Abstract: A body extension exercise machine includes a frame, an elongated support connected to the frame and defining a reclined exercise position for an exerciser and a lever connected to the frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis oriented transverse to and located below the support. A lower end of the lever includes a weight holder for holding a predetermined weight, and an upper end of lever includes a plate. When in the exercise position and reclined on the support, with at least one leg retracted and in contact with the plate, an exerciser pushes outwardly against the plate and against the held weight resistance to pivot the lever with respect to the frame from an initial at-rest position to a leg-extended position. Thereafter, the exerciser reduces the force applied to the plate and allows the lever to pivot back to the at-rest position, corresponding to the legs retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to exercise apparatus (10) for persons who are confined to a wheelchair and which comprises a tiltable wheelchair support structure (15) supported for pivotal movement about a horizontal transverse axis between a first wheelchair receiving position wherein the wheelchair can be wheeled backwards onto the platform base (16) of the structure (15) and located in a generally upright position with its seat back (29) supported against back support means (17) of the support structure (15), and a second tilted exercising position wherein the wheelchair and its occupant are stably supported in a reclined position against the back support means (17). One or more exercising devices (45) are mounted adjacent the support structure (17) and are operable by the wheelchair occupant when in the reclined exercising position. In the reclined exercising position, the wheelchair and its occupant are effectively immobilized and stably support during the exercise routines.

Abstract: A device for exercising the calf muscles of a user including a frame formed of a base and two substantially parallel diagonal beams extending from either side of the base forming an acute angle with the base. A pad, contoured for accommodating a front side of at least one of the user's thighs is connected between the diagonal beams and extends at an angle adjustable within an obtuse angle supplementary with the acute angle. A weight bar is movable along the length of both diagonal beams and is releasably held at a plurality of different heights above the base. The machine is operable between a first secured mode securing the weight bar at a desired one of the plurality of different heights and a second released mode releasing the weight bar from its secured position.

Abstract: A device for training hand and finger muscles including a hand engaging element, a fixed weight and a mechanism for moving the weight in response to movement of a finger. The moving mechanism may include a rope connected to the weight and the hand engaging element, the weight being freely suspended from the rope. This device allows the resistance presented to fingers to be exercised to be varied in exact and reproducible amounts which are in an appropriate range for the fingers. The device also allows many positions of the fingers, both along and among the fingers, so that the exercises may be tailored for the individual and the task for which the fingers are being trained.

Abstract: A rotator cuff exercise machine has a frame, a body support member spaced from the frame such that the user sits facing the frame, a weight resistance, a pulley system mounted 15.degree. to 45.degree. off center to the left side of the frame, a pulley system mounted 15.degree. to 45.degree. off center to the right side of the frame and a pair of wrist cuffs. The user reaches diagonally downward across his or her body to the lower opposite side of the machine and either grasps a handle or attaches the wrist cuff to cable end means of the pulley system. The user then exercises in a manner which imitates the motion of an athlete throwing a ball, changing the weight resistance as desired.

Abstract: In a weight lifting exercise apparatus, an adjustable leg exercise station is provided which allows both leg extensions and leg curls to be performed in a sitting position. A leg exercise arm carrying leg engaging roller pads is pivotally mounted on a seat supporting member on the support frame of the apparatus, and is linked to an exercise resistance such as a weight stack. A second roller pad assembly is pivotally mounted on the seat supporting member adjacent the leg exercise arm, and is movable between a down position engaging behind a user's knees for performing leg extension exercises, and a raised position resting on top of the user's thighs when performing leg curls or pull down exercises.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a shoulder press exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include a post attached to the arm for mounting weight plates. A second handle, arm, and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: A universal gym includes a frame assembly, a resistance assembly, a lever-type strain gauge, and a plurality of exercising assemblies the resultant resistances of which are identical under proper arrangement of a plurality of movable pulleys and fixed pulleys.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a chest press exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a squat press exercise are disclosed. A user support, such as a seat and a backrest, is mounted to a frame. A four-bar linkage is mounted to the frame distal to the user support. A footplate is mounted to the four-bar linkage. A lever is mounted to the four-bar linkage and is adapted to support removable weight plates. As the user presses the footplate, the four-bar linkage rotates, controlling the orientation of the footplate such that the footplate does not rotate with respect to the user support (and, thus, the user). The lever also rotates, causing the weight plates to lift in an arcuate path, thereby providing an increasing resistance to the movement of the footplate during the concentric portion of the exercise. In accord with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for exercising the legs and lower torso. A weight resistance is selected. A user is supported on a user support and places her feet on a footplate.

