WO2012056483A1 - Appareil d'exercice physique comprenant une poignée vibrante - Google Patents

Appareil d'exercice physique comprenant une poignée vibrante Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012056483A1
WO2012056483A1 PCT/IT2011/000357 IT2011000357W WO2012056483A1 WO 2012056483 A1 WO2012056483 A1 WO 2012056483A1 IT 2011000357 W IT2011000357 W IT 2011000357W WO 2012056483 A1 WO2012056483 A1 WO 2012056483A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
handle
processing
frequency
vibration
vibrating
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2011/000357
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Fabrizio Ceoldo
Fulvio Ceoldo
Leonardo Ceoldo
Original Assignee
Bosco System Lab S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bosco System Lab S.P.A. filed Critical Bosco System Lab S.P.A.
Priority to US13/881,617 priority Critical patent/US20130210577A1/en
Priority to EP11805964.1A priority patent/EP2632411A1/fr
Publication of WO2012056483A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012056483A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H7/00—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for
    • A61H7/001—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for without substantial movement between the skin and the device
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H23/0254—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor
    • A61H23/0263—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor using rotating unbalanced masses
    • 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
    • A63B21/00196—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using pulsed counterforce, e.g. vibrating resistance means
    • 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
    • A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
    • A63B21/072—Dumb-bells, bar-bells or the like, e.g. weight discs having an integral peripheral handle
    • A63B21/0726—Dumb bells, i.e. with a central bar to be held by a single hand, and with weights at the ends
    • 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
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0173—Means for preventing injuries
    • A61H2201/0176—By stopping operation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/12—Driving means
    • A61H2201/1253—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven
    • A61H2201/1261—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven combined with active exercising of the patient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5061—Force sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5064—Position sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5069—Angle sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5071—Pressure sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5084—Acceleration sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2230/00—Measuring physical parameters of the user
    • A61H2230/08—Other bio-electrical signals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2230/00—Measuring physical parameters of the user
    • A61H2230/60—Muscle strain, i.e. measured on the user, e.g. Electromyography [EMG]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B2022/0094—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements for active rehabilitation, e.g. slow motion devices
    • 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
    • A63B2071/0627—Emitting sound, noise or music when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
    • 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
    • A63B2220/30—Speed
    • 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
    • A63B2220/30—Speed
    • A63B2220/34—Angular speed
    • 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
    • A63B2220/40—Acceleration
    • 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
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/803—Motion sensors
    • 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
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/805—Optical or opto-electronic sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/15—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with identification means that can be read by electronic means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
    • A63B2230/60—Measuring physiological parameters of the user muscle strain, i.e. measured on the user
    • A63B2230/605—Measuring physiological parameters of the user muscle strain, i.e. measured on the user used as a control parameter for the apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for physical exercise comprising at least one vibrating handle, allowing a user, in a simple, effective, reliable, safe, comfortable, and inexpensive way, to undergo a mechanical neuromuscular stimulation produced through mechanical vibrations, exerted through the handle on at least one upper limb of a user, for a therapeutic and/or athletic enhancement purpose.
  • Such equipments are useful for training, since they permit to obtain in a shorter time results similar to those of the usual physical exercises in a gym, for getting a good muscle tone with few minutes of application, and for physiotherapical uses aimed at maintenance of the muscle tone or at the functional recovery of the muscles, e.g. during or after periods of immobilisation due to fractures or surgery.
  • both lower limbs when both lower limbs are resting on a same vibrating footboard, the latter will move according to accelerations which are not exactly the ones corresponding to each one of the two different limbs, whereby the neuromuscular stimulation has not the maximum possible efficacy and, in some extreme cases (in particular when the stiffness of the two limbs is very different, as it occurs for instance after a period of immobilisation of one of the two limbs), it may also be harmful. Similar considerations are valid for the two upper limbs with a pair of vibrating handles.
  • neuromuscular stimulation loses efficacy over time, due to adaptation of the limbs to the vibrating stresses to which they are subjected.
  • an apparatus for physical exercise comprising at least one handle, vibrating means being coupled to said at least one handle, the apparatus being characterised in that said vibrating means is connected to a processing and controlling device that is housed in a control panel and in turn connected to interface means for inputting data capable to set a vibration frequency of said vibrating means, said at least one handle comprising first sensing means capable to detect a vibration frequency of said at least one handle and to send detection data to said processing and controlling device, said processing and controlling device controlling an operation of said vibrating means so that the vibration frequency detected by said first sensing means is equal to a vibration frequency set through said interface means.
