IT202000017413A1 - PROPRIOCEPTIVE DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

PROPRIOCEPTIVE DEVICE

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the sector of devices for performing proprioceptive exercises, also briefly called proprioceptive devices. In particular, the invention relates to an improved proprioceptive device, which can be used both for rehabilitation purposes and for physical training.

Proprioception generally refers to the set of sensory information that allows the body to recognize its position in relation to the external environment thanks to specific peripheral receptors, collectively called proprioceptors, present in the muscles, tendons, joints and skin. Thanks to proprioception, the nervous system controls the action of the muscles, and therefore the posture and movements of the body, based on the stimuli received from the external environment.

A good proprioception is reflected in a good posture and in a good balance, in both orthostatic and dynamic conditions, as well as? in a good control of the movements of the body and in an effective exploitation of the power available to perform them. These characteristics are closely related to stability? and the efficient control of various musculoskeletal and joint structures of the body, in particular those of the lower limbs and those of the so-called ?core?, definable as the lumbo-pelvic complex formed by the lumbar spine, pelvis, hip joint and all muscles that produce or limit the movements of these segments.

Proprioceptive reflexes can be re-educated or improved by intervening on neuromuscular control with appropriate proprioceptive exercises. The use of these exercises ? indicated and yes ? widespread both in the rehabilitation or preventive field, to restore normal proprioceptive responses, which may have been altered for example following trauma, disease, aging or incorrect postural habits, and in the sports field, to obtain an improvement in performance through better control of athletic gestures.

Proprioceptive exercises are typically performed with the aid of appropriate proprioceptive devices. The general principle of operation of such devices consists in the targeted creation of conditions of instability? postural, in such a way as to stimulate specific proprioceptive responses in the user.

A known type of proprioceptive devices? made up of the so-called proprioceptive tablets (balance boards), essentially made up of a platform provided at the bottom with a portion in contact with the ground, convex in shape, called fulcrum, which makes the balance of the platform unstable. The shape and size of the fulcrum respectively determine the possible directions of inclination of the platform and the degree of instability? of the same. The user usually stands on the platform and must try to keep his balance on it, possibly performing other movements or exercises at the same time.

Proprioceptive tablets are relatively simple, cheap and usable proprioceptive devices for both rehabilitation or preventive purposes, for example to restore mobility? and/or stabilize the ankle and knee joints, whether for physical training purposes, for example to improve balance, motor control and/or increase stability? and core strength. However, they have the drawback that the inclination movements of the proprioceptive tablet that occur during use almost always also cause its translation on the support surface, since the fulcrum is not? bound. There? can? hinder correct execution or limit the effectiveness of the exercises, as well as generally making it difficult to accurately monitor the movements of the proprioceptive board, useful for providing feedback to the user or an operator on how they are or have been performed.

These drawbacks can be avoided in proprioceptive devices which combine a mobile part, functionally similar to a proprioceptive tablet, and a fixed support base, which constrains the position of the mobile part, allowing it however? at least the? inclination in one or more? directions.

For example, EP 3231487 A1 discloses a device for physical exercise comprising a base for resting on the ground and an upper element comprising a support platform for a user provided at its lower face with a spherical portion. In the base ? defined a seat for this spherical portion, which has an upper sliding surface in the shape of a spherical cap, complementary to the spherical portion of the upper element. The spherical portion of the top member and the base seat form a ball and socket joint which permits the support platform to tilt in any direction of a substantially horizontal plane.

With regard to this type of proprioceptive devices, yes? found that the combination of the mobile part and the fixed support base, if on the one hand it avoids a translation of the mobile part during the execution of the exercises, on the other it also introduces a certain resistance or inertia in the inclination movements of the latter, the what can? represent a limitation in the execution of exercises that require greater sensitivity? and/or promptness of response. Therefore, unless additional measures are taken to ensure adequate lubrication of the surfaces in mutual contact of the mobile part and the fixed support base, with a relative increase in the complexity and/or manufacturing costs of the device, even this type of proprioceptive devices is not entirely satisfactory in terms of quality? of the exercises that can be performed with them.

In light of the above, the main purpose of the present invention? to provide an improved proprioceptive device of the type comprising a movable part and a fixed support base, with which it is possible to perform effectively and controllably a wide range of proprioceptive exercises, both for rehabilitation purposes and for physical training.

Another object of the present invention ? to provide a proprioceptive device of the aforesaid type which has a simple structure and can be manufactured at competitive costs with respect to similar devices of the prior art.

According to the invention, the aforementioned purposes are achieved by means of the proprioceptive devices having the characteristics set forth respectively in claim 1 and in claim 12 attached. Preferred aspects of such proprioceptive devices are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

In particular, in its first aspect, the invention relates to a proprioceptive device comprising:

- a movable part, comprising a spherical cap, preferably a hemispherical cap, and a support platform for a user, associated with said spherical cap, and

- a fixed support base, comprising a cradle having a vertical central axis and configured to at least partially house said spherical cap of the movable part.

The spherical cap of the mobile part? housed in the cradle of the fixed support base so that it can be tilted in any direction perpendicular to said vertical central axis and rotated about said vertical central axis with respect to the fixed support base in response to movements made by the user on the support platform of the movable part.

Furthermore, the spherical cap ? supported in the cradle by rolling elements forming respective discrete contact points between the spherical cap and the cradle.

