Unstable Support Apparatus for Ballet Exercise Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional ballet exercise methods lack the dynamic challenge needed to enhance strength training, flexibility, balance, and injury rehabilitation, as they often rely on stable surfaces which do not adequately engage the muscles and ligaments in a functional manner.

Innovation Solution

Combining classical ballet exercises with an unstable support apparatus, such as a ball or roller, that shifts or rolls during use, requiring exercisers to maintain balance and control, thereby engaging muscles and improving neuromuscular function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional ballet exercises are performed on stable surfaces, then ease of operation is improved, but muscle engagement and functional training effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of performing ballet exercisesVSAvoidmuscle engagement and strength training effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static, stable exercise surfaces to dynamic, unstable surfaces such as balance balls and foam rollers. These unstable surfaces continuously shift and roll during use, requiring the exerciser to actively adjust muscle activation and body positioning to maintain balance. This dynamic instability transforms the exercise experience from passive stabilization to active neuromuscular engagement, thereby improving muscle strength and functional training effectiveness while maintaining ease of operation through familiar ballet movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If unstable support apparatus is introduced to increase exercise difficulty, then muscle strength and balance are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemuscle strength and balanceVSAvoidcomplexity of exercise equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the stability parameter of the exercise surface rather than changing the complexity of the exercise equipment itself. By using simple, single-parameter devices like balance balls (varying in size and firmness) and foam rollers (varying in density and length), the system achieves enhanced muscle engagement and balance training without introducing mechanically complex equipment. The instability parameter can be adjusted by selecting different ball sizes, firmness levels, or roller densities, allowing progressive difficulty adjustment while maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If unstable support apparatus is used during ballet exercises, then neuromuscular function and proprioceptive training are enhanced, but stability and safety may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneuromuscular function and proprioceptive trainingVSAvoidstability and safety during exercise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial or excessive action by introducing instability in a controlled, gradual manner rather than completely eliminating stability. Exercises are designed to engage specific muscle groups and proprioceptive pathways to a degree that exceeds traditional stable-surface training, yet remains within safe limits through progressive overload. For example, beginning exercisers may use larger, firmer balance balls that provide partial stability, while advancing to smaller, softer balls that increase instability and neuromuscular challenge. This progressive approach enhances neuromuscular function and proprioceptive training while maintaining safety through controlled exposure to instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11364405B2Isometric system and method of achieving physical health
Publication Date: 2022.06.21 THE HALL METHOD
  • US11364405B2 patent drawing
  • US11364405B2 patent drawing
  • US11364405B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present specification discloses an exercise system comprising a stable support purchase, such as a ballet barre, and an unstable support apparatus, such as a ball or a roller, wherein an individual may support a limb on the unstable support apparatus and selectively contact the stable support purchase for balance while performing an exercise, such as a ballet position, and an associated method comprising the steps of positioning at least one limb on the unstable support apparatus and simultaneously performing the exercise.