Abstract: A lower-body exercise machine is provided having a frame, a carriage assembly pivotally attached to the frame and moveable in an upwardly and downwardly arcuate path about the frame, a support beam attached to and extending upwardly from the frame, and a platform pivotally attached to the frame and angling downwardly. A hookbar assembly is pivotally attached to the carriage assembly for releasably engaging the support beam to arrest the downward motion of the carriage assembly. The hookbar assembly comprises a hook bar rotatably attached to the carriage assembly, an elongated hook attached to and extending upwardly from the hook bar, and an elongated engagement handle attached to the hook bar. A rung is attached to the support beam. By moving the engagement handle upwardly, the hook bar rotates and pivots the hook towards the support beam to engage the rung and arrest the downward movement of the carriage assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a rear deltoid and rowing exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: An aerobic exercise machine is disclosed in which aerobic exercise may be conducted using the trunk and hip flexor and extensor muscles. The exercise machine does not require dynamic use of the extremities. The exercise machine provides a uniform level of resistance to contact means adapted to contact both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the trunk of the person exercising. The exercise machine enables exercise by flexion and extension of the trunk muscles and flexion and extension of muscles controlling the hip joint. An energy storage device is utilized to provide uniform resistance to movement in both directions and during the reversal of directions. A counter is provided and various levels of resistance may be selected by switching selected amounts of resistance across the output of a generator driven by the motion of the exerciser.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a leg press exercise with counterbalance are disclosed. A user support, such as seat and a backrest, is mounted to a frame. A swing, such as a four-bar linkage, is mounted to the frame distal to the user support. A footplate is mounted to the four-bar linkage. An arm with a counterweight is pivotally connected to the frame. A beam is rotatably mounted to the four-bar linkage and the arm. The footplate is adjusted relative to the seat by variation of the length of a connection between a pulley weight system and the four-bar linkage. The footplate rotates arcuately with respect to the frame during adjustment to accommodate users of various stature. The position of the counterweight changes during footplate adjustment in order to compensate for the changing effect of gravity on the footplate and the swing.

Abstract: A back pad cushion adjusting device for use on a multi-station gym. The device includes a bracket (20) defining a mounting face (22) and a pair of parallel outwardly extending arms (24) each having upper and lower slots. Each of the slots receive a threaded fastener such as a shoulder bolt (34) that is screwed into the gym frame upright (40). The fastener is smaller than the slot permitting the bracket and an attached back pad cushion (26) to be lifted up and repositioned into a different part of the slot or combination thereof. Two embodiments of the slot provide the back-pad cushion with different horizontal and angular adjustments.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a lat pulldown exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to the handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: Apparatus for the exercise of a person's upper torso wherein there is minimal unnatural motion or positioning of the glenohumeral joint and/or the wrist and elbow joints and including means for carrying each of the person's arms through movement generally within a transverse plane that is occupied by the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints, this means comprising at least one set of outrigger arms arranged for pantographic motion about fixed axes which are substantially coincident with the median sagittal plane of the person's body. A method for the upper torso exercise is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a shoulder press exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include an incremental weight stack operably engaged to handle by belts directed by self-aligning pulleys. A second handle, arm and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: An exercise machine utilizing a Exercise Resistive Device in conjunction with a Counter Compressive Force Device. The Exercise Resistive Device applies a resistive force to the users body in such a manner that it requires that the users muscles contract in order to execute an exercise. The Counter Compressive Force Device produces a counter force that opposes compressive forces acting on the body resulting from said exercise. Frictional and other destructive internal forces upon the body are consequently reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Apparatus for the exercise of a person's upper torso wherein there is minimal unnatural motion or positioning of the glenohumeral joint and/or the wrist and elbow joints and including means for carrying each of the person's arms through movement generally within a transverse plane that is occupied by the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints, this means comprising at least one set of outrigger arms arranged for pantographic motion about fixed axes which are substantially coincident with the median sagittal plane of the person's body. A method for the upper torso exercise is disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise method for strengthening the lower back muscles has a horizontally-movable plunger that contacts the abdomen of a user for linearly applying the force of a weight stack to resist lower back and pelvic muscle flexion and extension by a seated user. The plunger is attached to a carriage mounted for horizontal movement on rails. A cable connection between the carriage and the weight stack includes a cam for varying resistance with changes in position of the plunger. The backrest and seat are made optionally tiltable.

