An exercise device

IS 2 236 167 T3

DESCRIPTION

An exercise device.

Introduction

This invention relates to a pelvic support device for use while exercising. In particular, it relates to a device for keeping the pelvis fixed for treating or preventing disorders of the lumbar, pelvic or hip joint region. Such a device is described, for example, in document US-A-5 688 212.

In human anatomy, the lower spine, known as the lumbar spine, is attached to the iliac bone through a joint called the sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joint is a relatively hard or rigid joint. The thigh bone, known as the femur, is attached to the ilium at the hip joint via the hip ligaments.

In the sacroiliac joint, only a reduced level of movement of the lumbar spine relative to the pelvis is possible, due to the relatively hard or rigid nature of this joint. Thus, in general, when moving the lumbar spine in any direction, at least part of this movement is translated as a movement of the pelvis at the hip joint. This is because the hip joint has relatively free movement compared to the rigid sacroiliac joint. When you move one leg, at least some hip ligaments begin to tighten. When these hip ligaments are fully tensioned, the continued movement of the leg results in a movement of the pelvis at the sacroiliac joint.

Lower back, pelvic, or hip joint disorders are a common and painful condition.

There is a need for a suitable means and method to effectively treat or prevent such disorders.

Invention statements

In accordance with the invention, a device is provided for use while exercising that immobilizes the user's pelvis in a substantially fixed position thereby facilitating rotation of the user's spine around the user's pelvis while performing back exercises, or facilitating the rotation of a user's leg around the user's pelvis while performing leg exercises.

In one embodiment, the device significantly prevents rotation of the user's pelvis around a hip joint of the user while performing back exercises.

In another embodiment, the device significantly prevents rotation of the user's pelvis around the user's sacroiliac joint and lumbar spine while performing leg exercises.

Said device is defined in claim 1.

The bearing body can define a series of bearing surfaces and the position of the bearing surfaces may be independently adjustable.

Preferably, the location of the bearing surface is adjustable. Unbeatable, the inclination of the support surface is adjustable.

The support surface can comprise at least one cross member or a wedge.

The support body may comprise at least one leg to support the support surface at a suitable height above ground level. Preferably, the support body comprises a base from which the leg extends. Unbeatable, the base defines a platform on which the user can stand while performing the exercises.

In another case, the support body comprises means for attaching the support body to a support structure.

The attachment means may comprise a recess in the support body for cooperative engagement with a protrusion in the support structure. Preferably, the recess is provided on a side of the abutment body opposite the abutment surface. Unbeatably, the supporting structure is rigid, such as a wall, a threshold or a floor. The support structure can be an exercise apparatus.

Conveniently, the support surface is made of a flexible material, such as foam or rubber. Unbeatably, the bearing surface is contoured.

The device may comprise a gripable bar to assist the user in performing his exercises. Ideally, the device comprises at least one exercise band attached to the bar.

Preferably, the support body supports the bar.

The device may comprise weights to aid in the exercises of the user. Unbeatably, the device comprises a pulley mechanism connected to the weights. Preferably, the support body supports the weights.

The device is suitable for treating the back or one leg.

The invention offers a use of the device of the invention for treatment. Preferably for the treatment of the back, especially the treatment of the lumbar spine.

Otherwise the use is for the treatment of a leg.

Conveniently, use of the device translates the position of a misaligned joint of the user.

In addition, a procedure of exercising the back is offered, which consists of the following steps:

keep the user's pelvis in a considerably fixed position; and exercising the user's back with the pelvis significantly fixed to cause the user's spine to rotate around their pelvis.

In one embodiment, holding the user's pelvis in a substantially fixed position considerably prevents rotation of the user's pelvis around the user's hip joint during exercise of their back.

In addition, a procedure of exercising one leg is provided, which consists of the following steps:

keep the user's pelvis in a considerably fixed position; and exercising the user's leg with the pelvis significantly fixed to cause rotation of the user's leg around their pelvis.

In one embodiment of the invention, immobilization of the user's pelvis in a substantially fixed position considerably prevents rotation of the user's pelvis around the user's sacroiliac joint and lumbar spine.

ES 2 236 167 T3 while exercising your leg.

