1A to 2, that the first support and / or its pivot axis BB may be equipped with at least one sensor capable of providing information relating to a positioning and / or angular displacement of the first support 10 with respect to the support surface 5. Such a sensor may thus be either: a positioning sensor, such as a switch (limit switch, bulb switch or a reed switch), capable of providing the information when the first support occupies a well-defined position in which it actuates said switch, or an angular sensor capable of providing information on the angular positioning of the first support 10, or that an accelerometer capable of providing information concerning the movement of the first support 10.

[0082] Such a sensor makes it possible to qualify the subject's reaction with respect to the instability caused by the pivoting of the first support 10 and the possible constraint applied to it by the at least one first constraint element 18. Such a qualification of the subject's reaction can allow the physiotherapist to know the muscle tone and to qualify the subject's proprioception and to possibly adjust the configuration of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1.

[0083] According to a usual possibility of the invention which is presented further in connection with the second embodiment, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 may also comprise one or more stops, not shown in FIG. 2, in order to limit the angular range of pivoting of the first support 10 with respect to the support surface 5. Thus, according to this usual possibility, two stops may be provided, a first stop arranged to limit the pivoting of the first support 10 in the direction of inversion rotation of the first foot PI, a second stop arranged to limit the pivoting of the first support 10 in the direction of eversion rotation of the first foot PI. The first stop thus makes it possible to limit the possible pivoting of the first support in order to avoid stressing the first ankle on an extreme movement which could be painful, or even harmful, for the subject.The second stop, when it corresponds to a pivoting beyond the rest position of the first support 10, allows for a stress on the first ankle in eversion, which can be useful in the context of proprioception and rehabilitation work on said ankle.

[0084] The first stop can be adjusted to allow pivoting of the first support 10 in the direction of inversion rotation of the first foot PI by a maximum of between 20° and 45°, preferably between 25° and 40° and particularly advantageously between 32.5° and 37.5° or even substantially equal to 35°. In a similar manner, the second stop can be adjusted to allow pivoting of the first support 10 in the direction of eversion rotation of the first foot PI beyond the rest position, by a maximum angle of between 5° and 22°, preferably between 10 and 18° or even substantially equal to 15°. In both cases, of course, the 0° of rotation corresponds to the rest position of the first support 10. Thus in an exemplary embodiment, the first and second stops can be arranged to allow pivoting of the first support 10 by 35° in inversion and 15° in eversion with respect to the rest position.

[0085] Advantageously, the first and second stops may be adjustable so as to allow the physiotherapist to adapt the pivoting range accessible by the first support 10 so as to adapt this range to the recovery state of the subject and / or to the flexibility of the ankle joint. Alternatively, the device may comprise a plurality of first stops and / or second retractable stops, said stops being placed in the non-retracted state, i.e. blocking the pivoting of the first support, depending on the desired angular range.

[0086] In the context of the use of such a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to the invention, the device can be controlled from a control method comprising the following steps: A - placing the first support 10 in the rest position in which the first bearing face 10A is parallel to the bearing surface 5, B - release of the first support 10 from its rest position with preferentially an application of a constraint force to the pivoting of the first support in a direction of rotation of inversion of the first foot PI of the subject intended to be supported there, D - detection of the position of the return of the first support 10 to the rest position.

[0087] Furthermore, when in accordance with the present embodiment the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 comprises at least one sensor, a step C - detection of the maximum angular position in inversion - may also be provided between step B and D. Similarly, once the first support 10 in the rest position has been detected in step D, a step E - locking of the first support 10 in the rest position may be provided.

[0088] Of course, when required, as is generally the practice, a repetition of the stress exerted by the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 is possible; thus, step C, and the possible step D of the control method according to the invention can be repeated in order to obtain the required number of stresses.

[0089] Similarly, if in the present embodiment, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 is only adapted to solicit the first foot PI of the subject (the left foot), when the training and / or rehabilitation device is adapted to allow the provision of a solicitation of the second foot P2, as is the case of the variant described below in connection with FIG. 3 and of the second and third embodiments described in connection with FIGS. 4 to 6, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 is capable of allowing the implementation of a control method comprising identical steps for the second support 20.