Abstract: An improved calf exercise machine includes a frame with a seat for supporting an exerciser in an exercise position with the legs extended horizontally, a lever pivotally connected to the frame in front of and below the seat, and an engagement plate secured to the lever and adapted to be engaged and acted upon by the upper portions of the feet of the exerciser via an outward toe extension movement followed by a rearward toe retraction motion. This movement arcuately rotates the lever about its pivot axis, with a corresponding flexion and then extension of the calf muscles. Weight holding hubs connected to the lever hold a selected number of weighted plates to provide a desired weight resistance to pivotal extension of the lever via the outwardly directed foot movement. This machine optimally isolates the calf muscles during calf flexion/extension.

Abstract: An abdominal hip/flex exercise machine includes a frame, a seat located at a first end of the frame for supporting an exerciser in an upright exercise position facing the second end of the frame, and a lever pivotally connected to the frame between the first and second ends thereof. At the second end of the frame, the lever includes at least one hub for holding weighted plates, while the opposite end of the lever located adjacent the seat includes spaced pads and handles adapted to be engaged by the arms and hands of an exerciser supported on the seat in the upright exercise position. The exerciser acts on the pads via a downwardly directed abdominal/hip flex motion to pivot the lever about the axis against the weight resistance held at the second end thereof. A leg brace may be included to restrain the exerciser from upward movement during performance of the downwardly directed flexing exercise motion, with the leg brace and the seat being vertically adjustable to suit the height of the exerciser.

Abstract: A compact attachment for a multi-station exercise machine conveniently couples to a low pull station and therefore utilizes the weight stack or other resistance mechanism of the exercise machine. The attachment is designed for performing leg press and other lower limb exercises. The attachment has a frame on which a pair of foot pads are mounted. A seat for the operator of the attachment is suspended from the frame by a pair of parallel pivoting arms so that the seat remains in a relatively constant attitude throughout the exercise stroke. The invention may be alternatively embodied as a stand alone device utilizing free weights as a means for providing exercise resistance.

Abstract: The spine rehabilitation apparatus includes a frame having a vertical part and an inclined part; a counterforce device on the vertical part of the frame has an operating linkage having a pivot axle, and a support adapted to rest against the upper body region of the user of the rehabilitation apparatus, and the operating linkage is rotatable about the pivot axle; a seat part is on the inclined part of the frame, and below the pivot axle and the support, and is adjustably positioned on the inclined part of the frame; a convex member having a substantially cylindrical surface is affixed to the inclined part of the frame above the seat part forming with the seat part a wedge mechanism; a lever-lock mechanism for securing a user's pelvis to the wedge mechanism by holding the knees of the user in a fixed position is attached to and extends from the frame beneath the seat part and includes a foot rest and a supporting structure for securing a user's pelvis with a pressure applied to the user's knees, substantially p

Abstract: A leg press includes an adjustable foot-rest structure provided near the bottom of a front erect column of a main body for the user to rest his feet thereon as a pivot when doing scissors exercises of the thighs. Two separate cushions are provided on top of two corresponding swing arms. The cushions may synchronously move with the user's thighs to reduce the load of the legs' weight in exercising.

Abstract: A chair (10) to promulgate kinesthetic therapy including a seat frame (50), a chest rest frame (100), an arm rest frame (250) and a base (20). The seat frame (50) and the chest rest frame (100) are independently attached to the base (20) and extend upwardly and inwardly from the base (20) where they support a seat (80) and chest rest (152) respectively. Both the seat (80) and chest rest (152) are adjustable along the same axis A via frames (50) and (100) respectively. Axis A makes an oblique angle .alpha. with the plane of the base (20). The arm rest frame (250) is attached to the base (20) immediately in front of and parallel to the chest rest frame (100). The arm rest frame (250) includes an arm rest (280) which is horizontally supported and elevationally adjustable above the base (20). A head support (170) is spaced from the chest rest (152) via a pair of spaced parallel cantilevered arms (186), (188).

