APPARATUS AND PROPIOCEPTIVE / CINESTESIC METHOD Field of the Invention The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus for the training, development and enhancement of proprioceptive and kinesthetic abilities, neuromuscular control and stability of the heart.
Background of the Invention Proprioception refers to the ability to know where a part of the body is located in space (ie, spatial orientation) and to recognize the movements of body parts (such as the fingers of the hands). and feet, feet and hands, legs and arms). Kinestesia is a related term, and refers to the sensation by which position, weight, muscular tension and body movement are perceived. In some of the medical literature, proprioception refers to the conscious and unconscious appreciation of the position of the union between two or more bones, that is, the articulation, while kinesthesia refers to the sensation of speed and acceleration of the joint. Proprioception is often used, interchangeably, with the kinesthetic, and also in this document, the terms will be used in a REF manner. 162215 interchangeable.- (Throughout the specification and claims, the term "proprioception" will be used to include proprioception, kinesthesia, heart stability and the like). The neuromuscular control system of the body integrates peripheral sensations that are related to articulation loads and process these signals into coordinated motor responses. This muscular activity serves to protect articulation structures from excessive exertion. Certain proprioceptors or mechanoreceptors are present through all the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, which interact with the central nervous system and coordinate the movements of the body, the alignment of the posture and the balance of the same. The mechanoreceptors are located in muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules and in the skin. These nerve fibers provide information to the brain regarding the state and function of the musculoskeletal system. The mechanoreceptors send electrical signals along the peripheral nerves to the spinal cord. The electrical signals move through the spinal cord to the brain where the signals are interpreted, so that they recognize the movements of body parts, muscle tension, movement of the same and the like. Some examples of the mechanoreceptors that control the muscular system include the muscle spindles. The muscle spindles are interspersed within the contractile fibers of the skeletal muscles, with the highest concentration in the central portion of each muscle. Muscle spindle fibers respond to changes in muscle length. These terminals or nerve endings provide information to the central nervous system, which is used to maintain muscle tone and correct muscle tension on opposite sides of each joint. The fibrous tissues that surround and protect most joints generally contain a variety of sensory nerve endings for proprioception and kinesthesia. The input from these sensory nerve endings provides the information to the central nervous system with respect to position, elongation, compression, tension, acceleration and rotation of the joint. The foot is the anatomical region that contains the second largest number of proprioceptive or kinaesthetic sensory receptors in the body (the spine has the most). Proprioceptive or kinesthetic exercise devices and exercise devices are well known to improve agility, balance and coordination, and for the rehabilitation of people whose proprioceptive ability has been impaired, such as after accidents or illnesses. One of this class of exercise devices includes tilt tables, where a patient stands on a similar table or platform that has a ball placed below it. The table is not placed horizontally due to the presence of the ball, and this challenges the patient's ability to balance and perform maneuvers on the platform. Repeated exercises on the tilt table could be used to develop or rehabilitate the patient's proprioception and neuromuscular control, as well as to strengthen the muscles, tendons and connective tissues in the foot area. Other proprioceptive or kinesthetic exercise devices include a shoe with a single ball placed under the sole of the shoe. The shoe with the ball is used in a similar way to the tilt table. Another type of shoe has a rod placed under the sole of the shoe or footwear that is used for the strengthening of the dorsiflexor muscles. Still another proprioceptive or kinesthetic exercise device is described in U.S. Patent No. 6, 283,897 to Patton. This device consists of one or more points projecting upwards from a mounting table. The tips or spikes have a rounded tip and are placed in concave depressions (tepes) in the lower part of a rubber shoe similar to a sandal. Specifically, the lower part of the sole of the shoe has three concave tepes of hemispherical shape, with one located within the heel portion, one more directly below the ball of the foot and one located in the center. The elastomeric bands could support the user's foot as the user rotates his foot and / or hips to develop the resistance, range of motion and proprioception of the ankle and hip.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide a new proprioceptive and kinesthetic exercise apparatus, which provides significant advantages over the prior art apparatus, such as tilt tables or shoes with a single protrusion. As described in greater detail hereinafter, in one embodiment of the present invention, the shoe is provided in a manner that includes two bulbous protrusions protruding from the underside thereof, instead of the single ball of the tables and shoes of the prior art. The additional protrusion could significantly increase the possibilities and improve the walking process and could also accelerate and improve the results of the proprioceptive and kinesthetic treatment plans. In addition other proprioceptive and kinesthetic exercise devices are provided, such as new treadmills, exercise surfaces, exercise bicycles, exercise climbers, ski machines or elliptical exercise machines as described in more detail below. The