EP3380054B1 - Training apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

Device and method for training the upper trunk muscles and / or to relax the spine of a person, with a carriage for receiving the person and with a guideway along which the carriage is guided and movable with the person that on the person at least temporarily one kinetic energy is exerted for the distraction of the trunk or the spine of the person, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention further relates to a method for training the upper trunk musculature and / or relaxing the spine of a person, comprising a traversing carriage for receiving the person and a guideway along which the traversing carriage is guided and moved with the person such that the person kinetic energy is at least temporarily exerted for distraction of the trunk or the spine of the person, according to the preamble of claim 9.

A generic state of the art goes out of the US2014 / 0100503 A1 out. A support bed is provided with a carriage on which a hip area of a person to be treated rests and is tightened. At least the upper body of the person is clamped to the fixed bed support. By means of a tension spring of the carriage can be moved with the hip, with a tensile force is applied to the spine of the person.

A device and a method for exercising the trunk muscles go out of the WO 2014/202222 A1 out. In this known device, a substantially vertically movable carriage is movably mounted along a vertical linear guide. On the carriage a seat for the person to be treated is provided, which are also supported on armrests can. In a reversing up and down of the person the seat is moved down at certain times, with a particularly good effect of the distraction of the spine of the person to be treated can be achieved. This distraction has relaxing and overall very positive effects on the back muscles as well as the spine and the intervertebral discs. The support of the person on armrests in combination with higher heights, which can be achieved with longer travel distances, however, can be perceived as unencumbering in some patients become. This can lead to convulsions in persons to be treated, which counteract a desired distraction of the spine.

Another device for relieving the spine is from the US 4,895,328 known. In this device, the person to be treated is placed in a lifting frame with armrest. The lifting frame can be pulled upwards by means of a cable, the person being supported on the armrest via the forearms. The spine is relieved and pulled apart by its own weight. Also in this known device thus an active support of the person to be treated over armrests is necessary.

A support over armrests is for certain groups of people, such as weakened or injured arm or trunk muscles, only partially or not at all suitable.

The invention has for its object to provide a device and a method with which a training of the upper trunk muscles or a relaxation of the spine are made particularly gentle and efficient.

The object is achieved according to the invention on the one hand by a device having the features of claim 1 and on the other hand with a method having the feature of claim 8. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that the carriage is formed with a support for horizontal recording of the person in a substantially horizontal position, that the support is provided with a fixing device for fixing the hips, legs and / or feet of the person and that for horizontal movement of the carriage with the person lying the guideway is horizontal.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the person is accommodated on the carriage on a support in a substantially horizontal position, that the hip, legs and / or feet of the person are fixed on the support with a fixing device and that the carriage is moved substantially horizontally with the person lying along a guideway.

A basic idea of the invention is to depart from an armrest of a person to be treated and to arrange the person to be treated lying overall in a substantially horizontal position. A recumbent position is usually considered to be particularly relaxing and can be easily taken by weaker, older or injured people on the arms or torso.

Another aspect of the invention consists in providing the person's fixation on the carriage in the area of the hip (pelvis), legs or feet. In the case of a corresponding horizontal method of the person, the effect of the mass inertia can be utilized to a specific distraction of the trunk or the spine during certain acceleration or deceleration processes. A fixation in the pelvic and hip area or on the thighs is favorable because there the joints and ligaments are particularly strong.

A particular advantage of the invention is that dss not only a tensile force on the spine below the clavicle, but at the same time a tensile force is exerted on the cervical spine, and thus in a movement, so to speak, different forces in inverse proportion to the normal pressure load of all individual vertebrae as a tensile load is exercised. So relatively small forces are exerted on the cervical spine, since only the head acts as a sluggish mass, while at lower vertebrae, the additional mass of the upper body segments serves as a traction and thus is correspondingly higher. The lumbar vertebrae experience the greatest tensile load, as the entire torso and head act on these vertebrae as a pulling force.

According to the strength of the braking force or length of the braking ramp, in principle, any conceivable force can be exerted on the spine and its muscles. However, this force is limited by suitable measures to a maximum extent.