Abstract: A multiple inclination exercise bench having a torso supporting assembly and a seat supporting assembly is disclosed wherein the elevation by a user of the torso supporting assembly causes the elevation of the seat supporting assembly. The invention is characterized as having a torso supporting assembly mechanically linked to a seat supporting assembly. In preferred form, the torso supporting assembly is pivotal at its proximal end about a point associated with the bench and has associated therewith at least one cam plate. A lever or rocker arm is pivotally located adjacent to the cam plate and has a cam follower attached thereto at one end, and a seat support member at the other end. The seat support member supports the distal end of the seat supporting assembly where the proximal end is pivotally located on the bench. A support member is associated with the torso supporting assembly to maintain a desired inclination thereof.

Abstract: A stretching machine provides a structural framework upon which a user can perform a series of assisted stretching exercises. The framework includes a number of restraint points where the user can be positioned and stabilized, and a motor-driven tractive line that slowly and safely applies a stretching motion to the user.

Abstract: A system for exercising a user's midsection muscles. The system includes a spotting fixture having a base, side frame members and a central vertical member arranged in a tripod configuration. C-shape arms are supported atop the side frame members and central vertical member. The C-shape arms partially wrap around the user who stands on the base. At each end of the C-shape arms are swivel mounted mechanical hands that engage the hip or waist area of the user, thus holding the user's lower body immobile during the exercise routine. The mechanical hands adjust laterally into and out of slots formed in the C-shape arms as well as adjust vertically with telescoping lateral frame members. Free weights such as a twisting baton can be held by the user to increase the exertion level during the exercise regime. A receptacle located in the base allows storage of the free weight or twisting baton.

Abstract: A triceps exercise machine has a movement arm pivotable about a horizontal axis against the resistance of a weight stack. The machine includes a vertically adjustable seat, a shoulder restraint, and adjustable handgrips secured to the movement arm, all of which position the elbows of the user in general alignment with the axis of rotation of the movement arm. In the start position the arms are fully folded and positioned close to the user's sides. The user then proceeds to force the handles downwardly until the arms are fully extended. Movement of the movement arm is transmitted to the weight stack by a cam fixed to the movement arm and a cam follower which is connected to the bottom of a weight stack pin by a linkage mechanism.

Abstract: Horizontal squat exercise apparatus includes a substantially horizontally disposed base frame. The base frame supports at its front a substantially vertically disposed foot plate frame and supports at its rear a substantially vertically disposed weight rack frame carrying a plurality of selectable weights. A track frame is supported on the base frame between the foot plate frame and the weight rack frame and includes a substantially horizontal section and a section inclined downwardly from the horizontal section toward the front of the base frame. A carriage is supported on the track frame so as to be displaced first upwardly along the inclined section and then along the horizontal section by an exerciser pushing with his/her feet against the foot plate frame. Selected weights are arranged to be lifted in the weight rack as the carriage is so displaced.

Abstract: A lateral raise exercise machine having a movement arm pivotable about an axis extending in a horizontal plane but inwardly at an angle of about 25.degree. relative to the forward-rearward direction, a weight stack having at least one resistance weight, and transmission including a belt and pulley and a linkage interconnecting the movement arm and the weight to raise the weight when the movement arm is raised to a first position. The movement arm has a handle bar, mounted for adjustment about an axis which generally coincides with the axis of the humerus of the exerciser. A forearm pad is fixed to the handle bar to be adjustable together with the handle bar relative to the movement arm.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a base and a transmission device. The base is provided with a plurality of support frames, one of which is provided with two locking shafts. The transmission device is mounted pivotally on the base and composed of movable support, transmission support, adjustment support, rest pad, leg pad, and elastic element. The user of the apparatus is capable of doing exercise for building the muscles of arms and legs.

Abstract: A quadrilateral exercise and training device includes a plurality of longitudinally extending channel members mounted on cross frame members so as to define elongated slots in which foot-supporting members and hand-engaging members can reciprocate. A control system interconnecting the foot-supporting members and hand-engaging members includes a main flat synchronizing belt interconnecting the foot-supporting members and hand-engaging members to establish desired coordination between the respective members, a safety belt interconnecting the foot-supporting members and a drive belt associated with each foot-supporting member which operatively engage a pair of drive shafts having a braking system and an optical transducer for converting rotation of one of the drive shafts to a digitized informational readout for use by an operator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise machine suitable for exercising upper body muscles of an exerciser in a wheelchair. The machine comprises a base frame having a front end and a back end; two spaced apart columns upwardly extending from the base frame at the front end thereof; means for restraining backward movement of the exerciser. An operating arm is pivotally mounted between the columns at an upper region thereof, the operating arm comprising: (i) an upwardly extending first lever pivotally mounted to the columns; and (ii) a downwardly extending second lever fixedly connected to the upwardly extending first lever, the downwardly extending second lever terminating in a grip bar for the exerciser, the operating arm pivoting to permit upward/downward and forward/backward movement of the grip bar. Means is provided for restraining lap movement of the exerciser using the machine. A restraining force is attached to the arm to resist movement of the exerciser.

