Abstract: There is provided a sole for footwear with a bottom surface comprising: a primary surface and one or more positioning face, wherein: the one or more positioning faces are at an angle to the primary surface; engaging a ground with the primary surface causes a wearer of the footwear to take a natural stance; engaging the ground with the one or more positioning faces causes the wearer to take one or more athletic stances; and the wearer switches between the natural stance and the one or more athletic stances by shifting their weight.

Abstract: A muscle stretching device comprises a base and a pair of footrests adjustably mounted to the base. The footrests may have an upper surface angled upwardly and a lateral portion height greater than a medial portion height thereof. The footrests may have an upstanding edge rim. The footrests may extend rearwardly from the base. The base may include front and rear fixation pins constructed and arranged to extend upwardly from a top surface of the base. Each footrest may comprise a front fixation opening for connection to a front fixation pin of the base, and a plurality of rear fixation openings for connection to a rear fixation pin of the base. The rear fixation openings may comprise a medial rear fixation opening, an intermediate rear fixation opening and a lateral rear fixation opening. The muscle stretching device may be used for stretching of the user's lower lateral rotation muscles.

Abstract: A limb assistance device for assisting in the movement of a lower limb of a user. The limb assistance devices can attach to or be integrated with a stability aid (e.g., a walker or parallel bars). The devices may include an adaptor bracket configured to attach to the stability aid, an elastic cord coupled to the adaptor bracket, and an adjustment component attached to the elastic cord. Moving the stability aid (e.g., the walker) may cause the attachment component to pull the shoe of the user along with the stability aid.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for analysis and/or exercise of a body region of a subject. Such devices may include a guide arm supported by a support frame; a receiving surface supported by the guide arm, the receiving surface for receiving input force from the subject; and a motor assembly in communication with the guide arm, the motor assembly controlling movement of the receiving surface based on received input force. Exercise and/or analysis methods described herein may include steps of instructing the subject to apply an input force to a receiving surface; sensing the applied input force over time; and controlling movement of the receiving surface based on the received input force using a motor assembly, whereby the motor assembly moves the receiving surface in a pre-determined direction, so long as the input force remains within an allowable tolerance, until a pre-set end position is reached.

Abstract: A massage ball assembly is for a massage chair. The massage ball assembly includes: a main frame; one or more tilting frames mounted to be rotatable with respect to the main frame; massage balls each mounted on the one or more tilting frames; and heating balls each mounted on the one or more tilting frames.

Abstract: A hinged ankle brace including a foot bed member and an ankle cuff which are hinged together by flexible joint members. The flexible joint members yieldably resist hinged movement between the foot bed member and the ankle cuff in a plantarflexion and dorsiflexion direction. The design of the upper ends of the medial and lateral wings of the foot bed member and the ankle cuff permit a limited amount of inversion and eversion movement between the foot bed member and the ankle cuff.

Abstract: A device for training and rehabilitation of a limb is provided. The device provides a board with a plurality of movement tracks to allow for controlled movement of the limb in various directions. Blockers and other controlling structures may be arranged on the device to limit range of motion of the movement of the limb.

Abstract: A cushion includes a cover and a cushioning element having a top surface heat-fused to the cover. The cushioning element comprises an elastomeric material having a plurality of voids formed therein. At least 60% of a bottom surface of the cushioning element is exposed such that when the cushion is disposed over a surface at least 60% of the bottom surface of the cushioning element is in direct contact with the surface. Methods of forming the cushion include disposing a cover adjacent a mold, conforming the cover to a selected shape of the mold, injecting molten elastomeric material into the mold, bonding the molten elastomeric material to the cover, solidifying the molten elastomeric material to form the cushioning element, and separating the mold from the cover. The cushioning element maintains the cover in the selected shape.

