FR3069169A1 - DEVICE FOR EXERCISE AND SELF-REEDUCATION OF HAND AND WRIST - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the exercise and rehabilitation of the hand and wrist, formed of a sleeve (1) deformable tubular structure open at one of its ends, providing an interior space (2) suitable for accommodating the hand of a user, comprising: two envelopes of flexible material, one external (3), the other internal (4), assembled to form between them an intermediate space (5) closed, and - a lining (6) particles with high thermal inertia confined in the intermediate space (5) between the two envelopes (3, 4), the sheath (1) having two compartments (7, 8) delimited by the junction (9) of said envelopes between them, said junction extending along a longitudinal plane of said sheath, a first compartment (7) said lower, intended to be placed on the palm of the hand, comprising a quantity Pi of particles; and a second compartment (8) said upper, intended to be placed on the back of the hand, comprising a Ps amount of particles, Ps being the same or different from Pi.

Description

The present invention belongs to the field of prevention and treatment of musculo-articular disorders, and relates in particular to an exercise and self-rehabilitation accessory for the hand and wrist.

The invention relates to a device consisting of a tubular sheath in which the user can place his hand. The sheath has a lining of particles confined between the inner and outer sheaths of the sheath, which the user can knead by movements of the hand, while benefiting from heat or cold.

Joint pain is common not only in older people with osteoarthritis or arthritis, but also in many people of all ages as a result of an accident, postural disorders, or the like. Early osteoarthritis is responsible for pain, discomfort, stiffness and / or deformation of your joints. Installed osteoarthritis is responsible for chronic pain, stiffness, deformation of your joints and / or disability.

These pains are particularly disabling when they touch the hand and the wrist, and many solutions have been proposed to relieve them, inspired by different approaches.

One of them is based on the wrapping techniques which consist in applying to the painful area a hot poultice, generally clay or paraffin. This operation, which must be repeated daily for several weeks, requires the help of another person to install the poultice and appropriate equipment available in hospitals, spas or specialist practitioners. The hand must remain motionless during the session to fully benefit from the action of the poultice, which excludes doing mobility exercises at the same time.

Another approach is to subject the painful area to heat. To do this, we use heating accessories that can be applied against the skin in the area to be treated. There are for example systems such as that described in the document

WO2017 032910, provided with electrical resistances inserted in a device which can be applied to the patient's skin.

Hot water bottles are also used in the form of cushions or belts. Hot water bottles are containers, conventionally made of glass or rubber, traditionally filled with high temperature water which were once dedicated to heating. Now, in a modern version, water can be replaced by a gel capable of storing heat or cold, as described in US Patent 5,050,596. WO 2015050870 describes an apparatus for combining thermotherapy and compression therapy.

For a few years, cushions containing flax seeds or cherry stones, sometimes called dry hot water bottles, have been commercially available, to provide warmth and comfort, but also to relieve sciatica and low back pain by thermotherapy or cryotherapy .

In this approach, the patient remains inactive during the session, the expected benefit being above all that provided by the action of heat. None of these devices allows, by design, to practice joint mobilization and muscle strengthening exercises at the same time and none concerns the hand and the wrist. However, we know that early osteoarthritis can be combated by joint maintenance movements. Physical exercise is very important, both to maintain physical fitness and to combat joint instability, as it helps strengthen the muscles around your joints. In case of osteoarthritis installed, regular training helps to restore flexibility and limit the loss of mobility. Regular practice generally requires the intervention of a practitioner, physiotherapist or other, to execute adapted movements with the help of an experienced third party. This care is, however, binding for the patient who has to go to the practitioner's office multiple times.

To avoid calling on a practitioner, devices have been proposed which make it possible to work the muscles and joints of the wrist, hand and fingers. For example, FR 2 868 325 proposes a device for working the muscles and the joints of the wrist, hand and fingers using a silicone spindle comprising visual markers making it possible to appreciate the torsion applied by the hand. of the user. This exercise is supposed to strengthen the hand and maintain its flexibility and range of motion in all directions. An action by thermotherapy is not envisaged

There is therefore a need, not satisfied to date, to offer to people suffering from joint pain in the hand and wrist, an effective means of relieving them or preventing crises, which combines the benefit of regular gymnastic exercise. and thermotherapy. An objective of the present invention aims to propose a device meeting this need. Another object of the invention is to offer a device that can be used easily, as often as desired and independently, without the help of a third person. Another objective of the invention is to offer a device which is reusable at will, washable and inexpensive.

