FR2833848A1 - MUSCLE STRETCHING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

The muscle stretching apparatus (1) comprises a fixed frame (3), supports (9a,9b) for the lower members of the user and a portico structure (7) pivoted on the frame. The supports are pivoted relative to the portico by means of first and second pivots (19a,19b) perpendicular to the portico pivoting direction. The portico is pivoted to the frame around third and fourth pivots (23a,23b) and has a central bar (17a,17b) which carries the first and second pivots.

Description

finger protection.

  The invention relates to a muscular stretching apparatus comprising: - a frame comprising a base plate for supporting at least a portion of the body of a user, the frame having two opposite lateral arms, support means extending in a main direction, for the support of the members of the user and can be arranged angularly relative to the frame, - a structure pivotally mounted relative to said frame, around 0 a general direction substantially perpendicular to said edges

side of the board.

  Such an apparatus could be used for stretching the upper body of the user. n could be a frame with a tray covered with a layer of foam on which the user could dress (for example, straddling) or place, for example, his back. The structure pivotally mounted relative to the frame could receive support elements

for the members of the user.

  Such an apparatus used for stretching the lower limbs of a user is described in US-A-5,374,230 or his French correspondent

FR-B-2 687 919.

  However, problems remain in connection with the ergonomics of the device and how to appreciate the efficiency of the device when it is used. It is indeed important that the user, his trainer, can

  appreciate the effectiveness of the work done and be sure of the quality of this work.

  To meet these requirements, it is recommended, in accordance with the invention, that: the support means comprise at least: a support element covered with a compressible layer, A and a support arm, elongated along said direction; main, the support member being mechanically connected to the frame via said support arm, and at least one muscle sensor connected to said support member and arranged to measure the effort developed by at least one of the muscles of the user, by pressing at least one of its members against the support member (s), while the arm (s) is (are) retained in a relative angular position determining relative to the frame, by retaining means.

  Different types of muscles are often stretched.

  In order to meet this requirement in the best conditions, it is then recommended that the support means of the apparatus further comprise: transverse support elements, respectively projecting on a lateral edge, or two opposite lateral edges of each support member, said transverse support members being mechanically connected to at least one of the support members and the arms, and at least one other muscular sensor connected to the at least one of the transverse support elements and arranged to measure a distance or lateral approach stress, such as a force developed by two complementary muscles such as the adductor and / or abductor muscles of the user, by support of (at least one of) its members

  against said transverse support elements.

  It was also noted, in connection with the ergonomics of the apparatus, that problems could exist concerning the pivot zones, which may have an influence on the quality of the stretching work carried out or even

on the reliability of the device.

  It is for this reason that another characteristic of the invention advises that: the pivoting structure is a portal structure with respect to which the support means are pivotally mounted via a first and / or a second pivot (s) substantially perpendicular (s) to the general direction of pivoting of the gantry structure, for pivoting between a spaced apart relative position in which said support means are angularly spaced from each other, and a narrow relative position, and - said (at least one) of the muscular sensor (s) linked (s) to the support organ o is arranged to measure the effort developed by at least one of

ischios muscles of the user.

  To return to the sensors, particular attention has been

  brought to their integration on the device.

  Thus, it is advisable to reproduce the following characteristics, taken in combination or independently: a) at least one of the support members and the adjacent arm of the apparatus are linked together mechanically exclusively by at least one said muscle sensor willing to measure the effort of the ischios muscles; b) support means per user's lower limb, ie two support means in total, a first muscular sensor arranged to measure the effort developed by the adductor and / or abductor muscles of the user, this muscle sensor being linked only to one of the two support means for one of the lower limbs of the user, second and third muscle sensors arranged to measure the effort developed by the user's ischial muscles, each of these second and third sensors being connected to one of said support means for one of the lower limbs of the user, c) at least some of the sensors are strain gauges respectively connected on one side to one of the organs of the user. support and the other, to the corresponding carrier arm, so as to be sensitive to the relative movement between them, and these strain gauges are individually interposed between a support member and the corresponding arm, d) some at the mo The sensors are strain gauges respectively connected on one side to one of the transverse bearing elements and to the other corresponding arm, so as to be sensitive to the relative displacement between them, and these strain gauges are interposed individually between a said transverse plate and the corresponding arm, e) the muscle sensors are arranged to measure the forces developed by two complementary muscles of the user, such as the ischios muscles and the adductor muscles and / or abductors of the user , and are therefore essentially located next to the half

  supporting members closest to said general direction.