Abstract: The training apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a support unit; a guide unit fixed on the support unit and including rails which extend in a front-rear direction; a sliding unit which is movable in the front-rear direction along the rails of the guide unit; a pillar-shaped rotation axis fixed on the support unit; a footrest unit which supports a user's foot; a lower support formed below the footrest unit; and a connection rotating unit formed below the footrest unit and connected to the rotation axis of the support unit through insertion to allow the footrest unit to rotate around the rotation axis. A plurality of springs installed inward from two sidewalls of the sliding unit is configured to come into contact with the lower support of the footrest unit and apply pressure from two sides when the footrest unit rotates.

Abstract: A hinged ankle brace including a foot bed member and an ankle cuff which are hinged together by flexible joint members. The flexible joint members yieldably resist hinged movement between the foot bed member and the ankle cuff in a plantarflexion and dorsiflexion direction. Disc-shaped spacer-washers are positioned at the inner sides of the flexible joint members. The design of the upper ends of the medial and lateral wings of the foot bed member and the ankle cuff permits a limited amount of inversion and eversion movement between the foot bed member and the ankle cuff. The flexible joint members and the spacer-washers also permit a limited amount of inversion and eversion between the foot bed member and the ankle cuff.

Abstract: A calf stretching apparatus that includes a base placeable on a ground surface and a foot placement platform with a front end, a rear end, a platform surface spanning in an upward direction with respect to the base from the front end to the rear end and with a portion disposed at an acute angle with respect to a lower surface plane, and a platform sidewall positioned upright with respect to the platform surface and including an upper edge and an arcuate heel sidewall portion having a heel pad member disposed proximal to the front end of the foot placement platform. The heel pad member has two opposing heel placement sidewalls spanning upwardly away from the platform surface toward the upper edge and converging to an internal heel placement support wall, that define a heel placement recess disposed above the platform surface and configured to receive a user's heel.

Abstract: A glute rebuilding device comprising a main body, at least one slide, and a support. The main body has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a top and bottom surface and a first and second end, the second end having a foot rest extending therefrom. The lower portion has a top and bottom surface and a first and second end. The slide is coupled to the bottom surface of the lower portion of the main body. The support is configured for placement between the upper and lower portions of the main body to elevate the upper portion with respect to the lower portion. The second end of the upper portion is pivotally connected to the second end of the lower portion by a hinge, such that the upper portion can move between a flat position, an elevated position, and an unfolded position.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided. The exercise device is formed of a resistance loop wearable over the waist and feet to provide resistance for performing glute bridge exercise. The resistance loop is light weight and portable and allows resistance glute bridge exercise to be performed anywhere a glute bridge exercise may be performed.

Abstract: An anchor system with a bridle substrate and harness configured to attach to an anchor line. An outer bladder surrounds an inner bladder for coupling on top of the bridle substrate. Water enters the anchor system through a water inlet that feeds directly to the inner bladder and fills that first. Water then overflows from the inner bladder to the outer bladder to fill that second. The inner bladder provides stability and is positioned with a majority of its volume closer to an uphill end of the anchor bladder while the outer bladder is positioned with a majority of its volume closer to a downhill end of the anchor bladder. Reinforcement connectors for each bladder resist deformation of the bladders to resist movement of the anchor bladder while filling.

Abstract: A sports training apparatus includes a flat mat having visible indicia adapted to indicate placement of at least one foot of a user of the apparatus, and a foot restraint adapted to hold a front foot of the user so that the front foot remains in contact with a top surface of the flat mat. The front foot is in an intended direction of a swing of a sports implement.

Abstract: A training device and method for baseball, softball, and other sports provides a plurality of fixed or adjustable bump elements on a transportable support surface so the device can be easily stored, transported, and positioned for hop drills and other training routines. In one embodiment, the device is a flexible one-piece mat or other support surface with a plurality of integral bump elements. The mat may be rolled for storage, transported with a carry arm strap, unrolled into a desired position on a field or indoor practice area, and then used to deflect balls that are rolled over it. After use, the device rolls up easily for transport and storage.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing robotically assisted physical therapy. The system, apparatus, and method can include a motion platform having three-degrees of freedom to achieve pitch motion, yaw motion, and roll motion; a plurality of motors connected to the motion platform to enable the pitch motion, the yaw motion, and/or the roll motion; at least one sensor configured to collect data relating to position and/or motion of the motion platform; and a motion controller configured to control the motion platform based on the collected data and/or external commands.

