Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device includes a platform base and resistance bands coupled to the platform base. The device further includes one or more enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands. The one or more enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The one or more enclosures are configured to slide on top of the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rocker boot for stretching or strengthening muscles. The rocker boot may include a base having a arcuate surface and a footrest attached to the base. The footrest may be adjustable to provide one or more different configurations.

Abstract: A multifunction dumbbell includes a handle having two projections on both ends respectively; two hollow weight members each having a protrusion extending toward the handle; two spacer sleeves each having a closed flange fixedly secured to a joining portion of the handle and either projection, with the spacer sleeves fixedly fastened between the protrusions and the projections; two rings each having an inner diameter less than an outer diameter of the weight member so that the rings can be put on the weight members and retained thereon respectively; two half-spherical members each fixedly secured to the ring and complimentarily engaged with the weight member; and two truncated conic springs each put on the protrusion and a portion of the weight member to be retained between the spacer sleeve and the ring. The rings and the half-spherical members together are adapted to rotate about the weight members.

Abstract: Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (400, 500) to exercise the leg and enhance mobility after a variety of injuries or surgery is disclosed. The system could include a chair leg anchor (104), a leg wrap (102), a stationary pulley (110) secured to the chair leg anchor, a movable pulley (108) secured to the leg wrap, a rope (106), and a handle (112). The rope could be threaded from a first end secured to the chair leg anchor, through the movable pulley, through the stationary pulley, and to a second end secured to the handle.

Abstract: A method of differentially tuning a lower limb muscle in a human in need thereof is provided. The method includes placement of at least two calibrated, differential disturbances or protuberances under the human's feet thereby tuning a lower limb muscle.

Abstract: An exercise device for a lower leg and foot is provided. The exercise device provides a user with the ability to exercise multiple muscles in both lower legs and both feet, and provides the user with multiple exercises with a single exercise device. Additionally, the exercise device is capable of providing variable resistances during exercise to accommodate users of different strength and to accommodate a user's increase in strength. To provide variable resistance, the exercise device includes a plurality of resilient resistance member interchangeably coupled to a housing of the exercise device.

Abstract: Improvements in a foot exerciser are presented that provides variable resistance for foot extension and flexing. The improvements are presented with two varieties where a first variety is fit onto an existing shoe and a second variety that is a complete shoe with the resistance elements built into or on the shoe. The amount of resistance can be changed or varied based on the abilities of the athlete by changing the resistance material, length, number and or the attachment location of the resistance element on the shoe or foot exerciser. The Speed Doctor speed builder foot exerciser provide athletes with a simple and effective way to improve the strength, agility and jumping ability of their legs by wearing shoes that offer resistance and tension.

Abstract: An ingenious calf, shin and ankle rehabilitation and exerciser apparatus for engagement with the lower leg muscles and ankle comprising of a rigid sole plate member having a sole plate protective pad and affixed fastening sole straps for securing foot to sole plate member, an attachable fulcrum heel ball member for attaching to the bottom of heel section. Sole plate member is pivotally attached to a rigid cross brace member which is comprised of a fastening shin straps affixed to a shin protective pad member to secure the lower leg to a rigid pivoting back support member that is pivotally engaged to cross brace member. Cross brace engages the toe section of sole plate member via an engaging biasing resistance means that provides posterior and anterior resistance not limited to isotonic and isometric for the flexing of the foot and ankle not limited to dorsi-flexion, plantar-flexion, inversion or eversion.

Abstract: An ankle therapy device provides variable loading on targeted muscles and tendons, by utilizing a variable length moment arm to which the load is attached, and having the ability to change the angle of the load with respect to the orientation of the user's foot. Thus, the device provides a variable resistance on the ankle muscles and tendons when the ankle is moved, and may target different muscles and tendons by changing the angle of the resistance. The device comprises a member to which the user's foot is attached, and a rotatably attached weight support member to which a weight is secured. The position of the weight may be shifted along the length of the weight support member, and the amount of weight may be changed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a universal foot assembly having a foot pedal that may be attached to a desk or workstation that can be adjustably configured to allow for the foot pedal to vibrate, rotate, or move in a number of directions. The foot assembly comes as part of a kit and is configurable for retrofit attachment to existing desks and workstations. The foot assembly helps students having ADD or ADHD expend nervous energy. It also provides a valuable exercise mechanism for those trying to improve their physical health.

Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed. The exercise device includes an ankle rest structure and a housing. Within the housing, a drive mechanism is provided that is connected to the ankle rest structure. The drive mechanism moves the ankle rest in a reciprocating motion along a generally horizontal plane. The exercise device also includes a knee rest structure spaced away from the ankle rest and connected to the housing. In one embodiment, the knee rest is movable in a horizontal and vertical direction with respect to the housing.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises at least one pedal pivotably mounted to a leg rest portion and having a neutral position relative to a pivot axis. The pedal is configured to rotate about the pivot axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The exercise device further comprises a resistance mechanism configured to exert a torque on the pedal opposite to a direction of rotation of the pedal about the pivot axis and away from the neutral position. The device is adjustable to at least a first configuration wherein the pedal is disposed in the neutral position to receive a foot of a user in a sitting position, and a second configuration wherein the pedal is disposed in the neutral position to receive a foot of a user in a supine position.

Abstract: A physical therapy device, in one form, provides rotation, flexion and stretching to rehabilitate patients undergoing physical therapy. The physical rehabilitation apparatus can comprise a base and a track coupled to the base with the track configured to slide along the base. The apparatus can further comprise a bearing coupled to the track, the bearing allowing rotational movement about an axis substantially perpendicular to the track and a tread coupled to the bearing. In one form, the apparatus works with a number of attachments.

Abstract: A foot, toe, and ankle exercise device provides variable resistance to movements of the foot, ankle and toes in multiple directions. Embodiments of the device comprise a flexible forefoot support to allow for full toe and foot range of motion. Resistance is provided by resistance members that may comprise elastic banding or tubing. The forefoot support may be suspended by the resistance members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a health shoe having an arc type stretching body to be formed apart from a front end and a rear end of a shoe sole with a predetermined distance apart, which is capable of doing stretching exercises at the stable status because 5 the arc type stretching body is supported by the front end or the rear end in contact with the ground when doing exercises in forward flexion or backward extension postures.

Abstract: An ankle exerciser system for providing automated flexing of an ankle of a user. The system may include a first support, a first pivot for permitting movement of the first support about a transverse axis, a second support, a second pivot for permitting movement of the second support about the transverse axis, and a drive element operatively coupled to pivot the first support and operatively coupled to pivot the second support about the transverse axis. The first support and the second support may be controlled to incline and decline to and from a specified angle of rotation. The inline and decline may be performed at a specified frequency for a specified duration. A vibrator may further be used to vibrate the supports, to vibrate one or both of the feet supported thereon.

Abstract: A method of exercising a human body, the method comprising: providing a sliding element having a body portion adapted for receiving a limb of the human body, and a sliding surface adapted to slide on a exercise floor; placing the sliding element on an exercise floor and placing the human body limb on the body portion; and performing an exercise routine including sliding the sliding element by moving the human body limb. The exercise routine includes routines performed with the human body in a standing position; routines performed with the human body in a prone position; routines performed with the human body in a supine position; and routines performed with the human body in a side-lying position. The invention also includes an exercise device for exercising a human body, the device comprising: a sliding disc having a body portion adapted for receiving a limb of the human body; and a sliding surface adapted to slide on an exercise floor.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (400, 500) to exercise the leg and enhance mobility after a variety of injuries or surgery is disclosed. The system could include a chair leg anchor (104), a leg wrap (102), a stationary pulley (110) secured to the chair leg anchor, a movable pulley (108) secured to the leg wrap, a rope (106), and a handle (112). The rope could be threaded from a first end secured to the chair leg anchor, through the movable pulley, through the stationary pulley, and to a second end secured to the handle.