apparatus of the present invention could be used for proprioceptive, neuromuscular control and for coordination exercises and training for children and in the same way for athletes, also, for the development and improvement of proprioceptive and kinaesthetic ability. The invention could be used to perform exercises and for training in order to avoid injuries in athletes and in the same way, it could be used in people who are not athletes. The invention could be used to work on the stability of the heart, for the stabilization of the area of the back and hip, also, to avoid, stop or reduce back pain. The invention could be used to exercise and train people who had in the past injuries to the ankle, knee, waist and back (or other injuries) in order to avoid future recurrences of these injuries. The invention could be used to exercise and train people with physical disabilities (for example, brain or neurological diseases or other types of physical or mental disabilities). The user of the exercise devices of the invention could move in six degrees of freedom (i.e. translation in three reciprocally orthogonal directions (x, y, z) and rotation around these axes (azimuthal, elevation and rotation) )). All the exercises and training sessions involve that instability in the person may be provoked while the person is in movement, in particular, in a movement of translation, whether walking, running or when the person is making another movement. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus comprising a contact surface with the foot, which is adapted to support the user's foot thereon, an actuator adapted to move the surface of contact with the foot during the plan or method of exercise and a mechanism of jolts or oscillation that is operative, which alters the balance of the user on the surface of contact with the foot. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reciprocating mechanism is operative in a manner that moves the user in six degrees of freedom, which comprises translation in three reciprocally orthogonal directions and rotation about these axes. Also provided in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is a method comprising the performance of a proprioceptive exercise that includes overcoming a balance alteration force while the person moves in the translation movement. Also provided in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is a method comprising performing an exercise on an exercise machine that is initially devoid of balance alteration forces, and the application, deliberately, of a force of alteration of balance while the person performs the exercise on the exercise machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a simplified graphic illustration of the footwear constructed and operative according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2 and 3 are simplified illustrations of side view and rear view, respectively, of the footwear of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a simplified top view illustration of the footwear of Figure 1, showing the additional features of other embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 is a simplified graphic illustration of a treadmill constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a simplified graphic illustration of an exercise surface constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a simplified graphic illustration of an exercise bicycle constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a simplified graphic illustration of an exercise stairway constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a simplified graphic illustration of a ski machine constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a simplified graphic illustration of an elliptical exercise machine constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 11 is a simplified graphic illustration of a rowing apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description Of The Present Invention Reference is now made to Figures 1-4, which illustrate footwear 10 constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The shoe 10 could be supplied as one or more pairs of devices similar to a shoe, or alternatively, only as one of the shoe-like devices. Preferably, the shoe 10 comprises a support member 12 having a periphery in a shoe sole shape with an upper surface 1. In the embodiment illustrated, the upper surface 14 is embedded with a peripheral flange 16, although it is appreciated that other configurations of the upper surface 14 are within the scope of the invention. The shoe 10 could be attached to a user's foot (not shown) by means of a boot 18 and / or the fasteners 20, such as, but not limited to, VELCRO strips, buckles, laces or shoe laces and Similar. The boot 18 could be adapted to be joined with the user's foot with or without the fasteners 20. Similarly, the fasteners 20 could be used to attach the footwear 10 to the wearer's foot without the boot 18.
Two bulbous protrusions 22 could protrude from the lower surface 24 of the support member 12. Alternatively, the bulbous protuberances 22 could protrude from the upper surface 14 of the support member 22. Each bulge 22 could have a curved outer contour 26. The cross section of the contour 26, ie, whatever the cross section taken with respect to a longitudinal axis 28 (Figure 4) of the support member 12 (corresponding to the shape seen in FIG. Figure 2) or the cross section taken with respect to the longitudinal axis 30 (Figure 4) of the support member 12 (corresponding to the shape seen in Figure 3), or any other cross section, could have any curvilinear shape. For example, the contours 26 could have the shape of a conical section, that is, the shape of a circle, an ellipse, a parabola or a hyperbole. The various cross sections of the contours 26 of the protrusion 22 could be configured identically or differently. As seen clearly in Figure 2, a protrusion 22 could be located more posteriorly than the other protrusion 22. As seen in Figure 4, the protuberances could be located on a common longitudinal axis of the support