  With regard to the mechanical characteristics making it possible to promote the quality of the stretching carried out, it is furthermore advisable, in the event of a stretching of the lower limbs of the user: - that the portal structure extends, substantially parallel to said general direction, towards the opposite side edges of the base plate, beyond the support means which receive the lower limbs of the user, at least when in relative relative position, this gantry structure being pivotally mounted relative to the frame around third and fourth pivots coaxial with respect to said general direction, on either side of the first and / or second pivot (s), and that this portal structure presents at least one central bar which carries the first and / or second pivot (s), for pivoting relative to it (s) of the support means, the first and / or second pivot (s) being thus arranged (s) , along said general direction, between the third and

fourth pivots.

  In addition, and for use in the same conditions, it is furthermore recommended that the gantry structure extends substantially to the side edges of the base plate, where are located the third and fourth pivots, so that the support means for the lower limbs, which are situated in front of this portal structure during their pivoting movement around the first and / or second pivot (s), are guided in their pivoting, between their relative positions tightening and separated by the portal structure with which they come in contact. And still further, in combination or alternatively with the above feature, it is furthermore advised that the portal structure comprises a hoop having two lateral sections located parallel to said general direction, on either side of a central section, the lateral sections each extending by a bent portion at the free end of which is mounted the third or fourth pivot, these third and fourth pivots being also connected

  each with a substantially vertical support arm fixed to the frame.

  Still for stretching use of the lower limbs, another feature of the invention favorable to the quality of its stretches is that the apparatus comprises: - a means of support by lower limb of the user, two means of support in total, each support means comprising: a pair of transverse support plates which are projecting along two opposite side edges of a front face of the corresponding support means and which extend over a portion of only of the length L of said support means and to an adjacent support against which the pair of transverse support plates is movable, transversely to the main direction of elongation of the means of support, - at least one said sensor Muscle linked to one of the pairs of transverse support plates and to its adjacent support, the sensor operating in tension and compression to measure the effort developed

  by the abductor and adductor muscles of the user.

  It is furthermore recommended: that said transverse support plates constitute a pair integrated into a cradle adapted to slide along a said support means, and to use a muscle sensor linked on one side to one cradles and, on the other hand, to the support member or to the corresponding arm, and operating in tension and in compression, to measure the effort developed by two complementary muscles, such as the adductor muscles and

user's abductors.

  In order to promote the support work of the user 's ischial muscles, the invention furthermore provides that the support means for at least one of the user' s limbs are such that the cradle in which is integrated a said transverse support plate. comprises an elongated slot in the sliding direction of the cradle relative to the corresponding support means, a said muscle sensor for measuring the force developed by a muscle

  ischios passing to the place of this slot.

  Another problem with which the invention is concerned concerns the quality of the user's position with respect to the apparatus, when it is

lying on it.

  Also a feature of the invention advises that - the anatomical axis of an average population of users being considered to be located at a given height (h) relative to a fixed reference, at least the third and fourth pivots are located, relative to the upper surface of the base plate at rest, at a height (hl) below said determined height (h), and the base plate has a compressible foam block which crushes when the The user is lying on the plateau, then inducing a sensitive o alignment between the anatomical axis of this user at the location of his hips and the pivot axis of the third and fourth pivots at least.

  An even more detailed description of the invention will now

  be provided in connection with the accompanying drawings in which - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention; - Figure 2 is a rear view of the apparatus of the FIG. 1 is a view according to section III-III of FIG.

  and FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment.

  In FIGS. 1 or 2, it can be seen that the muscle stretching apparatus 1 comprises a fixed frame 3 provided with a base plate 5 on which the user

  will be able to lengthen the upper part of his body (in particular bust and head).

  The base plate is a horizontal plate covered with foam 6 and the fixed frame 3 as a frame 3a with four legs, the two dorsal feet 7a, 7b, extending obliquely to end with a horizontal portion beyond the overall dimensions of shelf 5, in order to

  promote the overall balance of the device.

  The frame has two opposite side edges, 3A, 3B.

