Abstract: The invention provides an antigravity muscle exerciser comprising a garment which when worn by a user is close-fitting and covers at least the torso of said user. The garment comprises separate top and bottom portions or is a one-piece article, and has incorporated therein first portions of flexible material on each side of the torso which extend from the pelvis to beyond a respective shoulder where the portions are contiguous with a second portion of flexible material which extends across the top of the head of the user in a coronal plane. The portions of flexible material in combination have a length and elasticity which creates axial compression between the top of the head and the pelvis. The invention also provides a method of utilizing the garment exercising deep posture and antigravity muscles.

Abstract: The invention provides an exercise device for strengthening muscles in the scapula-thoracic region. The device enables simulated weight-bearing action for the upper limb while maintaining good postural form. The device can also be used to provide feedback on good postural form. The exercise device comprises a spine contact member (26) to be positioned at the thoracic curve of a person (10), and two rigid planar members (28) which extend laterally from the spine contact member (26). The rigid planar members (28) are positioned over the scapulae of the person (10). The spine contact member (26) and associated rigid planar members (28) are held in position by straps (30) which pass over and under the shoulders of the person (10).

Abstract: The invention provides an antigravity muscle exerciser comprising a garment which when worn by a user is close-fitting and covers at least the torso of said user. The garment comprises separate top and bottom portions or is a one-piece article, and has incorporated therein first portions of flexible material on each side of the torso which extend from the pelvis to beyond a respective shoulder where the portions are contiguous with a second portion of flexible material which extends across the top of the head of the user in a coronal plane. The portions of flexible material in combination have a length and elasticity which creates axial compression between the top of the head and the pelvis. The invention also provides a method of utilising the garment exercising deep posture and antigravity muscles.

Abstract: The invention provides an antigravity muscle exerciser comprising a garment which when worn by a user is close-fitting and covers at least the torso of said user. The garment comprises separate top and bottom portions or is a one-piece article, and has incorporated therein first portions of flexible material on each side of the torso which extend from the pelvis to beyond a respective shoulder where the portions are contiguous with a second portion of flexible material which extends across the top of the head of the user in a coronal plane. The portions of flexible material in combination have a length and elasticity which creates axial compression between the top of the head and the pelvis. The invention also provides a method of utilizing the garment exercising deep posture and anti-gravity muscles.

Abstract: The invention provides an exerciser for use in activating deep posture and antigravity muscles in the body. The exerciser (1) comprises a headpiece (2) having at least: a first member (6) which fits around the head of a wearer in a transverse plane above the ears when the headpiece is in situ; and, a second member (7), the ends of which are fixed to the first member and which crosses the head of the wearer (5) at about the coronal plane thereof when the headpiece is in situ. The exerciser further comprises at least one flexible strap (3) on each side of the headpiece which is attached at or near the end of the second member and has at least one portion within its length that is elastic; and, an adaptation (4) at the free end of each the flexible straps to permit extension of the strap by a limb of the wearer (5). Each strap of the exerciser has a length and elasticity which allow a smooth, low velocity movement by the wearer (5) at least involving axial movement of the limb away from the head.

Abstract: The invention provides an exercise device for strengthening muscles in the scapula-thoracic region. The device enables simulated weight-bearing action for the upper limb while maintaining good postural form. The device can also be used to provide feedback on good postural form. The exercise device comprises a spine contact member (26) to be positioned at the thoracic curve of a person (10), and two rigid planar members (28) which extend laterally from the spine contact member (26). The rigid planar members (28) are positioned over the scapulae of the person (10). The spine contact member (26) and associated rigid planar members (28) are held in position by straps (30) which pass over and under the shoulders of the person (10).

Abstract: The invention provides an exerciser for use in activating deep posture and antigravity muscles in the body. The exerciser (1) comprises a headpiece (2) having at least: a first member (6) which fits around the head of a wearer in a transverse plane above the ears when the headpiece is in situ; and, a second member (7), the ends of which are fixed to the first member and which crosses the head of the wearer (5) at about the coronal plane thereof when the headpiece is in situ. The exerciser further comprises at least one flexible strap (3) on each side of the headpiece which is attached at or near the end of the second member and has at least one portion within its length that is elastic; and, an adaptation (4) at the free end of each the flexible straps to permit extension of the strap by a limb of the wearer (5). Each strap of the exerciser has a length and elasticity which allow a smooth, low velocity movement by the wearer (5) at least involving axial movement of the limb away from the head.