In the context of the present description and of the subsequent claims, with the term ?spherical cap? means one of the two portions of the spherical surface obtained from the intersection of a sphere with a plane perpendicular to a radius of the sphere, and with the term ?hemispherical cap? it means one of the two portions of the spherical surface obtained from the intersection of a sphere with a plane passing through the center of the sphere.

In the proprioceptive device according to the invention, the spherical cap of the mobile part and the respective cradle in the fixed support base are operatively connected through a spherical coupling which allows the inclination in any direction and the rotation of the mobile part with respect to the fixed support base, in a substantially analogous way to what occurs in the proprioceptive devices with a fixed support base of the prior art described above. However, the contact between the spherical cap and the cradle is here advantageously achieved by means of rolling elements and ? limited to corresponding discrete contact points. Comes like this? a sliding and superficially extended contact between these components is avoided and the static and dynamic friction between them is minimized or in any case drastically reduced with respect to the devices of the prior art. There? is reflected in a better response, in terms of sensitivity? and readiness, of the proprioceptive device to the movements made by a user.

Thanks to the aforementioned characteristics, the proprioceptive device of the invention allows a wide range of proprioceptive exercises to be performed effectively and at the same time, which can range from the targeted mobilization of single joints, in particular the ankle joint or the wrist joint , in rehabilitation or physiotherapy, to proprioceptive training in sports to improve athletic performance.

The better performances of the proprioceptive device of the invention have a positive effect not only on the quality of the proprioceptive exercises that can be performed with it, but also on the precision with which they can be monitored, by detecting the movements of the mobile part of the proprioceptive device.

The functional characteristics described above of the proprioceptive device of the invention can also be implemented in a structurally simple way, easily scalable in terms of size to be able to satisfy different application needs, and at low costs.

Preferably, the number of rolling elements ? between three and five. This choice advantageously allows obtaining secure support and guidance of the spherical cap in the cradle with a minimum number of contact points between these components.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rolling elements are associated with the cradle. The installation of rolling elements in the cradle is particularly simple. Also, in this case, isn't it? necessary to delimit the cradle with a continuous surface, which would instead be necessary to guarantee the correct functioning of the device in the case of rolling elements associated with the spherical cap.

Preferably, at least three rolling elements are arranged perimetrically in the cradle along the same circumference tangent to the spherical cap of the movable part, preferably spaced angularly from each other in a uniform manner.

In the event that more of three rolling elements, especially four or five rolling elements, a rolling element can? moreover, it can be conveniently arranged on the bottom of the cradle, in correspondence with its central vertical axis.

The cradle in the fixed support base ? preferably formed by at least three support arms arranged in a star, plus? preferably four support arms arranged crosswise, and each support arm comprises at least one of said rolling elements. Advantageously, the extension of the surfaces which delimit the cradle and support the movable part of the proprioceptive device is thus minimized and the fixed support base as a whole assumes a particularly simple structure.

Preferably, the support arms are evenly angularly spaced apart from each other.

Preferably, the support arms all have the same shape.

According to a preferred embodiment, each support arm can have a generally concave profile towards the inside of the cradle and an L-shaped profile towards the outside of the cradle, and in each support arm one of the sides of the L-shaped profile ? coplanar with corresponding sides of the L-shaped profile of the other support arms. Advantageously, such a configuration of the support arms makes it possible to create a concave seat, suitable for receiving the spherical cap, towards the inside of the cradle, and at the same time a support surface for the support base towards the outside of the cradle.

In the event that the cradle has four support arms arranged crosswise, the opposite support arms can conveniently be formed in one piece with each other, so as to respectively form two support crosspieces. Preferably, these support cross members have the same shape, except for any coupling portions in each support cross member, which can have a mutually conjugate shape. In this way can the number of individual components to be manufactured and assembled to form the cradle and the fixed support base of the proprioceptive device can be advantageously minimized.

Preferably, the rolling elements are mounted in the support arms or in the support crosspieces with the interposition of mounting inserts, each provided with at least one housing seat for a respective rolling element. Preferably, the mounting inserts have the same shape externally, more? preferably a shape with parallel flat faces, and the same dimensions. The use of mounting inserts makes it possible in particular to mount rolling elements of different shapes and/or dimensions in the same support arm. The production of support arms or support beams can? what? be advantageously standardized and/or simplified without the ci? constrain the subsequent choice of the rolling elements to be mounted.

Preferably, the mounting inserts of the rolling elements are removably mounted in the support arms or support beams. Pi? preferably also the rolling elements are coupled to the respective mounting inserts in a detachable manner.

Preferably, the rolling elements are ball transfer units. This type of rolling elements? readily available on the market at low cost, in a wide range of configurations, sizes and capacities? of load.

Conveniently, the support platform of the mobile part can? be arranged at a lower, substantially equal, or higher level than the center of an ideal sphere to which said spherical cap belongs, measured along the central vertical axis of said support base.