  • said vibrating means may comprise at least one electric motor, that is housed in a respective seat with which said at least one handle is provided, capable to make a shaft rotate, preferably arranged along a longitudinal axis of said at least one handle, to which shaft one or more eccentric masses are integrally coupled, said at least one handle preferably further comprising a fan capable to cause an air exchange between said seat of said at least one electric motor and the outside of said at least one handle, said at least one electric motor being preferably capable to generate an undulating movement at a frequency preferably ranging from 1 to 1000 Hz, more preferably from 5 to 500 Hz, still more preferably from 20 to 55 Hz, and of amplitude preferably ranging from 1 to 10 mm, more preferably from 2 to 5 mm, said at least one electric motor being preferably capable to rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise and said interface means for data input being capable to set at least one direction of rotation of said at least one electric motor.
  • said first sensing means may comprise an encoder capable to detect an angular position and/or a rotation speed and/or a rotation frequency of the shaft.
  • said at least one handle may be provided with at least one pressure sensor capable to detect at least one pressure exerted on a handgrip of said at least one handle and to send detection data to said processing and controlling device, said interface means comprising one or more visual and/or acoustic signalling devices through which said processing and controlling device signals at least one condition of gripping said at least one handle depending on said at least one pressure detected by said at least one pressure sensor.
  • said processing and controlling device may signal a gripping condition wherein said at least one detected pressure is lower than at least one minimum value.
  • said processing and controlling device may disable an operation of said vibrating means when said at least one detected pressure is lower than at least one minimum value.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a detection system comprising movement sensing means capable to detect a movement of said at least one handle, said movement sensing means preferably comprising at least one triaxial accelerometer incorporated into or integrally coupled to said at least one handle, said movement sensing means being connected to said processing and controlling device to which it sends detected data related to one or more movement parameters preferably selected from the group comprising movement amplitude, acceleration, and velocity, said processing and controlling device preferably automatically controlling said vibrating means on the basis of said data detected by said movement sensing means.
  • a detection system comprising movement sensing means capable to detect a movement of said at least one handle, said movement sensing means preferably comprising at least one triaxial accelerometer incorporated into or integrally coupled to said at least one handle, said movement sensing means being connected to said processing and controlling device to which it sends detected data related to one or more movement parameters preferably selected from the group comprising movement amplitude, acceleration, and velocity, said processing and controlling device preferably automatically controlling said vibrating means on the basis of said data detected by said movement sens
  • the apparatus may further comprise vibration sensing means preferably comprising at least one triaxial accelerometer incorporated into or coupled to at least one support applicable to and/or wearable by a user, said at least one support being preferably selected from the group comprising an elastic collar and an elastic band, said vibration sensing means being connected to said processing and controlling device to which it sends detected data related to one or more movement parameters preferably selected from the group comprising vibration amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and velocity, said processing and controlling device preferably automatically controlling said vibrating means on the basis of said detected data by said vibration sensing means.
  • vibration sensing means preferably comprising at least one triaxial accelerometer incorporated into or coupled to at least one support applicable to and/or wearable by a user, said at least one support being preferably selected from the group comprising an elastic collar and an elastic band, said vibration sensing means being connected to said processing and controlling device to which it sends detected data related to one or more movement parameters preferably selected from the group comprising vibration amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and velocity, said processing and controlling device preferably automatically
  • the apparatus may further comprise a system for determining an optimal frequency of a vibration generated by said vibrating means and for automatically setting parameters of operation of said vibrating means, comprising one or more muscular electrical activity sensors, preferably electromyography sensors, applicable to one or more muscles of a user, capable to send detection data to said processing and controlling electronic device, said processing and controlling electronic device processing the data received from said one or more sensors so as to determine, within a range included between a lower limit frequency, preferably equal to 1 Hz, more preferably variable, and an upper limit frequency, preferably equal to 1000 Hz, more preferably variable, an optimal frequency of the vibration generated by said vibrating means at which the electrical activity of said one or more muscles of the user is maximum, said processing and controlling electronic device setting a frequency of the vibration generated by said vibrating means so that it is equal to such optimal frequency.
