DE102007060316B4 - Device for the targeted training of individual foot or hand muscles - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for the targeted training of individual foot or hand muscles, comprising a base plate (1) and two lifting devices (3, 4) which can be pivoted against a force about an axis (2) and each have a contact pad (5), characterized in that the contact pad ( 5) is guided displaceably with the training movement in the longitudinal direction of the lifting device (3, 4) on or in the lifting device (3, 4) and the contact pad (5) forms a sliding carriage or by means of a sliding carriage on or in the lifting device (3, 4) ) is slidably guided and the lifting device (3, 4) consists of a frame,

Description

The invention relates to a device for the targeted training individual pecuniary or hand muscles according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the DE 201 03 657 U1 A device for the targeted training of foot muscles is already known, which has a base plate and a counter to a force pivotable about an axis lifting device, said lifting device must be raised by means of the feet. The lifting device consists in the known device of an elastically extensible tension element, which may be, for example, a rubber band. However, such elastic pulling devices such as rubber bands have during training the disadvantage that the force at the beginning of an exercise is low and increases with increasing stroke. However, the performance of the muscle to be trained diametrically opposed, the muscle is in its initial phase of the movement able to apply a greater force, while in the course of the movement, the available effort decreases. For the reason mentioned is the from the DE 201 03 657 U1 known solution for the targeted training of foot muscles only limited use.

Another solution is from the JP 01270880 A known. The disclosed in the document device for the targeted training of individual foot muscles also has a base plate and a counter to a force about an axis pivotable lifting device with a contact pad. The lifting device consists of a pivotable about an axis lever arm, which can be pivoted against the force of a spring now this axis. For this purpose, the foot is inserted into the lifting device, so that it rests with the clamping on the contact pad. During exercise, the force is transmitted via the instep of the foot on the contact pad and thus on the vine. The known device can be adapted to the length of the foot. For this purpose, a guide rail, which is part of the lifting device and is fixed in a set position.

A disadvantage is the fact that the contact pad is rigidly attached to the lifting device. This creates during lifting and lowering of the lifting device and the associated relative movement between the clamping and contact pad friction, the user will at least feel painful and uncomfortable and in extreme cases even damage to the skin and / or muscles in the instep area of the foot after can pull.

In this solution, moreover, there is also the problem that must be trained against the force of a spring, so that the effort applied by the foot muscles initially low and increases with increasing stroke, while the performance of the muscles to be trained behaves in the opposite way.

The US 4 572 505 A discloses an exercise device for training the dorsiflexion in still healthy runners. With this device, both feet can be inserted into a frame and be supported with the paragraphs on two oblique L-shaped shelves, which is deflected when the feet against a force against a pivotable lifting device.

The DE 101 19 464 A1 discloses a strength training device in which the exerciser sits on a seat and raises a training weight by a rotational movement of the legs about the knee joint. To transmit the movement of a load arm which is rotatably mounted on the frame of the weight training device, is loaded with weights and has a leg roll, which is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the load arm.

The EP 1 576 988 A1 discloses a exercise machine comprising a frame adapted to support the machine with respect to a support surface, at least one arm connected to the frame and having at least one actuator for the end of a limb of a user at a distal end Actuator is adapted to describe a curved trajectory during the movement of the arm, and a device for applying a resistance force to the arm.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for the targeted training of individual foot or hand muscles, which has a simple structure and is flexible. In addition, the application should be comfortable, painless and the specific requirements of a specific muscular training accordingly possible, so that the force required for the movement of the device is analogous to the performance of the muscle to be trained.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device for the targeted training of individual foot or hand muscles with a Base plate and a counter to a force pivotable about an axis lifting device with a contact pad, according to the invention further developed such that the contact pad with the exercise movement in the longitudinal direction of the lifting device on or in the lifting device is guided.

Of importance for the execution of the present device is, first of all, that the lifting device of course not only allows lifting, but is actually to be understood as a lifting-lowering device, so that the foot or hand muscles can be trained, for lowering the said Limbs are responsible. In that regard, the term "lifting device" chosen here is not to be interpreted in the narrower sense of the term.