Abstract: An adjustable spring device for walking and running is attached to user's footwear creating comfortable conditions during the locomotion. In an embodiment, it includes: an upper lever and lower lever locating one above the other, wherein at least one of the levers is made of elastic material, and a support mechanism having a joint shaft that allows the levers to be pivoting. The device includes a first flexible link connecting the front ends of the levers, and a second flexible link connecting the rear ends of the levers. The links can be adjusted to a certain constant length before the deployment of the device. For creating optimal energy exchange conditions between the device and user, and reducing the shock loads on the user's leg joints and spine, the device can be adapted by shifting the support mechanism between the levers and by adjusting the flexible links between the lever ends.

Abstract: A muscle stretching and massaging apparatus enables stretching of the calf at varying levels of intensity and massaging of muscles of the leg while those muscles are in a relaxed state. A support frame provides a stable base for the apparatus and means for receiving and supporting a lateral roller at a plurality of heights and a stretch board at a plurality of angles relative to a supporting surface. The stretch board enables calf stretching at varying levels of intensity, depending on the severity of the angle formed between the stretch board and the surface upon which the support frame rests. The adjustable height of the roller further enables the apparatus to provide calf and hamstring massaging while the muscles are in a relaxed state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ungrounded, reconfigurable, parallel mechanism based, force feedback exoskeleton device for the human ankle. The primary use for the device is aimed as a balance/proprioception trainer, while the exeskeleton device can also be employed to accommodate range of motion (RoM)/strengthening exercises. This device is also used for metatarsophalangeal joint exercises.

Abstract: A balance board has a top side and an under side. The under side is arranged to be mounted on top of a ball with a user balancing on the top side. The board is shaped to define a generally longitudinal direction and a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal direction. The board is formed from a first top portion defining the topside and having a substantially flat region on its under side and a second lower portion joined to the first top portion and defining a wall at least substantially bounding a portion of the flat region. The distance across the bounded portion in the longitudinal direction of the board is greater than in the transverse direction. With the bounded portion balanced on a ball with a diameter less than the distance across the bounded portion in the transverse direction, the board is enabled to move relative to the ball with at least a degree of spherical rotational freedom and also a degree of translational freedom in directions other than the vertical.

Abstract: An exercise device for a lower leg and foot is provided. The exercise device provides a user with the ability to exercise multiple muscles in both lower legs and both feet, and provides the user with multiple exercises with a single exercise device. Additionally, the exercise device is capable of providing variable resistances during exercise to accommodate users of different strength and to accommodate a user's increase in strength. To provide variable resistance, the exercise device includes a plurality of resilient resistance member interchangeably coupled to a housing of the exercise device.

Abstract: A method for compensating functional disabilities of the foot of a wearer including the steps of placing a shoe on a wearer; attaching a first attachment member about a lower leg of the wearer such that the first attachment member has a first connecting member flexibly extending from the first attachment member and directed toward the foot; attaching a second attachment member in engagement with a shoe placed over the wearer's foot such that the second attachment has a second attachment member flexibly extending therefrom and directed toward the lower leg of the wearer. The first and second connecting members are coupled such that the flexible connecting member extends at an acute angle from the lower leg of the wearer at a point above the joint of a leg and foot to a point forward of the leg at the instep of the foot.

Abstract: A leg training equipment has a base fixed in place, a support portion configured to support a part of a user's body, and a coupling mechanism provided between the base and the support portion. The coupling mechanism movably couples the support portion to the base such that a load applied to a leg of the user by the user's own weight changes by a relative positional displacement between a foot position and a position of center of gravity of the user. In addition, the coupling mechanism limits a movable direction of the support portion such that at least when the load applied to the leg increases, a direction of the relative positional displacement between the foot position and the position of center of gravity is substantially limited to a direction of flexion and extension of knee joint. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently provide the user with an exercise that applies less load on the knee joint.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for resistance stretching and strengthening of the muscles of the lower leg of a human user. The device and method provide a lever arm for hinging the foot about the ankle joint for providing resistance first against a series of concentric, and preferably but optionally, isometric contractions of the muscles of the lower leg sufficient to fatigue at least one of the muscles, and then for applying force sufficient to oppose and overcome the opposite force of the user to perform an eccentric contraction of the muscles. The device includes an elongated portion that acts as a lever arm for hinging the foot about the ankle joint and a fastening means for securing the foot against the top surface of the elongated portion and allowing for manipulation of the foot to assist in the performance of the various contractions of the muscles of the lower leg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for strengthening leg muscles having a substantially flat support surface, an external work surface, a front, a back and two flanks, the strengthening device further comprising at least one relief portion proximal to said back and distal from said front.