Abstract: A device for training and rehabilitation of a limb is provided. The device provides a board with a plurality of movement tracks to allow for controlled movement of the limb in various directions. Blockers and other controlling structures may be arranged on the device to limit range of motion of the movement of the limb.

Abstract: The device is a foot power apparatus which provides a means for therapeutically strengthening the foot using an expansion spring mounted pedal suspended within a support frame assembly. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises which base, which generally resembles the sole of a shoe, and a support frame assembly which is attached at the front end and along the sides of said base. Suspended above the base within the frame assembly by a pair of opposing springs is a pedal transversely positioned to the base. With the user's foot positioned on the base, the front of the foot applies downward pressure to expand the springs while the heel of the foot remains stationary. Removable and interchangeable expansion springs provide customized and more accurate biomechanical motion for the needs of the particular patient. This system allows for the proper flexion biomechanics on an individual basis because of its ability to shorten the foot during the flexion process.

Abstract: A foot exercise apparatus includes a non-slip base and a casing mounted atop the base, the casing having opposed front and rear rends and opposed side walls extending therebetween. A toe assembly is situated atop a top surface of the casing proximate the front end an includes a toe receiver having a cupped configuration and a stop for aligning a user's toes when standing atop the top surface. When a user contracts or pulls his toes back, the toe receiver is slidably movable between a rest configuration displaced a first distance from the front end and a deployed configuration displaced a second distance from the front end, the toe receiver being spring biased toward the rest configuration. A heel assembly is situated atop the top surface proximate the rear end and includes a toe receiver for receiving a user's heel and is slidably movable according to a user's foot length.

Abstract: A dorsiflexion (or eversion) assistance device attaches around an ankle and foot, such us over footwear. A tensioned cord is extended between a portion attached to the ankle and a portion attached to the foot. This tensioned cord is attached to one of a plurality of portals of a connector attached to the ankle and connector attached to the superior side of the foot depending on a need for greater assistance on a left, medial, or right side. The connector on the ankle can be a bearing movable or rotatable front/back, left/right and around so as to allow the tensioned cord to move as the wearer walks as well as angle the tensioned cord in a resting or walking state.

Abstract: A calf-stretching device enables a user to conduct stretching exercises of the gastrocnemius muscles of the leg. The calf-stretching device includes a support base positionable on a floor surface and left and right surfaces immovably attached to the support base. Each of the left and right surfaces present a convex curved surface from a front side to a back side to receive respective feet of the user, the convex curved surface having a greater radial dimension on an inner portion than an outer portion to correspond to a foot arch of the user.

Abstract: A seated exercise system is provided having a pair of sliders devices, each slider device including a body portion having a continuous side wall and a support surface. The support surface is sized and shaped to receive a foot of a user. A floor portion configured to slide on a floor surface during operation is provided. A grip portion is attached to the support surface, wherein the grip portion is constructed from a traction material providing traction to the foot during operation. Motion tracking components configured to detect movement data of the foot and during operation are provided. At least one slider of the pair of floor sliders is configured to communicate the detected movement data to the other slider; and, wherein at least one slider of the pair of floor sliders includes a wireless communication device configured to send the detected movement data a computerized device such that the detected movement data is available to the user.

Abstract: A physical therapy system including a boot assembly, a track assembly and a communications assembly is disclosed. The boot assembly includes a boot that is worn on the foot of the user with the knee that requires treatment. The boot includes a cushioned sole provided by a sponge within the boot. The sponge being entirely enclosed by a cover. The track assembly includes a track on which the boot is maneuvered on. The boot and the track having a low friction coefficient to allow the boot to easily slid on the track. The user may maneuver the boot in a manner that rehabilitates their knee. Within the boot is the communication assembly which includes a processor and sensors to gather data from the usage of the boot. The collected data is communicated to a mobile device allowing a user to track their therapy sessions and progress.