  • a system for determining an optimal frequency of a vibration generated by said vibrating means and for automatically setting parameters of operation of said vibrating means comprising one or more muscular electrical activity sensors, preferably electromyography sensors, applicable to one
  • the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention permits to be used in complete safety also by subjects very sensitive to mechanical vibrations, such as elderly subjects, and/or suffering from osteoporosis, and/or who have had recent trauma (or orthopaedic surgery).
  • the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention may be used by subjects under rehabilitation and hence for physiotherapical use, where it is necessary a particularly calibrated use.
  • the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention is capable to take account of the different stiffness, in particular neuromuscular stiffness, of the user's upper limbs, that generates a different reaction of the neuromuscular system of each limb to the vibrations generated by the motor.
  • the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention permits to assess the different muscle stiffness of the user, monitoring the different acceleration to which each vibrating element is subjected, so as to permit a different neurostimulation of the limbs deriving from the different acceleration induced by the different stiffness of the same limbs, allowing to obtain a high efficacy for each single upper limb of each specific user. This causes the neuromuscular stimulation exerted by the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention to be extremely effective.
  • the possibility of reversing the rotation directions of the vibrating motor permits to create a different neuromuscular stimulation, avoiding that an adaptation of the neuromuscular structures, in particular of the limbs, to the received stimulation creates and, consequently, maintaining over time efficacy of the same stimulation.
  • the apparatus for physical exercise may be provided with an either automatic or manual control of the motor operation, through the flexible possibility of combinations of amplitude, frequency, and acceleration over all the axes, it is adapted to any subject, with very soft and pleasant vibrations for elderly and neophyte subjects, indispensable during the first steps of rehabilitation from accidents or after surgery, for elongation and decompression, and also with powerful vibrations for enhancing use of strength.
  • the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention has numerous advantageously applications.
  • it may be used in the context of strategies aimed at particular geriatric pathologies, such as in case of osteoporosis, and in all those plans, whether these are rehabilitation ones or not, directed to improvement of the quality of life, intended in terms of degree of articular, muscle and neuromuscular function of the geriatric subject under consideration.
  • the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention may be advantageously used in the field of sports training, most of all when the latter is aimed at increasing the levels of explosive strength, being as a matter of fact an optimal alternative and/or supplementary technique with respect to the classical strength training.
  • the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention may be still advantageously used as an integral part of all programs wherein the maximum limb muscle extensibility is desired, as well as in work plans aimed at chronic painful pathologies which may benefit from an increase of the muscular-tendinous compliance.
  • Figure 1 shows a cross-section view of a handle of a first embodiment of the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the first embodiment of the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention.
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention.
  • the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same elements in the Figures.
  • a first embodiment of the apparatus for physical exercise comprises a handle 200 at an end of which an electric motor 5 is coupled, that is housed in a respective seat, internal to a housing 207, closed by a removable cover 208, removably attached to the housing 207 through screws 230 (or other conventional attaching means).
  • a fan 217, located in proximity of the motor 5, provide for cooling the latter, thanks to proper apertures (not shown) allowing hot air produced by the motor 5 to flow from the inside of the housing 207 towards the outside.
  • the motor 5 is capable to make a shaft 201 to rotate, which shaft is arranged along the longitudinal axis 202 of the handle 200, to which eccentric masses 204 are integrally coupled, preferably symmetrically with respect to a transverse axis 203 of the handle 200.
  • the handle 200 is provided with a non slip coating (not shown), e.g. in rubbery material, for enabling a firm grip by the user.
  • the motor 5 generates an undulating movement at a frequency preferably ranging from 1 to 1000 Hz, more preferably from 5 to 500 Hz, still more preferably from 20 to 55 Hz, and of amplitude preferably ranging from 1 to 10 mm, more preferably from 2 to 5 mm. Moreover, the motor 5 may rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise.
  • the motor 5 of the handle 200 is connected through a wired connection 213 to a control panel 209 provided with a processing device connected to a display 210, to a keypad (not shown) for data input, to an on/off button 211 , and to a button 212 for turning the motor 5 off in case of emergency.
  • the connection between motor 5 and control panel 209 may be also wireless, e.g. in the case where the power necessary to the operation of the motor 5 is provided through a battery housed in the same handle 200 or through an alternative connection to a mains supply.
  • the keypad of the control panel 209 may be also integrated into the display 210, that in this case is of touch screen type.
  • the control panel 209 enables a user to set and control the operation of the motor 5.
