US20100255967A1 - Antigravity Muscle Exerciser and Methods of Using Same - Google Patents

Antigravity Muscle Exerciser and Methods of Using Same Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100255967A1
US20100255967A1 US12/746,819 US74681908A US2010255967A1 US 20100255967 A1 US20100255967 A1 US 20100255967A1 US 74681908 A US74681908 A US 74681908A US 2010255967 A1 US2010255967 A1 US 2010255967A1
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central portion
force
handles
spine
indicator
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English (en)
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Carolyn Anne Richardson
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Gravity Fitness Australia Pty Ltd
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Gravity Fitness Australia Pty Ltd
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Assigned to GRAVITY FITNESS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD reassignment GRAVITY FITNESS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: RICHARDSON, CAROLYN ANNE
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/002—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices isometric or isokinetic, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion or wherein the speed of the motion is independent of the force applied by the user
    • A63B21/0023—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices isometric or isokinetic, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion or wherein the speed of the motion is independent of the force applied by the user for isometric exercising, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/0004—Exercising devices moving as a whole during exercise
    • A63B21/00043—Exercising devices consisting of a pair of user interfaces connected by flexible elements, e.g. two handles connected by elastic bands
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/00185—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resistance provided by the user, e.g. exercising one body part against a resistance provided by another body part
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
    • A63B21/022—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters with springs acting at different parts of the stroke
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
    • A63B21/028—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters made of material having high internal friction, e.g. rubber, steel wool, intended to be compressed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
    • A63B21/05—Linearly-compressed elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
    • A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
    • A63B21/4033—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
    • A63B21/4035—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms for operation by hand
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
    • A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
    • A63B23/0205—Abdomen
    • A63B23/0211—Abdomen moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
    • A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
    • A63B23/0244—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles) with signalling or indicating means, e.g. of incorrect posture, for deep-breathing exercises
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
    • A63B23/025—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the head or the neck
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
    • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
    • A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
    • A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
    • A63B21/4033—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
    • A63B2208/0204—Standing on the feet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
    • A63B2208/0242—Lying down
    • A63B2208/0252—Lying down supine
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
    • A63B2208/0242—Lying down
    • A63B2208/0257—Lying down prone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
    • A63B2220/51—Force
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
    • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
    • A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
    • A63B23/1209—Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
    • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
    • A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
    • A63B23/1209—Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
    • A63B23/1236—Push-ups in horizontal position, i.e. eccentric movement