[0090] During this command, when the device is equipped with at least one sensor, it is possible to obtain information relating to a positioning and / or angular displacement of the first support 10 in order to qualify the displacement of the first support 10 between the release step and the detection of the return of the first support 10 to the rest position.

[0091] Figure 3 illustrates a variant of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to the first embodiment which differs from a device according to the first embodiment in that the second support 20 is pivotally mounted relative to the support surface 5 and comprises a second fixing system, as a positioning system comprising a first and a second wedge 27A, 27B intended for the second foot P2 and which is capable of receiving a strap of the same type as that of the first fixing system 15, 16, 17A, 17B whose conformation is adapted to the second foot P2.

[0092] Thus, according to this variant, the second support is also pivotally mounted relative to the support surface 5 and allows, unlike the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to the first embodiment, training and / or rehabilitation 1 of both the right foot P2 and the left foot PI.

[0093] Such training of each of these feet Pl, P2 preferably having to be done independently of one another, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 comprises a pivoting locking system configured to allow pivoting locking of the first support and the second support 10, 20 in their first position. Thus, in a manner similar to that of the first embodiment, the device training and / or rehabilitation 1 according to the present variant comprises a second locking element configured to lock the second support 20 in the rest position, FIG. 3 nevertheless shows a second mechanical actuator 29 capable of implementing such locking. In this way, from such a second mechanical actuator 29, the subject or the physiotherapist is able to unlock the second support 20 in order to authorize its pivoting with respect to the support surface 5 and to begin the proprioception work of the second ankle of the subject. It will be noted that in a preferential manner, the mechanical actuator 19 and the second mechanical actuator 29 are shaped to authorize the release of the pivoting of only one support 10, 20 among the first and the second support 10, 20 at the same time.

[0094] Of course, according to this variant, the second support 20 being pivotally mounted, the at least one constraint element is also arranged to exert a constraint force on the pivoting of the second support 20 in a direction of rotation of inversion of the second foot P2 of the subject which is intended to be supported therein. Thus the adjustment lever 186 can also allow control of the engagement system in order to allow engagement of one or more elastic return elements 181, 182, 183 with the second support 20 and thus allow control of the application of the constraint force on the pivoting of the second support 20 and its adjustment. Thus, according to this possibility, the at least one constraint element is configured to apply a constraint force on the pivoting both to the first support 10 and to the second support 20.Of course, as an alternative, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 may comprise, in addition to the first constraint element configured to apply a constraint force to the pivoting of the first support 10, a second constraint element configured to apply a constraint force to the pivoting of the second support 20.

[0095] Except for the absence of a strap, the second fastening system has a configuration identical to that of the first fastening system. Thus, the second fastening system comprises a first wedge 27A secured to the second support 20 and a second wedge 27B mounted movably relative to the second support 20. In addition, to allow a change of configuration, the second support 20 according to this second support may comprise an attachment system configured to allow an attachment of a second strap, similar to that of the first fixing system 15, 16, 17A, 17B on the second support 20. Thus, if the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 has the configuration illustrated in Figure 3 adapted to allow work on the subject's right ankle, the subject or the physiotherapist is able, by placing this second strap, to pass the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 into a configuration adapted to allow work on the subject's left ankle.

[0096] Of course, such a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 is capable of allowing the implementation of a control method in accordance with the first embodiment.

[0097] Figures 4 to 5D illustrate a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to a second embodiment according to an example of practical implementation of a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to the invention. A training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to this second embodiment differs from a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to the variant of the first embodiment, in that each of the first and second supports 10, 20 has a respective strap 15, 16, 25, 26, in that the device comprises a control module to in particular allow control of the constraint element(s) and recovery of the information provided by the sensor(s), and in that the device comprises a holding bar 6 in order to facilitate the subject remaining upright during use of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1.