The present invention meets these objectives with a device for exercising and rehabilitating the hand and wrist, formed of a deformable sheath of tubular structure open at one of its ends, offering an interior space capable of accommodating the hand. of a user, the device comprising:

- two envelopes of flexible material, one external, the other internal, assembled to form a closed intermediate space between them, and

a lining of particles with high thermal inertia confined in the intermediate space between the two envelopes, the sheath comprising two compartments delimited by the junction of said envelopes with each other, said junction extending along a longitudinal plane of said sheath, a first compartment called lower, intended to be placed on the palm of the hand, comprising a quantity Pi of particles; and a second so-called upper compartment, intended to be placed on the back of the hand, comprising a quantity Ps of particles, Ps being identical to or different from Pi.

The device according to the invention takes the form of a sheath, that is to say an elongated case intended to receive a thing of the same shape. It is tubular, commonly longer than wide, the length defining its longitudinal axis, in proportions comparable to those of the human anatomy of the hand and at least part of the wrist, which it is intended to accommodate. It is open at one end to let the hand enter. The other end is generally closed, but can also be opened, in which case it can be provided with temporary closing means such as snaps or a zipper.

The sheath is also deformable, so that it adapts to the conformation of the user's hand and follows the movements that the latter imparts to the sheath during its exercises. It is understood that therefore the interior space accommodating the hand of the user is of variable conformation and volume, depending on whether the sheath is flattened when it is empty or more or less domed during use.

This deformable sheath is produced by confining a lining between two flexible envelopes. This lining is composed of particulate elements having a high thermal inertia. In this way, the device can be brought to a determined temperature, hot or cold, persistent during use. The temperature changes slowly due to the inertia of the device, mainly due to the properties of the lining used.

The envelopes, one internal, that is to say intended to be inside the sheath in contact with the hand of the user, and the other external constituting the visible element of the sheath, are assembled so creating an intermediate space between them, which contains the particulate lining. Conveniently, the inner envelope and the outer envelope are identical in size, superimposed and assembled together to close the intermediate space containing the packing particles.

The two envelopes are also united so as to delimit two compartments in the sheath, designated respectively lower and upper in the remainder of this description. The lower compartment is intended to be placed facing the palm of the hand during the use of the device, while the upper compartment will be placed opposite the back of the hand. It is understood that these designations, given with reference to a position of the hand flat on a table for example, are arbitrary since the user is free to turn his hand as he sees fit to practice his exercises, and can even reverse the relative position of the compartments if he sees fit, despite the indications provided by the designer of the device which will be detailed below.

The compartments are delimited by a junction between the envelopes which runs around the sheath in a longitudinal plane thus dividing the latter in two, as explained above. Each compartment contains a determined quantity of particles, respectively Pi and Ps, confined in one of the compartments without being able to pass from one to the other. The quantities Ps and Pi can be different or identical. The compartments can be further subdivided as will be seen below.

There is thus a device adapting to the hand of a patient who will be able to perform mobilization and muscle strengthening exercises by practicing various kneading movements of the particles confined in the sheath, in a cold or hot environment as indicated. . Everyone can use this device as they wish, independently of any special device and regardless of the presence of a therapist.

The materials used to make the device according to the invention are chosen because of their properties, so as to cumulatively fulfill a certain number of functions.

According to a characteristic of the present invention, the envelopes are made of flexible material resistant to temperatures ranging from -20 ° C to + 75 ° C chosen from woven, knitted or non-woven textiles made of natural or synthetic fibers, and polymer films . The specified temperature interval allows treatment by cryotherapy or thermotherapy within temperature ranges that can be supported by the users. Ideally, the materials chosen can be even more resistant, for example withstanding temperatures between -50 ° C and 100 ° C, with a view to their maintenance by various means. Textile materials can be woven, knitted (in jersey for example), or non-woven (randomly arranged fiber mat). They must have a sufficiently tight network so that the particles cannot pass through. Synthetic textiles can for example be of the technical textile type. Polymeric films must reconcile thickness, solidity and flexibility. They must have a porous structure when the lining is likely to release water vapor (plant materials in particular). Numerous textiles and polymer films meeting these criteria exist in commerce, which those skilled in the art will be able to select and obtain from manufacturers. A different material can be chosen for each of the envelopes, depending on specific objectives, such as aesthetics, manufacturing constraints, or the like.