  A gantry structure 7 is. pivotally mounted relative to the frame and supports means 9a, 9b, support for the lower limbs of the user, themselves mounted pivoting on the gantry structure 7 (hereinafter called "gantry"). The support means 9a, 9b, identical, each comprise, in the illustrated example, a support plate (11a, 11b, respectively) elongate in a main direction 13, corresponding to the direction of elongation of the lower limbs aambes ) of the user, as well as an arm (15a, 15b), also extending along the direction 13, of

  adjacent to (in particular behind) the corresponding support plate.

  For the articulation of the support means 9a, 9b, the gantry 7 has at least one central bar (in this case two bars, marked 17a,

  17b) at a free end of which pivots each support means 9a, 9b.

  More specifically, in the illustrated example, each arm 15a, 15b is articulated at this end, around a pivot (respectively a first pivot l9a and a second pivot l9b) perpendicular to the general direction 21. It will be noted that the direction 21 is perpendicular to the side edges 3A, 3B of the frame and it is in this general direction that the frame 7 is articulated with respect to the same frame, at the location of third and fourth pivotal couxiaux 23a, 23b , which are located, with respect to the direction 21, on either side of the first and second pivots 19a, 19b and more precisely, in the illustrated example, each substantially in

  the alignment of a lateral edge 3A, 3B, of the frame.

  Compared to what is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,374,230, this relative provision of pivots promotes ergonomics and overall quality.

of the device.

  In the example illustrated, the gantry 7 comprises a hoop 25 having a central, substantially horizontal section, 25a, and two lateral sections perpendicular to the direction 21. These lateral sections each extend by an elbow (such as a bracket), respectively 27a, 27b. At the free end of these brackets, are respectively mounted the third and fourth pivots 23a, 23b, so that they are each connected to a carrier arm, respectively 29a, 29b, substantially rectilinear and vertical, fixed to the frame 3 (in particular, welded). The arch and the squares

  can be monablocs, that is to say, in one piece.

  Note that the arch form of the gantry 7 allows the two support means 9a, 9b to be guided and supported in their rotational movement about the first and second pivots 19a, 19b. For this, the arms 15a, b come into contact with the arch, via a shoe of

  slip (not shown) such as a Teflon pad (.

  0 For the support of the lower limbs, each of the support plates 11a, 11b, has, on its front face facing the base plate 5, a

foam coating.

  To inform the user on the performance of his stretching exercises, at least one muscle sensor 31 is linked to one of the support plates, such as 11a in FIG. 3. This sensor is arranged to measure the effort developed by the muscle (s) ischios of one of the legs of the user, when the latter presses his leg against the plate lla, while the two plates are in a relative angular position determined (fixed,

not mobile at this time).

  o Binding the muscle sensor (at least) to the support plate concerned and the fact that this support plate is "doubled" by a support arm (15a, 15b), promote the performance of the measurements,

  the ergonomics of the device and the ease of use.

  Preferably, at least two ischiosensors will be provided, with at least one such sensor by means of support 9a, 9b. A calculator (not shown) will provide, for example, an average value between the two data provided under the push of each leg of the user, and a display unit (not shown) will indicate this data to the user. An operation with only one leg (then no average value) can be provided, then putting into operation only one of the sensors

ischios 31.

  So that the user can also work his adductor muscles, two transverse bearing plates 33a, 33b have been provided s. They stand each protruding on the inner side edge of the front face of each of the plates dlappui lla, llb, and extend on a parffe

  only the length L of this plate.

  The transverse support plates 33a, 33b can a priori be indifferently mechanically linked to the corresponding support plate lo and / or the arm 15a, 15b adjacent. In the example adopted, these two transverse support plates each belong to a cradle, 35, 37, whose "U-shaped" shape is open on the side of the front face of the support plate, and therefore in the direction of tray 5. And each cradle is slidably mounted between

  one of the support plates and the arm behind.

  In connection with the two transverse support plates 33a, 33b, it will be noted that at least one of them (such as the plate 33a in FIG. 3) has been linked to another muscle sensor 37 which has was prepared to measure the effort of the adductor muscles of the user, when the user will seek to tighten his legs, at the location of his thighs, by

the transverse plates 33a, 33b.

  Use ischial sensors 31 on the two support means 9a, 9b and use sensor (s) ad dctor (s) 37 only on one of these two means, only enhances the device, d all the more so if these sensors are respectively connected to the elongate bearing plate corresponding to ante 15a, 15b, and to the transverse support plate 33a, or 33b, thus combining the characteristics of performance, limited cost, ergonomics and reliability. approval of use. Following various tests conducted with different types of muscle sensors, a choice was made to the strain gauges. Sensors from French companies SCAIME or ALGOS FRANCE can

  especially used (ref SCAIME AG50 or ZF100).

