AU2006100451A4 - Method for improving muscle balance - Google Patents

Description

27-MRY-2006 14:37 From: WYNNES PfT&TM RTT 0733421292 To:0262837999 o METHOD FOR IMPROVING MUSCLE BALANCE FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for improving the physical health of a person by balancing their muscles. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for use by personal trainers, gymnasiums and gym instructors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists and occupational therapists.

Reference in the specification of the use of the invention by personal trainers and \0 Sgym instructors is provided by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Good posture and muscle balance are necessary for healthy functioning of the human body. Without good posture and muscle balance, a person may suffer from headaches, muscle and joint pain such as back pain and have a restricted range of movement and reduced performance. With age and life experience, many people have suffered sports injuries or injuries sustained through accidents which consequently have resulted in muscle imbalances where a muscle or muscle group may be comparatively weaker or tighter preventing a full range of movement, While some personal trainers and gym instructors are able to recognize a muscle imbalance problem, they usually only recognize severe problems and suggest one or two exercises to correct the particular muscle imbalance. The ability to correct muscle imbalance depends on the personal trainer's or gym instructor's ability to detect the problem and level of knowledge in providing suitable exercises.

Unfortunately muscles do not act in isolation and if there is an imbalance in one muscle, others associated or affected by movement of the muscle are also COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:37 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:026837999 P.6 0 o affected. However there is no holistic approach where the whole body is assessed for muscle imbalance. The difficulty is that the human body is very complex and there is no methodology to assess most of the muscles of the body and a knowledge C-i base of exercises that can be used to correct imbalances in the different muscles of the body.

0 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION IN It is an object of the present invention to provide a method that will assess a C person for muscle imbalances and provide one or more corrective exercises SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the present invention broadly resides in a method for improving muscle balance in a person, including assessing one or more muscles in one or more static body positions; assessing one or more muscles in one or more dynamic movements; analyzing the results of the assessments and providing one or more exercises to strengthen the weak muscles or stretch tight muscles.

One or more static body positions preferably include upright posture positions.

The one or more static body positions are preferably assessed by observation and or photographs. Assessment of the one or more static body positions preferably occurs with taking measurements of a person's ankle, knee, hip, shoulder and head positions when in a front view position (anterior posterior position) and a side view position (lateral view).

Assessment of one or more muscles in one or more dynamic movements preferably includes assessing the strength and range of movement by a muscle or COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:37 From:WYNNES PRT&TM fTT 0733421292 To:02621837999 P.7 -3- 0 o group of muscles while performing different exercises or actions and providing a qualitative result of the performance of each exercise or action.

Analyzing the results preferably takes into account the results of the static C- body position assessments and the dynamic movement assessments, identifying imbalanced muscles and providing corrective exercises. Stretching tight muscles In helps to improve neural pathway speed and reaction time.

SIn one preferred form the assessment results are entered in a processor in an .0 appropriate format and analyzed with a suitable program that compares and correlates the results to identify the imbalanced muscles. The programming preferably selects and provides suitable corrective exercises. The corrective exercises are preferably selected from a corrective exercise database. The assessments are preferably entered into a computer program, the assessments are analyzed by the program based on correlation where the highest abnormal readings identify priority imbalanced muscles, and selecting and providing suitable corrective exercises.

In a preferred embodiment the assessment results are entered into a website which includes or accesses the analysis programming. The assessment results are preferably entered into a website which includes or accesses the analysis programming and said website is accessible online to authorized users. The analysis program is preferably activated with access code activation. Access code activation provides accountability so that the person requesting the analysis receives the analysis and is responsible for payment of the service. Preferably one or more photographs are entered into the website for the static body position results while qualitative results for the dynamic movement results are entered into a suitable form on the website. The advantage of using a website for analyzing assessment results COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MRY-2006 14:38 From:WYNNES PFT&TM FTT 0733421292 To:0262837999 P.8 I0 o is that any authorized person from around the world can analyse their results and ci obtain corrective exercises. It also standardizes the analysis of results.

The method may include one or more further steps of reassessing the static C-i body positions and the dynamic movement of the muscles and analyzing the results after a predetermined time to check whether the corrective exercises are working. A In suitable predetermined time is preferably three months.

SBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 0 In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure la and lb shows an example of a frontal position view and a lateral position view respectively of a photograph for static position assessment; Figure 2 shows an example of the analysis of the photographs for static for static position assessment; Figure 3 shows an example of correct posture; Figure 4 shows a list of example tests set out for qualitative assessment of dynamic movement of muscles; Figure 5 shows an example of the tests employed for assessment of dynamic movement of muscles; and Figure 6 shows an example of corrective exercises.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 1. Assessing one or more muscles in one or more static body positions COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:38 From:NYNNES PRT&TM RTT 0733421292 To:02683999 P.9/37

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0 o The instructor will need a digital camera set on low resolution setting for emailing (uploading) purposes, a tripod set at 80-90 cm height, a vertical reference point (either vertical lines on a wall or a doorway for use to level the camera) and Ci small, round orange sticker dots.

The client should be wearing tight fitting clothing so that ankles, knees, hips "f (ASIS) shoulders (AC joints) are detectable. The client should not be wearing shoes.

SThe dots are placed on the client and the computer uses these anatomical INO landmarks as reference points for calculations. The client marches on the spot to C provide the best "normal" stance position.

The tripod is set approximately 2 meters away from a wall and the camera is positioned approximately 0.8-0.9 meters from the ground. The client is positioned in front of the wall facing the camera. For a front position view, the orange dots are placed on the ankles, patella, ASIS (hips), AC joints (shoulders), episternum notch, belly button and knees. Focus the camera with a reference point in the background and shoot one frame.

For a lateral position view, orange dots are placed on the EAM (external auditory meatus), center of shoulder, top of femur, center of knee joint, and ankle (one inch forward of lateral malleolus). Focus the camera with a reference point in the background and shoot one frame.

See figure 1 regarding the positioning of the orange dots. See figure 2 regarding the assessment of the static body position results. With reference to figure 2, a normal profile would give all zero readings. A red arrow indicates the high side.

Readings in the white boxes are in degrees and indicate variation from zero.

Skeletal diagrams are based on client's exact readings. Stress indicators show extra COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:38 From:NYNNES PAT&TM RTT 0733421292 To:062837999 P.10/37 -6- 0 o stress on spine. The blue line is the client's centre line note deviation from green vertical line. The green line is true vertical.

With frontal position view any gaps between torso and arms indicating Ci deviations are noted. The position where on the head true vertical passes is noted.

Any deviation of belly button to true vertical is noted. The direction of the feet are IV noted.

o With a lateral position view, deviation of hips, shoulders, EAM to true vertical IO are noted. The balance point should be Lhe center of the green cross. Total Sdeviation is the sum of all deviation scores. Some common deviations include: Forward head posture which causes excess thoracic kyphosis; Anterior pelvic tilt causing excess lumbar lordosis; Posterior pelvic tilt (rare); Hips and shoulders forward of the green line in lateral view; Pelvic rotations as indicated when one leg or foot is visible behind the other in the lateral view; Scoliosis or curvature of the spine. A curve is indicated when one hip is high, the shoulder on the same side is low, and the head tilts in the direction of the low Shoulder. An curve occurs when one hip is high, the shoulder on the same side is low, and the head tilts in the direction of the high shoulder; Hips leaning left or right of the true vertical centre line (green) can indicate weak gluteus medeus or pelvic rotation; Head tilt left or right of true vertical.; The client's "normal" lateral view is compared with their "straight" lateral view.

Determination as to whether their posture has improved or worsened when they have attempted to stand up straight. Often clients will display greater readings by COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:39 From:WYNNES PFT&TM FTT 0733421292 To;0262837999 P.11/37 -7-

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0 o pulling their shoulders back too far or increasing their lower back lordosis and therefore tilting their hips further forward, instead of bringing the head back and lengthening through the spine, flattening out their lower back.

Ci Each person has a genetic postural position which may differ slightly from others but over the years a definition of normal posture has emerged: "V In the AP (Anterior posterior or front position) view: when a straight line can be Sdrawn between the nose, episternum notch, belly button and centre point IO between the two feet.

