AU717596B2 - Device for training the back muscles by the transmission of oscillations to a sitting test subject - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for improving the spinal column muscles by training said muscles with oscillations without extreme swinging movements. Said device has a seat carrier (16) which is mounted to provide movement about at least one pivot (5, 6) in a number of dimensions, and the device has drive means used to supply multidimensional movement pulses (the frequency and amplitude thereof being adjustable) to the seat carrier (16). According to the invention, the seat carrier (16) is supported to be tiltable laterally about its longitudinal axis (2) as well as forwards. The seat carrier (16) can also be swivelled about a pivot (6) forwards and upwards along a circular path, the seat carrier (16) remaining horizontal, and can be rotated about its vertical axis (4).

Description

Descriction Device ror trai ning the back muscles by the transmission of oscillations to a sitting test subject The invention relates to a device with a seat carr--i~r fcr improving the spinal column muscles by training these muscles wiLth oscillations, without exnle-me excursive movements.

A Variety of training apparatus for improving tne funct.ion of the z)inal column muscles are known. On the one hand, these are devices on which the test subject can train his muscle strength by executing more or less fixed movements counter to adjustable means of resistance. On the other hand, devices are known which are cist-inouiSned by an unstable base whbi'c' allows the test subDject to train his balance (Pezzv ball).

TecomDlex link between s;-eci.rJc -r=~~go :certain areas orF the back muscles and the si;multLaneous irnc)rovement- in coordinat i on anrd me tabol ic cond-Liion o F :heaffecte d tssues, muscles, intererera iss tenidon and licament structures, is emcoLoved in the co n7ext- or so -called riding therapy, sucn as is *descri bed, for examr)le, in the article "Neue Asmekte zu r Behandluna des Morbus Scheuer-mann mit H oot-h e r-=ci e" [New Asp)ects of Treatment or- Sch-euerman-;nn' s Disease by Himootherapy] by A. Gottwald e a!l.,-rom Zeitschrift f' r Orthooadie [Journal of Ort-hopaedi cs] 19, (1981), pages 351 at seq., and in S: 30 tebook "Reiten aus der T-Kbroermitte. Pferd und Reiter i I e leichoae wicht I [R i dino from the Centre oc the Body.

Horse and Rider in -au'I -I-brumn byv S. S wit published cv L asn o vraco Zurih S tuttart and Vienna, 'eeorms or tn-eracv mak-e use of h complex tns sson or movement zmou s-2s wnl are transmitted orS e st:o o irerS when rid .o a~ wai ki no :hen eI~i 5:r2 s zned -2 rider. This corresponds to the posture of the spinal column demanded in back classes. The patient thus sits in the- saddle w it h physiological, muscle-stabilized lora"osis cf the lumbar soinal column. The main points of loading when sitting are the ischial bones When r zzj -c at a walking pace, the thr-ee-dimensional oc.4. ,azlg rhythm of -the horse's bc istrasie to t'n Datient ne first component of movement 1:4S the o)elvic movement, induced by the gait of t-he horse, in the frontal direction, with tilting and righting of the pelvis. The lower lumbar spine is in this way forced to constantly Vary the adopted lordosis.

The second comonent of movement is a sliaht 1 xion, dependent on the pace, which always aff:ect-s the resDectiVe I scha C.uberosityL when the lum7Lbar s--ine i s sitL"uated a t the max imum point of its lor-dotic curvature.

Th thi rd componentz of movement i s an upward 20 a downward mo vement or1 the uppoer body along a 7s reuards the three abovementioned comconents movement, it should be noted tha th rider correctly seatLed in the saddle executes components of 5 movement t ilting of the pDelvi's about the transverse axiLs) and 3 (upward and downward movement along the vertic'= axis tilted sliahtly forwards) but stab-ize~s and thus checks the component of movement 2 ('Lateral 1 ~xin of -he pelvis) by reflex -rgtn n ea D r* 0 euibrum reactions of the lumbar rotator muscles. 7t this very stabilizing rea=ction that is used, when raonc at a wal kig pace, -or :te purpose ofI traiLning t_ e deep-lyi- a monoseamentaI r-ozat -rs, w-tnout bUi 41 r4ng 'up a r-c-o Isme- ilsriar to the w o b odv t en s ion a B ter RUNKOW. Aswih z:) 'emoCi__:atIon" by th:-e metnoc or- KLt<7 VOGELBACH moreareno mxm excur-sive movements but only I wer secmaencs o: the mbar s 7,L'na;l column, decisively influence the restoration of the damaged nociceptive function.

EP 0 612 542 Al describes a panel with a seat which are mounted on three uprights and are held movably in a plurality of bearings and hinges. By means of a motor with different crank discs and drive discs, one or more of the legs are periodically moved about three axes in a preferred direction.