Definitions

  • the invention described herein relates generally to an exercise device which can be used to enhance the stability of the spine, shoulder girdle and upper limb joints, and to promote muscle and bone health in the region.
  • the invention is directed to the use of the exercise device for specifically activating the antigravity posture muscles which support and protect the spine from injury.
  • the spine, shoulder girdle and upper limb are necessarily very mobile parts of the body which take part in a huge variety of everyday movements needed for normal activities as well as sports and recreation.
  • gravity is responsible for the ‘heaviness’ or ‘weight’ of the body.
  • gravity is also responsible for the compressive forces on the spine and other joints of the body. These compressive forces increase with increased body weight as well as with various body positions and unstable exercise surfaces. If these high joint compressive forces are not counteracted by antigravity muscle activity, the health of the joints deteriorates due to wear and tear caused by the increased compressive forces.
  • Antigravity muscle strength is gained by using the antigravity muscles in a way that pushes the skeleton in an upwards direction, in order to lift, as well as lower, the body weight. This upwardly directed antigravity muscle force is also required to counteract the compressive force of gravity on the joints. This type of exercise is often referred to as ‘weightbearing’ exercise.
  • Stability of the spine has been demonstrated to be enhanced under axial loads directed through the vertebral bodies (Patwardhan et al., 2000). This compressive load needs to be directed through a spine when it is in a ‘lordotic’ or neutral spine position (see FIG. 3 ).
  • the stabilising action of the muscles to counteract this compressive axial load on the top of the spine is activated by postural cues—viz., stretching tall, trying to lengthen the spine, chin tuck (horizontal gaze), moving the shoulder blade down and in, and drawing in the abdominal wall.
  • postural cues facilitate an ‘upwardly directed’ muscle force equal and opposite to the opposing axial compressive force of gravity. There is no device available to safely provide this compressive force which is required to activate the antigravity muscles.
  • Objects of the invention are to provide an exercise device that meets this need and to provide methods utilizing the device.
  • the invention provides an exercise device comprising:
  • a pair of opposed longitudinal handles which are rigidly separated at their proximal ends by a spacing member, wherein the spacing member has a central portion which is displaced from the handles and the central portion includes an indicator of a force applied by way of the device.
  • the invention provides a method of strengthening and increasing the stability of the spine by providing a self resisted axial head load, the method comprising the steps of:
  • the invention provides a method of maintaining upper trunk postural alignment and spinal stability during lower limb exercise, the method comprising the steps of:
  • the invention provides a method of graduated unstable weight-bearing exercise for the spine, shoulder girdle and arms, the method comprising the steps of:
  • the handles can have hand-grips associated therewith to aid the gripping of the handles.
  • the distal end of each handle advantageously comprises a knob which serves to space the hand-grip portions of the handle away from a surface when the device is used in the method of the fourth embodiment.
  • a knob can comprise a mere flattening of the end of a handle.
  • the knob can be a separate member that is fitted to an end. Such fitment can be by any suitable means.
  • the indicator included in the central portion of the device according to the first embodiment can be a deformable member or spring.
  • a member can be connected to a user selectable audible or visual alarm and can be mechanical or electronic in its operation. In this manner a therapeutic regime can be prescribed and monitored. Loading can be prescribed by the therapist and a user selectable indication or alarm provided which is activated on reaching the required axial load. Electronic measurement and recording of the axial force applied can also be implemented.
  • Such electronic means advantageously interface to a personal computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), or ambulatory electronic display device (iPod) for storage of recordings and display of performance.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • iPod ambulatory electronic display device
  • the central portion of the device can be padded to afford greater comfort when the device is applied to the head of a user.
  • the indicator can be incorporated into the padding.
  • the exercise device can be manufactured from any suitable material including metals and plastics. Typically however, the device is manufactured from aluminium or steel. Devices according to the invention will be described in greater detail below.
  • the second embodiment provides a method of strengthening and increasing the stability of the spine by providing a self resisted axial head load, to give simulated axial compression of the spine.
  • the method is generally employed with at least the torso of the user upright.
  • the downward pressure applied by the arms holding the device acts as a resistance to the upwardly directed muscle activity created by postural cues. It is important to ensure that the axial load is applied through axis of the spine (through the ear, shoulder, and hip in sagittal plane) when the spine is in a neutral, lordotic posture.
  • An added advantage of this ‘isometric’ exercise is that the downward pressure or force on the device is provided by a simultaneous action of bringing the shoulder blades downwards and inwards.
  • This action of the shoulder girdle is, in turn, also reinforcing the postural cues involved in the ‘stretch tall’ action.
  • this method of increasing the stability of the spine by self resisted isometric exercise can be applied in a variety of body positions, not just in upright (vertical) positions which are demonstrated below.
  • the same antigravity muscle action i.e., antigravity exercise
  • step (b) of the second and third embodiment methods the central portion of the device is applied to back part of the crown of the head, just above the ears. This positioning is aided by the device having appropriately shaped padding associated with the central portion. It is important in step (c) of the second embodiment method to ensure that the axial load is applied through the axis of the spine (see below).
  • the exercise device can be used in conjunction with the posture indicator described in International Application No. PCT/AU2007/000685 (WO 2007/134380), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by cross-reference.
  • This aspect of the invention will be exemplified below.
  • the surface is typically a vertical surface or a horizontal surface such as a wall or a floor, respectively.
  • the surface can be at any angle between vertical and horizontal.
  • FIGS. 1 a and 1 b are elevation and plan views, respectively, of an exercise device according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are perspective views of a central portion of the device shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b to illustrate the nature and function of a force indicator.
  • FIGS. 3 a to 3 c are, respectively, an elevation view, a plan view from above, and a plan view from below, of an alternative exercise device according to the invention while FIG. 3 d is a cross section at A-A of FIG. 3 a.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an individual to illustrate correct postural alignment.
  • FIGS. 5 to 11 are illustrations of methods according to the second to fourth embodiments, in which embodiments an exercise device of the invention is utilized.
  • exercise device 1 comprising handles 2 and 3 , and spacing member 4 .
  • Handles 2 and 3 can be seen to be angled away from a plane normal to a central plane of the device. The angle is about 5° but can be between 0 and 10°.