Abstract: A foot pain relief device can advantageously provide multiple angles of inclination, directed pressure against the plantar fascia, as well as ease of manufacturing and assembly. A toe strap, which is fastened around the ankle and the toe(s), ensures that the toes are flexed up. This toe flexing tenses the plantar fascia of the foot. A ball strap can be threaded through a hole in a ball and then operatively coupled with the toe strap. When operatively coupled to the toe strap, the ball strap keeps the ball positioned on the bottom of the foot while allowing ball mobility. The mobility of the ball can provide directed pressure on at least one component of the plantar fascia. Notably, the simultaneous combination of tension to the plantar fascia and directed pressure to the component(s) of the plantar fascia can be particularly effective at relieving foot pain.

Abstract: A device for generating power from a locomotion energy associated with leg muscles acting across an ankle joint. The device including: a cuff worn on the leg; a shoe; an energy absorbing element operatively connected to the cuff and shoe for absorbing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise device has a portable construction, and is geometrically optimized with arcuate and planar surfaces to allow a safe and effective workout of the abdominal muscles when attached to the feet of a user. Furthermore, the device enables a user to efficiently transition from an oblique abdominal exercise to a core abdominal exercise in a highly efficient, hassle-free manner.

Abstract: An article of athletic equipment for a wearer with a foot and a leg including a knee joint includes an article of footwear operable to secure to the foot. The equipment also includes a knee coupling member that is operable to secure to the leg about the knee joint. The knee coupling member is operable to extend superiorly and inferiorly about the knee joint. Moreover, the equipment includes a biasing member that is coupled to the article of footwear and the knee coupling member. The biasing member biases the article of footwear relative to the knee coupling member to bias the foot toward plantarflexion relative to the leg to increase proprioception of the foot relative to the leg.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device includes a platform base, and resistance bands coupled to the platform base. The device further includes at least two enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands. The two enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The two enclosures are configured to slide on top of the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist a user in the bending or moving of their knee/leg area that can be used to increase mobility and/or perform rehabilitation exercises is herein disclosed, comprising a unitary piece of heavy textile, and a central strap provided about the upper half of one (1) side. In such a manner the strap forms a sling-like arrangement which holds the textile fabric about the bottom of one's foot. A long nylon strap is centrally provided on the bottom of the fabric where it is bisected by the arch of one's foot. To use the apparatus, the user simply slips their foot onto the textile sling, and grabs the two (2) loose ends of the long strap. Next, by lifting up on the strap, the user can aid in the movement of one's leg to simulate motion and resistance and thus aid in the rehabilitation of the leg and knee muscles.

Abstract: The invention relates to assembly of an accessory and a shoe for providing support to a foot-drop affected foot relative to a lower leg belonging to the foot such that the loot is prevented from dropping downwards relative to the lower leg when the foot is raised by the lower from a supporting surface, the accessory being provided with a first attachment member for attachment of the accessory to the lower leg, a second attachment member for attachment of the accessory to an upper side of the shoe and a connecting body joining together the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the second attachment member is provided with an attachment plate which, in use, is positioned under an upper part of the shoe. The invention also relates to the accessory of the assembly.

Abstract: A rehabilitation device for legs has a foot piece mounted on a set of track rails, the foot piece is movable through knee extension and flexion, as well as through an elastic band looped around the back. By moving the foot piece, users are able to redevelop and strengthen muscles in the lower leg. Accompanying the foot piece on the track is a slider. The slider measures the distance the user is able to move the foot piece through a plurality of numbered holes in line with the track.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices and methods stretching the Achilles tendon. Each device includes base and wedge portions. The wedge portion has heel and toe ends, inside-foot and outside-foot edges, and an upper surface that includes a planar surface portion that lies in a wedge plane and an arcuate surface portion defined by a projection that extends out of the wedge plane. The wedge plane has a nonuniform elevation relative to the base portion as a result of the wedge portion having a fore-aft taper in the fore-aft direction and a lateral taper in the lateral direction. The fore-aft taper and the lateral taper are sufficient so that placement of a user's foot on the upper surface of the wedge portion causes supination and locking of the foot and enables stretching of the Achilles complex, while the arch of the user's foot is against and supported by the arcuate surface portion.