However, because of the fixed dimensions, the movements cannot be individually controlled.

DE 39 41 498 Al discloses a riding simulator in the form of an imitation horse body in which the legs of the horse body are driven by a main motor, the difference in the movements being achieved by phase adjustment devices. Here too, the individual components of movement cannot be individually triggered.

The invention is based on the object of making available a device of the type specified at the outset, in which the multidimensional transmission of oscillation impulses provides complex training effects which are similar to those which occur in the various forms of riding therapy, but which go beyond these on account of the fact that the frequency and amplitude of the various components of movement can be freely controlled.

20 In a first aspect, the present invention consists in a device for training 0 back muscles comprising: a seat carrier, the seat carrier being rotatably mounted in at least one Dol pivot point, wherein a relationship between the at least one pivot point and t S the device is such that the seat carrier moves in at least one of a plurality of S 25 dimensions, and drive means which supply multidimensional movement impulses to the device to cause the seat carrier to move in the at least one dimension, the drive means supplying the impulses in such a way that both frequency and amplitude of a component of movement in one dimension are controlled independently of one another and independently of both frequency and amplitude of a component of movement in another dimension.

In one embodiment it can be seen that by alternate loading of the ischial bones of the person sitting on the seat device, these movements trigger a lateral flexion of the spinal column and additionally effect a change in the tilt of the pelvis, so that the stability and function of the spinal column muscles improve. A possible turning effects a rotation along the longitudinal axis of the spinal column. By means of a parabolic movement, the body of the test subject is accelerated below its centre of gravity.

It has proven advantageous if the spatial position [sic] of the pivot points for the movement impulses in different direction are not the same.

An optimum adaptation to different persons can be achieved if the drive means are designed in such a way that the seat carrier can execute movement impulses whose frequency and amplitude are adjustable.

A lateral flexion of the spinal column by alternating right/left loading of the ischial bones of the person sitting on the seat device is triggered if the seat carrier is held so that it can tilt laterally about its longitudinal axis.

9* 9 o* *ooo 4 This movement additionally causes a change in the pelvic tilt of the person sitting on the seat device if the seat carrier is held so that it can tilt forwards.

Controllable rocking movements in the longitudinal direction can be achieved if the seat carrier can be swivelled about a pivot point forwards and upwards along a circular path, in which case the seat carrier remains horizontal.

Rotational impulses on the pelvis and the spinal column can be achieved if the seat carrier can be rotated about its vertical axis.

It has proven expedient for the device to have a seat device in the shape of a riding saddle which can execute tilting movements, adjustable in frequency and amplitude, about its longitudinal axis, so that an additional spreading of the legs takes place.

Rotations about the vertical axis of the seat carrier with a base and an upright for supporting the seat carrier can be executed if the drive means turn the uoright about its vertical axis.

The device can be used daily if it is designed as an office chair, the seating surface of which being provided with drive means.

25 It has proven advantageous if the device has a base on which there is fixed an uoricht which bears a U-shaped fork, if a shaft bent at right angles is mounted rotatably between the ends of the fork, if an intermediate support is fixed rotatably on the angled 30 shaft part, and if the seat carrier is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate sunoort and also mounted so that it can rotate.

According to the invenion, the device can n ave, as the seat ca-rrie, a seat device in the shape of a ridinc saddle. This seat device can execute titing movements, ajustable in frecuency and amplitude, about its longitudinal ais (X-axis) This sea dcevice also executes tiring movements about its transverse axis (Y-axis), the 5 excursion of these movements once again being adjustable in frequency and amplitude. In addition, the seat device executes rocking movements in the longitudinal direction, which movements once again can be modified in frequency and amplitude. Furthermore, the device can execute rotational movements about its vertical axis (Z-axis).

The invention is explained in greater detail hereinbelow with reference to the illustrative embodiments which are represented in the drawing, in which: Figure 1 shows a simplified representation of the seat arrangement, Figures 2 to 7 show sketches representing possible movements of the seat arrangement, and Figure 8 shows a perspective representation of a device according to the invention.

In Ficure 1, the seat device is shown in a simplifid manner as a barrel 1, so that the directions of movement of the orthopaedic device according to the invention can be illustrated more clearv. For S. information purposes, the x-axis 2, the v-axis 3 and the z-axis 4 and two pivot points 5 and 6 have been plotted.

25 The tilting movement is explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The device is shown in a side view. The x-axis 2 and thus the barrel 1 can be tilted forwards and backwards about the lower pivot :c point 30 The device is shown in a front view in Ficures 4 and 5. The y-axis 3 and thus the barrel 1 can be tilted laterally about the upper pivot Doint 6.

The device is once acain shown in a side view 1 igures and 7. A irc r excursion akes place 3 about the upper oivot point 6, as the device is moved n the direction of the x-axis 2, in which case it remains on the horizontal. In this way, the body 1 is given an additional movement in the direction of the zax:is 4.