In the proprioceptive device of the invention having the geometry and characteristics set out above, the center of the ideal sphere to which the spherical cap of the mobile part belongs represents the fixed fulcrum point with respect to which the mobile part performs its inclination and/or rotation movements . By positioning the support platform at different levels with respect to this fulcrum point? is it advantageously possible to vary the degree of instability? of the mobile part, for example to adapt it in a targeted way to the type of proprioceptive exercise to be performed and/or to vary the degree of difficulty? with which the same exercise can? be performed. In particular, when the support platform? positioned at a lower level than the fulcrum point? instability? of the moving part? relatively small. A setup like this? particularly suitable for performing proprioceptive exercises for rehabilitation purposes, for example to gradually recover complete mobility? of joints, especially of an ankle or wrist, after an injury. Conversely, when the support platform? positioned at a higher level than the fulcrum point? instability? of the moving part? greater and increases with increasing distance from the fulcrum point itself. A setup like this? instead indicated for performing proprioceptive exercises with a strengthening effect, for example aimed at improving balance and/or stability? of the core and lower limbs.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support platform for the movable part is formed by one of a plurality? of circular plates of different diameters that can be interchangeably associated with the spherical cap. In particular, can one or more internal plates, having a diameter lower than the maximum diameter of the spherical cap and which can be positioned inside it, a closing plate, having a diameter equal to the maximum diameter of the spherical cap and which can be positioned at the base of the same, and one or more? riser plates, which can be positioned above the closing plate.

The proprioceptive device of the invention can be advantageously marketed in the form of a kit comprising at least one internal plate, the closure plate and at least one riser plate of the plurality of dishes described above, to have from time to time the support platform more? appropriate for carrying out various types of proprioceptive exercises.

Conveniently, the support base of the proprioceptive device can comprising abutment means suitable for limiting the amplitude of inclination movements of the movable part. There? can? be useful to reduce the possibility? of the user falling following particularly fast movements of the mobile part of the proprioceptive device, above all when exercises are carried out in conditions of greater instability.

Preferably, the proprioceptive device also comprises sensor means suitable for detecting the movements of the mobile part and a unit of control configured to receive signals from the sensor means, process at least in part the received signals and transmit data correlated to the processed signals to a unit? external IT.

The detection of the movements of the mobile part and the preparation of corresponding data that can be used by a unit? external information technology advantageously allow monitoring the performance of proprioceptive exercises and providing the user or an operator with objective feedback on how they are or have been performed. These functions can be conveniently implemented with the aid of software loaded in the unit's memory media. external computer, through which the data transmitted by? unit? of control on board the proprioceptive device can be compared with parameters defined in rehabilitation or training protocols that can be implemented with the proprioceptive device, which can also be memorized in the unit's memory media. external IT. All of that? further increases the quality and the effectiveness of the exercises that can be performed using the proprioceptive device of the invention.

The sensor means preferably comprise a gyroscopic sensor and an accelerometer.

The means of sensors and the unit? controls are preferably housed inside the spherical cap of the mobile part.

The data transmitted by the unit? of control to? unit? external computing are preferably data relating to angles of spatial inclination and rotation of the mobile part, to the speed? of movement of the mobile part and/or the permanence time of the mobile part in a given position.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a proprioceptive device, comprising:

- a movable part, comprising a cylindrical cap, preferably a semi-cylindrical cap, and a support platform for a user, associated with said cylindrical cap, and

- a fixed support base, comprising a cradle having a central longitudinal axis and configured to house at least partially said cylindrical cap of the movable part. The cylindrical cap ? housed in the cradle in a way that can be tilted laterally in a direction perpendicular to said central longitudinal axis with respect to the fixed support base in response to movements made by the user on the support platform of the movable part.

Furthermore, the cylindrical shell ? supported in the cradle by rolling elements forming respective discrete points of contact between the cylindrical shell and the cradle.

In the context of the present description and of the subsequent claims, with the term ?cylindrical cap? means one of the two portions of the cylindrical surface obtained from the intersection of a cylinder with a plane parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder, and with the term ?semi-cylindrical cap? means one of the two portions of the cylindrical surface obtained from the intersection of a cylinder with a plane passing through the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

This proprioceptive device represents an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which the general inventive concepts underlying the same, in particular a contact between the movable part and the cradle of the fixed support base of the proprioceptive device limited to discrete points and achieved through rolling elements , are implemented in a different geometric configuration with respect to that of the proprioceptive device previously described with reference to the first aspect of the invention. In this embodiment, the mobile part and the relative cradle in the fixed support base form a cylindrical coupling, which allows the mobile part to perform lateral inclination movements along a single direction, in a similar way to the conventional unidirectional or ?rocker?, and at the same time maintain a fixed position in space.

In this case the cradle? preferably formed by at least two support crosspieces extending perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis of the cradle itself and spaced apart, each of which comprises at least two rolling elements arranged on opposite sides with respect to said central longitudinal axis. The at least two support crosspieces can conveniently be connected to each other by at least one connection bar, to keep them in the desired position and distance and at the same time stabilize the structure of the cradle and the support base.

All the preferred characteristics previously presented with reference to the first aspect of the invention can also be incorporated in this embodiment of the invention, possibly with adaptations or limitations due to the different geometric configuration, which will in any case be evident to the person skilled in the art.

For example, also in this case the support platform of the mobile part can? be disposed at a lower, substantially equal, or higher level with respect to a central longitudinal axis of an ideal cylinder to which the cylindrical cap of the movable part belongs.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of its preferred embodiments, given hereinafter, by way of example and not of limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

- Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a proprioceptive device according to the invention,

- Fig. 2 shows a perspective schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the proprioceptive device of Fig.1,

- Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective and partially exploded view of the support base of the proprioceptive device of Fig.1,

- Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the support base of the proprioceptive device of Fig.2,

- Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective and exploded view of the mobile part of the proprioceptive device of Fig. 1 or 2, with different plates defining corresponding support platforms for the mobile part,

- Figs. 6a-c show an example of use of the proprioceptive device of Fig.1,

- Figs. 7a-c show another example of using the proprioceptive device of Fig.1, - Fig. 8 shows an example of using the proprioceptive device of Fig.2,

- Figs. 9a-b show respective perspective schematic views of further alternative embodiments of the proprioceptive device of Fig.1,

- Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a proprioceptive device according to the invention,

- Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of the support base of the proprioceptive device of Fig.10, and

- Fig. 12 shows an exploded perspective schematic view of the mobile part of the proprioceptive device of Fig. 10, with different plates defining corresponding support platforms for the mobile part.