  • Spacing member 4 has a central portion 5 which can be seen to be displaced from handles 2 and 3 . It can be further appreciated from FIG. 1 b that the central portion is bifurcated thereby broadening the portion in a plane normal to the central plane of the device.
  • a pad 6 is located on the underside of the central portion and is mounted to a plate 7 which spans the central portion by a spring (see FIGS. 2 a and 2 b ).
  • the pad and spring comprise a force indicator.
  • the indicator can alternatively be located elsewhere in the bifurcated portion or within the pad.
  • the hand grips typically consist of a natural or synthetic elastomer.
  • Device 1 has an overall length of about 920 mm and the handles are about 450 mm apart.
  • Central portion 5 has a length of about 100 mm and a width of about 170 mm.
  • the device can be hinged at a convenient site in central portion 5 for ease of storage.
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b The components of the force indicator referred to above are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
  • the bifurcated central portion 5 of the device of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b is shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
  • the mounting of pad 6 to plate 7 via a spring 12 It can be further appreciated from FIGS. 2 a and 2 b that pad 6 is curved to allow more comfortable contact with the head of a user (see below).
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b also show how pad 6 and spring 12 function as a force indicator.
  • spring 12 When there is no head pressure on pad 6 , spring 12 will be decompressed and hence a user will be aware that the head is not being forced against central portion 5 of the device (see FIG. 2 a ). However, as the user moves his or head towards the central portion (as generally shown by the arrow in FIG. 2 b ), spring 12 will compress so that the force against the device can be sensed.
  • FIGS. 3 a to 3 d An alternative form of the exercise device of the invention is shown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 d.
  • exerciser 13 comprising handles 14 and 15 extending from spacing member 16 which is curved. Rubber hand grips 17 and 18 are fixed to each of the handles and the ends of the members have knobs screwed thereinto—see items 19 and 20 .
  • FIGS. 3 b to 3 d a central portion 21 of spacing member 16 is broadened.
  • This broadened area has padding fitted to its upper and lower surfaces—see items 22 and 23 respectively—the upper padding being smaller than the lower padding.
  • broadened area 21 is laterally curved. This affords greater comfort when the lower surface of the area is applied to the head of a user (see below).
  • the handles 14 and 15 , and spacing member 16 , of device 13 are unitary with this unitary article typically being manufactured from steel tubing.
  • the unitary article can also be manufactured as an aluminium moulding.
  • broadened area 21 can have an opening through there into which a unitary article comprising padding 22 and 23 is fitted.
  • the device includes a force indicator which is incorporated into padding 22 and 23 .
  • Device 13 as illustrated in the drawings has a length of 850 mm while curved member 16 separates handles 14 and 15 by about 350 mm.
  • the overall height of the device (see FIG. 3 a ) is 125 mm.
  • Knobs 19 and 20 have diameters of 85 mm.
  • FIGS. 5 to 11 Methods of using the exercise device according to the invention are depicted in FIGS. 5 to 11 . However, before describing these methods in detail, reference will first be made to FIG. 4 where correct postural alignment is depicted.
  • FIG. 4 there is shown an individual 24 in a standing position and adopting a neutral spine position as generally indicated at 25 .
  • a line of gravity 26 passes through the ear lobe 27 , shoulder joint 28 , and hip joint 29 .
  • An axial head load as generally indicated by arrow 30 will consequently act on the line of gravity.
  • FIGS. 5 a and 5 b Use of the device in accordance with the second embodiment method is depicted in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b .
  • user 31 can be seen gripping device 1 by each of the handles with spacing member 4 over and against the head 32 of the user.
  • Arrow 33 indicates the downward axial force.
  • the user exerts an upward force 34 to counteract the pressure applied via the arms of the user, the latter being indicated by arrows 35 .
  • FIG. 5 b is a back view.
  • User 31 can again be seen gripping device 1 by each of the handles 2 and 3 with spacing member 4 over and against the head 32 of the user.
  • Arrow 33 again indicates the downward axial force.
  • the user exerts an upward force 34 to counteract the pressure 35 applied via the arms of the user.
  • This pressure simultaneously uses muscle action 36 which involves stabilization of the shoulder blades 37 .
  • the third embodiment method is depicted in FIG. 6 . It comprises maintaining upper trunk postural alignment by gripping device 1 by each handle 2 and 3 using arm force 35 , with the pad 6 of spacing member 4 in line with the neutral spine alignment (see 25 of FIG. 4 ). This isometric exercise is held while exercising the lower limbs.
  • FIG. 7 Use of the device in accordance with the fourth embodiment method is depicted in FIG. 7 .
  • device 1 is gripped by each of the handles and applied to a wall 38 by way of spacing member 4 .
  • the arms 39 and 40 of user 41 are bent so that the body is moved in the direction indicated by arrow 42 . Extending the arms reverses this movement while repetition of the extending-bending cycle exercises antigravity muscles.
  • the stretch tall cue 43 is maintained during the exercise. This manner of use is essentially the same as doing push-ups but with the body upright.
  • FIG. 10 depicts use of a device of the invention when the user is in a supine position, such as on a floor 45 .
  • user 46 can be seen gripping device 1 by its handles (not visible in the drawing) with spacing member 4 against the head 47 of the user.
  • a pillow 48 is positioned under head 47 .
  • Arrow 49 indicates the force opposite to the force—indicated by arrow 50 —exerted by the user.
  • a footrest 51 is provided to assist in exerting the latter force.
  • the posture indicator comprises an adjustable belt formed from a flexible but inextensible material.
  • the belt has fixed to its inside surface a solid and impervious spine contact member comprising a plurality of ridges. This member is fixed at a portion of the belt which spans the lumbar region of a wearer when the belt is in situ.
  • the spine contact member is positioned within the lumbar curve of the wearer and the ridges are in contact with the lumbar spine and adjacent lumbar regions. This provides tactile feedback regarding posture to the wearer without providing passive support.
  • FIG. 11 there is shown user 52 holding device 1 in the same manner as illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b .
  • user 52 is also wearing a posture indicator 53 .
  • the spinal contact member 54 of indicator 53 allows user 52 to sense incorrect posture and hence correct his or her posture in continuing with the exercise. This allows the user to gain the maximum benefit from the use of device 1 .
  • FIG. 11 b is a side view of user 52 of FIG. 11 a . It can be appreciated from the former figure that use of posture indicator 53 allows further sensing of posture via belt 55 of the device. This sensing, at the abdomen (item 56 ), gives information when the user has lost the antigravity postural muscle activity—as generally indicated by the arrows, one of which is item 57 —and the abdomen begins to ‘bulge outwards’.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Neurology (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
US12/746,819 2007-12-13 2008-12-15 Antigravity Muscle Exerciser and Methods of Using Same Abandoned US20100255967A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007906780 2007-12-13
AU2007906780A AU2007906780A0 (en) 2007-12-13 Antigravity Muscle Exerciser and Methods of Using Same
AUPCT/AU2008/001839 2008-12-15
PCT/AU2008/001839 WO2009073933A1 (fr) 2007-12-13 2008-12-15 Appareil d'exercices pour les muscles anti-gravité et procédés d'utilisation de celui-ci