  • the motor 5 when the motor 5 rotates, either clockwise or counterclockwise, it causes the handle 200 to make a specific undulating- vibrating movement concordant with the direction of rotation of the motor 5. Therefore, the two different directions of rotation of the latter permit to generate two different neuromuscular stimulations.
  • the user may set on the control panel 209 the direction of rotation of the motor 5, as well as its frequency.
  • a supervising operator such as, for instance, a physiotherapist
  • the vibrating handle comprises more than one vibrating motor (or two or more other vibrating means), preferably two or more electric motors with eccentric masses, more preferably having the longitudinal axes aligned along the longitudinal axis 202 of the handle 200.
  • the handle 200 is provided with a system for detecting the vibration frequency of the handle 200, that in the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures comprises a sensor for sensing the rotation speed of the shaft 201.
  • a system for detecting the vibration frequency of the handle 200 that in the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures comprises a sensor for sensing the rotation speed of the shaft 201.
  • Such a system enables to precisely control that the handle 200 actually vibrates at the vibration frequency set on the control panel 209.
  • wear over time of the vibrating means comprising in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the motor 5, the shaft 201 and the eccentric masses 204, causes a consequent modification of the mechanical strengths that as a matter of fact varies the actual vibration frequency (in the case of Figures 1 and 2, the wear of the eccentric masses 204 causes a variation of the rotation speed of the same eccentric masses 204).
  • such system for detecting the rotation speed of the motor 5 comprises an encoder 218 applied to the shaft 201 that sends the detected data, related to the angular position and/or rotation speed and/or rotation frequency of the shaft 201 , to the processing device of the control panel 209.
  • the processing device of the control panel 209 processes the data received from the encoder 218 and consequently adjusts the rotation speed of the motor 5 so that the vibration frequency of the handle 200 is equal to the vibration frequency set on the control panel 209.
  • the system for detecting the vibration frequency of the handle 200 may comprise other sensors, such as sensors for sensing angular movement.
  • the handle 200 is further provided with a system for detecting the movement of the handle 200.
  • This system comprises (at least) one sensor for sensing vibrations (not shown in the Figures), such as a triaxial accelerometer, preferably integrally coupled to an end of the handle 200 or incorporated into a corresponding seat internal to the handle 200, so as to detect the accelerations along the three Cartesian axes.
  • the triaxial accelerometer sends the detected data, related to one or more movement parameters (such as, for instance, movement amplitude, acceleration and velocity), to the processing device of the control panel 209, that processes the same, e.g., for obtaining the amplitudes related to the oscillations and indirectly defining the degree of contraction and relaxation of the peripheral muscles of the user.
  • the detection system may comprise other sensors for sensing the movement of the handle 200.
  • Such system for detecting the movement of the handle 200 directly providing for the data related to the movement of the handle 200, depending on the neuromuscular reaction of the user's limbs, enables a supervising operator to monitor and characterise the best use of the same handle 200.
  • the movement of the handle 200 is strongly affected by the user's capacities of managing the vibrations (e.g. through the stiffness of the limbs, the muscle elasticity, etc.).
  • the acceleration detected by the triaxial accelerometer is lower than a maximum threshold, then the use of the handle 200 is not harmful for the user, otherwise, i.e.
  • said maximum threshold of acceleration is preferably a value depending on the amplitude and/or frequency at which the vibrating motor operates, and more preferably it is adjustable depending on the user's state, being higher for an athlete than for an elderly or traumatised subject.
  • the just described detection system may comprise (at least) one second triaxial accelerometer (or another sensor), indicated in Figure 2 with the reference number 214, connected through either wireless or wired connection to the processing device, applicable, preferably through an elastic collar or an elastic band (into which it is preferably inserted), to the user 215, preferably in correspondence with the proximal end of the humerus (i.e. in correspondence with the humeral head) of the arm interacting with the handle 200 and/or at the neck base and/or around the waist and/or around another limb of the user 215.
  • This (at least one) second triaxial accelerometer 214 is capable to detect one or more parameters of the vibrations (such as, for instance, amplitude, frequency, acceleration and velocity) transmitted to the user 215, permitting a control of the vibrating motor 21 that is either automatic by the processing device or manual by an operator (e.g. a physiotherapist) for preventing the generated vibrations from reaching the soft tissues of the user 215.
  • one or more parameters of the vibrations such as, for instance, amplitude, frequency, acceleration and velocity
  • each organ, or body segment can be described as a body having its own vibration resonance frequency, thus attenuating different vibrating frequencies.