Preferably, the procedure consists of the following steps:

provide at least one supporting surface; and holding the user's pelvis to the supporting surface, holding the user's pelvis in a substantially fixed position using a support.

Unbeatably, the method comprises the step of adjusting the position of the support to suit the user. The procedure may include the step of adjusting the location of the bracket. The method may comprise the step of adjusting the tilt of the support. More preferably, the method comprises the step of adjusting the clamping tension of the support to suit the user.

In another case, the method comprises the step of adjusting the support surface to suit the user.

A plurality of bearing surfaces may be provided and the method may comprise the step of independently adjusting the positions of the bearing surfaces.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of adjusting the location of the bearing surface. More preferably, the method comprises the step of adjusting the inclination of the bearing surface.

Conveniently, the adjustment is done by a user.

In a preferred embodiment, a user's pelvis is clamped to the bearing surface in a considerably painless position prior to beginning exercises.

Exercises can include a twisting motion or a bending motion. Exercises can include considerable forward bending, or considerable back bending, or considerable lateral bending.

Exercises can include a narrowing movement or a movement against weights or elastic bands, or an extension movement or a bending movement.

The device according to the invention provides a means of treating the back therapeutically, in particular of treating the region of the lumbar spine. The invention also provides a means of treating the hip joint therapeutically.

The device according to the invention further provides a prophylactic means of preventing the development of disorders of the lumbar, pelvic or hip joint region.

By firmly immobilizing the user's pelvis in a fixed position using the invention, and thereafter exercising the user's back or leg, a therapeutic effect is experienced in the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint or hip joint region. .

By firmly immobilizing the user's pelvis in a considerably painless position, the invention allows the user to perform movements or exercises, which would otherwise cause pain to the user if their pelvis were not supported, without experiencing pain. Performing these painless exercises has a therapeutic effect on the user.

The components of the strap and support surface of the invention can be quickly and easily adjusted to suit the user. In particular, the adjustment can be made by the user himself.

This makes it easy to use the device without the direct supervision of an in-house physician, for example. Self-adjustment also guarantees the most comfortable and painless position for the user.

The adjustable nature of the invention ensures that all users, regardless of anatomical features or particular disorder, can achieve the desirable painless immobilization position of use with a single device.

The optimal painless position for a particular user may change from one exercise session to another exercise session, or during an exercise session as the invention has a therapeutic effect on the user's disorder. The device according to the invention allows the user to adapt the device to ensure that the painless position of use is maintained.

The device according to the invention is suitable for use without the direct supervision of another person, an intern physician, for example. In particular, the device could be used in the home environment. Alternatively, it could be used as part of a large group supervised by a single intern physician.

The device is relatively compact and light in weight, and for this reason it has high portability. However, the device is also stable during use thanks to its wide base.

The invention allows the user to perform the exercises in a very convenient way. In particular, it is not necessary for the user to be in a lying position or for the user to undress to use the device.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood starting from the following description of some of its embodiments, which are only given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a partially cross-sectional side view of the device of Fig. 1 in use;

Fig. 4 is a partially cross-sectional side view of the pelvis and lumbar region of a human;

Figs. 5 and 6 are partially cross-sectional side views of the device of Fig. 1 in use; ^Y

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another device according to the invention.

Detailed description

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a device for maintaining the pelvis of a user in a considerably fixed position while exercising the back or leg of the user. By keeping the user's pelvis in a considerably fixed position, the device ensures that substantially all the exercise movements of the user's back translate into a rotation of the user's spine at the level of their pelvis, and the device prevents the rotation of the user's pelvis considerably at the level of a user's hip joint. Similarly, the device ensures that substantially all of the exercise movement of the user's leg results in a rotation of the leg.

ES 2 236 167 T3 leg of the user at the level of his pelvis, and the device considerably prevents the rotation of the pelvis of the user at the level of the sacroiliac joint and the lumbar spine.

The device is adjustable to ensure that the user's pelvis is held in a painless position so that subsequent exercise movements are substantially painless. Performing these painless exercises has a therapeutic effect on the patient.

Referring in particular to Figs. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a device 1 according to the invention, the device 1 being suitable for treatment, particularly for the treatment of the lumbar, pelvic or hip joint region of a human being.