In the AP view :when horizontal lines can be drawn between the two eyes, (or ears) the two shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles In the lateral view a straight line passes through the following points: the ear (external auditory meatus), centre of the shoulder, centre of the hip, centre of the knee and just in front of the ankle.

Whereas incorrect posture may be caused by many things; such as injuries, muscular compensation, bad standing or seating habits, old age, handedness, lack of awareness and others. The two most common form of postural deviation are Forward head posture -causing excess thoracic kyphosis (upper back curve) Anterior or forward pelvic tilt -causing excess lumbar lordosis (lower back curve) Most people display symptoms of forward head posture as it is common. The increase in computer usage has contributed to this because the position of sitting looking at a screen encourages the rounding of the shoulders and the straining of the head forwards which shortens and tightens the upper trapezius causing forward head posture. Negative effects of forward head posture include: Decreases the load bearing capacity of the spine; Increases the load on the muscles holding up the head; and COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:39 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:062837999 P.12/37 0 O Decreases the flexibility and strength of those muscles.

Many clients will display anterior pelvic tilt. People spend a lot of time sitting in cars and at desks which shortens the hip flexors and weakens the transverses Ci abdominus and rectus abdominus. When a person stands with an anterior pelvic tilt, the curve in the lumbar spine is always increased and so, to compensate and r In maintain balance, the thoracic curve is increased and the head is brought forward.

SThe negative effects of anterior pelvic tilt include: Increase in lumbar lordosis causes muscle shortness which can lead to lower C back pain; Decreases the flexibility and strength of those muscles; and SDecreases the load bearing capacity of the spine.

Both forward head posture and anterior pelvic tilt can be corrected with the right exercises and persistence. Although there are variations, a simple guide follows: Forward head posture stretch the upper trapezius, open the chest by stretching pectoralis minor.

Anterior pelvic tilt stretch the hip flexors, strengthen the abdominus. Stretch the lower back, strengthen the gluteus and hamstrings.

2. Assessing one or more muscles in one or more dynamic movements A list of example tests set out for qualitative analysis is shown in figure 4. An example of the tests employed for assessment of dynamic movement of muscles is shown in figure 5. The following are a list of possible results of tests: Walk test Foot pronation (collapsing inwards) and supponation (rolling outwards) are both signs of the ankles' inability to stabilise and can be corrected COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:39 From:WYNNES PRT&TM RTT 0733421292 To:0262837999 P.13/37 V0 -9- 0 O with specific balancing exercises [one -legged squats, dura disk squats) Hip tilt is when one hip drops this could be a sign of a weak gluteus medeus on that side -corrected with gluteus medeus strengthening exercises. Time spend longer on C one leg (irregular gait) could indicate a tight hip flexor on the opposite side, restricting the range of motion and necessitating a transfer to the other side, Squat test and one-legged squat test same as for walk test 0 o Upper trapezius test if client is unable to drop shoulders down, this shows o "over active" upper trapezius; meaning that the neural pathways to the upper NC trapezius are being over stimulated and switch on too easily; whilst the pathways to the lower trapezius are not firing. This is fairly common and can cause tension to be stored in the upper trapezius resulting in neck pain and sometimes headaches. Solution; the neural pathways in the lower trapezius need activating with Body Tech upper trapezius deactivatorTM exercise.

SThoracic test- any obvious curvature of the spine will show up and should be noted. Extended muscularity on side of the spine may be due to handedness and will need to be corrected by mimicking the movement with exercise on the other side.

SShoulder blades (scapula)- scapula (one or both) too close to the spine indicate over tight rhomboids, too far means weak rhomboids and over tight pectoralis major and/or minor. Raised scapula indicate over tight or over active upper trapezius, and weak lower trapezius (prescribe the Body Tech upper trapezius deactivator T M exercise). Lowered scapula indicate over tight or over active lower trapezius, and weak upper trapezius (uncommon).

COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MRY-2006 14:39 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:026837999 P.14/37

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O Chest stretch inability to straighten elbows shows excessive tightness through chest and front of shoulders, inability to lift arms behind back shows moderate tightness. Prescribe either of the chest stretch exercises.