Fig. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a proprioceptive device according to the invention, indicated as a whole with the reference numeral 1.

The proprioceptive device 1 comprises a movable part 3 and a fixed support base 5.

The mobile part 3 of the proprioceptive device 1 ? essentially constituted by a hemispherical cap 31 to which ? associated, preferably in a removable way, at least one circular plate 32 defining a support platform for a user 100 (schematically shown in Figs. 6a-c, 7a-c and 8). In the case more general, instead of the hemispherical cap 31, the mobile part 3 can? comprising a spherical cap, preferably a spherical cap having a height smaller than the height of the hemispherical cap 31, i.e. the radius of the ideal sphere to which the hemispherical cap 31 belongs.

Plate 32? in this case positioned at the base of the hemispherical cap 31 and closes the same, therefore it can? hereinafter also referred to as closing plate. Details on the configuration of the plate 32 and on the arrangement and configuration of further plates able to define corresponding support platforms of the mobile part 3 will be presented below with reference to Fig.5.

The support base 5 of the proprioceptive device 1 comprises a cradle 51 suitable for at least partially housing the hemispherical cap 31 of the mobile part 3.

Preferably, the cradle 51 has a depth smaller than the height of the hemispherical cap 31, for example a depth? between about 1/3 and about 2/3 of the height of the hemispherical cap, whereby the free edge of the hemispherical cap 31 projects above beyond the free edge of the cradle 51.

The cradle 51 ? configured in such a way as to achieve a spherical coupling with the hemispherical cap 31. This coupling allows the hemispherical cap 31, and therefore the mobile part 3 of the proprioceptive device 1, to tilt in any direction perpendicular to a vertical central axis Z of the cradle 51 and to rotate around the latter in response to movements made by the user 100 on the support platform, or in this case on the plate 32, of the movable part 3, while maintaining a fixed position in space. In other words, the cradle 51 constrains the hemispherical cap 31 and the mobile part 3 of the proprioceptive device 1 to move around a fixed fulcrum point F coinciding with the center of an ideal sphere to which the hemispherical cap 31 belongs, which in the case present lies in the base plane of the hemispherical cap 31, at the intersection of this plane with the central vertical axis Z of the cradle 51.

Fig. 1 shows the proprioceptive device 1 with the movable part 3 in a neutral position, i.e. not inclined with respect to the support base 5, in which typically the support platform, i.e. here the plate 32, lies substantially horizontally.

As better visible also in Fig. 3, the cradle 51 ? formed by support arms extending radially from its central vertical axis Z, preferably angularly evenly spaced apart. In general, the number of support arms forming the cradle 51 can vary from three to a plurality. In the preferred embodiments of the invention described here, four support arms 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b arranged in a cross are provided. Preferably, in this case the mutually opposed support arms 511a, 511b and, respectively, 512a, 512b are formed in one piece with each other and form two support crosspieces 511 and, respectively, 512, perpendicular to each other. In this case, therefore, the cradle 51 ? made up of only two distinct elements.

The support crosspieces 511, 512, and therefore the support arms 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b which constitute them, are preferably equal to each other, with the exception of coupling portions in each support crosspiece, which can have a mutually conjugate shape. In particular, the support crosspieces 511, 512 are in this case constituted by plate-like elements having a generally concave profile towards the inside of the cradle 51, capable of housing at least in part the hemispherical cap 51 of the mobile part 3, and a C-shaped towards the outside of the cradle 51. The longer sides of the C-shaped profile of each support crosspiece 511, 512 are preferably coplanar, so as to form a support surface for the support base 5, the structure of which in this case it substantially coincides with that of the cradle 51 itself.

The support crosspieces 511, 512 can be removably connected to each other. There? conveniently allows the support base 5 to be disassembled, for example to facilitate the packaging and/or transport of the proprioceptive device 1. The removable connection between the support crosspieces 511, 512 can? for example, be achieved by means of a half-timber type joint, possibly secured with the addition of conventional removable fastening elements (not shown).

The cradle 51 supports the hemispherical cap 31 of the movable part 3 by means of rolling elements, preferably in the form of bearing balls 52, mounted in the support arms 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b and forming respective discrete contact points between the hemispherical cap 31 and the cradle 51. The absence of a sliding and superficially extended contact between the hemispherical cap 31 and the cradle 51 allows to minimize the static and dynamic friction between these components and to obtain a particular sensitivity? and responsiveness of the mobile part 31 of the proprioceptive device 1 to movements induced by a user during the execution of exercises.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated here each support arm 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b of the cradle 51 comprises a ball bearing 52. In this case, therefore, the cradle 51 is? provided with four bearing spheres 52 which define as many discrete points of contact with the hemispherical cap 31 of the mobile part 3. to mount on some or all of the support arms 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b plus? of a ball bearing 52. A ball bearing 52 could also be arranged on the bottom of the cradle 51, in correspondence with the central vertical axis Z.