Preferably, in the device according to the invention, the envelopes are made of a woven or knitted textile material made of natural fibers. They can for example be made of a fabric such as cotton velvet. These textiles have the advantage of supporting cleaning and decontamination operations, and of being sterilizable. They are light and flexible so that they remain in contact with the hand and the wrist, while resistant to abrasion. They also allow the transfer of moisture.

According to another characteristic of the device which is the subject of the present invention, the lining is composed of particles with a particle size between 2 mm and 6 mm in material resistant to temperatures ranging from -20 ° C to + 75 ° C chosen from the materials of vegetable, synthetic, or mineral origin, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the particles have a size of the order of 3 mm. This dimension is ideal for obtaining an effective mixing requiring continuous pressure, with particles moving relative to each other and not forming cohesive clusters. It is also advantageous for obtaining a dense filling with little interstitial space, which on the one hand improves the contact between the envelope and the skin for hot or cold application, and on the other hand increases the effort to be provided for move your fingers in the scabbard. For the reasons mentioned above, the materials chosen can be even more resistant, for example withstanding temperatures between -50 ° C and 100 ° C.

Any type of material meeting these requirements can in principle be used as a filling. Among the materials of plant origin, seeds are to be preferred because of their hardness and their shelf life. Whole or crushed seeds can be used to achieve the desired particle size. Particularly suitable are whole flax and wheat seeds, or crushed corn seeds.

Thus, according to a preferred variant of the invention, the lining of the device is composed of whole or fractionated seeds of a plant chosen from flax, wheat, corn or a mixture of these. Flax seeds are particularly appreciated. They are also used by the applicant in cushions usable in thermotherapy or cryotherapy to relieve lumbago, abdominal pain, colitis, and sleep disorders. The relaxing and soothing effect is attributed to the combined action of heat and the anti-inflammatory active ingredients of flax seeds. When the lining is capable of releasing the active agents which it contains, as is the case with flax seeds, care will be taken that the material chosen for the sheath casings is not waterproof in order to allow these compounds to pass.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lining can be composed of particles chosen from aluminum beads, glass beads, polymer beads or a mixture of these.

As already indicated, the sheath has two compartments delimited by a junction extending in a longitudinal plane. According to a characteristic of the present invention, the two compartments are delimited by a means of permanent joining of the internal and external envelopes, this means being able to be chosen from: sewing, stapling, gluing, heat sealing, welding, or a combination of these. The periphery of each compartment stocked with the desired quantity of particles is therefore assembled once and for all. It is specified that the junction of the two envelopes can serve concomitantly to delimit the compartments and to hold them together. Several assembly means can be combined, either on different segments of the junction, or together on the same segment. It may be convenient, for example, to sew the envelopes as long as they are empty over their entire periphery, except for one segment remaining open to allow filling with the filling. Once the compartment is filled, the remaining segment can be closed by chemical or thermal bonding or by stapling. If the envelopes are made of polymer, thermal welding can be used. It is also possible to use a double fixing, by bonding followed by a seam on the same segment, so as to strengthen the strength of the junction when the device is subjected to kneading and other constraints.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the sheath can be divided into two independent compartments associated in a reversible manner by removable fixing means arranged on the edge of the envelopes. The internal and external envelopes are then assembled as described above, but without the compartments being joined. In this case, fixing means are provided at the periphery of the compartments (that is to say at the edge of the envelopes, near the junction zone), which the user can use to associate and dissociate the two half-sleeves. Removable fastening means are, for example, snaps, a gripping strip (Velcro ™), a zipper (zipper ™), hooks, laces, knotted or looped ribbons.

The device which is the subject of the invention can be proposed in various sizes in order to be adapted to the hand of the various potential users whose measurements are variable (women, men, children). This point, if it is convenient, is however not critical insofar as it suffices for the user's hand to penetrate the sheath for it to be functional. On the other hand, it is important that the volume of the particulate lining and the size of the envelopes have adequate relative dimensions to allow circulation of the particles during the exercise, producing a kneading sensation for the user. The filling of the compartments should therefore provide fluidity but not be too compact.