The various uses of a device according to the invention allows their use, for example, in physiotherapy, in the spa, in rehabilitation centers, in retirement and nursing homes, gyms, hospitals or neurological or orthopedic practices. In addition, a use in the private sector is feasible. The device according to the invention for targeted training of individual hand and foot muscles impresses in particular by their simple structure. It offers the possibility to perform training of individual muscle groups or muscles with a strength wall corresponding to the capacity of these muscles. The effort is in contrast to known designs both when lifting, holding, as well as during lowering of the lifting device constant. The device according to the invention enables a daily training and thus the neuromuscular stimulation in a straightforward way. It can also be used while sitting or standing.

With the device according to the invention can not train for specific individual foot or hand muscles. It is also possible to perform physiotherapy treatments. Thus, for example, a Fußheberschwäche, as it can occur due to nerve damage or nerve diseases treated. Likewise, application areas are conceivable which relate to the treatment of muscle weakness, thrombosis prophylaxis and the general mobilization of the muscles and joints. With a targeted training, for example, an improvement of the gait, a treatment of Fußgewölberänranungen, such as lowering, spread, or flat feet and a fight against oil dews on the feet and / or lower legs can be achieved. In addition, the device according to the invention can also be used as a therapy device for the training of the wrist musculature, whereby in each case both an extension movement and an flexion movement can be trained.

A first embodiment of the invention is that the lifting device consists of a frame.

A more stable construction forms a lifting device, which consists of a frame, which in the context of the invention as a frame and a not completely closed, so for example U-shaped executed frame is to be understood.

The particular inventive advantage of the mobility of the contact pad in the longitudinal direction of the lifting device is improved in that the contact pad forms a slide, or is slidably guided by means of a slide on or in the lifting device. Such sliding allows a virtually smooth guidance of the contact pad in or on the lifting device. Thus, the contact pad is in the training movement of the limb, so that a largely movement and thus frictionless contact between the hand or the foot and the contact pad is given and consequently no painful relative movements between the contact pad and the hand or the foot arise.

Another embodiment of this solution consists in that the contact pad is displaceably guided by means of at least one ball bearing rail on or in the lifting device. The guidance of the contact pad via ball bearing rails offers a virtually smooth mobility of this Kontkatpolsters, so that the previously mentioned advantage can also be achieved with such a solution.

In order to train the muscles of the hand or foot, is provided according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lifting device with a the insertion of the limb to be trained enabling distance to the base plate to fix on the base plate. This distance can be made adjustable. Preferably, however, this distance can be achieved by at least one stand, which forms a very simple embodiment of the required distance.

On the side of the St on the opposite side, the lifting device should furthermore have at least one support foot. Such a support foot prevents the lowering of the lifting device to the base plate, so that there is still a sufficient distance to the introduction of the limb to be trained given. In addition, a support leg has the advantage that the weight does not last permanently on the limb to be trained (the foot or the hand) during the therapy breaks.

A very advantageous development of the invention compared to known solutions can also be seen in the fact that the lifting device has a holder for weights. The use of weights for training the foot or hand musculature has the advantage over springs or rubber bands that, in cooperation with the lifting device, there is a course of the body adapted to the performance of the musculature to be trained. That is, the effort required to be applied by the limb being trained is higher at the beginning of the exercise movement and decreases as the working stroke increases. This also corresponds to the performance of a muscle, so that with the device according to the invention an optimal treatment result can be achieved.

The weights can be designed according to a very simple embodiment as a commercial weight plates. These are available in almost all weight classes, so that not only optimal control of the training success is given, but by the exchange of weights, the device can be handled very flexible overall. Thus, their use is possible, for example, in physiotherapy practices for different patients, without a costly conversion is required.

A very important aspect when carrying out the training by means of a device according to the invention is that the safety of the exercising person is to be ensured in order to avoid health impairments. For this purpose, it is proposed that the weights or weight plates are secured releasably secured by spring lock on the holder. These spring retainers are commercially available elements and allow a quick and easy change of the weights located on the holder.

A device according to the invention presented here can be used both for the training of individual foot or hand muscles, as well as for the simultaneous training of multiple limbs. Accordingly, the device has two lifting devices. When using two lifting devices, for example, both feet can be trained simultaneously. By placing different weights on the lifting devices, the left and right feet are separately treatable according to their performance. The training of multiple limbs can be done in a single therapy session, so that no additional appointments are required for the patient and ultimately also reduces the cost of treatment altogether. The training is therefore very effective in a device according to the invention equipped with two lifting devices.