Abstract: An orthosis configured to stretch tissue around an ankle joint of a patient and methods for assembling and using the same are provided. The orthosis includes a first member affixable to a lower leg of the patient, a second member affixable to a foot of the patient, the second member including a second extension member having an arcuate shape configured to move along an arcuate path relative to the first member when the second member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first member, and a drive assembly coupled to the first member and the second member, the drive assembly configured to move the second member with respect to the first member.

Abstract: Various limb manipulation and evaluation devices are provided. The devices generally include three drives, namely a first drive configured to manipulate a first bone relative to a second bone in a first direction, a second drive configured to manipulate the first bone relative to the second bone in a second direction, a third drive configured to manipulate the first bone relative to the second bone in a second direction. The three directions are different relative to each other and in some embodiments represent three distinct axes. The devices are further configured such that at least one of the drives is mutually decoupled relative to at least one other drive, such that operation of the one drive does not affect the position or movement of the another drive. One or multiple of the drives may be decoupled. A corresponding method of operating such decoupled drives is also provided.

Abstract: The device for postural education comprises: two oscillating elements having respectively: —one plantar resting portion for the resting of a foot of a user; one supporting portion opposite to the plantar resting portion and of a substantially convex shape; connection means of the oscillating elements; in which the supporting portion is adapted to allow the oscillation of the respective oscillating element as a result of the resting of the foot of the user.

Abstract: A balance board may include an upper plate having a top surface; a base configured to contact the ground; and a center assembly pivotally connecting the upper plate with the base, the center assembly including a top pivot including a first multi-axial joint set at least partially within the upper plate and a lower pivot including a second multi-axial joint disposed proximate the upper plate. The first multi-axial joint may be a first ball and socket joint; the second multi-axial joint may be a second ball and socket joint; and the first ball and socket joint may be disposed at least partially within the second ball and socket joint. In addition, the balance board may further include an adjustable angle stop system comprising at least one adjustable angle stop movable at adjustable intervals to change a maximum angle by which the upper plate may be pivoted.

Abstract: A device for rehabilitating or strengthening the ankle includes a plank that is connected by a transversely oriented hinge and a longitudinally oriented pivot, as well as a pair of compression springs at its forward end. The connections of the plank to the underlying base limit the plank to motion in two directions about two axes, thereby providing four types of therapeutic ranges of motion, including dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, eversion and inversion. A transversely slidable foot rest enables the user to hold device 21 in position with one foot while using the plank of the device to rehabilitate the other foot.

Abstract: A portable exercise device includes a pedal pivotably connected to a pair of supports. The pedal has a neutral position relative to a pivot axis. The pedal is configured to rotate about the pivot axis in a first direction toward one support and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, toward the other support. The exercise device also includes a resistance mechanism configured to exert a force on the pedal about the pivot axis in a direction opposite to the respective direction of rotation of the pedal about the pivot axis. The device is movable between an open, in-use configuration, where the pedal is disposed in the neutral position to receive a foot of a user and the pair of supports together form a triangular base, and a closed configuration, where the pair of supports are flush against the pedal.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a device that can be used to exercise and/or strengthen the muscles of the foot, ankle, and/or leg of a user. The device includes foot-receiving pedal that is sized and shaped to provide support for a user's foot or shoe. The pedal includes a first pair of brackets positioned at the rear of the pedal that allow connection to the support at a joint. The support can include a band that rests against the user's leg to provide comfort during use. The joint allows the pedal to move relative to the support. One or more resistive elements (e.g., springs) attach the support to a second pair of brackets positioned at the front portion of the pedal to provide resistance to the movement of the joint. The support includes an adapter that allows the attachment of the springs to be modified to vary resistance and/or be customized to a user's particular leg shape or length.

Abstract: A system for gait training which includes a slidable assembly for attaching to the foot with or without a shoe, on the affected side of a subject. When the subject shifts his or her body weight away from the affected side, the slidable assembly is capable of forward and backward movement to follow the swinging movement of the leg. When the subject shifts their body weight to the affected side and thereby applies weight to his or her swinging leg and the slidable assembly, a passive braking system is automatically actuated arrests any further movement of the affected limb.