This is why, according to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the total quantity Pt of particles occupying the intermediate space of the sheath represents between 1/3 and 2/3 of the maximum filling volume of the intermediate space.

In doing so, for identical compartments in shape, volume, nature of the materials, the filling may be greater in volume in the lower compartment, in order to further stimulate the motor skills of the user. Thus, according to an interesting embodiment, the quantity Pi of particles occupying the lower compartment is in the range from 50% to 70% of the total quantity Pt of particles contained in the sheath.

Furthermore, and as already mentioned, the compartments can each be subdivided into two or more parts. These subdivisions have the effect of limiting the displacement of the particles inside the compartment and thus of maintaining a regular distribution of the lining. In this way, a cryogenic or thermal action is preserved over the entire surface of the hand during the exercise. However, it is not desirable to reduce the malleability and the kneading effect conferred by the mobility of the particles. It thus appeared particularly advantageous that one of the compartments is subdivided, the other remaining formed of a single intermediate space, without subdivision of its volume. This is why, according to an advantageous characteristic of the device which is the subject of the present invention, the lower compartment offers a continuous intermediate space in which the particles can be moved freely.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the upper compartment is subdivided by internal partitions limiting the movement of the particles in said compartment. The term “partition” means both elements of flexible material (textile or polymer) added between the envelopes, or else a junction between the envelopes by sewing, gluing, heat sealing, welding or other means. The junction lines can be made in different orientations and different patterns. For example, the compartment may include two or more longitudinal or transverse seams, rectilinear or curvilinear, parallel or intersecting, equidistant or not.

Preferably, according to the invention, the upper compartment is subdivided by one to three rectilinear seams, uniting the internal envelope and the external envelope. The subdivisions thus formed can be completely isolated from each other, or communicate partially. They can also each contain an identical or different amount of particles.

The device as just described can be used for different exercises, involving the fingers, hand and wrist, which can be performed at any time, independently. These exercises can be performed at room temperature, but they can also be advantageously carried out at the same time as a heat treatment is applied. It may be a cold treatment, in which case the device is previously placed in the compartment of a freezer. It can also be a heat treatment, which supposes that the device has been subjected to a heat source before its use. Different heat sources can be used. It is in particular easy and quick to reheat the device in a microwave oven, if however the lining is capable of absorbing this type of energy (if it contains water). This is particularly the case for vegetable seeds. If there is no water in the lining, an oven, or an electric oven of the domestic or other type, may be used, taking care to set it to a suitable temperature. Of course, nothing prevents the user from benefiting from the heat treatment alone, apart from any exercise, by simply letting the hand take advantage of the temperature difference, either as a preparation before a series of movements, or as a recovery after a session, or even completely dissociated from mobilization exercises.

The device was designed to gradually diffuse cold or heat over time. In other words, it is able to maintain a higher or lower temperature than that of the surrounding medium, so that the heat treatment has an effective duration. As a gentle re-education or prevention work session can last approximately 30 minutes, it is advantageous for the device to have a thermal inertia of at least 30 minutes, and preferably at least 45 minutes. By thermal inertia, we mean the time required for the device to return to a reference temperature, which can be room temperature or body temperature. The temperature of the device is conveniently measured in the interior space of the sleeve. Typically, 20 ° C is taken as the reference ambient temperature and 37 ° C as the average reference body temperature. The thermal inertia of a device according to the invention can vary depending on its constituent materials, its mass, its shape (in particular the thickness and distribution of the lining), and the difference between the initial temperature Ti and the reference temperature Tf. The constituent materials of the lining are essentially responsible for the thermal inertia of the device. Those skilled in the art will be able to choose these wisely. In particular, he may use the materials mentioned above in the description which have the required characteristics.

Thus, according to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the particulate lining has a thermal inertia such that, the device having been heated or cooled to an initial temperature Ti deviating by at least 25 ° C from the ambient temperature, its temperature Tf after 45 min has a difference of at least 5 ° C with the ambient temperature. For example, a device according to the invention heated to a temperature Ti of more than 45 ° C. will have 45 minutes after stopping the heating, a temperature Tf of at least 25 ° C. Likewise, a device according to the invention cooled to a temperature Ti of 5 ° C or less will have 45 minutes after return to the ambient atmosphere, a temperature Tf of at most 15 ° C.