Abstract: The invention provides an antigravity muscle exerciser comprising a garment which when worn by a user is close-fitting and covers at least the torso of said user. The garment comprises separate top and bottom portions or is a one-piece article, and has incorporated therein first portions of flexible material on each side of the torso which extend from the pelvis to beyond a respective shoulder where the portions are contiguous with a second portion of flexible material which extends across the top of the head of the user in a coronal plane. The portions of flexible material in combination have a length and elasticity which creates axial compression between the top of the head and the pelvis. The invention also provides a method of utilising the garment exercising deep posture and anti-gravity muscles.

Abstract: The invention provides an exerciser for use in activating deep posture and antigravity muscles in the body. The exerciser (1) comprises a headpiece (2) having at least: a first member (6) which fits around the head of a wearer in a transverse plane above the ears when the headpiece is in situ; and, a second member (7), the ends of which are fixed to the first member and which crosses the head of the wearer (5) at about the coronal plane thereof when the headpiece is in situ. The exerciser further comprises at least one flexible strap (3) on each side of the headpiece which is attached at or near the end of the second member and has at least one portion within its length that is elastic; and, an adaptation (4) at the free end of each the flexible straps to permit extension of the strap by a limb of the wearer (5). Each strap of the exerciser has a length and elasticity which allow a smooth, low velocity movement by the wearer (5) at least involving axial movement of the limb away from the head.

Abstract: The invention provides exercise device (1) comprising a pair of opposed longitudinal handles (2, 3) which are rigidly separated at their proximal ends by a spacing member (4). The spacing member has a central portion (5) which is displaced from the handles. The central portion includes an indicator (6) of a force applied by way of the device. The invention further provides methods of exercise which utilise the subject device.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an article which indicates to the wearer of the article that poor posture has been adopted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring posture deficiencies in the spine and including a flexible body (30) encapsulating a flexible operating arm (31) cantilevered from a base moulding (34). The operating arm (31) is provided with upper (37) and lower (40) strain gauges bonded to the upper and lower faces respectively of the operating arm (31) at the point beyond the stiffening base moulding (34) to ensure that differential strain is experienced on deflection of the operating arm (31). Wire tails (41) are terminated as a PCB assembly (45) mounted to the printed circuit support (35), which assembly comprises a PC board bearing an LSI processor (46), rechargeable battery (47), vibrating motor (50) and inductive coil (51) selected to fulfil the functions of transmitting and receiving element, and inductive power supply for charging the battery (47), under the control of processor (46).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing the function of deep joint stabilizing muscles. Superficial muscles are monitored using an EMG (3) during performance of an activity known to require recruitment, primarily, of deep stabilizing muscles when performed correctly. If the deep muscle functions adequately, there is little activity of the superficial muscles. Conversely, if the deep muscle function is inadequate, the superficial muscle activity is increased. Monitoring of the superficial muscles may be combined with monitoring of the deep joint stabilizing muscle using ultrasound imaging (12) and/or pressure biofeedback. The apparatus includes an EMG unit (3) ultrasound unit, pressure biofeedback unit (16) and vitalograph (9), in combination with a computer (5) programmed to analyze data from them and given an indication of function.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for diagnosis of lower back pain (LBP) caused by neuromuscular dysfunction, said diagnostic apparatus comprising:a monitoring means for monitoring an anticipatory muscle signal resulting from one or more electrodes associated with an anticipatory muscle and a prime mover muscle signal resulting from one or more electrodes associated with at least one prime mover muscle associated with a limb; anda processing means for detecting a variation in the time of onset of the anticipatory muscle signal relative to the time of onset of the prime mover muscle signal for providing diagnosis of presence or absence of LBP.