The ball bearings 52 are here mounted along the respective support arms 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b preferably all at the same height with respect to the bottom of the cradle 51, measured along the central vertical axis Z. In other words, the ball bearings 52 are arranged along the same perimeter circumference of the cradle 51, tangential to the hemispherical cap 31. Furthermore, the bearing spheres 52 are preferably mounted in the support arms 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b with an inclination such as to generate a reaction on the hemispherical cap 31 constrain along a direction forming an angle of 45? with respect to the central vertical axis Z of the cradle 51.

As can be seen in particular from the exploded view of Fig. 3, the bearing balls 52 are mounted in the support arms 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b of the cradle 51 with the interposition of respective mounting inserts 53. The mounting inserts 53 have , at least externally, all have the same shape, preferably a shape with parallel flat faces, for example a parallelepiped, and the same dimensions and are intended to be housed in corresponding recesses 54 of conjugate shape formed in the support arms 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b. Each mounting insert 53 has a housing seat 531 for the respective ball transfer unit 52, the shape of which can be be freely chosen on the basis of the specific shape of the outer casing of the ball bearing 52 to be mounted. In the case shown here, for example, the outer casing of the transfer balls 52 and correspondingly the receiving seats 531 in the mounting inserts 53 have a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the mounting inserts 53 are removably mounted in the respective recesses 54 of the support arms 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b and the ball bearings 52 are removably mounted in the respective housing seats 531 of the mounting inserts 53.

Fig. 5 shows the movable part 3 of the proprioceptive device 1 in an exploded perspective view. In addition to the hemispherical cap 31, different circular plates are shown here which can be removably associated with the same, suitable for defining, individually or in combination with each other, corresponding support platforms 100 which are interchangeable for the user. In particular, the closing plate is shown 32, an inner plate 32a and a riser plate 32b.

How already? mentioned above, the closing plate 32 ? configured to be positioned at the base of the hemispherical cap 31. Consequently, in the preferred embodiment illustrated here, the closure plate 32 is substantially at the same level as the fixed fulcrum point F around which the movable part 3 of the proprioceptive device 1 performs its own movements.

The closure plate 32 preferably comprises an internal disc 321, with a diameter substantially equal to the maximum internal diameter of the hemispherical cap 31, and a peripheral edge 322, radially protruding from the internal disc 321 and raised with respect to it. The perimeter border 322 ? on one side intended to come vertically into contact with the free edge of the base of the hemispherical cap 31, on the other it can? be used to keep in position a riser plate 32b possibly placed on the closure plate 32, as better described hereinafter.

In Fig. 5 ? also shown is an internal plate 32a, which can be used as an alternative to the closure plate 32 described above. The inner plate 32a ? configured to be positioned inside the hemispherical cap 31 and therefore has a generic diameter smaller than the maximum internal diameter of the hemispherical cap 31. The internal plate 32a will be located? therefore at a lower level than the fulcrum point F.

Can more be expected? internal plates 32a of different diameters and therefore positionable inside the hemispherical cap 31 at correspondingly different levels below the fulcrum point F. The one or more? internal plates 32a can conveniently remain housed inside the hemispherical cap 31 even when they are not being used, for example because? an internal plate 32a with a larger diameter or the closing plate 32 is being used as a support platform for the user 100.

In Fig. 5 ? also shown is a riser plate 32b, which can be used in combination with the closure plate 32 described above and intended to be positioned above it. Will the riser plate 32b be located? therefore at a higher level than the fulcrum point F. Preferably, the backplate 32b has a diameter equal to the diameter of the inner disk 321 of the closure plate 32. In this way, when a backplate 32b is? placed on the closing plate 32, a base portion thereof is laterally surrounded by and in abutment with the raised perimeter edge 322 of the closing plate 32 itself, so that? lateral movements of the riser plate 32b are prevented when the movable part 3 tilts.

? it is also possible to use more? riser plates 32b stacked one on top of the other, so as to define corresponding support platforms of the mobile part 3 at different levels above the fulcrum point F. In this case, again to avoid lateral movements when the mobile part 3 tilts, each riser plate 32b pu? conveniently include at least one cavity in correspondence with its base surfaces? or protrusion (not shown), intended to cooperate with a corresponding protrusion or cavity? of conjugate shape formed in the base surface of an underlying or overlying riser plate 32b.

The possibility? to position the support platform of the mobile part 3 at different levels with respect to the fulcrum point F through the use of one or more? of the internal plates 32a, of the closing plate 32 and/or of one or more? of the riser plates 32b described above allows to selectively vary the degree of instability? of the mobile part 3 to adapt it in a targeted way to the type of proprioceptive exercise to be performed and/or vary the degree of difficulty in a targeted way? with which the same exercise is performed, how will it come? illustrated more in detail with reference to examples of use of the proprioceptive device 1 shown in Figs.6a-c and 7ac.

As shown in an extremely schematic way in Fig. 1, the proprioceptive device 1 ? furthermore provided with sensor means, in particular a gyroscopic sensor 33 and an accelerometer 34, and with a unit? control 35, through which ? it is possible to detect the movements of the mobile part 3 with respect to the fixed support base 5 and to obtain and transmit corresponding data externally, useful for monitoring the exercises performed with the proprioceptive device 1.

The gyroscopic sensor 33, the accelerometer 34 and the unit? controls 35 are preferably housed inside the hemispherical cap 31 of the mobile part. Although shown here as separate components, the gyro sensor 33 and the accelerometer 34 could also be combined in a single sensor device, for example in the form of a MEMS module, and/or be integrated on the same integrated circuit board together with the unit? control 35.