member 12, such as the center line 28 of the support member 12. , and on opposite sides of the transverse midline 30. As seen in Figure 2, the posterior lump 22 could be generally located below a calcaneus support 23 (the heel, and the ankle) of the support member 12, while the front protrusion 22 could be generally located below a support metatarsal portion 25 and / or support phalangeal portion 27 of the support member 12. Alternately, as indicated by dotted lines 33 in FIG. Figure 4, one of the protuberances 22 (for example, the front protrusion) could be aligned on a longitudinal axis 34 displaced from the center line 28 and the protrusion post erior 22 could be located displaced from the axis 34, such as on the central line 28. It can be seen that the foregoing are only some examples of positioning of the protuberances 22, and that other possibilities could exist within the scope of the invention. The protuberances 22 could be constructed of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, elastomers or metal or a combination of materials, and could have different properties. For example, the protuberances could have a different elasticity or hardness, such as with different properties of elasticity or hardness on the Shore scale. The protuberances 22 could protrude in different amounts from the lower surface 24 of the support member 12. According to one embodiment of the present invention, one or more protuberances 22 could be placed, in a sliding manner, on the support member 12. For example, the protrusion 22 could be mounted on a guide 36 (Figure 2) formed on the lower surface 24 of the support member 12, and could be selectively positioned anywhere along the guide and could be attached to the same The guide 36 could extend along a portion of the shoe sole or in its entirety along the extension of the sole of the shoe. Alternatively or additionally, the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 22 could be adjusted, by mounting the protrusion 22 with a threaded fastener 38 (FIG. 3) on the support member 12 and by tightening or releasing the threaded fastener 38. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to bulbous protuberances 22, one or more bulbous-shaped protuberances 39, shown in Figure 3, could be provided. The protuberances 39 could be configured in the form of a protuberance. tip, stud, bolt, pin, short bar and the like, although the invention is not limited to these forms. The protuberances 39 could be rigid or flexible. As with the protuberances 22, the protuberances 39 could have different elasticity or hardness, such as with different elasticity or hardness properties on the Shore scale, and could protrude in different amounts from the lower surface 24 of the support member 12. As in the past, the amount of protrusion of the protuberances 39 could be adjusted. The protuberances 39 could be placed anywhere on the lower surface 24 of the support member 12. The characteristics described above, such as the protuberances 22 which are placed, slidably on the support member 12, could be implemented in an alternative embodiment wherein the bulbous protuberances 22 protrude from the upper surface 14 of the support member 12. For example, the footwear 10 could have a perpendicular outer sole and could also have a sliding / sliding mechanism for the protuberances 22 within the sole of the shoe 10. The sliding / displacement mechanism could comprise, without limitation, a mechanism that floats in a viscous matrix (for example, fluid in a chamber formed in the sole) or that is suspended by internal cables. In the following, reference is made to Figure 4. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shoe 10 could comprise a flange 40 extending outwardly from the periphery of the support member 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. illustrated, the flange 40 extends outwardly from the periphery of the support member 12, although it is appreciated that the flange 40 could extend forward or rearwardly or in any other direction as well. The tab 40 could be provided on one side of the shoe 10, as illustrated, or could be provided on both sides. The flange 40 could complement the range of possible proprioceptive exercises with the footwear 10, by providing an additional support surface during tipping and maneuvering with the footwear 10. The flange 40 could be constructed of any suitable material, such as they limit to, elastomers or metal or a combination of materials, and could have the portions 42 with different properties. For example, the portions 42 could have a different elasticity or hardness, such as with different elasticity or hardness properties on the Shore scale. The portions 42 of the flange 40 could have differently curved contours. The flange 40 could be attached, in an adjustable manner, to the support member 12, so that the amount that the flange 40 extends from the support member 12 can be adjusted. The user could join the footwear 10 with his foot and could perform a variety of maneuvers in a plan or method of proprioceptive and / or kinesthetic exercise for the lower foot, the upper leg and even the upper torso and other parts and organs of the body . For example, the footwear 10 could be used to restore neuromuscular control during the rehabilitation of the joints, also to restore the mechanical and functional stability of the neuromuscular system, in addition, to improve or rehabilitate the anticipatory neuromuscular control mechanism (pre-feeding system). and reflexive (feedback system), and finally, to recover and improve the balance, the balance of the posture and the stability of the heart. Next, reference is made to Figure 5, which illustrates a treadmill 50 constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The treadmill 50 could comprise a contact running surface with the foot 52 rotating around a pair of separate pulleys 54. The running surface 52 could comprise one or more protuberances 56 projecting upwardly from the running surface. 