The device may according to an embodiment of the invention comprise at least one support which is pivotable between a therapy position and a rest position about an axis or slidably along a guide. With this edition targeted muscle groups such as the forefoot or big toe muscles can be trained. For this purpose, the support is preferably arranged around the front, ie the tip of the foot, near the region of the device according to the invention. The rest forms so to speak an abutment, for example, separately to exercise the big toe or Zehenheberschwäche. So there is the possibility to train also a further movement up to the Dorsalextension, so the lifting of the foot. This additional support can be fixed in position when not in use. For this purpose, offer very simple solutions, such as the attachment by means of a thumbscrew. If required, this can also be released very easily, so that the support can be pivoted about its axis into the therapy position. When training the foot of the forefoot is placed on the support, so that the toes have a free movement in the vertical direction, ie in the direction of the base plate. The toes can be lowered and lifted in this way, leaving the bale on the support.

For ergonomically favorable arrangement of the limbs, which are to train with the device according to the invention, it is advantageous if a base is present on the base plate. This pedestal represents an elevation in the area where the heel of the foot or forearm is to be placed.

In order to use the device according to the invention for mobile physiotherapy, it is particularly advantageous if their simple structure is used to run the device as a whole, as a mobile, so portable device. For this purpose, the device according to a further embodiment of the invention may comprise at least one transport handle.

To improve the handling and training, it is also proposed that the device has anti-slip pads on the places provided for the attachment or support of the limbs. Preferably, these are anti-slip, which can also be disinfected or cleaned to meet the hygienic requirements when using the device for different people.

A further simplification of training with a device according to the invention can be seen in the fact that the device is accurate to the position Positioning of the limbs to be trained has markings on the base plate and / or the base. Thus, the limbs can be placed in exactly the correct training position, These markers can be provided according to different sizes of the feet and / or hands at different locations of the base plate and / or the base.

For successful training, it is crucial to document the results comprehensibly. For this purpose, an advantageous solution is that a scale or measuring device for determining the height of the lifting movement is provided on the device. Thus, for each patient individually a movement can be measured, which is performed with the foot to be trained or the hand to be trained. As a result, improvements that have been achieved as a result of training are also recognizable, thus increasing the motivation of the user.

In addition, it may be useful to provide a counter for determining the completed strokes on the device according to the invention. This counter also serves to track the already achieved training effect and thus offers optimal comparison values.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the counter can be designed as an electronic counter. This is advantageously connected to an electronic storage unit, so for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a computer for storing and evaluating patient-specific data. By using an electronic counter, which can also form a combination with an electronic scale or measuring device, an individual training success is traceable for each patient. The values can be stored and graphically illustrated, for example, which increases the motivation of the user or patient and greatly facilitates the evaluation for the therapist.

It is also helpful for training with the device according to the invention if the device has a measuring device for detecting the training time and / or a device for specifying the clock speed. In the simplest case, this can be a clock or a short-term alarm clock so that the training and pause phases can be precisely set and checked.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown are not limiting to the illustrated variants, but are merely illustrative of the principle of the invention. The same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals. In order to be able to illustrate the mode of operation according to the invention, only greatly simplified schematic representations are shown in the figures, in which the components which are not essential to the invention have been dispensed with. However, this does not mean that such components are not present in a solution according to the invention.

It shows:

1 FIG. 2: a perspective view of a device according to the invention with two lifting devices, FIG.

2 FIG. 4: a top view of a device according to the invention with only one lifting device, FIG.

3 : the view in the direction of the arrow III 2 to a device according to the invention.

The in the 1 shown in a spatial view and with two lifting devices 3 and 4 equipped, inventive device for the targeted training of individual foot or hand muscles has a base plate 1 on the lifting equipment 3 and 4 are about a common axis 2 swiveling on the base plate 1 stored. In the simplest case, each of the lifting devices 3 . 4 only from a lever arm 6 consist.