Even more advantageously, the particulate lining has a thermal inertia such that, the device having been heated or cooled to an initial temperature Ti deviating by at least 45 ° C from the ambient temperature, its temperature Tf after 45 min presents a difference of at least 20 ° C with the ambient temperature.

Of course, when a user slips his hand into the sheath, and especially when he begins his exercises, his body temperature changes the rate of change in the temperature of the device. However, if we refer to a reference body temperature at 37 ° C, the thermal inertia being high, the thermal differential compared to a reference temperature is still sensitive at the end of a session of approximately 30 minutes. The heat treatment therefore produces a significant effect throughout the exercise.

The device according to the invention as described above makes it possible to give autonomy in the care to users, and in particular to people suffering from joint problems. They will be able to carry out the treatment on a more regular basis, to practice active therapeutic exercises, on the advice and expertise of the doctor specialized in these pathologies, by mixing or other appropriate exercises. Treatments can be carried out several times a day if necessary, without having to go to a specialized center. This is a significant time saver for users, and the opportunity for significant savings, both for patients and for health insurance funds covering the pathologies concerned.

It should be noted that the filling material can have several functions. That allowing to offer a mixing support and that consisting in storing heat and cold were exposed above. Other functions can be combined with these. In particular, the lining can restore active ingredients through the envelope, those inherent in the selected particulate material, or other active agents previously impregnated in the material. Other related functions can be mentioned, such as hydration on the surface of the skin, a vector for penetration of active substances. Many embodiments can thus be envisaged for treating osteoarthritis pain, or other pathologies with adaptation to the target pathology and to the patient.

In general, the device according to the invention constitutes a tool which can be used for therapeutic purposes, to relieve osteoarthritis, rheumatism of the hand, traumatic pain (in particular due to sports practice), edemas, and in post-surgical rehabilitation. It is recommended alone or in addition to drug treatments. Rehabilitation improves mobility, muscle building and accelerates recovery. Thermotherapy and cryotherapy help reduce inflammation and edema, reduce pain. In thermotherapy, an application of heat between 35 ° C and 65 ° C for 10 to 50 minutes is recommended. In cryotherapy, the effective temperatures are between 5 ° C and 12 ° C for a period of 10 to 50 minutes.

The present invention will be better understood, and details thereof will become apparent, in the light of the description which will be given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting examples, in relation to the appended figures, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation seen from above of a device according to the invention. Fig.2 is a schematic representation in longitudinal section of the same device. Fig.3 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the same device.

Fig.4 is a thermal inertia curve (temperature versus time) of a device according to the invention after heating.

Fig.5 is a thermal inertia curve of the same device after cooling.

EXAMPLE 1: Cotton velvet scabbard with flax seeds

Figs. 1, 2 and 3 show a device for exercising and rehabilitating the hand and wrist, seen from different angles. It is formed of the sheath 1 of tubular structure open at one of its ends. The interior space 2 is able to accommodate the hand of a user.

The sheath 1 is deformable, being made of materials which are themselves deformable or malleable. The other end of the sleeve 1 is closed permanently, here by a seam, or by a temporary closing means (not shown).

The sheath 1 comprises an outer casing 3 and an inner casing 4, assembled so as to create between them the intermediate space 5, in which there is a lining 6 of particulate elements. The intermediate space 5 is closed so that the particles are confined between the envelopes 3, 4. The sheath 1 is further structured in two compartments 7, 8, delimited by the junction 9 of the envelopes 3, 4 between them at level d 'a line inscribed in a longitudinal plane of the sheath 1, here the median plane.

The envelopes 3, 4 are made of woven cotton, flexible and soft to the touch, namely a cotton velvet. A grammage of 280 g / m ² was used. This textile withstands temperatures above 100 ° C and also temperatures used in domestic freezing generally up to -32 ° C. The envelopes are made from four pieces of the same size superimposed and sewn together along their edge (two pieces corresponding to the inner envelope 4 and two pieces corresponding to the outer envelope 3 of each of the two compartments 7, 8) . The seam unites the envelopes 3, 4 together along the junction line 9, and at the same time materializes the limit of the two compartments 7, 8 along a median longitudinal plane of the sleeve 1. This assembly is carried out on the reverse of the pieces, and is then turned over, leaving the edges of the pieces inside the sheath 1. In general, the end of the sheath 1 corresponding to the wrist is left open to allow filling with the particles. Different dimensions can be implemented. According to the present example, the exercise and rehabilitation device has a length of 34 cm for a width of 22 cm when it is left flat (conformation which it adopts spontaneously at rest under the effect of its own weight) .