The device 1 comprises a support body 2, which defines at least one, and in this case two, support surfaces 3, 4, and a support to hold the pelvis of the user, in this case a patient, in a considerably fixed position. to support surfaces 3, 4.

Support is provided by two straps 5, 6 which extend around the patient. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the straps 5, 6 extend from one side flange 7 of the support body 2 and pass around to the other side flange 8 of the support body 2. The straps 5, 6 are attached, in so that they can be released, to each of the lateral wings 7, 8 by means of clamps or rope attachments, for example.

However, it will be appreciated that the straps 5, 6 may be integral with the support body 2 on one of the side wings, and that they are releasably attached to the other side wing.

Alternatively, the straps 5, 6 can be integral with the support body 2 on both lateral wings 7, 8, with a release mechanism, by means of clips or rope, for example, intermediate the ends of each strap 5 , 6.

In any case, it will be appreciated that any suitable means of attaching the straps 5, 6 to the support body 2 may be employed, provided that the straps 5, 6 can extend around the patient to facilitate the attachment of the patient's pelvis to the legs. bearing surfaces 3, 4.

The position of the straps 5, 6 is adjustable, in particular at the location of the side wings 7, 8 from which the straps 5, 6 extend, it can be adjusted up or down. In this case, the side wings 7, 8 define a plurality of recesses 9 spaced along the side wings 7, 8, which have been configured to accept clips at each of the ends of the belts 5, 6 so that can be released. The inclination at which the belts 5, 6 extend from the side wings 7, 8 can also be adjusted by turning the ends of the belts 5, 6 in the recesses 9.

The clamping tension of the belts 5, 6 can be adjusted, for example, by means of a catch mechanism or a pulley system provided at some point along the belts 5, 6.

The belts 5, 6 are preferably made of a flexible and resistant material, similar to the fibrous material from which seat belts are made. In one case, soft foam pads are provided on the contact face of the straps 5, 6 to improve user comfort.

The straps 5, 6 may have a high coefficient of friction coating to prevent the straps 5, 6 from slipping with respect to the clothing or body of the user. In one case, the belts 5, 6 have a rubber finish.

The position of the bearing surfaces 3, 4 is also adjustable and preferably the position of each bearing surface is adjustable independently of the position of the other bearing surface. The bearing surfaces 3, 4 are detachably attached to the bearing body 2 by means of, for example, screws that can be loosened by hand, and the location of the bearing surfaces 3, 4 along the length of support body 2 can be adjusted up or down as desired. The inclination of the bearing surfaces 3, 4 along the bearing body 2 can be adjusted by means of, for example, a hinge assembly.

In one case, the bearing surfaces 3, 4 at least partially comprise wedges or crosspieces attached, in a releasable manner, to the bearing body 2 by means of a hook and loop fastening material, such as velcro. The wedges or crosspieces can be selectively arranged on the support body 2 to ensure that the user is attached to the support surfaces 3, 4 in a comfortable and painless position.

The bearing surfaces 3, 4 are preferably made of a flexible material, such as foam or rubber, to provide a sufficiently solid surface on which the patient's pelvis is immobilized. In one case, the bearing surfaces 3, 4 can be contoured to accommodate the shape of the pelvis. Different modeling support surfaces can be provided to accommodate a range of user anatomies.

The support body 2 comprises a base 10, from which a leg 11 extends to support the support surfaces 3, 4 at a suitable height above ground level for use by the patient. Leg 11 can be a metal leg, for example steel, and leg 11 is rigidly connected to the base

10. The base 10 is wide enough to ensure that the device 1 is stable even when used by a patient in their exercises. In this case, the base 10 is configured to define a platform on which the patient stands when the patient's pelvis is attached to the bearing surfaces 3, 4. The patient's body weight will thus provide a greater stabilizing effect to the device 1 .

It will be appreciated that more than one leg can be provided to support the bearing surfaces 3, 4 as desired.

A bench 12 may be provided on the base 10 to provide the patient with a base to exercise the leg while the patient's pelvis is attached to the bearing surfaces 3, 4. The height of the bench can be adjusted.