Abstract: An exercise dynamometer permits a patient to exercise against isodynamic, isokinetic, or isometric resistance to evaluate various musculoskeletal conditions of the patient's human spine. Sensing means are provided to determine the positioning of the patient, and to determine the angular position, velocity, and torque of the exercise movements. In a first embodiment, the patient's head, trunk, upper legs, knees, and feet are secured to a lumbar dynamometer to isolate lumbar and lower thoracic spinal rotation, flexion-extension, and/or lateral bending. During rotational exercise, the axis of movement of the dynamometer is coincident with the patient's spine. In a second embodiment, a patient's trunk and hips are secured to a neck dynamometer to restrict exercise to the cervical spine. The invention facilitates forward flexion-extension, or alternatively lateral bending of the cervical spine, about a first axis aligned with the patient's C1-C2 vertebrae and a second axis aligned with the patient's C7 vertebra.

Abstract: A rowing exercise machine including a seat, a chest pad located forwardly of the seat, a movement arm to be pivoted about a horizontal axis by the exerciser while the chest pad limits forward movement of the exerciser, and a weight stack connected to the movement arm to impose a resistance to movement of the movement arm by the exerciser in one direction. A vertical pin is connectable to the resistance weight while being connected to the movement arm by a transmission including a vertical drive rod whose upper end is connected to the movement arm by a first linkage and whose lower end is connected to the pin by a second linkage located below the level of the seat. The chest pad is adjustable by a parallelogram linkage which mounts the chest pad relative to a fixed frame.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus, comprising a support structure; a platform mounted on the support structure to support a user's legs, and to allow pivoting of the user's trunk about a generally horizontal axis as the user relatively bends his body and his legs; and other structure associated with the platform to induce contraction of the user's thighs relatively toward one another in response to the trunk pivoting, for producing anterior rotation of the user's ilium, thereby inducing distraction of the user's sacroiliac joint, at the ilium posterior; the other means including a thigh grippable element projecting into an inter-thigh region of the user's legs, to be clamped between the user's thighs.

Abstract: A motion stabilizing system, for use by a physically challenged wheelchair occupant, is disclosed. The motion stabilizing system limits undesirable movement of a wheelchair and the occupant during manipulations of an exercise machine associated with the system. Restricted by the motion stabilizing system are backward, forward, and upward motions of the wheelchair occupant during use of the exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10) and method for testing and exercising the lumbar muscles of a user or patient (P) while in a secured seated position on a seat (20) by the user exerting a rearward force against a back pad (32) on a pivoted movement arm (30) is described. The user (P) is positioned on seat (20) with feet on a horizontal plate (82) and tibias restrained against upward movement by thigh pads (72). Upward vertical movement of platform (80) relative to pads (72) secures the user (P) tightly on the machine (10) and permits a limited rocking movement of the pelvis during exercising as shown at (D) in FIG. 12. A strain gauge (172) anchored at one end (176, 178) to the fixed support frame (14) is mounted for connection to a pulley wheel (132) for static testing and for disconnection from pulley wheel (132) during the exercise mode.

Abstract: A machine for exercising the bicep muscles of the arms includes a movement arm rotatable about a horizontal axis by exertion of the bicep muscles of a user who is in seated position while gripping the handle of the movement arm and pivoting the forearm upwardly about the elbow. The backs of the upper arms rest on a roller pad while the forearms engage a forearm pad that moves along an arc with the movement arm about a horizontal axis to properly position the forearms and prevent forward movement of the user's body during rotation of the movement arm. A compound weight stack provides a yieldable resistance to the movement arm and is connected thereto through a drive lever and linkage positioned below the level of the weight stack.