The unit of control 35, for example a microcontroller, ? configured to receive signals from the gyroscopic sensor 33 and from the accelerometer 34, process the received signals at least in part and transmit data correlated to the processed signals to a unit? external information technology, for example a portable computer, not forming part of the proprioceptive device 1 and therefore not shown in the figures. The data transmission between the unit? control 35 and the unit? computer science is preferably in mode? wireless, for example via standard Bluetooth?.

The data transmitted by the unit? of control 35 to? unit? data processing are preferably data relating to angles of spatial inclination and rotation of the mobile part 3, to the speed? of movement of the mobile part 3 and/or the permanence time of the mobile part 3 in a determined position.

The unit external computer can? further elaborate the data received from the unit? controller 35, memorize them in its own memory means, and present them in output, possibly also in real time, in a form suitable for the user 100 or another operator. Furthermore, through the unit? external computing? It is possible to implement rehabilitation or training protocols that can be implemented with the proprioceptive device 1. For example, by running the appropriate software loaded into its memory media, the unit? external computer can? compare the data received from the unit? controller 35 on board the proprioceptive device 1 with parameters defined in these protocols, also memorized in the memory means of the unit? external computer science, and on the basis of this comparison can? provide the user 100 or an operator with real-time indications, for example in the form of visual and/or sound signals, on how to perform a proprioceptive exercise in a given phase of a rehabilitation or training course.

Figs. 2, 4 show an alternative embodiment of the proprioceptive device 1. In these figures elements which are structurally or functionally the same as those of the embodiment described above with reference to Figs. 1, 3 are indicated with the same reference numbers.

The proprioceptive device 1 shown in Figs.2, 4 differs from the one shown in Figs.1, 3 in particular for the configuration of the cradle 51 of the support base 5.

In this case the distal portions of the support arms 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b which form the cradle 51 rise in the vertical direction more than in the embodiment of Figs. .

Furthermore, the cradle 51 has an abutment ring 55 at its perimetric free edge which limits the amplitude of the inclination movements of the movable part 3 of the proprioceptive device 1. In particular, in the embodiment shown here the abutment ring 55 interacts with the radially protruding peripheral edge 322 of the closing disc 32 of the hemispherical cap 31 of the mobile part 3, preventing the inclination of the latter beyond a given angle.

For the rest, the proprioceptive device 1 shown in Figs. 2, 4 has all structural and functional characteristics already? described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figs.1, 3.

The proprioceptive device 1 described above, both in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 3 and in the one shown in Figs. 2, 4, can? be used to perform a wide range of proprioceptive exercises.

By way of example, Figs. 6a-c show the use of the proprioceptive device 1, in particular in its embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1 and 3, for the proprioceptive activation of an ankle joint for rehabilitation and/or strengthening purposes. In this case the exercises are performed without loading the joint, so that the user 100 places only the foot on the support platform of the movable part 3 of the proprioceptive device 1, without standing on it.

In Fig.6a the support platform of the mobile part 3 ? defined by an internal plate 32a associated with the hemispherical cap 31, so that the ankle joint is at a lower level than the fulcrum point F of the mobile part 3 and is affected to a lesser extent by the instability? created by the latter. In this condition, the mobilization of the joint translates into an action for cos? say ?cullante?, suitable for example for the first stages of a rehabilitation process.

In Fig.6b the support platform of the mobile part 3 ? instead defined by the closing plate 32 associated with the hemispherical cap 31, whereby the ankle joint is located above the fulcrum fulcrum point F of the mobile part 3 and begins to noticeably feel the instability created by the latter. In this case, the mobilization of the joint also requires an active response to this condition of instability? by the user 100, and the proprioceptive exercise takes on a realistic effect of leaning on an unstable surface, with an action that also begins to become empowering or training.

Finally, in Fig.6c, the support platform of the mobile part 3 ? defined by a raising plate 32b associated with the hemispherical cap 31, whereby the ankle joint is at an even higher level than the fulcrum point F of the movable part 3 and is therefore affected even more by the instability? created by the latter. The difficulty? performance of the proprioceptive exercise and its strengthening or training effect increase correspondingly.

Figs. 7a-c show another example of use of the proprioceptive device 1, for example still in its embodiment described with reference to Figs, 1 and 3. In this case the user 100 places himself on the support platform of the mobile part 3 of the proprioceptive device 1 standing, possibly balancing on one leg only, to perform proprioceptive exercises aimed, for example, at improving balance and/or stability? of the core and lower limbs.

Also in this case the support platform of the mobile part 31 can be defined respectively by an internal plate 32a (Fig.7a), by the closure plate 32 (Fig.7b) or by a riser plate 32b (Fig.7c) associated with the hemispherical cap 31. These different configurations correspond to progressively increasing distances of the user's pelvis 100 from the fixed fulcrum point F of the mobile part 3, which translate into a progressive increase in instability? to which the user 100 is subjected and therefore to gradually more operating conditions? empowering or training.

In Figs. 7a-c ? also shown a balustrade of which the user can? possibly use to maintain or recover? balance, that for? it does not form part of the proprioceptive device of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows a further example of use of the proprioceptive device 1, in particular here in its embodiment described with reference to Figs. 2 and 4. In this case the user 100 places himself on the resting platform of the mobile part 3 - here defined by the closing plate 32 or by a rising plate 32b associated with the hemispherical cap 31 - of the proprioceptive device 1 in a seated position. In the context of this example of use, the proprioceptive device 1 can? act not only as a device to perform proprioceptive exercises for rehabilitation or physical training purposes, but also as a real proprioceptive sitting device for daily use.