52. The protuberances 56 could be of a different or similar configuration (e.g., height, size, shape and / or inclination). The protuberances 56 could have a fixed size / configuration, or alternatively, they could have a variable size / configuration. The variable size / configuration could be achieved by constructing the protrusion 56 from an element that can be inflated, which could be inflated pneumatically with air or hydraulically with a liquid (e.g., water or oil). A controller 58 could be provided, so that it can regulate the inflation and deflation of the protuberances 56. The protuberances 56 and / or the running surface 52 could have different or similar material properties. For example, these properties could have a different or similar elasticity or viscosity (in the inflatable version) and could be made from different or similar materials. The protuberances 56 could be movable. For example, one or more of the protuberances 56 could be translated, such as in a guide 57 (eg, forward, backward, sideways or diagonal) and / or could rotate around its own or another axis, or they could have a combination of these movements. A protection strip (not shown) could be provided to keep the user in a vertical position and to help prevent accidental falls. Next, reference is made to Figure 6, which illustrates an exercise surface 60 constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The exercise surface 60 could comprise one or more protrusions 62 projecting upwards from the upper face (contact with the foot) and / or the lower face (contact with the foot) of the exercise surface 60. protuberances 62 could be of different or similar configurations (e.g., height, size, shape and / or inclination). The protuberances 62 could have a fixed size / configuration, or alternatively, they could have a variable size / configuration. The variable size / configuration could be achieved by constructing the protrusion 62 from an inflatable element, which can be pneumatically inflated with air or hydraulically with a liquid (e.g., water or oil). A controller 64 could be provided, so as to regulate the inflation and deflation of the protuberances 62. The protuberances 62 could have a different or similar elasticity or viscosity (in the inflatable version), and could be made from different materials or materials. Similar. The protuberances 62 could be movable. For example, one or more of the protuberances 62 could be translated as in a guide 66 (for example, forward, backward, sideways, radially or diagonally) and / or could rotate around their own or another axis, or they could have a combination of these movements. Therefore, a user of the exercise surface 60 could move in six degrees of freedom (ie, it can be translated in three reciprocally orthogonal directions (x, y, z) and can rotate around these axes (azimuthal, elevation and of rotation)). Next, reference is made to Figure 7, which illustrates a stationary exercise bicycle 70 constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The exercise bicycle 70 could comprise an apparatus with its own pedals, wheels and sensors (for example, a speedometer, odometer, etc.) or could comprise an indoor bicycle trainer, where a user is mounted on a bicycle on a platform, which allows the bicycle to be pedaled while the bicycle remains fixed. The exercise bicycle 70 could comprise a back and forth mechanism 72 connected with a front axle 74 or with the rear support 75 of the bicycle 70 and / or a swing mechanism 76 connected with a seat 78 of the bicycle 70. The reciprocating mechanism it could oscillate, rock, produce a sway and otherwise alter the balance of the user of the exercise bicycle 70 (as indicated by the arrows in Figure 7). The oscillating mechanism could move the cyclist or driver in six degrees of freedom (that is, he could perform the translation in three reciprocally orthogonal directions (x, y, z) and the rotation around these axes (azimuth, elevation and rotation) )). The oscillating mechanism in this embodiment, as in other embodiments of the invention, could comprise a plate on which the exercise bicycle 70 is mounted, where the plate provides the back and forth action in six degrees of freedom. The exercise bicycle 70 could be used to exercise neuromuscular control in the back, waist, pelvis, ankle, knee and other parts of the body by means of jolts or swings during movement, which could simulate the movement over roads with bumps or bumps. A controller 77 could be provided to regulate the operation of the back and forth mechanism 72. Reference is now made to Figure 8, which illustrates an exercise escalator 80, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The exercise climber 80 could comprise a controller 82 that varies the resistive force presented by the pedals 84 of the climber 80. The controller 82 could also vary the angle of the pedals 84, so that it can create an eversion and inversion, as indicated by means of the arrows in Figure 8. At this point also, the controller 82 could move the pedals 84 in six degrees of freedom (ie, the translation in three reciprocally orthogonal directions (x, y, z) and rotation around these axes (azimuthal, elevation and turn)). Next, reference is made to Figure 9, which illustrates a ski machine 90 constructed and operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The ski machine 90 could comprise a controller 92 that varies the resistive force presented by the ski platforms 94 of the ski 90. The controller 92 could also vary the angle of the ski platform 9, so that it creates an eversion and inversion, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 9. The controller 92 could move the ski platform 94 into six degrees of freedom (i.e. translation in three mutually orthogonal directions (x, y, z) and rotation around of these axes (azimuthal, lifting and turning)). Some exercise experts have noted several drawbacks to the prior art exercise equipment. For example, stationary exercise bikes could only use a relatively small number of muscles, through a completely limited range of motion. Cross-country skiing devices can exercise more muscles than a stationary bicycle, however, the movement of the substantially