When in the 1 embodiment shown have the lifting devices 3 . 4 each frame on this frame is provided by a lever arm 6 and a second lever arm extending parallel thereto 22 passing through a connection plate 23 interconnected, are, formed, so that each lifting device 3 . 4 consists of an approximately U-shaped, one-sided open frame. On the connection plate 23 is each a holder 13 present, the weights 14 can record. The weights 14 are present weight plates, as they are commercially available. The weight plates or weights 14 be on the bracket 13 by means of a spring arrester 15 fixed. The spring lock 15 allows a releasable locking of the weights 14 ,

The example of the lifting device 3 will be explained in more detail below, the further structure of the device according to the invention. The lifting device 3 has, as already stated, but a frame, ordered from the lever arms 6 and 22 , as well as the connection plate 21 Below the connection plate 23 takes this creaming a contact pad 5 on the contact pad 5 used in training the limbs of the plant of the same and can be provided with a corresponding pad for comfort improvement.

The contact pad 5 is below the connection plate 23 in the longitudinal direction of the lever arms 6 and 22 and thus in the longitudinal direction of the lifting device 3 slidably guided. For guiding serve in the present ball bearing rails 7 and 8th , each below the lever arms 6 and 22 available. Thus, in the lifting movement and when lowering the limb to be trained, the contact pad 5 the movement of the lifting device 3 understand and there is no unpleasant or painful relative movements between the contact pad 5 and the limb to be trained. This represents an essential advantage according to the invention. In order to insert the limb under the lifting device 3 to enable this is on stands 9 and 10 mounted, leaving a height distance to the base plate 1 given is. On the base plate 1 is in the area of the stand 9 and 10 also a pedestal 20 available. This pedestal 20 serves a comfortable, ergonomic support of the limb to be trained. On the support feet 9 and 10 opposite side has the lifting device 3 each support feet 11 and 12 on, which is a complete lowering of the lifting device 3 down to the base plate 1 avoid. Thus, the lifting device takes 3 at any time a height position, which facilitates the introduction of the limbs to be trained. In the 1 are in the front part of the picture on the base plate 1 , two editions 16 and 17 shown in a rest position. These requirements 16 and 17 are each about an axis 18 respectively 19 pivotable. Thus, the requirements 16 and 17 around the axes 18 and 19 From the rest position shown here in a therapeutic position, which in this case means a pivoting by 90 ° to the position shown realize. By means of these requirements 16 and 17 are specifically trained special muscle groups trainable. Mostly, these requirements 16 and 17 be provided for training the toe muscles. At the base plate 1 is also a transport handle 21 present, by means of which the entire device can be transported. Next to the illustrated single transport handle 21 Of course, several transport handles to facilitate transportability can be present.

In the 2 is a top view of a lifting device according to the invention 3 shown. This is once again in connection with the 1 already described structure in another view recognizable. The lever arms 6 and 22 are about an axis 2 swiveling on the uprights 9 and 10 attached. The stands are in turn on a pedestal 20 fixed, taking the clearance height of the stand 9 . 10 a distance to the base plate 1 represents, so that the limbs to be trained under the contact pad 5 the lifting device 3 can be performed without that for this purpose of lifting the lifting device 3 requirement. The contact pad 5 serves the plant of the limbs and is movable in the direction of arrow A within the lever arms 6 and 22 the lifting device 3 guided. To guide the ball bearing rails already described serve 7 and 8th which in the 2 are shown by dashed lines only hinted. In the front part of the lever arms 6 and 22 have this a connection plate 23 on, so that it is formed in a broader sense U-shaped frame. On the connection plate 23 is also a holder 13 present, can be placed on the not shown here weights in the form of weight plates.

In the 3 the view is in the direction of arrow III 2 shown. This side view of a lifting device according to the invention 3 shows once more clearly the connection of the stand 9 with the lever arm 22 , For this purpose, the lever arms 22 via a hinge joint with the stand 9 connected. The hinge joint thus forms the axis 2 to the lever arm 22 is pivotable. In the front part of the lever arm 22 is the connection plate 23 with the bracket thereon 13 in the 3 shown without applied weights. Below the connecting plate has the lever arm 22 via a support foot 12 , The transport handle 21 at the base plate 1 serves the transport facilitation of the device according to the invention. In the back part is below the stand 9 the base 20 for an ergonomically optimal recording of the foot to be trained or an optimal edition of the hand to be trained below the lifting device 3 ,

In some examples, the targeted training of individual muscles of the foot muscles with a device according to the invention will be explained below. Before using the device according to the invention, the calf muscles should always be stretched. A well-stretched calf muscle causes a better contraction of the tibial musculature and allows a greater range of motion in the dorsal extension. A neurogenically damaged, flaccid musculature must not be stretched. If there is no good paralysis and no pain in the nerves, the ankle musculature can be stretched and then better contracted.