  In FIG. 3, the sensors 31 and 37 are strain gauges.

  As can be seen, the ischios sensor 31 is fixed respectively (and thus mechanically connected) to the arm 15a and the support plate 11a. It is in this case the only mechanical connection between the plate and the arm, from there a "suppleness" reinforced during the efforts exerted by the user who feels a

  slight tilting of the plate lla vis-à-vis the support arm 15 "rigid".

  It will be imagined that on the other support means 9b, the other sensor 0 ischios 31 will be mounted in the same manner as in FIG.

  tray llb and the support arm 15b.

  For such an assembly, each ischial sensor 31 is oriented to function perpendicular to the general direction of elongation 13 of the bearing plate concerned and extends through an opening 41 formed in the wall of the arm (such as the hollow profile 15a in Figure 3), and through a slot 43 formed in the central section 90 of the cradle interposed between said arm and the corresponding support plate (cradle 35

in Figure 3).

  The slot 43 may in particular be a longitudinal slot, extending in the direction 13 of elongation of the support plate and then have a length appropriate for the cradle 35 concerned to slide along the support plate and be so positioned at best, depending on the morphology of the user. In this regard, it is advised that the sliding be limited between the end of the support plate closest to the pivot axis (19a or 19b) and about half the length L of this plate. It is also in this half that will advantageously be located the muscle sensors 31, 37, for example substantially one-third, or nearly half, the length L, starting from the end

closer to axis 19a or 19b.

  In FIG. 3, it will furthermore be noted that screws ensure the attachment at each end of the ischios sensor 31 shown, on the one hand to the support plate 11a and on the other hand to the arm 15a, inside the latter. ci, allowing

  thus the sensor to be protected and almost invisible.

  Regarding the manner in which the adductor sensor 37 is mounted (preferably only on one of the support means, such as the means 9a in FIG. 3), it will be noted that it is fixed on one side to the intermediate portion 90 of the cradle 35 (thus in direct connection with the transverse support plate 33a) and, on the other to the slide 45a, so as to be able to move along the direction of elongation of the bearing plate concerned, at the same time

than the berccau.

  An angle 47 provides the necessary return at right angles of effort, and it is therefore to this angle that the adductor sensor 37 is fixed, in

  face of the slide 45 (marks 49).

  As will certainly be understood and noticed in the figures, each support arm 15a, 15b is in fact preferably constituted by two parallel arms extending longitudinally in the direction of extension of the support plate. More specifically, it is a slide, respectively 45a, 45b, and a rectilinear profile, respectively 51a, 51b (see in particular Figure 2), the two parts being hollow and being connected at each of their axial ends, by two sections transverse, such sections 53 in Figure 2 for the end closest to the pivot axes. In Figure 2, we also note the two links

  articulation 55a, 55b which connect the arms 15a, 15b to the two bars 17a, 17b.

  Also to be noted is the electric motor 57, for articulating in rotation about axes 9a and 19b, and the other electric motor 59 which controls the worm 61 for the inclination of the trays 1a, 1b (and therefore of the hoop 7) about the axis 21. Additional stiffening, and support, are

  provided by the transverse plates 63, 65.

  Note that, during the exercises, the motor 57 provides a retaining rotation of the support means 9a, 9b around the pivots 19a, l9b and therefore sets the relative angular position of these means. As for the engine 59, it freezes

  the angle of inclination of the gantry 7 with respect to the plate 5.

  A tube section (not shown) allows sliding guidance of each cradle along its slide 45a or 45b. A screw of

  tightening makes it possible to fix their position.

  In the foregoing, it will be noted that the ischios sensors occupy a fixed position, while the (or possibly) sensor (s) 0 adductor (s) is (are) mounted (s) sliding (s) at the same time time that the chute

  or cradle with which there is fixation.

  Other types of sensors could possibly have been provided, even if on the day of the deposit, the solution with strain gauges mounted in the manner indicated is by far preferred and provides appreciable advantages. By way of example, "button sensors" or film sensors (composed of very thin films on which conductive ink combs whose impedance varies according to the exerted forces) are screened could have been used. In the latter case, it is typically necessary to exert the stress through elastomeric sheets of a determined hardness and surface. Sensors proposed by the French company ESEE (known under the trade name "FLEXIFORCE") have also been suggested, or else pressure sensors. Typically, the use of

potentiometers would then be useful.