Further, since the person in the treatment position himself does not need to apply force, such as would be required when supporting his arms, The person to be treated can relax very well. This has a positive effect on the desired distraction of the trunk, the back muscles or the spine. Overall, a particularly good training of the upper trunk muscles or a particularly good relaxation of the spine can be achieved in a large group of people.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is that the guideway is linear or annular. In the case of a linear guide track, in particular, a reversing movement of the traveling carriage is provided. The lying person is aligned with its longitudinal direction in the direction of travel. Alternatively, an annular guideway may be provided, wherein a continuous movement of the carriage is given in a traversing or rotational direction. In an annular arrangement, which is preferably formed annular or oval-shaped, the carriage is directed with the person lying in the longitudinal direction of the person radially outward. In particular, in the case of an oval ring shape, due to the changing radius of curvature, different centrifugal forces can be exerted on the trunk musculature or the spinal column of the person lying and pointing radially outward. For closed circular guideways uniform (circular ring shape) or up-and-down distraction forces (oval ring shape) can be set over a longer period of time.

According to a development of the device according to the invention, it is advantageous that the support has a lying surface for the trunk of the person, wherein the lying surface is designed to allow a relative movement of the trunk relative to the fixing device. The relative movement can be a relatively small value of preferably a few centimeters, in particular 1 to 5 cm. This can be achieved for example by friction-reducing elements, such as rollers, balls or a sliding surface on the bed or in the direction of travel pivotable knobs, flaps, bars or other adjustable support elements. In principle, it is also possible for the lying surface on which the person's torso rests to be axially movable in the direction of travel relative to the rest of the support element. This can be achieved for example by a corresponding linear guide between a base of the support and the bed.

A particularly convenient use of the device according to the invention is achieved in that the support for receiving the person is at least partially pivotable in a superscript receiving position. For this purpose, the carriage can be moved into the receiving position and at least parts thereof are pivoted so that a seat or chair-like receiving position is reached. From this receiving position, the support with the recorded person can then be gently pivoted into the lying treatment position.

A further improvement is achieved according to an embodiment of the invention in that on the support a support, which preferably has a prism shape, is provided, which is designed to support the legs in an upwardly angled position. A lying position with bent legs also relaxes the upper body. In the region of the support, which may be a cushioning element, the fixing device may be attached.

A further improvement of the handling is achieved according to a development of the invention in that handles are preferably mounted in the region of the support. The handles can be essentially two pin-or bolt-like handles, which extend transversely to the direction of travel on both sides of the carriage away. About an adjusting device, the handles can be adjusted in an ergonomically favorable position for the patient. The handles are arranged so that the arms are substantially in a horizontal position. The position of the arms can be assisted by an armrest surface, this shelf essentially receiving only the weight of the arms.

A particularly expedient operation is achieved according to an embodiment of the invention in that a control and / or switching device is arranged on at least one of the handles. The regulating and / or switching device can in particular be designed such that a speed, an acceleration or switching points can be set by the patient himself. The control and / or switching device may also include an emergency stop switch. The patient can thus at any time end the treatment and the operation of the device.

For the drive of the carriage, basically any suitable motor can be provided, such as an electric, magnetic, hydraulic or pneumatic drive. The drive can be provided on the carriage for forming a direct drive or on the guideway, with a power transmission takes place approximately by means of a pull rope on the carriage. Preferably, a speed between 1 to 10 m / s, preferably between 3 to 3 m / s is achieved.

According to the invention, it is advantageous that, in the case of a linear guide track, a drive is provided for the reversing method of the traveling carriage with a defined speed profile. Control is used to control the drive so that a strong positive or negative acceleration is always applied to the person lying down to produce desired relatively large forces for distraction of the trunk musculature or the spine. In the opposite direction, only a gentle positive or negative acceleration is provided, so that hardly noticeable compression forces on the trunk muscles or on the spine arise.