[0098] It will be noted that in order to show the different components of the constraint element, the first stops of the first and second support 10, 20, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 5D has its side walls removed.

[0099] The training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to the present embodiment thus has a frame made of profiles defining a general rectangular parallelepiped shape, the support profiles of the base together defining the support surface 5.

[0100] On a high surface having the first and second support 10, 20, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 has two openings 6A which each extend a tubular portion forming a respective cavity to accommodate an upright of the holding bar 6. Thus, when its uprights have their end accommodated in the openings 6A, the holding bar 6 is integral with the rest of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 and thus provides a stable grip for the subject

[0101] In addition, if this support bar 6 allows the subject to secure himself during the use of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1, it also allows use according to another standing configuration which consists of doing the exercises on the first foot PI only. Such use with a single foot makes it possible to significantly increase the load on the exercised foot, increasing the difficulty of the exercise. This configuration is particularly suitable for a healthy foot to train its reactivity and power in the face of an inversion suffered.

[0102] For reasons of simplification, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to this second embodiment is shown without the holding bar in Figures 5A to 5D.

[0103] It can be seen in Figures 5C to 6 that the constraint element comprises: a first, a second, a third and a fourth elastic return element 181, 182, 183, the engagement system 185 configured to engage each of the elastic return elements 181, 182, 183 with the first and the second support 10, 20, the control module, not shown, arranged to control the engagement system 185 and thus allow the subject or the physiotherapist to adjust the constraint force.

[0104] In this second embodiment, the first to fourth elastic return elements are constant force springs in order to provide a substantially constant stress throughout the movement of the first support 10. Of course, as a variant, the elastic return elements 181, 182, 183 may be of another type, such as helical springs, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the engagement system 185 comprises: a shuttle 185B arranged to slide relative to the bearing surface 5 corresponding to a support plate 186, a first transmission belt 185A and a first pulley associated therewith coupled with the first support 10, a second transmission belt 185A and a second pulley coupled therewith with the second support 20, a first and a second electromagnetic actuator 185C arranged to allow the coupling of the shuttle 185B with respectively the first belt 185A, and therefore with the first support 10, the second belt, and therefore the second support 20, a third to a sixth electromagnetic actuator 185D arranged to couple respectively the first to the fourth elastic return element 181, 182, 183 with the shuttle 185B.

[0106] It will be noted that in Figure 6, only the fourth electromagnetic actuator 185D couples the second elastic return element 182, here a constant force spring, with the shuttle 185B, the shuttle 185B itself being coupled by the first electromagnetic actuator 185C with the first belt 185A and therefore with the first support 10.

[0107] Thus, with such a configuration, the third to the sixth electromagnetic actuator 185D make it possible to couple the shuttle 185B with the various elastic return elements 181, 182, 183 depending on the desired constraint force value. Thus, once the shuttle 185B is coupled to the first or second belt 185A, by means of the first or second electromagnetic actuator 185C, the pivoting of the corresponding support 10, 20 causes the shuttle to move and therefore the application of the constraint force exerted by the elastic return elements to said support 10, 20.

[0108] The control module may also be configured to control the first locking element in order to allow the first support 10 to move from a rest configuration, in which it is in the rest position, to a configuration in which it is free to pivot and is subject to any constraint force exerted by the constraint element. According to this possibility, the control module may also be configured to control the second locking element in order to to allow the second support 20 to move from a rest configuration, in which it is in the rest position, to a configuration in which it is free to pivot and subject to the possible constraint force exerted by the constraint element. Thus, the therapist and / or the subject are able to choose the support 10, 20, and therefore the foot Pl, P2, that he wishes to use for the training and / or proprioception work and the constraint force that is exerted on said support 10, 20 by simple communication with the control module. To do this, the control module may be able to communicate according to a communication protocol, advantageously wirelessly, with a computer device of the physiotherapist or the subject such as a computer, a smartphone or a tablet.