Abstract: The prevent invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person exercises. The apparatus 100 includes a support frame 101 and a chair member 102 that is rotatably mounted to the support frame 101. A rotational resistance means 105 is also mounted to the support frame 101. The rotational resistance means 105 includes conical surfaces 255 and 256 that provide frictional resistance through interengagement between one of thirty-two teeth 257 on shaft member 154 and one of three ratcheting members 258a-c on rotatable friction member 155. A rotational arm means 106 is operatively connected to the rotational resistance means 105 to allow application of a rotational force in a given direction of rotation against the rotational resistance means 105. A foot anchor means 103 is mounted to the support frame 101, so that a person seated in the chair member 102 may anchor his feet beneath the foot anchor means 103 in order to perform abdominal flexions.

Abstract: An exercise device for simulating cross-country skiing includes a plurality of longitudinally extending channel members mounted on cross frame members so as to define elongated slots in which trolleys for foot supporting members and hand engaging members can reciprocate. A control system interconnecting the foot supporting members and hand engaging members includes a main drive pulley interconnecting the foot supporting members for coordinated reciprocal movement and a secondary belt interconnecting the foot supporting members and hand engaging members so that each hand engaging member will reciprocate in an opposite direction to its associated foot supporting member and at a speed of twice that of the foot supporting member. A resistance structure is provided for resisting movement of the trolleys to provide a selected level of exercise.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for exercising and/or testing the cervical muscles of the neck wherein a seated person is secured against a backrest to isolate movement of his head and neck from the remainder of his body. For exercising the cervical muscles between opposite positions of full extension and flexion, the muscles are used to move the head rearwardly against a pivotable movement arm to move the latter against a yieldable resistance weight connected to the movement arm to bias the movement arm in one direction. The head is then moved forwardly and the process is repeated until the movement arm can no longer be moved by said muscles. The number of repetitions is measured and recorded throughout the exercise.

Abstract: An improved orthopedic device and method for correcting spinal curvatures of a patient by specific stabilization of the patient's pelvis and spine and then exercising the spine through active range of motions. The inventive method of spinal curvature correction re-educates the patient's muscles, ligaments, and nervous system which collectively are responsible for maintaining spinal posture, to properly maintain the spinal column in a desired alignment.

Abstract: A chair has two parallel posts extending upward from the seat. A pair of housings slide up and down on the posts. Each housing supports a pair of padded arms pivoted on opposed ends of the housing to swing through a horizontal plane. Each arm on the lower housing may be locked against pivoting. Each housing may be locked at a vertical level by a housing locking mechanism. The user is seated on the seat with the posts behind the back. The lower housing is adjusted vertically so that the padded arms engage the upper margin of the pelvis and the arms and lower housing are locked in place. The upper housing is adjusted so that its padded arms engage the armpits and it is locked at that elevation. When the user's arms are forced down on the upper padded arms, the spine is stretched between the upper and lower housing pulling up on the shoulder girdle and holding the pelvic girdle down.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for exercising the lumbar muscles including a movement arm which is moved about either a vertical or a horizontal axis depending on how a support for the movement arm is oriented relative to a primary support. In one position of the support the movement arm is moveable about a horizontal axis with the person seated in a generally upright position while in another position of the support, the movement arm is moveable about a generally vertical axis with the person positioned on his/her side. During exercise, the position of the persons head is fixed relative to the movement arm, and the pelvis is also fixed against movement.

Abstract: A method of testing muscles of the lower trunk of a subject human body including the steps of restraining the pelvis against movement, connecting to a movement arm to a resistance weight of known force less than the maximum static strength of the muscles to pivot the movement arm in one direction to lift the resistance weight and then in an opposite direction to relieve the force on the movement arm to cause the resistance weight to return to its starting position, repeating the steps until the muscles fatigue and, wherein there is further included the steps of counterbalancing the upper trunk by a counter-weight connected to the movement arm wherein the stroke of the resistance weight is limited to three inches in order to reduce kinetic energy of the weight.

Abstract: A stretching machine comprising a seat having a base and a backrest which is pivotally mounted to the base, a first leg platform having a pivot end and a free end, the pivot end being connected to the base of the seat and a second leg platform having a pivot end and a free end, the pivot end being connected to the base of the seat. The stretching machine includes a mechanism for rotating the backrest relative to the seat as well as a mechanism for rotating the leg platforms about their respective pivot ends such that the free ends move in a generally arcuate path.