The method according to the invention is further characterized in that, in the case of a linear guideway, the traversing carriage is first gently accelerated by the person lying in the traversing direction and then braked strongly, with distraction of the trunk and / or the spinal column, and subsequently on the way back the carriage is strongly accelerated with the person lying down and then gently braked, with the acceleration of a distraction of the trunk and / or the spine takes place. In this embodiment, the person is head first on the way in the direction of travel. It is preferably provided that two thirds of the travel path are provided for a smooth positive or negative acceleration, while about one third of the travel path is provided for a strong acceleration or deceleration.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische verkleinerte Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung von Fig. 1 in einer Aufnahmeposition und

Fig. 3

eine stark schematisierte Draufsicht auf eine zweite Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

The invention will be further described by means of preferred embodiments, which are shown schematically in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic reduced side view of the device of Fig. 1 in a recording position and

Fig. 3

a highly schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the invention.

A device 10 for exercising the upper trunk musculature and / or for relaxing the spine is shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown. On a block-like base frame 12, a linear guide track 14 is arranged, which has a length of several meters. Along the top of the guideway 14, a carriage 20 is mounted linearly movable.

The carriage 20 has a plate-shaped support 22, which is a padded lying surface 24 for lying, so horizontal receiving a person is formed. The carriage 20 has an example of a length of about 1.5 m and a width of about 80 cm. Other dimensions are readily possible. The lying surface 24 is provided with transversely extending cushion webs 26, which allow a certain displacement in the axial direction of travel of the body of the person lying on.

The carriage 20 has at its lower foot a prism-shaped support 30 which is formed for angled or squatting receiving the legs of the person lying on. In this arrangement, the support 30 causes the knees of the person lying upwards, are directed away from the carriage 20. About a fixing device 32, which in Fig. 2 is shown, the legs of the person lying on the thigh area can be fixed to the support 30. Thus, the lower body portion of the person lying on the carriage 20 is fixed, while resting on the lying surface 24 body portion of the person due to the deflectable cushion webs 26 to a certain extent, which does not exceed a few centimeters, is slidably mounted in the direction of travel. By means of a drive 16, the carriage 20 can be reversibly driven and traversed with defined accelerations along the guideway 14 become. The carriage 20 can be moved via an unillustrated pull rope, chain, toothed belt or spindle gear on the side mounted drive 16. The drive 16 can be operated electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or magnetically.

The control of the drive 16 can be controlled by a separate control panel, not shown. Furthermore, two laterally projecting handles 36 are arranged on the support 30 on the carriage 20. The handles 36 can be grasped by the person lying, wherein on the handles 36 a control and / or switching device, not shown, in particular also an emergency stop switch, is arranged for controlling the drive 16.

How out Fig. 2 can be seen, the carriage 20 can be moved in a lateral end or receiving position. In this receiving position, the support 22 of the carriage 20 can be pivoted at least partially via a hinged joint 23 in an approximately vertical position, wherein a base member 21 of the carriage 20 remains in the guideway 14. Pad 22 and base member 21 can be releasably connected to each other via a locking device 27. In the illustrated receiving position, the person to be treated can easily climb or leave the carriage 20 in a sitting position. After the person is fixed with the fixing device 32 in the region of the legs on the carriage 20, the support 22 is swung back into the horizontal operating position.

On the way out, a gentle acceleration of the carriage 20 with the person lying on it first takes place at a speed which may be, for example, 4 m / s. Other speed values are possible depending on the dimensioning of the device. After about 2/3 or 3/4 of the travel path of the carriage 20 is strongly braked with the person, with the body area of lying on the bed surface 24 person due to the inertia relative to the carriage 20 moves in the direction of travel, while the leg of the person on the Support 30 is still firmly attached. The displacement of the trunk area of the person is supported by the transversely extending cushion webs 26 of the lying surface 24. In this way, the trunk area with the trunk muscles and the spine undergoes a distraction, ie a pulling apart in the direction of travel. This relieves the musculature and the intervertebral discs, which is perceived as particularly relaxing and restful.