  During an exercise, the apparatus operates as follows: the user determines the angular position of the gantry 7 relative to the frame 3 (motor 57). Then, it adjusts the angular position of the trays 11a, 11b relative to each other, via the motor 59. Once these two positions are fixed, it practices its exercises, the sensors (and their afflaint unit not shown)

  indicating to him the efforts developed by the ischios and adductors muscles.

  Possibly, pivots l9a, l9b could be joined to

the place of a single common axis.

  One could also provide an additional bent arm intermediate between the bent side arms 27a, 27b, thereby creating a fifth pivot for the articulation of the gantry. Note also, the interest that can have the outer transverse plates 33c, 33d (Figures 1 and 3) in relation to the work and control of the abductor muscles. In this respect, the (or the) sensor (s) 37 may be designed to operate in tension and in compression, so as to record the lateral movements in one direction and in the other of said trays (or berccau) to which they are integrated, vis-à-vis the support (considered fixed) to which they are also fixed. In this regard, each support against which the two pairs of transverse bearing plates (33a ... 33d) are movable, transversely to the direction 13 of extension of the support means, could be constituted by a other structure than an "arm" 15a, 15b, such as for example a one-piece assembly consisting of a

  rigid carrier plate mounted articulated directly on the gantry.

  An additional point concerns the height position to be favored for the "anatomical axis" of the user at a substantially level.

  from his hips to the camera.

  For this, preliminary tests were conducted on a test population representative of an average user anatomy that was placed on a rigid fixed floor. The average height relative to this ground of the "anatomical axis" of said test users was measured. She is figured "h"

  in Figure 2, o this anatomical axis is marked 100.

  On the machine, the height h1 between the third and fourth pivots 23a, 23b and the upper surface 5a of the plate 5 (then "at rest", that is without anybody lying on it) was then defined as

  less than said "average height" h measured during the tests.

  In addition, a compressible foam block 6 has been incorporated in the base plate over its entire surface, which crushes when the user is lying on the plate 5, so that a substantial alignment between the pivot axis 21 (which is slightly offset in height relative to the pivot axes 19a, 19b). In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 a priori for stretching lower limbs, FIG. 4 shows a machine that could be used for stretching the upper limbs (arms) of a user. o This machine comprises a frame 300 with a support plate 500 (seated position astride, possible). On the frame is articulated a structure 700 pivotally mounted about an axis 210 perpendicular to the

  longitudinal side edges 300a, 300b, of the tray.

  The structure 700 stands up and carries horizontal support means 900a, 900b, thus forming a cross. These support means each comprise a rigid horizontal bar, 110a, 110b, entource of a compressible layer (foam) 120a, 120b.

  The structure 700 is presented as a rectilinear arm 150 connecting the

  support members 110a, 100b; 120a, 120b, to the support frame 300.

  For example sitting on the plate 500, a user angularly adjusts the arm 150 and blocks it by the means provided (for example, locking screw) and then passes for example his arms around the support means

  coaxial 900a, 900b, so as to stretch.

REV E ND ICATIO NS

  1. A muscular stretching apparatus (1) comprising: - a fixed frame (3) comprising a base plate (5) for supporting at least a portion of a user's body, the frame having two lateral arms opposed, bearing means (9a, 9b) elongate in a main direction (13), for the support of members of the user and can be arranged angularly relative to the frame, - a structure (7) pivotally mounted by relative to said frame, about a general direction (21) substantially perpendicular to said lateral edges of the plate, characterized in that: - the support means (9a, 9b) comprise at least: a support member (lla , llb) covered with a compressible layer, A and a carrier arm (15a, 15b), elongated in said main direction, the support member being mechanically connected to the frame via said support arm, - and at least a muscle sensor (31) connected to said support member (11a, 11b) is arranged to measure the force developed by at least one of the muscles of the user, by pressing one or more of its members against the support member (s), while the arm (s) is (are) retained (s) in a relative angular position determined relative to the frame, by means

retainer (57).