The support body 2 supports a gripping bar 21. The bar 21 may alternatively be supported by the base 10 or by a separate support structure. The patient can grasp the bar 21 and use it to help exercise the back or leg once the patient has been attached to the supporting surfaces 3, 4. An elastic exercise band or pulley system can be attached to the bar 21 to help the patient exercise.

The support body 2 can be provided with the means for attaching the device 1 to a separate rigid support structure, such as a wall, a door or the floor, or an exercise apparatus, for example an exercise apparatus with weights. The provi4

In one case, the connecting means comprises a recess in the side of the support body 2 on the opposite side of the support surfaces 3, 4; the recess will be configured to join with its corresponding protrusion, like a hook, on the support structure. In another case, the attachment means comprises an additional support.

Referring now to Figs. 3, 5 and 6, the use of device 1 during exercises is illustrated, in particular to treat the lumbar, pelvic or hip joint region of a user, in this case a human patient 30. The legs 40 and feet 41 of patient 30 are schematically depicted in Figs. 3, 5 and 6 for the sake of convenience.

In use, at least one of the ends of the straps 5, 6 is loose from the side wings 7, 8. Alternatively, in the case where the straps 5, 6 are integral with the support body 2 on both wings sides 7, 8, the intermediate release means between both ends of the straps 5, 6 is open. In either case, the patient 30 climbs onto the base 10 and places his pelvis 31 against the support surfaces 3, 4.

The positions of the bearing surfaces 3, 4 can be adjusted, for example the location can be adjusted up or down, or the inclination can be adjusted to suit the characteristics, such as anatomical ones, of the patient 30. This is particularly useful. advantageous if the bearing surfaces 3, 4 are contoured, since it is important that the pelvis of the patient 31 is aligned with the preformed contours to avoid discomfort for the patient 30.

The positions of the bearing surfaces 3, 4 can be adjusted independently of each other. This allows the patient 30 to achieve a comfortable position against the bearing surfaces 3, 4, despite any lack of symmetry of the pelvis 31, as is often the case in the non-ideal anatomies of real patients.

When the patient 30 is positioned in a comfortable position with the pelvis 31 against the supporting surfaces 3, 4, the straps 5, 6 extend around the patient 30 and either one is attached to the lateral wings 7, 8 or alternatively, the release means is closed.

The position of the belts 5, 6 can be adjusted, for example, their position can be adjusted up or down, or the inclination can be adjusted, for example, with a catch mechanism or a pulley system. The straps 5, 6 are adjusted until the pelvis of the patient 31 is firmly secured to the bearing surfaces 3, 4, in such a position that the patient feels considerably free from discomfort or pain in the back.

A typical clamping position is illustrated in Fig. 3. In this case, strap 6 extends from lateral wing 7 around the lower part of the patient's pelvis 31 to wing 8 on the other side, and strap 5 extends from lateral wing 7 around the upper part of the patient's pelvis. pelvis 31 from the patient to wing 8 on the other side.

It will be appreciated that the desired clamping position varies depending on the particular user. The straps 5, 6 can be extended around the user at any point on his body, provided that the user is in a painless position firmly attached to the support surfaces 3, 4.

Advantageously, the adjustment of the straps 5, 6 or the adjustment of the bearing surfaces 3, 4 can be carried out by the same user. This self-adjustment allows the user to achieve a comfortable and considerably painless position attached to the support surfaces 3, 4. Alternatively, another person, such as a supervising internal physician, can assist in the adjustment of the straps 5, 6 or the adjustment of the the bearing surfaces 3,

4.

When such a position has been achieved, the patient 30 can then exercise the back, for example, by doing backward bends (Fig. 5) or forward bends (Fig. 6). The patient 30 can grasp the bar 21 to help him exercise his back.

The elastic exercise bands attached to the bar 21, and the weight stack pulley system can be used to offer resistance to the user's exercises. The bands or weights can be attached to the user by means of a belt or harness.

The sacroiliac joint 32 between the lumbar spine 33 and the pelvis 31 is illustrated in detail in Fig. 4. The sacroiliac joint 32 is normally a relatively hard or rigid joint, particularly when compared to a relatively free-motion joint such as the hip joint. 34, or the shoulder joint of a patient 30.