Abstract: An orthotic foot rest is a pedal for a pedaling machine. It includes a platform, an instep-strap and/or a heel strap and a width-adjusting assembly. The platform holds a person's foot that is either bare or in a shoe. When present, the instep-strap forms an arch extending up above the platform such that the person's foot, with or without a shoe, can be slipped under the arch and rest on the platform. When present, the heel strap encircles the person's foot. A width-adjusting assembly adjusts the tension against the side of the foot to secure it in place on the platform. Paired-strap-posts define a u-shaped-slot between them that is wide enough to receive the strap and restrain a cam buckle that is slidably attachable on each of the straps. A release strap enables a person to pull on the release-strap to remove the buckle from the u-shaped-slot.

Abstract: A portable balancing device is formed from a pair of modules connected by a width-adjusting mechanism. Each module may also be referred to as half of the pair of modules. Each module is formed from an upper platform and a lower platform. The upper and lower platforms are separated by compressible elements that deform under a user's weight.

Abstract: A device for training and rehabilitation of a limb is provided. The device provides a board with a plurality of movement tracks to allow for controlled movement of the limb in various directions. Blockers and other controlling structures may be arranged on the device to limit range of motion of the movement of the limb.

Abstract: An arm therapy device for the prevention and treatment of repetitive stress injuries of the elbow, forearm, and wrist. The arm therapy device generally includes a housing adapted to be freestanding in an upright manner. The housing includes an upper opening which provides access to the interior of the housing. Rollers across the interior of the housing comprising pairs of rollers which are biased inwardly toward each other. Bias members such as resistance bands may be utilized to bias each pair of rollers toward each other. Collars may be utilized on the rollers to which the bias members are connected. By using the present invention, one may treat a limb such as an arm without having to support the housing with another hand or another person. As the limb passes through the housing, the rollers will exert pressure on the limb which aids in treating or preventing repetitive stress injuries.

Abstract: Insole compression systems apply intermittent pressure to a foot or other body part, for example in order to increase circulation and facilitate removal of metabolic waste. The insole compression systems, including actuators and batteries, may be fully contained within a removable insole, and are thus discreet and easy to use. In exemplary insole compression systems, extension springs and a torsion spring interact with an a-frame to deliver an approximately constant extension force.

Abstract: The portable balancing device is formed from two modules optionally connected by a width-adjusting mechanism. The primary component of the portable balancing platform is a module. Each module may also be referred to as half of the pair of modules. Each module is formed from an upper platform and a lower platform. The upper and lower platform are separated by compressible elements that deform under a user's weight. Alternatively, a single lower platform is common across both modules, with separate upper platforms.

Abstract: A device for facilitating or enhancing torso and pelvis stability exercises includes two elongate semi-cylindrical resiliently compressible members so coupled to one another as to maintain a mutually parallel configuration, the resiliently compressible members each having a planar side and a cylindrically arcuate side, the planar sides being co-planar with one another. A user attachment component holds the resiliently compressible members to the user with the planar sides in contact with the user in one use configuration and so that the arcuate sides are in contact with the user in an alternate use configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching and strengthening the forefoot of a user may include a pair of parallel hollow tubular leg members each having a first and second end and having a cross bore adjacent each of the first and second ends, a barrel bridging and joining the pair of leg members and positioned intermediate the first and second end of each leg member, the barrel providing a support for the arch of a user's forefoot for flexing and strengthening the forefoot over the barrel, a pair of extenders each adapted to removably attach to and extend from one of the leg members, and a removable elastic band or sleeve positionable over the leg members intermediate the first end and the barrel to hold the toes of the user's forefoot over the barrel during flexing of the forefoot.