  • the exposure of body segments and internal organs to resonance frequencies must be limited, since it may be harmful for some organs. This means that an optimal frequency of activation of the musculature corresponds to each person and to each muscle of the same person.
  • the system for determining the optimal frequency of vibration and for automatically setting the parameters of operation of the (at least one) vibrating motor 5 with which the handle 200 according to the invention may be provided is the one disclosed in International Patent No. WO 01/56650.
  • such system may advantageously use one or more electromyography surface sensors, applied on one of the extensor muscles of the user's arm interacting with the handle 200, preferably on the biceps muscle.
  • Such system permits to test a plurality of muscular groups, through a plurality of electromyography channels, to compare them and to define the state of use of the muscular systems under consideration.
  • the motor 5 is driven by a processing and controlling electronic device, preferably housed in the control panel 209 of the handle 200 (and possibly coinciding with the processing device of the previously described detection system), that regulates its vibration frequency.
  • a processing and controlling electronic device preferably housed in the control panel 209 of the handle 200 (and possibly coinciding with the processing device of the previously described detection system), that regulates its vibration frequency.
  • such electronic device is capable to be connected through a cable 216 to one or more muscular electrical activity sensors (preferably electromyography sensors) applicable to the muscles of the user 215, capable to output a digital signal that is read by the electronic device; alternatively, the muscular electrical activity sensors may be connected to the electronic device through a wireless connection.
  • the electronic device processes data coming from said one or more sensors so as to determine, within a range included between a lower limit frequency, preferably equal to 1 Hz, and an upper limit frequency, preferably equal to 1000 Hz, the optimal frequency of vibration of the motor 21 at which the muscle the electrical activity of which is detected has the maximum response to the stimulation and, consequently, setting the frequency of vibration of the same motor.
  • the lower limit frequency and the upper limit frequency could be variable, depending on the specific fibres of the particular muscle to stimulate, and settable through the control panel 209 of the handle 200.
  • the method for determining the optimal frequency preferably comprises the following steps:
  • the electronic device determines, among the stored ones, the average (or said at least one function of the averages) having maximum value, consequently determining the optimal frequency of vibration, at which the muscles the electrical activity of which has been detected have the maximum response.
  • the frequencies of consecutive repetitions, during data acquisition have a constant difference from one another, more preferably equal (for eight repetitions) to 20 Hz, 25 Hz, 30 Hz, 35 Hz, 40 Hz, 45 Hz, 50 Hz, and 55 Hz, respectively.
  • the electronic device activates the vibration of the motor 5 at such optimal frequency for a time span that is predetermined or selectable by the user 215 (or by a supervising operator) through the control panel 209 of the handle 200.
  • the step of determining the optimal frequency may be periodically repeated, most of all in the case where the time span of the physical exercise is long.
  • the method for determining the optimal frequency could determine such frequency by successive approximations, through execution of the following steps:
  • the electronic device activates the vibration at constant frequency of the motor 5 for a time At, with At preferably equal to 10 seconds, with vibration frequency progressively increasing from a repetition to the subsequent one and included between a first lower frequency and a second upper frequency, the frequencies of consecutive repetitions having a constant difference Af t from one another, where preferably, for the first iteration, the first lower frequency coincides with the lower limit frequency and/or the second upper frequency coincides with the upper limit frequency, the electronic device processing, for each repetition, the average of the amplitude of the signal coming from said one or more sensors and storing it along with the value of the corresponding vibration frequency, the electronic device determining for each iteration / ' the average having maximum value and determining the corresponding best frequency, in each iteration / ' , subsequent to the first one, the range between the first
  • the just described method determines the optimal frequency aiming at determining with progressively better resolution the vibration frequency at which the muscles the electrical activity of which has been detected have the maximum response.
  • the values of the optimal frequencies corresponding to various muscles of the same user could be also stored in portable memory media, such as magnetic and/or optical cards or discs, through an interface of the control panel 209 of the handle 200, for being readable afterwards by the same interface, avoiding further executions of the method for determining the optimal frequency.
  • portable memory media such as magnetic and/or optical cards or discs
  • the handle 200 is further provided with a pressure sensor 219 (shown in Figure 2), located in the zone of the handgrip of the same handle 200, connected to the processing device housed in the control panel 209 to which it sends the detected data.
  • the processing device evaluates and displays on the display 210 the curve of the behaviour of the pressure exerted by the hand of the user 215 grasping the handle 200, for allowing the user 215 (and/or a supervising operator) to monitor the use of the handle 200 during the exercise, also for diagnostic purposes.
