Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Apparatus with Anti-Gravity Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise methods for lumbar stabilization, such as core stabilization exercises, are not suitable for physically vulnerable patients like the elderly or those with disabilities due to their high physical demands, making it difficult for them to perform these exercises effectively for low back pain treatment.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus with sub-antigravity modules that apply forces opposite to gravity to both the upper and lower body, allowing for controlled and reduced load on muscles, enabling patients to perform lumbar stabilization exercises safely and effectively by minimizing the load on the spine and limbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If core stabilization exercises are performed to treat low back pain, then lumbar stability is improved, but the physical demand is too high for vulnerable patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an anti-gravity module that generates upward force to counteract the downward gravitational force acting on the patient's body. This reduces the effective weight that the patient must support during exercise, thereby lowering physical demand while maintaining lumbar stability training effectiveness. The counterweight mechanism enables vulnerable patients to perform stabilization exercises without excessive strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of gravitational counterbalancing based on patient needs and exercise progress. The anti-gravity module can vary the degree of force application, transitioning from full support to partial support as patients strengthen their lumbar muscles. This dynamic adjustment allows the same apparatus to serve both vulnerable patients requiring assistance and healthier individuals performing standard exercises.
2Reliability
If standard core exercises are applied to vulnerable patients, then lumbar stabilization is achieved, but the risk of injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-gravity module provides pre-computed compensatory force that cushions the patient against excessive loading before harmful levels are reached. By anticipating and counteracting gravitational forces that would otherwise create dangerous stress on vulnerable lumbar structures, the system prevents injury before it occurs. This proactive protection is especially critical for patients with pre-existing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor patient position, force application, and physiological parameters during exercise. This feedback loop allows real-time detection of potentially harmful conditions and automatic adjustment of counterbalancing forces to maintain safe operating parameters. The feedback mechanism ensures lumbar stabilization is achieved within safe force limits.
3Ease of operation
If antigravity force is applied to reduce load on muscles, then ease of exercise is improved, but control of external load becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-gravity module autonomously calculates and applies the precise counterbalancing force needed based on patient weight and exercise position, without requiring manual intervention or complex external control. The system self-regulates the force application, eliminating the need for therapists to manually adjust weights or positioning. This self-service capability simplifies operation despite the underlying complexity of force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weight stacks and pulley systems with a controlled force generation system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to dynamically apply counterbalancing forces. This substitution of mechanical systems with intelligent control systems enables more precise and adaptable load management, reducing the physical complexity of load adjustment while improving ease of exercise.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables patients to actively control their body muscles with a low load on lumbar stability muscles, allowing precise control of external loads and minimizing the risk of injury during exercises, thus making lumbar stabilization exercises safer and more accessible for vulnerable populations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic actuator configured to connect the rotating plate and the cushion and to apply an antigravity force to the cushion
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus for lumbar stabilization, which includes a first sub-antigravity module configured to apply a predetermined force to an upper body, and a base frame including a first rotating plate configured to support the first sub-antigravity module to be rotatable about a first vertical rotary shaft extending vertically.