Adjustable Torso Support for Isolating Multifidus Muscles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise equipment fails to effectively isolate and strengthen the lower back muscles, particularly the multifidus muscles, leading to persistent lower back pain and neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, which affects movement patterns and quality of life.
Innovation Solution
An exercise equipment apparatus with adjustable tubular support posts, a removable torso support, and an angular setting guide that allows for precise positioning and angle adjustment to target the multifidus muscles, isolating and strengthening the deep and superficial muscle fibers of the lower back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If general exercise equipment is used to strengthen back muscles, then overall muscle strength may improve, but the multifidus muscles are not effectively isolated and strengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the back muscle group by providing separate support surfaces for the thoracic spine and pelvis, allowing independent positioning and isolation of the lumbar multifidus muscles. The thoracic support and pelvic support can be adjusted independently to create specific spinal angles that target the multifidus while excluding other back muscles.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus applies local quality by creating a specific localized stress environment at the lumbar region through adjustable angular positioning. The thoracic support and pelvic support are designed to create precise local pressure and positioning at the target muscle group, while other areas of the body remain in neutral or supportive positions.
2Strength
If muscle strengthening programs are implemented, then muscle strength should improve, but neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction and pain inhibition persist
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary action by correctly positioning and aligning the thoracic and pelvic supports before muscle contraction occurs. The angular setting guides ensure that the spine is properly positioned in the optimal range for multifidus activation before the strengthening exercise begins, preventing maladaptive movement patterns that could reinforce pain inhibition.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus provides feedback through angular setting guides and adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow users to monitor and adjust their spinal angle during exercise. This feedback ensures proper form and activation of the target muscles, preventing compensatory movements that could worsen neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction.
3Productivity
If exercise angles are not precisely controlled, then exercise simplicity is maintained, but the ability to progressively strengthen multifidus muscles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates dynamics by providing adjustable and movable support surfaces that can be positioned at different angles. The thoracic support and pelvic support can be dynamically adjusted to create progressive difficulty levels, allowing users to start at lower angles and gradually increase the spinal flexion angle as their multifidus strength improves.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes parameter changes by varying the angular position of the thoracic and pelvic supports to change the exercise intensity. By adjusting the angle between these supports, the apparatus creates different levels of gravitational stress on the multifidus muscles, enabling progressive overload without changing the basic exercise movement pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise equipment apparatus for isolating lower back muscles. The apparatus or device comprises main tubular support posts, secondary tubular support posts, and support feet for providing the foundation of the device. Inner tubular extensions and setting pins are used to adjust the height and length of the device to accommodate the particular size and the proper positioning of the user for the angle of strengthening desired. A removeable torso support is releaseably attached or coupled to one of the main tubular support posts. An angular setting guide is used to select or set the desired angle of use and an articulating lever attached to the removeable torso support provides an arm for stopping or setting the removeable torso support at the selected angle of use by the user.