[0109] Figures 5C to 5D also show the first stop 12 of the first support 10. This first stop is arranged in such a way as to intercept the first support 10 when the pivoting of the latter tends to exceed a threshold value for pivoting in inversion of the first support 10. This threshold value for pivoting in inversion may for example be equal to 35°. It will be noted that, as specified above, this threshold value for pivoting in inversion may be adjustable in order to allow adjustment by the physiotherapist and / or the subject. If such an adjustment may be manual, for example by a system for screwing the first stop 12, according to an advantageous possibility of the invention, this adjustment may be carried out from a dedicated actuator thus allowing adjustment by means of the control module.As specified in the context of the configurations of figures 1A and 1B, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 also comprises the second stop, not shown, to allow limitation of the pivoting in eversion of the first support 10.

[0110] Of course, in order to limit the pivoting of the second support 20, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 also comprises a first and a second stop 22 for the second support 20, only the first stop being illustrated, having a configuration similar to that of the first and second stops 12 of the first support 10.

[0111] As discussed in the context of the first embodiment of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1, each of the first and second supports 10, 20 can be equipped with sensors capable of providing information relating to a positioning and / or angular displacement of said support 10, 20 with respect to the support surface 5. Each of these sensors is advantageously arranged to communicate with the control module so that said information relating to the positioning and / or angular displacement of the first and second supports 10, 20 can be provided to the physiotherapist and / or the subject, for example by means of a communication of this information, or of values ​​determined from this information to the computer device of the physiotherapist or the subject.

[0112] With such a configuration, the training and / or rehabilitation device 1, in particular through the presence of the control module, can make it possible to implement a control method as described in the context of the first embodiment with, in addition: during step B of releasing the first support 10 from its rest position, the release of the first support 10 carried out by a command of the locking system by the control module, the constraint force applied by the constraint element having been previously adjusted, for example through this same control module, during step D of detecting the return of the first support 10 to the rest position and the possible step C of detecting the maximum angular position in inversion., this return and this possible maximum position are detected by the sensor(s) associated with the first support 10, the information provided by the sensor(s), or the values ​​determined from this information, can be transmitted to the physiotherapist or to the subject.

[0113] Figure 7 illustrates a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention in which the first and second supports 10, 20 are arranged independently of each other and in which the first and second fastening systems 15', 17A, 17B, 25', 27A, 27B comprise a third semi-enveloping wedge 15', 25', i.e. partially surrounding the foot P1, P2, in place of the strap 15, 16, 25, 26. Thus, a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to a third embodiment differs from a device according to the variant of the first embodiment in that the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 comprises a first part IA associated with the first support 10 and a second part IB associated with the second support 20 and in that, in a manner similar to the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to the second embodiment, each of the first and second parts comprises a dedicated control module allowing control of the training and / or rehabilitation device 1 and recovery of the information provided by the sensor(s) present in the training and / or rehabilitation device 1.

[0114] According to this third embodiment, each of the first part IA and the second part IB of the training and / or rehabilitation device has a respective support surface and is arranged in such a way that when the first and second parts IA, IB are arranged on the same flat ground, the first and second supports 10, 20 in a resting configuration are arranged parallel to the two support surfaces and to the ground at the same distance from the ground.

[0115] In addition to a configuration of the first and second supports 10, 20 independent of each other, each of the first and second parts 1A, 1B comprises a respective constraint element arranged to exert a constraint force on the pivoting of the corresponding support 10, 20 in a direction of inversion rotation of the foot P1, P2 of the subject intended to be supported on said support.

[0116] As shown in Figure 7, the first fastening system 15', 17A, 17B comprises, in addition to the first and second wedges 17A, 17B, a third wedge 15' in place of the first strap 15, 16. According to this possibility, this third wedge 15' can be shaped to partially surround a part of the forefoot and / or the base of the instep so as to allow the first foot PI to be pressed against the first support 10 when the second wedge 17B comes to bear against the first foot PI. In order to ensure good support by the third wedge 15', it can comprise, in a manner similar to the support portion 15 of the first strap of the first and second embodiments, an external part 15A and an internal part 15B succeeding one another in a lateral direction of the first foot PI, each comprising a respective comfort foam.