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US8147391B1 (en) * 2010-09-27 2012-04-03 Hill Donald R Exercise bar
WO2013066391A3 (fr) * 2011-04-08 2013-08-15 Share Solutions, Llc Dispositif d'aide à la santé et procédé pour le traitement de la douleur
US20140295983A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-10-02 Butler Nooner Exercise, training, and therapy tool and related systems and methods
US20140309060A1 (en) * 2013-04-11 2014-10-16 Louis-Georges Dufour Sports training apparatus and method of using same
US20150119212A1 (en) * 2013-10-28 2015-04-30 Ozzie Rodriguez Exercise Bar
WO2020050936A1 (fr) * 2018-09-05 2020-03-12 Total Gym Global Corp. Poignée de dispositif d'exercice et son procédé d'utilisation

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CN107050765A (zh) * 2017-03-07 2017-08-18 黑龙江大学 一种健身哑铃

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US20060135323A1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2006-06-22 Physiodriver As Training equipment
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US20060211551A1 (en) * 2005-03-16 2006-09-21 Mandell Steven T Exercise device and methods
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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8147391B1 (en) * 2010-09-27 2012-04-03 Hill Donald R Exercise bar
WO2013066391A3 (fr) * 2011-04-08 2013-08-15 Share Solutions, Llc Dispositif d'aide à la santé et procédé pour le traitement de la douleur
US20140295983A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-10-02 Butler Nooner Exercise, training, and therapy tool and related systems and methods
US20140309060A1 (en) * 2013-04-11 2014-10-16 Louis-Georges Dufour Sports training apparatus and method of using same
US20150119212A1 (en) * 2013-10-28 2015-04-30 Ozzie Rodriguez Exercise Bar
WO2020050936A1 (fr) * 2018-09-05 2020-03-12 Total Gym Global Corp. Poignée de dispositif d'exercice et son procédé d'utilisation
TWI811443B (zh) * 2018-09-05 2023-08-11 美商托特健身全球股份有限公司 健身器材握把及其使用方法

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WO2009073933A1 (fr) 2009-06-18
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GB201011661D0 (en) 2010-08-25
GB2468462A (en) 2010-09-08

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