Abstract: A training apparatus for use by flyers in a cheerleading squad includes a stable base assembly, a balancing assembly, and a fixed or adjustable column located between the stable base assembly and the balancing assembly. The balancing assembly includes a deflectably resilient member and a standing surface that promotes proper alignment and mimics the feel that a flyer experiences when being supported by a base cheerleader. The deflectably resilient member provides two degrees of freedom of movement to the standing surface when the standing surface is under an external load. The standing surface preferably provides about the same standing area that typically provided by a base cheerleader. The column may be a fluid-activated cylinder that moves between a first and second vertical position and simulates a flyer being raised by the base.

Abstract: A therapeutic leg exerciser includes a shoe with an upper portion and a sole portion. It is attachable to a person's foot with a strap. A bracket is rotatably attached to the foot frame to enable forward and rearward orientation at discrete angles. A wheel frame is rotatably attached to the bracket so that it can swivel in a horizontal plane and be secured at a discrete angle to the span of the bracket, preferably about 90 degrees. A wheel is rotatably attached to the wheel frame so that it can be rotated when in contact with the floor when a person extends or moves a leg. The wheel optionally includes a central-floor-contact portion adapted for frontward and backward wheel movement and, an angled-floor-contact portion adapted for maximal floor contact for sideways wheel movement when the leg is at an angle to the floor.

Abstract: An ankle exercise device increases user comfort and is capable of exercising each ankle without having to switch a fulcrum from one side to the other. The exercise device includes an upper section having a first stiffness characteristic and a lower section that is connected to upper section and has a second stiffness characteristic that is different than the first stiffness characteristic. A fulcrum extends from the lower section and is adapted to support the exercise device for pivoting movement relative to a floor or other support surface.

Abstract: A device for training and/or analyzing a user's musculoskeletal system includes a stepping plate mounted on a base plate and periodically or aperiodically moveble by a driving mechanism encompassing a drive shaft on which a cam is disposed. On the bottom side of the stepping plate is a roll that rolls off an external surface of the cam. The stepping plate is connected to the base plate by vertical guides stationarily disposed on the base plate such that the mounted stepping plate follows a lifting movement caused by the driving mechanism. The cam has a first eccentric zone truncated such that the distance traveled by the roll rolling off the surface of the zone increases along the axial extension of the cam. A vertical adjusting mechanism allows the lift of the stepping plate to be modified by changing the position between the roll and the cam that cooperates therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising and rehabilitating muscles, muscle groups, ligaments and soft tissue connecting limbs and limb extremities wherein the limb extremity is suspended by tension means in an environment that stabilizes the limb position while facilitating the movement of the extremity in space. The apparatus includes tension members to develop and provide desired counter forces in opposition to those created by strain of the selected muscles, muscle groups, ligaments and soft tissue.

Abstract: An actuator (10) includes a body (12), an output member (14) slidably received in the body (12) along—a first axis (X1), an electric motor (18) arranged to set into rotation a motor shaft (20) about a, second axis (X2) and a motion conversion mechanism (22) for converting the rotary motion produced by the electric motor (18) about the second axis (X2) into a translational motion of the output member (14) along the first axis (X1). The motion conversion mechanism (22) includes a driving pulley (24) which is drivingly connected for rotation with the motor shaft (20) and an elongated mechanical transmission member which is wound onto the driving pulley (24) and is fastened at its two opposite ends to the output member (14) to draw this latter in either direction along the first axis (X1) as a result of the rotation of the driving pulley (24) in either direction. The output member (14) is shaped as a rod and is received in a cylindrical cavity (16) of the body (12) so as to project partially therefrom.