[0117] Such a training and / or rehabilitation device 1, due to the presence of the control module, also allows the training and / or rehabilitation device rehabilitation the implementation of a control method as already described in the context of the second embodiment.

[0118] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a training and / or rehabilitation device 1 according to a fourth embodiment, in which the first and second fastening systems 171A, 271A respectively comprise at least one first fastening element 171A, and at least one third fastening element 271A for each fastening a respective shoe on the first support 10 by fixing the first orientation and the first positioning of the first foot received in said shoe 272A.

[0119] A training and / or rehabilitation device according to this fourth embodiment differs from a training and / or rehabilitation device according to the first embodiment in that: the first and second fastening systems 171A, 271A respectively comprise at least one first fastening element 171A, and at least one third fastening element 271A for each fastening a respective shoe, the first and second positioning systems 171B, 271B respectively comprise at least one second fastening element 171B, and at least one fourth fastening element 271B for each fastening a respective shoe, only the first support 10 is pivotally mounted relative to the support surface 5 around a single first pivot axis B,B'-B,B' substantially parallel to the support surface, the second support 20 being fixed.

[0120] In the present embodiment, only the first support 10 being pivotable, it comprises both the first and second fastening systems 171A, 271A so as to allow, depending on which of the first and third fastening systems fastens a shoe, to work either the right foot (configuration illustrated in FIG. 8B) or the left foot (configuration not shown). Indeed, the first fastening system 171A is adapted to the fastening of a left shoe while the second fastening system 271A is adapted to the fastening of a right shoe.

[0121] It will be noted that in this configuration of this fourth embodiment, it is an inner edge of the outer side of the shoe fixed to the first fixing elements 171A on which the first foot PI of the subject is intended to rest which makes it possible to define the first external direction. In a similar manner, for the second fixing elements 271A, it is an inner edge of the external side of the shoe fixed to the second fixing elements 271A in which the second foot P2 of the subject is intended to rest which makes it possible to define the second direction. Thus, each shoe intended to be fixed to the first and second fixing elements 171A, 271A comprises fixing elements complementary to said first and second fixing elements so that its inner edge of its external face defines the first external direction and / or the second external direction.

[0122] The first and second fastening systems 171A, 271A preferably provide a tear-off resistance in order to provide a good hold of the first foot PI on the first support 10, they can thus comprise, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, three fastening points. This fastening can be mechanical, such as snap fasteners, magnetic or electromagnetic. With such a three-point fastening, good fastening of the at least one first shoe is ensured by fixing the first orientation and the first positioning of the first foot PI. It will be noted that such a configuration based on fastening elements 171A of a shoe makes it possible, by choosing a suitable shoe, to easily fix the orientation of the first foot PI regardless of the morphology of the subject's foot.Therefore, in order to be able to treat all of their patients, a physiotherapist only needs to have a small number of pairs of shoes with the correct sizes (for example, one pair of shoes every 3 sizes if they are equipped with an adjustment strap).

[0123] As shown in Figure 8A, in the present embodiment, the second support 20 is fixed relative to the support surface 5. The second support 20 has the first and second positioning systems 171B, 271B, which respectively comprise at least one second fixing element 171B, and at least one fourth fixing element 271B for each fixing a respective shoe. In this configuration, the second support is positioned on either side of the first support 10 which is central thereto with the first and second positioning systems 171B, 271B which are arranged on either side of the first support 10. The first and second positioning system 171B, 271B are respectively adapted to fix a right shoe and a left shoe respectively.

[0124] According to one possibility of the invention, means may be provided for adjusting the position of the first foot PI in translation or angularly, in particular for the purpose of correcting the position of the heel relative to the axis of rotation BB'-BB' or for the purpose of slightly adapting the working angle while remaining within the angular range in accordance with the invention. For this, one solution consists of multiplying the fixing elements 171A, 271A. Some fixing elements may also be free, for example by means of an electromagnetic plate allowing freedom in the choice of the positioning of the first foot PI, while remaining in accordance with the angular range in accordance with the invention. Similarly, an adjustment system may be provided for moving the fixing elements and / or the complementary fixing elements in order to adapt the working angle (while remaining within the angular range in accordance with the invention).Thus such an adjustment system can be provided either in relation to the first and / or the second support, or in relation to the shoes.