Figs.9a-b show alternative embodiments of the proprioceptive device 1, particularly suitable for its use as a proprioceptive sitting device.

The support base 5 ? in this case preferably provided with support legs 56 associated with the cradle 51. What? it allows a desired seat height to be obtained in a flexible way, while maintaining the structure of the support base 5 relatively slender and light. Furthermore, can a casing 57 should be conveniently provided to cover the support base 5 partially (Fig. 9a) or completely (Fig. 9b). In the figures, the casing 57 ? represented in transparency, by dotted lines, to show the underlying structure of the support base 5.

For the rest, the proprioceptive device 1 shown in Figs. 9a-b has all the structural and functional characteristics already? described with reference to the embodiments shown in Figs.1, 3 and/or in Figs.2, 4.

Figs.10-12 show a second preferred embodiment of a proprioceptive device according to the invention, indicated herein as a whole with reference number 2.

Similarly to the proprioceptive device 1 previously described, the proprioceptive device 2 comprises a movable part 4 and a fixed support base 6.

The mobile part 4 of the proprioceptive device 2 ? in this case constituted by a semi-cylindrical cap 41 to which ? associated, preferably in a removable way, at least one plate 42 of rectangular or square shape, here positioned for example at the base of the semi-cylindrical cap 41 (closure plate), which defines a support platform for the user 100. Instead of the semi-cylindrical cap 41, the mobile part 4 pu? more generally comprising a cylindrical cap, preferably a cylindrical cap having a height smaller than the height of the semi-cylindrical cap 41, i.e. the radius of the ideal cylinder to which the semi-cylindrical cap 41 belongs.

The support base 6 of the proprioceptive device 2 comprises a cradle 61 suitable for at least partially housing the semi-cylindrical cap 41 of the mobile part 4.

The cradle 61 ? configured in such a way as to create a cylindrical coupling with the semi-cylindrical cap 41, which allows the latter, and therefore the mobile part 4 of the proprioceptive device 2, to tilt laterally in a direction perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis X of the cradle 61 in response to movements made by the user 100 on the support platform of the movable part 4, while maintaining a fixed position in space. In other words, the cradle 61 constrains the semi-cylindrical cap 41 and the movable part 4 of the proprioceptive device 2 to tilt laterally with respect to a fixed fulcrum axis W, coinciding with the central longitudinal axis of an ideal cylinder to which the semi-cylindrical cap 41 belongs, which in the present case lies in the base plane of the semi-cylindrical cap 41 itself.

As better visible in Fig.11, the cradle 61 ? formed by two support crosspieces 611, 612 extending perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis X of the cradle 61 itself and spaced apart. The support crosspieces 611, 612 preferably have the same configuration as the crosspieces 511, 512 of the proprioceptive device 1, which therefore will not be? described again in detail here. The same pair of support crosspieces 511, 512 or 611, 612 can therefore advantageously be used interchangeably to make both the cradle 51 of the proprioceptive device 1 and the cradle 61 of the proprioceptive device 2.

The support crosspieces 611, 612 are connected to each other, preferably in a removable way, by means of a connection bar 613, preferably arranged parallel to the central longitudinal axis X of the cradle 61, useful for keeping the support crosspieces 611, 612 in the position and at the desired distance and at the same time to stabilize the structure of the cradle 61 and of the support base 6.

Also in this case, the cradle 61 supports the semi-cylindrical cap 41 of the mobile part 4 by means of rolling elements, preferably in the form of bearing balls 62, mounted in the support crosspieces 611, 612 and forming respective discrete contact points between the semi-cylindrical cap 41 and the cradle 61. In the preferred embodiment illustrated here each support crosspiece 611, 612 comprises two bearing balls 62 arranged on opposite sides with respect to the central longitudinal axis X of the cradle 61. In this case, therefore, the cradle 61 is? provided overall with four bearing spheres 62 which define as many discrete points of contact with the semi-cylindrical cap 41 of the mobile part 4.

The bearing balls 62 are preferably all arranged at the same height with respect to the bottom of the cradle 61 and are mounted in the support crosspieces 611, 612 in a similar way to what is described above. above with reference to the bearing spheres 52 of the proprioceptive device 1. In particular, also in this case ? the use of mounting inserts 63 is preferably envisaged, configured in a similar way to the mounting inserts 53 previously described with reference to the proprioceptive device 1.

To avoid translations in the longitudinal direction of the semi-cylindrical cap 41 and of the movable part 4 which could accompany the lateral inclination movements and at least cause their exit from the seat of the cradle 61, the latter preferably comprises stop means (not shown in the figures) configured and/or arranged in such a way as to fix the longitudinal position of the semi-cylindrical cap 41 in the cradle 61. Alternatively or additionally, instead of the bearing balls 52, cylindrical rollers could be adopted as rolling elements.

Fig. 12 shows the movable part 4 of the proprioceptive device 2 in an exploded perspective view. In addition to the hemispherical cap 41, different rectangular or square-shaped plates are shown here which can be removably associated with the same, able to define, individually or in combination with each other, corresponding support platforms 100 which are interchangeable for the user. Also in this case, in addition to the closing plate 42, intended to be arranged at the base of the semi-cylindrical cap 41 and therefore substantially at the same level as the fulcrum axis W of the mobile part 4, one or more can be provided; internal plates 42a, intended to be arranged inside the semi-cylindrical cap 41 and therefore at a lower level with respect to the fulcrum axis W of the mobile part 4, and one or more? riser plates 42b, intended to be placed above the closing plate 42 and therefore at a higher level with respect to the fulcrum axis W of the mobile part 4.