To stretch the tibial musculature, the leg is stretched slightly and the foot placed in equinus position, allowing the weight 14 is lifted slightly and prints the foot down. Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) can be achieved by the foot lifting the weight slightly, holding it for about 10 seconds and then lowering the weight again to be brought into the equinus position for stretching (about 30-60 seconds.). Stretching pain becomes more pronounced in neurogenic nerve pain, whereas muscular strain pain diminishes the longer the stretch is maintained at the same foot position.

For the treatment of the Fußhebermuskeln the foot with the heel is centered in the height of the axis 2 on the pedestal 20 placed the device. He is then between the stands 9 and 10 , The forefoot or toes are under the contact pad 5 confesses, so that the weight of the therapy can be raised, held and lowered.

Notes on exercises:

• 1. In advance, a determination of the maximum force should be made, that is, an examination of how much weight the toe muscle can lift in the side comparison left to right foot.
• 2. For general training should be trained with two-thirds of the maximum possible weight. That's the training weight.
• 3. Ausdatentraining should be done with little weight by deliberate change between "lifting" and "hold" or "sinks". A constant, flowing movement should be possible. Thus, a muscle strengthening and improving blood circulation promotion can be achieved.
• 4. Practicing is done, for example, with short, fast strokes in the middle position of the foot.
• 5. For isometric strengthening, the foot is raised with maximum possible weight for about 10 seconds then lowered deliberately. This is followed by at least 20 seconds rest or relaxation before the next exercise. Here, several repetitions should follow each other.

For therapy of the big toe muscles, the toes to be trained are placed under the contact pad 5 posed. The heel is centered on the pedestal 20 on. Subsequently, the toes are raised, so that the first movement only affects the toe (s). As a result, the foot can be lifted with. With the device according to the invention a light, comfortable training in side comparison (right to left foot and vice versa) is possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

baseplate

2

axis

3

lifter

4

lifter

5

contact pad

8th

lever arm

7

Ball bearing rail

8th

Ball bearing rail

9

stand

10

stand

11

Support foot

12

Support foot

13

bracket

14

Weight

15

Spring lock

16

edition

17

edition

18

axis

19

axis

20

base

21

transport handle

22

lever arm

23

connecting plate

Claims (18)

Device for the targeted training of individual foot or hand muscles, comprising a base plate ( 1 ) and two against a force about an axis ( 2 ) pivotable lifting devices ( 3 . 4 ) each with a contact pad ( 5 ), characterized in that the contact pad ( 5 ) with the training movement in the longitudinal direction of the lifting device ( 3 . 4 ) on or in the lifting device ( 3 . 4 ) is guided displaceably and the contact pad ( 5 ) forms a sliding carriage or by means of a sliding carriage on or in the lifting device ( 3 . 4 ) is guided displaceably and the lifting device ( 3 . 4 ) consists of a frame, Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact pad by means of at least one ball bearing rail ( 7 . 8th ) on or in the lifting device ( 3 . 4 ) is guided displaceably. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device ( 3 . 4 ) with a distance enabling the introduction of the limb to be trained to the base plate ( 1 ) on the base plate ( 1 ) is attached. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the distance through at least one stand ( 9 . 10 ) is formed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device ( 3 . 4 ) at least one support foot ( 11 . 12 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device ( 3 . 4 ) a holder ( 13 ) for weights ( 14 ) having. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the weights ( 14 ) Are weight plates. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the weights ( 14 ) or weight plates by spring lock ( 15 ) detachably secured to the holder ( 13 ) are attached. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has at least one support ( 16 . 17 ) between a therapy position and a rest position about an axis ( 18 . 19 ) is pivotable or slidable along a guide. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the base plate ( 1 ) a socket ( 20 ) is available. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is designed overall as a mobile, portable device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one transport handle ( 21 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has anti-slip pads on the places provided for the attachment or support of the limbs. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device for precise positioning of the limbs to be trained markings on the base plate ( 1 ) and / or on the base ( 20 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the device, a scale or a measuring device for determining the fleas of the lifting movement is present. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a counter for determining the completed strokes. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the counter is an electronic counter, which is connected to an electronic storage unit for storing and evaluating patient-specific data. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a measuring device for detecting the training time and / or a device for specifying the clock speed.

Images