flat foot of the device could limit the range of movement of some of the muscles being exercised. The stair climbing devices could exercise a greater amount of muscles than fixed bicycles, however, the limited range of upward and downward movement could not exercise the muscles of the leg through a large range of motion. In response to these concerns, elliptical exercise machines have been developed in a way that stimulates the natural movements of walking and running and the exercise of a large number of muscles through the wide range of motion. The machines provide a variable and flexibly coordinated elliptical movement of the leg muscles. An example of one of the many elliptical exercise machines in the prior art is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,848,954. Next, reference is made to Figure 10, which illustrates an elliptical exercise machine 100, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The elliptical exercise machine 100 is shown for convenience with some elements similar to those of U.S. Patent No. 5,848,954, although it is emphasized that the invention is not limited to that construction. In any case, the proprioceptive characteristics of the invention are not found in U.S. Patent No. 5,848,954 or in any of the prior art. The elliptical exercise machine 100 could comprise a frame or frame 102 and a hinge assembly 104 movably mounted on the frame 102. In general, the hinge assembly 104 could be moved relative to the frame 102 in a way that links or joins the rotation of a flywheel 106 with the generally elliptical movement of a force receiving member or "skate" 108. The frame 102 could include a base 110, a front or vertical column 112 and a rear or vertical column 114. It is observed that the term "elliptical movement" is intended in a broad sense to describe a closed trajectory of movement having a relatively larger first axis and a relatively shorter second axis (which extends perpendicular to the first axis). Also - it is observed that in the illustrated modality, there is an asymmetry from left to right around a longitudinal axis, and the "right-hand" components are 180 ° out of phase with respect to the "left-hand" components. However, the same reference numbers are used to designate both "right hand" and "left hand" parts in the elliptical exercise machine 100, and when reference is made to one or more parts only on one side of the machine, it is understood that the corresponding part (s) are located on the opposite side of the machine. The forward column 112 could extend perpendicular upwardly from the base 110 and furthermore, could support a telescopic pole or tube 116. A pair of lugs 118 could be pivotally placed on the pole 116 on a pivot 119 The grips 118 could have gripping or gripping portions 120. A shield 122 could be placed on the post 116. The skids 108 could slide on the rails 124. The user could place his or her foot on a contact surface with the foot 126 of the foot. skate 108. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the elliptical exercise machine 100 could comprise one or more back and forth mechanisms 130 connected with a front support 132 and / or a rear support 134 of the rails 124. The mechanisms of Sway 130 could oscillate, rock, produce a sway and otherwise alter the user balance of the elliptical exercise machine 100. The back and forth mechanisms 130 could an move the user in six degrees of freedom (ie, translation in mutually orthogonal three directions (x, y, z) and rotation about these axes (azimuth, elevation and rotation)). A controller 136 could be provided to regulate the operation of the shuttle mechanism 130. Reference is now made to Figure 11, which illustrates a rowing apparatus 150, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The rowing apparatus 150 could comprise a rail 152 on which a seat 154. is placed in a sliding manner. The rail 152 could have a rear support 155. The rail 152 could be extended from a drum or tension reel mounted on the rail 152. the front part 156, which could be placed on a front support 157. A cord 158 could be wound around a tension drum or reel 156. The cord 158 could be provided with a handle 159. The foot supports 160 could be mounted on the rail 152. A user (not shown) could sit on the seat 154, then, could place the feet against the foot supports 160, then he could take the handle 159 and pull the cord 158 toward the rear of the rowing apparatus 150, out of the drum or tension reel 156. This movement simulates the action of pulling the oars in a rowing boat. The seat 154 could slide back and forth on the rail 152 during the paddling movement. The tension drum 156 resists the pulling action on the cord 158, whereby the muscles used in the paddling are exercised. The tension in the tension drum 156 could be adjusted to suit the desired level of exercise. A controller 162 could be provided so that the resistive force presented by the tension drum 156 can vary.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rowing apparatus 150 could comprise one or more reciprocating mechanisms 164 connected to the front support 157 and / or the rear support 155 of the rail 152, or to the seat 154. The mechanisms of oscillating, rocking, oscillating, and otherwise altering the user's balance of the rowing apparatus 150. The oscillating mechanisms 164 could move the user in six degrees of freedom (ie, translation in three reciprocally orthogonal directions). (x, y, z) and the rotation around these axes (azimuthal, elevation and turn)). The controller 162 could regulate the operation of the shuttle mechanisms 164. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described in this document beforehand. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both the combinations and the sub-combinations of the features described hereinbefore, as well as the modifications and variations thereof that would occur to a person of experience on the basis of the technique. to the reading of the preceding description and which are not found in the prior art. It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.