Abstract: An orthosis configured to stretch tissue around an ankle joint of a patient and methods for assembling and using the same are provided. The orthosis includes a first member affixable to a lower leg of the patient, a second member affixable to a foot of the patient, the second member including a second extension member having an arcuate shape configured to move along an arcuate path relative to the first member when the second member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first member, and a drive assembly coupled to the first member and the second member, the drive assembly configured to move the second member with respect to the first member.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve an exercise device including a base member, a pair of tower members, and a strap. The base member includes a substantially planar bottom surface, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and an opening extending through the top and bottom surfaces. The pair of tower members extends upward from opposite ends of the top surface of the base member. The strap releasably secures to each of the pair of tower members at a chosen height and with a chosen amount of slack. The strap includes a handle positioned between a first end and a second end of the strap, wherein the chosen amount of slack of the strap is adjustable by coupling the strap to each of the pair of tower members at different positions on the strap.

Abstract: A slip resistant floor mat includes a number of upstanding projections in the form of blades or teeth arranged on an upper surface thereof. The blades or teeth deflect under a load and dissipate the force of the load so that the tendency of the mat to slip on the underlying floor is reduced.

Abstract: A walking trainer includes a linear transmission unit including two carriages, and two pedal units each including a pedal holder, which includes a bottom frame carried on one respective carriage, upright posts mounted at the bottom frame and a top block mounted on and movable up and down along the upright posts, a rotary shaft mounted in the top block in a direction perpendicular to the upright posts and a pedal mounted on the rotary shaft and biasable with the rotary shaft relative to the pedal holder. Thus, the pedals of the pedal units can be moved with the respective carriages linearly and alternatively back and forth, on the other hand, and can also be moved with the associating top blocks up and down and biased with the respective rotary shafts relative to the respective pedal holders to simulate the walking gait path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating inflammatory symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis in a foot. The method involves stretching gastrocnemius and soleus muscles associated with the foot by placing the sole of the foot on an inclined ramp surface and cooling at least one portion of the sole of the foot. The method may further involve providing localized pressure to at least one portion of the plantar fascia, and to a portion of the foot below the toes, to cause dorsiflexion thereof.

Abstract: In a portable exercise tracking system, a method and apparatus for measuring power output of exercise motion by a user. The system includes a wireless motion sensor and a wireless central mass unit. The wireless motion sensor detects, measures and transmits motion data associated with a first motion by the user. The central mass unit detects and measures motion data associated with a second motion by the user. The central mass unit also computes the power output of the first motion and the second motion as a function of the first motion data and the second motion data. The disclosed method and apparatus provides a more effective means of computing total power output of a user performing free body exercises.

Abstract: Apparatus for bi-directional ankle exercise movements has a main-frame with a seat and upwardly extending columns at either side to support a “U” shaped sub-frame, mounted so that it pivots about a horizontal axis passing very nearly through the ankles of a seated user and interconnecting linkages simultaneously enforcing ankle inversion, with plantarflexion and then ankle eversion, with dorsiflexion, about perpendicularly intersecting axes, while resisting such movements, so as to provide bidirectional ankle exercises according to a progressive resistance program, thus strengthening the ankle muscle groups for enhanced balance and dynamic stability.

Abstract: Various limb manipulation and evaluation devices are provided. The devices generally include three drives, namely a first drive configured to manipulate a first bone relative to a second bone in a first direction, a second drive configured to manipulate the first bone relative to the second bone in a second direction, a third drive configured to manipulate the first bone relative to the second bone in a second direction. The three directions are different relative to each other and in some embodiments represent three distinct axes. The devices are further configured such that at least one of the drives is mutually decoupled relative to at least one other drive, such that operation of the one drive does not affect the position or movement of the another drive. One or multiple of the drives may be decoupled. A corresponding method of operating such decoupled drives is also provided.

Abstract: A positioning device for ankle joint replacement surgery.

Abstract: Person support apparatuses having exercise features are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a person support apparatus includes a support surface, a footboard, a sensor, and a passive resistance mechanism. The support surface has a foot end and a head end, and the footboard is located near the foot end of the support surface, extending above the support surface. The footboard may include a pressure surface positioned to receive a pressing force. The footboard is freely slidable from an extended position to a retracted position with respect to the foot end of the support surface. The sensor provides a signal indicative of a magnitude of the pressing force incident on the pressure surface of the footboard. The passive resistance mechanism is coupled to the footboard, and resists a motion of the footboard to the extended position.