6 According to the invention, the device can also be turned additionally about the z axis 4.

Figure 8 shows a device for generating a controlled pattern of movement, with a base 10 on which there is fixed an upright 11 which bears a U-shaped fork 12. A shaft 13 bent at right angles is mounted rotatably between the ends of the fork. An intermediate support 15 is mounted on the angled shaft part 14, on which intermediate support 15 a seat carrier 16 is arranged in the longitudinal direction and is also mounted so that it can rotate.

By means of the rotatable attachment of the seat carrier 16 on the intermediate support 15, the latter can be swivelled laterally about the x-axis 2, as was shown with reference to Figures 4 and 5, so that the y-axis 3 and thus the seat carrier 16 is tilted laterally in the direction of the double arrow 17 by drive means.

3y turning the intermediate support 15 on the shaft part 14 by drive means, the x-axis 2 is tilted according to the double arrow 18 and in accordance with Fiures 2 and 3.

The circular excursion of the seat carrier 16, and thus of the device, as described with reference to 25 -igures 6 and 7, is achieved by pivoting the extended lever 19 of the angled shaft 13 in the direction of the double arrow 20. The drive means for swivelling the seat carrier 16 can encage on this lever 19.

Moreover, the fork 12 can be turned about its 30 vertical axis, in the direction of the double arrow 21, by means of drive means arranced in the base 10 or S: ucright 11.

The device shown in Figure 8 is expediently covered with a lining (not shown) which lies tichtly on the seat ca r 16 so tha the movement impulses are transmitted to it. It can be crovided with a seat cevice in the shape of a ridinc saddle A foot holder can be arranged rigidly on the case 10 of the device, which, for example, allows a 7 person sitting on a saddle secured to the seat carrier 16 to place his feet thereon and so additionally achieve a change in the position of flexion of the hips. This foot holder rests in relation to the floor.

However, it can also be suspended in such a way as to move freely.

For all these movements, which effect only a small excursion in the directions illustrated, drive means (not shown) are provided. According to the invention, the movement impulses can be triggered by electric motors, electromagnets, hydraulic devices or the like. They can comprise a steady or impulse-type movement.

The device described above is mounted so as to be freely movable in all directions, namely so that it can til laterally about the X-axis and Y-axis, on a device that can travel in a circle along the X-axis, by means of which the seat carrier 16 and the device supporting it can additionally be moved upwards along the Z-axis, and can be rotated about the Z-axis. All these movements are effected by a drive which can be adjusted in frecuency and amlitude.

Such a device can be used in many ways for terapeutic treatment in medical practices, 25 rehabilitation clinics or the like. Also, chairs and other seating arrangements can be ecuiDoed with it so Sfor exaple, when doing writing work, while sitting on an office chair ecuiDped accordinc to the inventi on, the back muscles can be exercised without 30 interruntina work.

*e* .9 9

Claims (13)

1. Device for training back muscles comprising: a seat carrier, the seat carrier being rotatably mounted in at least one pivot point, wherein a relationship between the at least one pivot point and the device is such that the seat carrier is moveable in at least one of a plurality of dimensions, and drive means which supply multidimensional movement impulses to the device to cause the seat carrier to move in the at least one dimension, the drive means supplying the impulses in such a way that both frequency and amplitude of a component of movement in one dimension are controlled independently of one another and independently of both frequency and amplitude of a component of movement in another dimension.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a spatial position of the pivot points of the seat carrier for movement impulses in different directions are not the same.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive means are designed in such a way that the seat carrier executes movement impulses, the frequency and amplitude of each of which are adjustable.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Characterized in that the S 20 seat carrier is held so that it is tiltable laterally about its longitudinal axis.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the seat carrier is held so that it is tiltable forwards.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the seat carrier is swivelled about a pivot point forwards and upwards along a 25 circular path, in which case the seat carrier remains horizontal.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the seat carrier is rotatable about its vertical axis.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the seat carrier is a seat device in the shape of a riding saddle. 30

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the seat device in the shape of a riding saddle executes tilting movements, adjustable in frequency and amplitude, about its longitudinal axis.

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, with a base and an upright for supporting the seat carrier, characterized in that the drive means turn the upright about its vertical axis. 9

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device is an office chair, the seating surface of which is provided with drive means.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it has a base on which there is fixed an upright which bears a U-shaped fork, in that a shaft bent at right angles is mounted rotatably between the ends of the fork, in that an intermediate support is fixed rotatably on the angled shaft part, and in that the seat carrier is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate support and is also mounted so that it is rotatable.

13. Device for training back muscles substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 24th day of January 2000. CHRISTOPH ANN and DIRK ROTHHAUPT Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: FBRICE CO 0 .9 Pee o