The carriage 20 is completely decelerated before or when reaching an upper end point. Then there is a return path with a strong acceleration to about the first third of the way back. Again, a distraction effect on the torso of the person lying on top is achieved. Then there is a gentle gentle braking of the carriage 20 until the starting or starting position at the other end of the guideway 14 is reached again. Then a new travel cycle can begin.

In this reversing method of the carriage 20, a swelling distraction is exerted on the trunk muscles of the person lying on top. This relaxes and relieves the core muscles as well as the spine with the intervertebral discs. The increasing and decreasing discharge also leads to a very good fluid supply to the intervertebral discs by a certain pumping effect.

The device 10 according to the invention can be used both as a training device for exercising and relaxing the core muscles, in particular the back muscles, as well as for the relief and treatment of the spine and the intervertebral discs. A use in sports or fitness studios, with physiotherapists, physiotherapists or sports medicine or general medical use are possible.

According to Fig. 3 is a further embodiment of the invention shown schematically, in which the guide track 14 is formed annularly. The only schematically shown carriage 20 is designed so that the person lying rests with the head directed radially outward. The leg portion is fixed to the radially inner end of the carriage 20. By this annular device 10, a uniform and long-lasting extension of the trunk muscles and / or the spine can be achieved.

Claims (9)

1. Device for training the muscles of the upper torso and/or for relaxing the spinal column of a person, with a displacement carriage (20) for receiving the person and with a horizontal guide track (14), along which the displacement carriage (20) is guided and movable such that kinetic energy can be exerted at least temporarily onto the person for distraction of the torso or spinal column of the person,
   wherein the displacement carriage (20) is designed with a pad (22) for receiving the person reclining in a substantially horizontal position, and
   the pad (22) is provided with a fixing means (32) for fixing the hips, legs and/or feet of the person
   characterized in that
   the displacement carriage (20) is designed for receiving the reclining person as a whole, and
   in that in the linear guide track (14) a drive (16) for reversing displacement of the displacement carriage (20) with a defined speed progression is provided,
   wherein in the linear guide track (14), on a forward path the displacement carriage (20) with the person reclining in the displacement direction is initially accelerated gently and then braked strongly, wherein a distraction of the torso and/or the spinal column takes place, and
   wherein subsequently, on the return path the displacement carriage (20) with the reclining person is accelerated strongly and then braked gently, wherein during the acceleration a distraction of the torso and/or the spinal column takes place.
2. Device according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the guide track (14) is of linear or ring-shaped design.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the pad (22) has a reclining surface (24) for the torso of the person, wherein the reclining surface (24) is designed to enable a relative movement of the torso with respect to the fixing means (32).
4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   to receive the person the pad (22) can be pivoted at least partially into an upright receiving position.
5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that
   on the pad (22) a support (30) is provided which preferably has a prismatic shape and is designed for supporting the legs in an upward-bent position.
6. Device according to claim 5,
   characterized in that
   hand grips (36) are preferably attached in the region of the support (30).
7. Device according to claim 6,
   characterized in that
   on at least one of the hand grips (36) a regulating and/or switching means is arranged.
8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that
   in the case of a linear guide track (14) a drive (16) for reversing displacement of the displacement carriage (20) with a defined speed progression is provided.
9. Method for training the muscles of the upper torso and/or for relaxing the spinal column of a person, with a displacement carriage (20) for receiving the person and with a guide track (14), along which the displacement carriage (20) with the person is guided and moved preferably by means of a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
   characterized in that
   the person is received as a whole on the displacement carriage (20) by reclining on a pad (22) in a substantially horizontal position,
   in that hips, legs and/or feet of the person are fixed on the pad (22) with a fixing means (32)
   in that the displacement carriage (20) with the reclining person is displaced along a guide track (14) in a substantially horizontal manner,
   in that in the case of a linear guide track (14), on a forward path the displacement carriage (20) with the person reclining in the displacement direction is initially accelerated gently and then braked strongly, wherein a distraction of the torso and/or the spinal column takes place, and
   in that subsequently, on the return path the displacement carriage (20) with the reclining person is accelerated strongly and then braked gently, wherein during the acceleration a distraction of the torso and/or the spinal column takes place.

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