As shown in Fig. 10, the proprioceptive device 2 also preferably comprises sensor means, in particular a gyroscopic sensor 43 and an accelerometer 44, and a unit control 45, through which ? possible to detect the movements of the mobile part 4 with respect to the fixed support base 6 and obtain and transmit corresponding data externally, to perform functions similar to those more described above with reference to the proprioceptive device 1. The sensor means 43, 44 and the unit? controls 45 are preferably housed inside the semi-cylindrical cap. 41.

With the invention, therefore, an improved proprioceptive device is made available in terms of sensitivity? and promptness of response to the movements made by a user, which allows a wide range of proprioceptive exercises to be performed in an effective and controllable way, both for rehabilitation purposes and for physical training, and at the same time has a relatively simple structure that can be achieved at low cost .

Claims (15)

1. Proprioceptive device (1) comprising: - a movable part (3), comprising a spherical cap (31) and a support platform (32, 32a, 32b) for a user (100), associated with said spherical cap (31), and - a fixed support base (5), comprising a cradle (51) having a vertical central axis (Z) and configured to at least partially house said spherical cap (31) of the movable part (3), in which said spherical cap (31) ? housed in said cradle (51) tiltable in any direction perpendicular to said vertical central axis (Z) and rotatable around said vertical central axis (Z) with respect to the fixed support base (5) in response to movements made by the user (100) on said support platform (32, 32a, 32b) of the mobile part (3), characterized by the fact that said spherical cap (31) ? supported in said cradle (51) by means of rolling elements (52) forming respective discrete contact points between said spherical cap (31) and said cradle (51). 2. Proprioceptive device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the number of said rolling elements (52) ? between three and five. 3. Proprioceptive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rolling elements (52) are associated with said cradle (51). 4. Proprioceptive device (1) according to claim 3, wherein at least three of said rolling elements (52) are arranged perimetrically in said cradle (51) along the same circumference tangent to said spherical cap (31). 5. Proprioceptive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cradle (51) is formed of at least three support arms (511a, 511b, 512a, 512b) arranged in a star, preferably four support arms (511a, 511b, 512a, 512b) arranged in a cross, and in which each support arm (511a, 511b , 512a, 512b) comprises at least one of said rolling elements (52). 6. Proprioceptive device (1) according to claim 5, wherein each support arm (511a, 511b, 512a, 512b) has a generally concave profile towards the inside of said cradle (51) and an L-shaped profile towards the outside of said cradle (51), and in which in each support arm (511a, 511b, 512a, 512b) one of the sides of the L-shaped profile ? coplanar with corresponding sides of the L-shaped profile of the other support arms (511a, 511b, 512a, 512b). 7. Proprioceptive device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said rolling elements (52) are mounted in said support arms (511a, 511b, 512a, 512b) with the interposition of mounting inserts (53), each provided with at least one housing seat (531) for a respective rolling element (52). 8. Proprioceptive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rolling elements (52) are bearing spheres. 9. Proprioceptive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support platform (32, 32a, 32b) of said movable part (3) ? arranged at a lower, substantially equal, or higher level than the center (F) of an ideal sphere to which said spherical cap (31) belongs, measured along said central vertical axis (Z) of said support base (5). 10. Proprioceptive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support base (5) comprises abutment means (55) suitable for limiting the amplitude of inclination movements of said movable part (3). 11. Proprioceptive device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising sensor means (33, 34) able to detect movements of said mobile part (3) and a unit? control unit (35) configured to receive signals from said sensor means (33, 34), process said signals at least in part and transmit data correlated to the processed signals to a unit? external IT. 12. Proprioceptive device (2) comprising: - a movable part (4), comprising a cylindrical cap (41) and a support platform (42, 42a, 42b) for a user (100), associated with said cylindrical cap (41), and - a fixed support base (6), comprising a cradle (61) having a central longitudinal axis (X) and configured to at least partially house said cylindrical cap (41) of the movable part (4), in which said cylindrical cap (41) ? housed in said cradle (61) in a way that can be tilted laterally in a direction perpendicular to said central longitudinal axis (X) with respect to the fixed support base (6) in response to movements made by the user (100) on said support platform (42 , 42a, 42b) of the movable part, e in which said cylindrical cap (41) ? supported in said cradle by rolling elements (62) forming respective discrete contact points between said cylindrical cap (41) and said cradle (61). 13. Proprioceptive device (2) according to claim 12, wherein said cradle (61) is formed by at least two support crosspieces (611, 612) extending perpendicularly to said central longitudinal axis (X) and spaced apart, wherein each support crosspiece (611, 612) comprises at least two of said rolling elements (62) arranged from opposite sides with respect to said central longitudinal axis (X). 14. Proprioceptive device (2) according to claim 13, wherein said at least two support crosspieces (611, 612) are connected to each other by means of a connection bar (613). 15. Proprioceptive device (2) according to any one of claims from 12 to 14, wherein said support platform (42, 42a, 42b) of said movable part (4) ? arranged at a lower, substantially equal, or higher level with respect to a central longitudinal axis (W) of an ideal cylinder to which said cylindrical cap (41) belongs.