The lining 2 can be made of any material as described above. By way of example, vegetable garnish is used, more specifically flax seeds. These oblong seeds have the required size and are covered with a smooth film which promotes their mixing. They are able to store hot and cold and have significant thermal inertia. They are compatible with a stay in a refrigerated room or in a freezer, and can be heated without degradation in an oven or microwave oven. In doing so, they do not tend to agglomerate and are rot-proof if they do not stay permanently in a humid environment.

We add to these characteristics that the flax seed has interesting properties because of the active ingredients it contains. It contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (45%), such as glycerides of linoleic and linolenic acids, which give it softening, emollient, anti-inflammatory skin properties. By the effect of heat, we will promote the release of these compounds and increase their action.

The sheath 1 was filled with a total quantity of flax seeds Pt = 750 g, the values between 650 g and 850 g offering a good ratio between density and fluidity, which represents a volume of about half the volume maximum filling for the dimension indicated.

The intermediate space 9 of the sleeve 1 is then filled with the filling and a seam is made to close the intermediate space 5 at the wrist.

Each compartment 7, 8 contains a determined quantity of linseed, quantity which is fixed at the time of filling during manufacture, namely the quantity Pi in the lower compartment 7 (that which is intended to be placed against the palm of the hand), and the quantity Ps in the upper compartment 8 (the one which is intended to be placed against the back of the hand). The quantities Pi and Ps of particles are each confined in one of the compartments without being able to pass from the other. The total amount was distributed between the upper compartment 8 and the lower compartment 7, so that Pi = 55% of Pt (and therefore Ps = 45% of Pt).

The lower compartment 7 is continuous, without subdivision, while the upper compartment 8 is divided into three zones by rectilinear seams 11, which form internal partitions 10 limiting the movement of the flax seeds from one zone to another. The seeds can however pass from one zone to another by a voluntary gesture of the user, because the seams 11 do not extend to the limit of the compartment 8. The user can thus rebalance the seeds between the three zones as it pleases.

EXAMPLE 2 Thermal inertia after heating

The device described in Example 1 was subjected to heating for 180 seconds in a microwave oven at the power of 900 Watts. It was then placed flat on a table, the room temperature being 20 ° C. The temperature was recorded in the interior space 2 at time intervals, for 45 minutes. Fig. 4 gives the result of this test.

The initial temperature Ti is 63 ° C. It is noted that after a few minutes of stabilization, the temperature decreases regularly, until reaching Tf = 43 ° C after 45 minutes. The temperature Tf is thus 23 ° C higher than the reference temperature (20 ° C). The average cooling rate is around 0.5 ° C / min.

EXAMPLE 3 Thermal inertia after refrigeration

The device described in Example 1 was placed in the compartment of a freezer set at -32 ° C and cooled for 30 minutes. It was then placed flat on a table, the room temperature being 20 ° C. The temperature was read in the interior space at time intervals, for 45 minutes. Fig. 5 gives the result of this test.

The initial temperature Ti is -22 ° C. It is noted that after a few minutes of stabilization, the temperature increases steadily, until reaching Tf = -15 ° C after 45 minutes. The temperature Tf is thus 35 ° C lower than the ambient temperature taken as a reference. The average rate of warming is around 0.33 ° C / min.

EXAMPLE 4 Use in Rehabilitation Associated with Thermotherapy

The device according to the invention has a function of active therapeutic rehabilitation support by the implementation of exercises specific to the pathology of the user. During inflammatory attacks, or following a surgical operation, it should be possible to adapt the number of daily applications, according to the doctor's prescription. The exercises that can be practiced are presented below by way of non-limiting examples.

Before starting a session, heat the sheath then place it on a table and slide your hand inside.

Thumb and index finger work:

The objective is to maintain and improve the strength and mobility necessary for gripping a rather light and not very bulky object, such as a sheet of paper, a pen, ...

The exercise consists, hand flat, to spread the thumb of the palm, then bring it back to the palm and pass it under the palm. Spread the thumb out of your hand again and start the movement again. With each sweep of the thumb, a quantity of hot seeds is entrained.