  • a variation of the pressure exerted by the hand of the user 215 grasping the handle 200 substantially modifies the electrical activity of the muscles to which the vibration is transmitted.
  • the processing device may signal (e.g. visually, through the display 210 or specific LEDs, and/or acoustically, through buzzers and/or loudspeakers):
  • a better handgrip i.e. a higher pressure
  • handle 200 may be devoid of such pressure sensor 219.
  • FIG. 1 and 2 may be further conventionally provided with a heart rate monitor.
  • Figure 3 schematically shows a second embodiment of the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention that is different from that shown in Figures 1 and 2, wherein the encoder 218 (or other angular velocity sensor) is integrally coupled to the same end of the handle 200 to which the motor 5 is coupled.
  • the encoder 218 or other angular velocity sensor
  • Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention, comprising a pair of vibrating handles 200, connected to the same control panel 209', preferably provided with two displays 210 and respective keypads, supported by a column 220.
  • the apparatus of Figure 4 allows a user to carry out a specific mechanical neuromuscular stimulation on both the arms.
  • electrical wiring provided for the apparatus for physical exercise according to the invention must be suitably insulated in order to ensure user's safety, and arranged so as not to hinder the performance of gymnastic exercises.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Dermatology (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention porte sur un appareil d'exercice physique comprenant au moins une poignée (200), un moyen de vibration (5, 201, 204) couplé à ladite ou auxdites poignées (200), l'appareil étant caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de vibration (5, 201, 204) est connecté à un dispositif de traitement et de commande qui est logé dans un panneau de commande (209) et connecté à son tour à un moyen d'interface (210) pour l'entrée de données apte à régler une fréquence de vibration dudit moyen de vibration (5, 201, 204), ladite ou lesdites poignées (200) comprenant un premier moyen de détection (218) apte à détecter une fréquence de vibration de ladite ou desdites poignées (200) et à envoyer des données de détection audit dispositif de traitement et de commande, ledit dispositif de traitement et de commande commandant un fonctionnement dudit moyen de vibration (5, 201, 204) de sorte que la fréquence de vibration détectée par ledit premier moyen de détection (218) soit égale à une fréquence de vibration réglée par l'intermédiaire dudit moyen d'interface (210).
PCT/IT2011/000357 2010-10-29 2011-10-24 Appareil d'exercice physique comprenant une poignée vibrante WO2012056483A1 (fr)

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US13/881,617 US20130210577A1 (en) 2010-10-29 2011-10-24 Apparatus for physical exercise comprising a vibrating handle
EP11805964.1A EP2632411A1 (fr) 2010-10-29 2011-10-24 Appareil d'exercice physique comprenant une poignée vibrante

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ITRM2010A000569A IT1403126B1 (it) 2010-10-29 2010-10-29 Attrezzatura per l'esercizio fisico comprendente un manubrio vibrante.
ITRM2010A000569 2010-10-29

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ITUA20162344A1 (it) * 2016-04-06 2017-10-06 Reaxing Srl Attrezzo ginnico

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RU2606880C2 (ru) * 2014-08-19 2017-01-10 Нокиа Текнолоджиз Ой Способ, устройство и компьютерная программа для обработки данных датчика активности
AU2015370672B2 (en) * 2014-12-22 2021-02-25 Gyrogear Limited Tremor stabilisation apparatus and methods
US20180272185A1 (en) * 2017-03-22 2018-09-27 Michael Stuart Barber Exercise device
US10149646B1 (en) * 2017-06-13 2018-12-11 Elizabeth Andreadis System and method for objectively evaluating shoulder joint stability
US11305148B2 (en) 2019-10-24 2022-04-19 C. John Cotton Multi-functional exercise device
CN111870934B (zh) * 2020-07-31 2022-03-25 歌尔科技有限公司 手柄的振动调节方法、游戏手柄及计算机可读存储介质
US11679296B2 (en) 2021-02-10 2023-06-20 C. John Cotton Dynamic exercise device
CN113425573B (zh) * 2021-05-08 2023-03-21 未来穿戴技术有限公司 按摩设备的控制方法及装置、电子设备、存储介质

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ITRM20100569A1 (it) 2012-04-29
EP2632411A1 (fr) 2013-09-04
IT1403126B1 (it) 2013-10-04

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