Abstract: A baseball swing training apparatus comprised of upper and lower platform members that are rotatably secured to one another by means of a bearing plate assembly. The platform members have a generally rectangular body with at least one side of each platform member formed as an extending finger portion. The extending finger portion of the upper platform member receives thereon a spring loaded foot mechanism. The spring loaded foot mechanism is comprised of a continuous cylindrical member having upper and lower U-shaped ends, the upper and lower ends being orthogonal to one another and forming an L-shaped continuous cylindrical member. A coiled spring member is secured to the upper platform member and to the upper U-shaped end by a hook shaped element. The coiled spring member is secured to the upper platform member by an elongated rod, the ends of which are received within apertures defined by the coiled spring. The ends of the rod are in turn received within an eye portion of spaced apart eyebolts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for lower-limb rehabilitation training of a patient with lower limb paralysis. The invention measures the usage of the paralyzed lower limb, and based upon the measurement, forces patients with lower limb paralysis to use partially paralyzed muscles which they are not likely to use. The apparatus can measure the weight load and the angle of the joint, and by using the measure values as variables, display the condition of paralysis to the patient so that he/she can recognize his/her present condition of paralysis, and enable the user to training through feedback. The joint includes all of knee joint, ankle joint and hip joint of the lower limb, and the movement of important muscles of the lower limb can be detected.

Abstract: Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.

Abstract: An exercise platform system and apparatus is disclosed that includes a plurality of angled step surfaces. In one aspect, the exercise platform can include an exercise platform base adapted to interface with a supporting surface and an exercise platform upper surface coupled to the exercise platform base that includes a first step having a first step surface, a second step having a second step surface, and a center landing area located between the first step and the second step, the center landing area being substantially parallel to the exercise platform base, wherein the first step surface and the second step surface are angled toward the center landing area by an angle between 5 and 30 degrees, inclusive. Further, the first step surface and the second step surface can be angled by a second angle between 5 and 30 degrees toward a transverse axis laterally bisecting the exercise platform base.

Abstract: A multifunctional training apparatus for training the lower limb muscles includes a training bench adapted to support a user in a desired training position, a movable rotatable support unit for resisting a muscular force of a lower limb which is caused by a reciprocating movement, a contrast member that is adapted to provide a resistance force against the movement of the movable support unit, and a support element that is adapted to pivotally support the movable support unit and the contrast member. The support element is mounted on the training bench by a rotatable coupling about an axis that is at an angle with respect to the training bench, such that the movable support unit can rotate from a first substantially vertical position to a second substantially horizontal position. In this way, training movements of the lower limbs are possible according to movement in a vertical plane and in a horizontal plane, using a single training device.

Abstract: The shoe accessory includes a platform for supporting a conventional shoe that is bendable in a manner corresponding to bending of a wearer's show during walking, etc. The shoe accessory's base has a convex or other non-planar surface that causes the shoe accessory to be stable in a longitudinal (heel-toe) direction, and unstable in a lateral (medial/lateral) direction. The non-planar surface may be defined by one or more ridge segments on the platform's bottom side. One or more straps are provided to temporarily secure the wearer's conventional shoe to the platform in a non-destructive manner. A generally U-shaped heel retainer may be provided adjacent a rear portion of the platform for receiving the heel of the shoe. The shoe accessory makes a flat-soled shoe laterally unstable while allowing for longitudinal stability and a naturalistic gait, and thus facilitates exercise of leg and foot muscles during normal walking, running, etc.

Abstract: A blood clot risk reducing apparatus includes a frame forming a loop and including a first lateral section, a second lateral section, a front section and a back section. A rod extends between the first and second lateral sections. Two foot panels each include an upper surface, a lower surface, and a distal edge and a proximal edge with respect to the front section. The foot panels are pivotally coupled to the rod. A base is attached to the frame. A pair of foot supports is attached to and extends upwardly from the base. Each of the foot supports is attached to one of the foot panels. The foot supports are resiliently compressible and bias the distal edge of each of the foot panels upwardly. The distal edges of the foot panels are movable downward with a toe portion of a person's foot to exercise their leg muscles while seated.