Wall standing If shoulders can't flatten onto wall this indicates tight pectoralis minor. During the first phase, arch in lumber spine and inability to flatten the n back into the wall indicates tightness through the hip flexors and perhaps weak o rectus abdominus. [individual tests later will verify]. During the second phase, if O these symptoms worsen this is an indication of tight pectoralis minor/major, tight c external rotation or thoracic extension. Inability to place wrists on wall indicate tight external rotation. [individual tests later will verify].

0 Pectoralis minor gaps of more than one half inch on either side show tight pectoralis minor [give pectoralis minor stretch] indicate to client any differences in left and right side. Tightness of the pectoralis minor is an important factor in some cases of arm pain.

Thoracic extension inability to reach floor with elbows straight indicates a tightness in the general thoracic area (chest, lats, teres major, rhomboids) External rotation inability to get both wrists comfortably onto the floor indicates tight internal rotators and requires stretches: external rotation door or yoga.

Internal rotation wrists will not reach the floor but should be within 4-6 inches and even on both sides. Usually tightness occurs on the dominant side.

Prescribe internal rotation stretch.

Hamstring test tight hamstrings can be a cause of lower back trouble and are a high priority for stretching.

Back twist Ideally knee should touch the floor whilst shoulder remains on the ground. Note differences between left and right side. Ask client where they feel COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:40 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 T:026837999 P.15:-37 11

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0 0 the stretch and tick appropriate box for back, gluteal or deltoid. If tightness found in lower back prescribe stretches: back twist or Body Tech squat stretch. If gluteus, make note for next test, and if delt, check back to chest stretch, Spectoralis minor and external rotation tests for confirmation.

Gluteus test A normal reading would show the knee almost to ninety degrees, Snote differences in both legs. Tightness in the gluteus can affect lower back Smuscles and movement through the hip joint (and, like hip flexors, cause pelvic O rotation).

C Quadratus lumborum test Check reach distance on both sides, client will be able to indicate tightness in one side. Also indicates tightness in lats. Prescribe ballet stretches.

Thomas test One of the most important tests. If the knee is above the table height, this indicates tight hip flexors which cause forward pelvic tilt and excess lumbar lordosis. A tight hip flexor on one side may cause a pelvic rotation in that direction and can also cause a shortening of the stride on that leg, lessening the time spent on that leg whilst walking (refer to the walk test). If the lower leg hangs at less than ninety degrees, this indicates tight rectus femoris. From the front, if the knee swings outwards, this indicates tight ITB which can cause leg pain.

Strength tests include: Hip flexors weak hip flexors can be a cause of excessive forward lean through the hips, i.e. the hips appear forward of the green true vertical line in the lateral view. If one hip flexor is weak this can cause a pelvic rotation in that direction and the belly button will appear to move away from the true vertical green line in the AP view towards the other hip. Strengthen with corresponding exercises.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:40 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:0262837999 P.16/37 -12-

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0 Illiopsoas same as for hip flexors in general.

Rectus femorls weak rectus femoris indicates a potential weakness in the knee. During hamstring curls, if the hamstring is stronger than the rectus femoris, Sit pulls the patella away from the knee.

Hamstrings- beware of muscle cramping during this test. Weak hamstrings can tt) indicate knee instability. They can be a contributor to forward pelvic tilt as they Sare unable to properly hold the pelvis in a neutral position resulting in anterior IO pelvic tilt and excessive lumbar lordosis, especially when combined with tight hip C' flexors and weak abdominals.

Gluteals weak gluteus can be a factor in hip instability and reduced forward drive when running.

Quadratus lumborum weakness in either quadratus lumborum can account for a tendency for the torso to lean in the other direction which may cause that shoulder to appear lower.

Gluteus medeus one weak gluteus medeus can be the cause of a hip lean in that direction, the belly button will deviate from the green centre line towards the weak gluteus medeus. Be aware however that a pelvic rotation will also cause the same visual effect and may in fact exacerbate or counter this. Action: gluteus medeus strengthening exercises.