[0125] In a similar manner, means for adjusting the translation or rotation of the position of the second foot P2 may also be provided, in particular for the purpose of adjusting the spacing of the first and second feet according to the morphology of the person or of correcting the angle of the second foot P2 relative to the foot PI for reasons of comfort of the subject. For this, one solution consists of multiplying the fixing elements 171B, 271B. According to this same possibility, it may also be provided that certain fixing elements are free, for example thanks to an electromagnetic plate allowing the choice of positioning, or even provide a device for moving these points. Regarding the connection of the shoe to the support 20A, these adjustment means may be provided indifferently on the support 20A and / or under the shoe.

[0126] As an alternative to the present embodiment, the mechanical fixing of the shoes on the first support 10 as on the second support 20, described according to three fixing elements, can be carried out with a single central connection part, integrating an angular indexing or even a fixing point at the level of the heel combined with a rail allowing the front of the shoe to be fixed and possibly integrating an adjustment in rotation, or any other means of fixing which would at least allow for a firm fixing position which conforms to the desired positions and directions.

[0127] With such a configuration of the first and second support 10, 20, only the first support must be equipped with first constraint elements, since the choice of the fixing system 171A, 271A from among the first and second fixing systems 171A, 271A makes it possible to select the foot of the subject to be worked on. In the context of the present embodiment, a single first constraint element of the electromagnetic type comprising in particular a motor is preferably provided. Indeed, such a constraint element makes it possible to control the pivoting of the first support with precision in torque and in positions, while measuring the rotational forces exerted on said support.

[0128] With such an electromagnetic type constraint element, it is possible to create an exercise to work on ankle inversion without apparent friction, in other words without electromagnetic braking, then eversion under the constraint of significant friction, in other words with significant electromagnetic braking. The scenario can be this: when a rotational force made by the subject's foot on the first support 10 is detected, the constraint element initiates the movement and then accompanies the descent of the first support 10 according to the force applied by the subject and with slight braking on the descent. As soon as the first support 10 reaches a predefined angle, the subject must climb back up the first support 10, the electromagnetic constraint element then generating a significant torque on the return journey.

[0129] Another exercise can be to trigger a slight foot drop and observe the reflex. The scenario can be as follows: the constraint element controls the support according to oscillations over a range of -5° to +15° and suddenly triggers a fall of the first support 10 of 20°. The subject must then regain control of the movement of the first support 10 and bring it back to horizontal as quickly as possible. All the parameters of this reflex phase can be measured for analysis by the physiotherapist.

[0130] It will be noted that of course, a device according to such a fourth embodiment can also be compatible with a generic shoe, not illustrated, which offers an adaptation for a large number of foot morphologies by equipping this shoe with a strap 16 and wedges 17A, 17B similar to those of the first support according to the first embodiment. In this way, the physiotherapist can equip himself with a reduced number of shoes and plan, when he does not have shoes adapted to the feet of his subject, the use of these generic shoes.

[0131] In the same way and according to a possibility not illustrated, a device according to such a fourth embodiment may also comprise first and second fastening systems, such as the first and second straps 16, 26 and the wedges 17A, 17B, 27A, 27B provided within the framework of the first embodiment in order to offer an adaptation for a large number of foot morphologies. The supports 10, 20 may comprise, for this purpose, fastening elements 171A, 271A, 171B, 271B capable of fastening these straps 16, 26 and wedges 17A, 17B, 27A, 27B. In order to offer great versatility of configurations capable of positioning the first foot PI on the support 10, it is possible to provide several fixing elements 171A, 271A, 171B, 271B offering for example different anchoring points for each strap 16, 26, this in order to offer good adaptation to the subject's foot while remaining compliant with the angular range according to the invention.In an identical manner, the first and second fixing elements can allow the fixing of straps 16, 27 and wedges conforming to those provided in the context of the third embodiment and illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0132] Conversely, it will be noted that of course, the devices according to the first, second and third embodiments can also be compatible with the fixing elements used in the context of this fourth embodiment.