  2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the support means (9a, 9b) further comprise: transverse bearing elements (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d) respectively projecting on a lateral edge or two opposite lateral edges of the (of each) support member (11a, 11b), these transverse bearing elements being mechanically connected to at least one of the support members and the arms, and at least one other muscular sensor (37) connected to at least one of the transverse support members and arranged to measure a distance or lateral approach constraint, such as a force developed by two complementary muscles such as the adductor and / or abductor muscles of the user, by the support of (one to the number of) his limbs

  against said transverse support elements.

  3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: - the structure (7) is a gantry structure with respect to which the support means are pivotally mounted via a first and / or d a second pivot (s) (19a, 19b) substantially perpendicular (s) to the general direction of pivoting of the gantry structure, for pivoting between a spaced relative position in which said support means are angularly spaced one of the other, and a constricted relative position, and - said (at least one) of the muscular sensor (s) (31) linked to the support member (11a, 11b) is arranged to measure the effort developed by

  at least one of the ischios muscles of the user.

  4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: - the gantry structure extends substantially parallel to said general direction, towards the opposite side edges of the base plate, beyond the support means which receive the lower limbs of the user, at least when they are in a tighter relative position, this gantry structure being pivotally mounted relative to the frame about third and fourth coaxial pivots (23a, 23b) with respect to said direction generally, on either side of the first and / or second pivot (s), and the gantry structure has at least one central bar (17a, 17b) carrying the first and / or second pivot (s), for pivoting relative to it (s) the bearing means, the first and / or second pivot (s) being thus arranged (s), along said general direction, between the third and / or

fourth pivots.

  Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,

  characterized in that at least one of the supporting members (11a, 11b) and the adjacent arm (15a, 15b) are mechanically interconnected exclusively by at least one said muscle sensor (31) arranged to measure the force of

ischios muscles.

  Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,

  characterized in that it comprises: - a support means (9a, 9b) per lower limb of the user, two support means in total, - a first muscle sensor (37) arranged to measure the effort developed by the adductor and / or abductor muscles of the user, this muscle sensor being linked only to one of the two support means for one of the lower limbs of the user, the second and third muscle sensors (31 ) arranged to measure the effort developed by the user's ischial muscles, each of these second and third sensors being linked to one of said support means

  for one of the lower limbs of the user.

  Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,

  characterized in that: - at least some of the sensors (31, 37) are strain gauges respectively on one side to one of the support members (11a, 11b) and on the other to the support arm corresponding (15a, 15b), so as to be sensitive to the relative displacement between them, and these strain gauges (31, 37) are individually interposed

  between a support member and the corresponding arm.

  8. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: - at least some of the sensors (31, 37) are strain gauges respectively connected on one side to one of the transverse bearing elements (33a, 33b, ...) and the other arm (11a, 11b) corresponding, so as to be sensitive to the relative movement between them, and these strain gauges (31, 37) are interposed

  individually between a said transverse plate and the corresponding arm.

  9. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a support means (9a, 9b) per lower limb of the user, or two support means in total, each support means comprising: A pair of transverse bearing plates (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d) which protrude along two opposite side edges of a front face of the corresponding support means and extend over only a portion of the length (L) of said support means, and to an adjacent support (11a, 11b; 15a, 15b) with respect to which the pair of transverse support plates is movable, transversely to the main direction of extension of the support means, - at least one said muscle sensor (37) connected to one of the pairs of transverse support plates and to its support (11a, 11b, 15a, 15b) adjacent, the sensor operating in tension and in compression to measure the effort

  developed by the abductor and adductor muscles of the user.

  Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 or 9,

  characterized in that: - the transverse bearing plates (33a, 33b, ...) constitute a pair integrated into a cradle (35a, 35b) adapted to slide along a said support means (9a, 9b ), and a muscle sensor (37) connected on one side to one of the cradles and on the other to the support member (11a, 11b) or to the arm (15a, 15b) is used. corresponding, and operating in tension and compression, to measure the effort developed by two complementary muscles, such as muscles

  adductors and abductors of the user.

  Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,

  characterized in that the muscle sensors (31, 37) are arranged to measure the forces developed by two user complementary muscles, such as the user's ischios and adductor and / or abductor muscles, and are therefore essentially located next to substantially one-half of the support members (11a, 11b) closest to

said general direction (21).

  Apparatus according to any of claims 2 or 9,

  characterized in that the support means for at least one of the lower limbs are such that the cradle (35a, 35b) in which is integrated a said transverse support plate (33a, 33b) comprises an elongated slot in the direction sliding of the cradle relative to the corresponding support means, a said muscle sensor for measuring the force developed by a muscle