Trunk flexors weakness in either side may account for a tendency for the torso to lean in that direction and cause that shoulder to appear higher.

TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINUS 98% of clients will exhibit weak TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINUS and strengthening exercises should be prescribed to all clients. Weak TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINUS will result in COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:40 From:WYNNES PFiT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:0~62837999 P.17/37 0 o instability through the core and as a result, the multifidi will not be locking in the sacrum to prevent lower back pain or injury.

Leg lower tests rectus abdominus, which when weak will not be acting to hold Ci the front of the pelvis up resulting in anterior pelvic tilt and excessive lumbar lordosis, especially when combined with tight hip flexors.

In o 3. Analyzing the assessment results IN 3.1 Manual method 0 The first step is to highlight the problem areas detected by the muscle analysis. This was performed by circling the ticked boxes on the muscle analysis sheet (figure 4) so you can see at a glance which muscles are in need of attention.

The boxes are ticked or (or both) for the exercises corresponding to the highlighted (circled) muscles on the muscle analysis sheet. The most appropriate exercises are selected taking into account the person's age, symptoms, flexibility etc.

The exercises now need to be prioritized from most important down to least important. This is determined by: The muscles which have the highest reading (the largest box is ticked on the muscle analysis sheet) are most important; and deciding whether forward head posture or pelvic tilt is more likely to be the cause of incorrect posture and giving these exercises highest priority.

By targeting the most important exercises first, the client will achieve the fastest results. As the body begins to normalize, the smaller deviations will selfcorrect because the body compensates and works as a whole.

3.2 On line method COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:40 From:WYNNES PRT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:026837999 P.18/37 \o -14- 0 O Log onto www.body-tech.com.au and access the members only section with your username and password. Open the folder of the client you are working with.

Go to the muscle analysis section by selecting the button at the top of the Admin C menu.

You will be taken to the Range of Motion tests page. The orange button relates to Extreme tightness, yellow for moderate and blue mild.

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o With your mouse cursor select the boxes which correspond to your muscle u analysis sheet. If you make a mistake you can clear the form by selecting the NC [Reset] button at the bottom of the page.

Click on the [NEXT] button which will take you to the Strength Tests selection page. With your mouse cursor select the boxes which correspond to your muscle analysis sheet.

SClick on the [NEXT] button which will take you to the Exercise Compiler page. If there is something you are not happy with use the [Previous] button to go back.

All exercises default to assisted versions. Select which version you wish to compile (ie. assisted, or unassisted L R etc) When you are happy with your selection press the [COMPILE PDF] button.

You will be taken back to your clients folder and the exercise program will be appear in their folder with their name and the date and time. The exercise program can then be printed out.

3.3 Stretches There are a number of different stretching techniques used in the method: COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:41 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:0262837999 P.19z37 Va 0 0 c-i i 0 0 0 0 0i -ectus femoris ectoralis rinor B Teclh Thomas stretch lying shoulder push nail stretch (pilates) standing quao Joorway stretch iouble corner wall armstring lying asisted ham stretch seated hamstring stretch B TechO lying doorway back twist lying back twist lying back twist seated chair twist chest stretch (elbows B Tech@ assisted chest chest stretch (elbows behind towel stretch behind back) stretch back) chest stretch (doorway) assisted doorway chest Stretch (doorway) double corner wall back drape on ball back drape on ball back drape on ball bed drape external rotation door assisted doorway oorway stretch suppine hand weights external rotation yoga seated Tai Assisted twist twisted arms (yoga) Internal rotation seated rotator cuff back hand link luteus lying assisted prone gluteus crossed leg pull ITS B Tech© Thomas B Tech© standing ITB side kneeling stretch stretch neck glides neck glides qusdratus lumborum assistnd ballet seated ballet stretch standing hang neck seated assisted upper trapezius stretch self assisted turn ower back B Tech© squat stretch 3.4 Strengthening exercises All exercises should be started with light weights and gradually increased as the client progresses. Techniques include: Basic the exercise is done in its simplest form.

Strict form the exercise is performed slowly and with absolutely perfect form do not compromise on technique at all.

Plyometrics ballistics using body weight only. eg. side ways jumping over a rope.