Claims

Claims 1. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject, the training and / or rehabilitation device (1) comprising: at least one support surface (5) by which the training and / or rehabilitation device (1) is intended to be supported on a ground, a first support (10) intended to support a first foot (PI) of the subject corresponding to the first ankle, the first support (10) being mounted movably relative to the support surface (5) and having a first support face (10A) for the first foot, a second support (20) intended to support a second foot of the subject and having a second support face (20A), the first support (10) and the second support (20) being arranged, in at least one configuration of the training and / or rehabilitation device (1) in which the first and second support faces (10A, 20A) are parallel to the support surface (5),at the same distance from the at least one support surface (5) so that the first and second support faces (10A, 10B) are at a substantially equal height with respect to the ground in said at least one configuration, the training and / or rehabilitation device being characterized in that the first support (10) comprises a first fixing system (15, 16, 17A, 17B) for fixing the first foot (PI) on the first support (10) shaped to fix a first orientation and a first positioning of the first foot relative to the first support (10), said first orientation and first positioning defining a first external direction of the first foot (CC) corresponding to an orthogonal projection of an external edge of a midfoot of the first foot (PI) on the first support face (10A), the second support (20) having a positioning system (25A, 25, 26,27) of the second foot (P2) in order to define a second orientation and a second positioning of the second foot (P2) on the second support (20), the first support (10) being pivotally mounted relative to the support surface (5) around a single first pivot axis (BB) substantially parallel to the support surface, the first pivot axis (BB) making an angle (P) with respect to the first direction, external (CC) which is included in a range between 13° and 33°, or even between 18° and 28° and advantageously between 21° and 25° in a direction of rotation going from the inside to the outside of the first foot (PI), and intercepting an orthogonal projection (Tl) of a heel of the first ankle of the subject on the first support face when the orientation of his first foot is fixed by the first fixation system, 2. Device for training and / or rehabilitating (1) at least a first ankle of a subject according to claim 1, in which the system for positioning the second foot (P2) comprises a second fixing system (25, 26, 27A, 27B) of the second foot on the second support (20) shaped to fix the second orientation and the second positioning of the second foot relative to the second support (10), said second orientation and second positioning defining a second external direction (C'-C') of the second foot corresponding to an orthogonal projection of an external edge of a midfoot of the second foot (P2) on the second bearing face (20A), In which the second support (20) is pivotally mounted relative to the support surface (5) around a single second pivot axis (B'-B') substantially parallel to the support surface, the second pivot axis (B'-B') making an angle (P') with respect to the second external direction (C'-C') which is included in a range between 13° and 33°, or even between 18° and 28° and advantageously between 21° and 25° in a direction of rotation going from the inside to the outside of the second foot (P2), and intercepting an orthogonal projection (T2) of a heel of the second ankle of the subject on the support face when the orientation of his second foot (P2) is fixed by the second fixing system, the training and / or rehabilitation device (1) preferably comprising a pivot locking system configured to allow pivot locking of the first support and the second support.

3. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject according to claim 1, wherein the second support (20) is integral in movement with the support surface (5) with the second support face (20A) arranged parallel to the support surface (5).

4. Device for training and / or rehabilitating (1) at least one first ankle of a subject according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising at least one first constraint element (181, 182, 183, 185) arranged to exert a constraint force on pivoting of the first support (10) in a direction of rotation of inversion of the first foot (PI) of the subject which is intended to be supported therein, the at least first constraint element (181, 182, 183, 185) being preferentially selected from the group of gravitational constraint elements, elastic constraint elements and electromagnetic constraint elements.

5. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first fixing system (15, 16, 17A, 17B) of the first foot on the first support (10) comprises a first strap (15, 16) arranged to hold a forefoot of the first foot in support of the first support face and at least one first wedge (17A) on which an external edge of the midfoot and / or a rearfoot of the first foot (PI) is intended to come into contact when it is supported by the first support face, wherein the first strap (15, 16) and the first wedge (17A) are preferentially arranged to constrain a support of the first foot (PI) on the first support (10) and to constrain a support of an external side of the first foot (PI) so as to fix the first external direction (CC).

6. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject according to claim 5, in which the first fixing system (15, 16, 17A, 17B) further comprises a second wedge (17B) on which an internal edge of the midfoot and / or a rearfoot of the first foot (PI) is intended to come into contact when it is supported by the first bearing face (10A), wherein said second wedge (17B) is mounted movably relative to the first support (10), the first wedge (17A) being integral with the first support (10).

7. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first strap (15, 16) comprises a support portion (15) intended to come to bear on an external part of the top of the forefoot of the first foot (PI) of the subject, said support portion (15) preferably having an external part (15A) and an internal part (15B) succeeding each other in a lateral direction of the first foot (PI) intended to be held by the strap going from the outside to the inside of said first foot (PI), the external part (15A) having a greater hardness than that of the internal part (15B).

8. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first fixing system (171A) of the first foot (PI) on the first support (10) comprises at least a first fixing element for fixing at least a first shoe on the first support (10) by fixing the first orientation and the first positioning of the first foot (PI) received in said at least a first shoe.

9. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second positioning system comprises a second fixing element for fixing at least a second shoe on the second support (10) by defining the second orientation and the second positioning of the second foot (P2), the first shoe being chosen from a right shoe and a left shoe, the second shoe being the other of a right shoe and a left shoe.

10. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least one first ankle of a subject according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one first shoe is a straight shoe, and wherein the first fastening system (171A, 271A) further comprises at least one third fastening element (271A) for fastening at least one third shoe (272A) on the first support (10) by fixing the first orientation and the first positioning of the first foot (PI) received in said at least one third shoe (272A), the at least one third shoe (272A) being a left shoe.

11. A training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least one first ankle of a subject according to claim 4 taken alone or in combination with any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the at least one first constraint element (181, 182, 183, 185) comprises at least one first elastic return element (181) and preferably a second elastic return element (182), or even a third or more elastic return elements, wherein the training and / or rehabilitation device (1) further comprises an engagement system (185) configured to engage said at least one first elastic return element (181) with the first support (10), and wherein, when the first constraint means (181, 182, 183, 185) comprise a second elastic return element (182), or even a third elastic return element (183),the engagement system (185) has a configuration in which it engages the second elastic return element (182), or even the third elastic return element (183) with the first or more supports (10)., 12. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising at least one sensor capable of providing information relating to a positioning and / or angular displacement of the first support with respect to the support surface (5).

13. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject according to any one of claims 1 to 12 further comprising a first locking element configured to lock the first support in a rest position in which the first bearing face (10A) is parallel to the surface support (5), the first locking element being preferably automated in such a way as to allow a command to switch the locking system from an unlocked configuration in which the first support is free to leave the rest position to a locked configuration in which the first support is held in the rest position, wherein, when the training and / or rehabilitation device (1) is according to claim 2 and comprises a pivoting locking system, the pivoting locking system comprises said first locking element.

14. Training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject according to any one of claims 1 to 12 further comprising at least a first stop configured to limit the angle of rotation of the first support (10) with respect to the support surface (5), said stop preferably providing a rotation stop in the direction of inversion rotation of the first foot (PI) of the subject which is intended to be supported by the first support (10), the at least a first stop preferably being adjustable.

15. Method for controlling a training and / or rehabilitation device (1) for at least a first ankle of a subject according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: placing the first support (10) in a rest position in which the first bearing face (10A) is parallel to the bearing surface (5), releasing the first support (10) from its rest position with preferentially an application of a constraint force to the pivoting of the first support in a direction of rotation of inversion of the first foot (PI) of the subject which is intended to be supported there, detecting a return of the first support (10) to the rest position.

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