Since the pelvis 31 of the patient is firmly attached to the bearing surfaces 3, 4 by the straps

5, 6 during the back exercise, this ensures that all the movement of the patient's back is translated into a rotation of the patient's spine 33 at the level of the patient's pelvis 31 which remains fixed (Fig. 5 and 6 ). The pelvis holding assembly of the straps 5, 6 considerably prevents the rotation of the pelvis 31 at the hip joint 34 during back exercise, as would occur if the pelvis 31 were not supported.

By mobilizing the lumbar spine 33 to rotate at the level of the painlessly positioned pelvis 31, exercising the back has a therapeutic effect on the patient 30.

In a manner similar to that described above with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, the patient 30 can also exercise the leg 40 once the painless position of clamping to the bearing surfaces 3, 4 has been achieved.

As the patient's pelvis 31 is firmly attached to the supporting surfaces 3, 4 by the straps 5, 6 during the exercises, this ensures that all movement of the patient's leg 40 results in a rotation of the patient's leg 40 at the level of the patient's pelvis 31, which remains fixed. The pelvis holding assembly of the straps 5, 6 considerably prevents the rotation of the pelvis 31 at the sacroiliac joint 32 and the lumbar spine 33 during leg exercise, as would occur if the pelvis 31 were not supported.

By mobilizing the leg 40 to rotate at the level of the painlessly positioned pelvis 31, the leg exercise has a therapeutic effect on the patient 30.

It is believed that such rotation of the lumbar spine 33 at the level of the pelvis 31 and the rotation of the leg 40 at the level of the pelvis 31 helps to resettle any defects that may have developed in the pathological position of the lumbar spine 33 with relation to the pelvis 31 at the level of the sacroiliac joint 32 or leg 40 in relation to the pelvis

ES 2 236 167 T3 at the level of the hip joint 34. It is believed that by exercising with the pelvis 31 firmly immobilized in a painless position, the spine 33 or the pelvis 31 or the hip joint 34 is correctly realigned.

The exercise may include, additionally or alternatively, twisting or rotating movements, or bending movements or extension movements, or weight lifting, or lateral bends or any other appropriate exercise, as the intern has directed the patient 30 , for example.

The straps 5, 6 and the support surfaces 3, 4 can be adjusted during the exercise session to ensure that the user is in a considerably painless position throughout the session.

After a period of exercise, either the straps 5, 6 are released, or the release means is opened along the straps 5, 6, the patient 30 then moves away from the support surfaces 3, 4 and exits the base 10.

It has been found that after an exercise session using the device of the invention, the reduced pain sensation or painless sensation experienced by the user while attached to the supporting surfaces 3, 4 persists.

Referring now to Fig. 7, there is illustrated another device 50 according to the invention, which is similar to the device 1 of Figs. 1 to 6, and the same reference numbers are assigned to similar elements in Fig. 7.

In this case, the weights 13 are provided instead of the grab bar 21.

The weights 13 are provided on the support body 2, the weights 13 being attached to a pulley mechanism 14. The support body 2 supports the weights 13 and can be used by the patient to help exercise the back or leg 40 an Once the patient has been secured to the support surfaces 3, 4.

It will be appreciated that the device according to the invention can be configured for use by a patient in a horizontal lying position, rather than a vertical standing position. In this case, the device can be provided on, or as part of, a treatment table or bed. Alternatively, the device can also be configured for use by a patient inclined at any suitable angle. In one case the angle can be selectively adjusted to suit the needs of the patient. In another case, the device according to the invention can be configured for use by a patient in a sitting position.

It will be further appreciated that the device could be used with a person who is attached with the back of the pelvis to the supporting surfaces, rather than the front of the pelvis, as illustrated in the drawings.

The device according to the invention can be used to treat a patient suffering from a disorder of the spine, in particular a disorder of the spine in the lumbar region, of the sacroiliac, pelvic joint or hip joint.

It will be appreciated, however, that the device can be used by a person who does not have a spinal disorder. In this case, the invention will have a prophylactic effect and will help prevent the development of spinal disorders.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may vary in construction and detail within the scope of the claims.