Ballistics- power using resistance, throwing, jumping. eg. jumping squat with dumbells.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:41 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:02628379999 P.20/37 ci lb- SStabilisation using unslable surfaces such as small balls, fit balls, dura disks, wobble boards, foam semicircles etc.

The different levels described below should be given in order and progressed only when the person has mastered each technique. Advancement levels include: Normal both arms and legs together Unilateral using left and right sides separately. eg. one legged squat.

Uneven weights weighting one side of the bar heavier, or using different weight dum bells in each hand.

Unstable base fit ball, dura disk, wobble board, foam semi circles, as bases.

Name Equipment use Home use one legged strengthener one lugged leg press dura disk one -legged squat B Tech© upper trapezius lat pulldown shoulder retractions deactivator ball core stability Abdorninus ift one knee B Tech© back flattening wall B Tcch© back flattening wall B Tech@ slow form step ups step box (medium to high) stairs/ step rhomboids rear delt reverse fly stretchy band reverse fly hip flexor otal hip machine standing ball hip raise gluteus medeus cable abductions (standing leg works) lying leg raise hamsrring ham curl machine lying Fit ball curls quadratus lumborum standing hip hitch serratus anterior wall rutations uneven push up gluteus eg Press one legged hip lift reclus femoris quads B Tch@ raised leg turn B Tech bent leg extension Trunk flexors Fit hall side crunches Side hover Transversus abdominus ripod Belly button lifts Abdominus =it ball crunch crunches The corrective exercises are provided in greater detail in figure 6.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:41 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:0262837999 P.21/37 Va) -17- 4. Monitoring the muscle balancing program The muscle balancing program has been designed to keep the client on track, Smotivated, and achieving their results. The client is given a maximum of TEN home exercises. The client should select FIVE to do in each home based session, Salternating their selections to ensure they do all ten. Each exercise should be done Sfor two minutes; resulting in each home based session taking 10 minutes. They .0 should aim for 7 sessions in each week. Seven sessions of 10 minutes each means C 70 minutes a week.

After twelve weeks the client is reassessed. A comparative set of photos are set up for about 12 weeks after the client begins their muscle balancing program; this gives enough time for the program to show results. New photographs are taken and compared with the first set of photographs.

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the present invention is that it takes a holistic approach in identifying and correcting muscle imbalances to improve the health and wellbeing of a person. The method for improving muscle balance is a comprehensive and reproducible method adapted to analyse results on a web-based site and return suitable corrective exercises from the web-based site.

VARIATIONS

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:41 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:026837999 P.22/37 18

NO

0 o thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

In Ol COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27

Claims (1)

1. 27-MAY-2006 14:41 From:WYNNES PRT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:062837999 P.23/37 o CLAIMS 1. A method for improving muscle balance in a person, including C- assessing one or more muscles in one or more static body positions; assessing one or more muscles in one or more dynamic movements; Vt analyzing the results of the assessments and providing one or more exercises S to strengthen the weak muscles or stretch tight muscles. NO C 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more static body positions include frontal and lateral posture body positions and measurements are taken at the person's ankle, knee, hip, shoulder and head positions; assessing one or more dynamic movements of muscles involves qualitative analysis of the strength and range of movement of a muscle while performing different exercises or actions; and analyzing the results involves correlating the assessments, identifying imbalanced muscles and providing corrective exercises. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the assessments are entered into a computer program, the assessments are analyzed by the program based on correlation where the highest abnormal readings identify priority imbalanced muscles, selecting and providing suitable corrective exercises. 4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the assessment results are entered into a website which includes or accesses the analysis programming; said website is accessible online to authorized users. COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27 27-MAY-2006 14:42 From:WYNNES PAT&TM ATT 0733421292 To:0262837999 P.24/37 20 \O 0 o 5. A method for improving muscle balance in a person as substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. SDATED THIS TWENTY SIXTH DAY OF MAY 2006 BENJAMIN PAUL LEIMAN by his Patent Attorneys o WYNNES PATENT AND TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS NC COMS ID No: SBMI-03714708 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:46 Date 2006-05-27