Hand strength work:

The objective is to maintain and improve the freedom of movement of the fingers, the global or fine grip of various objects, such as carafe, pin, ...

The exercise consists, hand flat, fingers apart, to bend the fingers towards the palm by enclosing the seeds by kneading them. The thumb completes the closing of the fist. You can work the four fingers at the same time as the thumb, or one finger after the other in opposition to the thumb.

Hand opening work:

The objective is to allow the seizure of large objects, such as bowl, glass, ...

The exercise consists, hand flat, fingers tight, to spread the fingers from each other and then tighten them. In a second series, we lift a finger above the plane of the hand, lifting the scabbard, then put it down. We repeat the exercise for each finger.

Wrist work:

The objective is to keep the flexibility of the wrist and increase its strength to carry relatively heavy objects, such as a saucepan, trash bag, ... Another objective is to be better able to protect yourself in the event of a fall .

The exercise consists in raising the hand while maintaining the forearm which must remain fixed on the table. A series of movements is done with an initial position where the palm of the hand is flat on the table. Another series is done with an initial position where the back of the hand is flat on the table. Finally, a series is done with an initial position where the edge of the hand is supported on the table, thumb up.

Duration of movements: hold in position 5 to 10 seconds then release. Perform series of five to ten movements, working at your own pace. Stop exercising in case of pain.

Claims (14)

1-. Device for exercising and rehabilitating the hand and wrist, formed by a deformable sheath (1) of tubular structure open at one of its ends, providing an interior space (2) able to accommodate the hand of a user , characterized in that it comprises: - two envelopes of flexible material, one external (3), the other internal (4), assembled to form between them a closed intermediate space (5), and - a lining (6) of particles with high thermal inertia confined in the intermediate space (5) between the two envelopes (3, 4), the sheath (1) comprising two compartments (7, 8) delimited by the junction (9 ) of said envelopes between themselves, said junction extending along a longitudinal plane of said sheath, a first compartment (7) said to be lower, intended to be placed on the palm of the hand, comprising a quantity Pi of particles; and a second compartment (8) called upper, intended to be placed on the back of the hand, comprising a quantity Ps of particles, Ps being identical or different from Pi. 2-, Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the two envelopes (3, 4) are made of flexible material, identical or different, resistant to temperatures ranging from 20 ° C to + 75 ° C, chosen from woven textiles , knitted or nonwoven of natural or synthetic fibers, and polymer films. 3-, Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the envelopes (3, 4) are made of a woven or knitted textile material of natural fibers. 4-, Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lining (6) is composed of particles of particle size between 2 mm and 6 mm in material resistant to temperatures ranging from -20 ° C to + 75 ° C, chosen from materials of plant, synthetic, or mineral origin, or a mixture of these. 5-, Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lining (6) is composed of whole or fractionated seeds of a plant chosen from flax, wheat, corn or a mixture thereof. 6-, Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lining (6) is composed of particles chosen from aluminum beads, glass beads, polymer beads or a mixture of these- this. 7-, Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath (1) comprises two compartments (7, 8) delimited by a means of permanent joining of the internal and external envelopes (3, 4) chosen from: sewing, stapling, gluing, heat sealing, welding, or a combination thereof. 8-, Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath (1) is divided into two independent compartments (7, 8) reversibly associated by removable fixing means arranged on the edge of the envelopes ( 3, 4). 9-, Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the total quantity Pt of particles occupying the intermediate space (5) of the sleeve (1) represents between 1/3 and 2/3 of the maximum filling volume said intermediate space. 10-, Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the amount Pi of particles occupying the lower compartment (7) is in the range from 50% to 70% of the total amount Pt of particles. 11-, Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower compartment (7) provides a continuous intermediate space in which the particles can be moved freely. 12-, Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper compartment (8) is subdivided by internal partitions (10) limiting the movement of particles in said compartment. 13-, Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the upper compartment (8) is subdivided by one to three rectilinear seams (11), uniting the envelope (4) internal and the external envelope (3). 14-, Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lining (6) particulate has a thermal inertia such that, the device having been heated or cooled to an initial temperature Ti deviating by at least 25 ° C of room temperature, its temperature Tf after 45 min has a difference of at least 5 ° C with room temperature.