Abstract: An apparatus for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal performance of a human body, comprising a handle and a set of three cylinders capable of longitudinal extension and retraction, the cylinders extending at angle with respect to each other and each having one end rotatably connected to the handle and another end rotatably connected to a rigid surface, the ends of the three cylinders opposite the handle being spaced apart from each other. By adjustably and independently controlling the longitudinal extension and retraction of each of the cylinders, it becomes possible to simulate objects being lifted or moved on the job at various heights and in any particular angle and plane and thus use the apparatus for rehabilitation purpose.

Abstract: A connection kit for use in electrically connecting to a monitoring equipment a plurality of skin-markers and/or electrodes detachably fixed onto the body of a patient, in such a manner as to let the patient free to move in a given area. The kit comprises a connection box electrically connectable to the monitoring equipment in such a manner as to let the patient free to move in the given area. It also comprises a harness to be worn by the patient. The harness includes a chest-piece on which can be mounted the connection box. At least one primary conductor cable is provided, which has one end electrically connectable to the connection box and at least one other end provided with a connecting plug. This connection plug is detachably fixable with a sticking pad. Alternatively, the connection plug may be fixed in the same position on a back-strap forming part of the harness and passing over shoulder of the patient.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and equipment for the evaluation of the flexibility of the spine of a patient and identification of possible mechanical injuries in the lumbar portion of this spine. A string of skin-markers is fixed onto the skin of the back of the patient in the midline of his spine from at least cervical vertebra C.sub.7 down to at least sacral vertebra S.sub.3. Two other skin-markers are fixed onto the skin of the back of the patient in a bilateral and symmetrical manner on the crests of his ilium. The relative positions of all the skin-markers are then monitored and recorded as he flexes forward in this sagittal plane and the so recorded positions are processed to determine the ranges of hip and spine motions in the sagittal plane, which can be compared with each other and with results obtained from a group of "normal" patients to determine any discrepancy or singularity in the flexibility of the spine.

Abstract: A non invasive method and equipment for the detection of a mechanical abnormality or injury, especially a torsional injury, in the lumbar spine of a patient. In a first step, any variation in the lumbar curve of the patient is measured using a non invasive technique, while the patient is performing a physical test. In a second step, any discrepancy or assymmetry away from the average response of a group of normal healthy persons is detected in the previously measured variation in the lumbar curve. In practice, the absence of any variation or the detection of a discrepancy or assymmetry in the so measured variation when compared with the average, is indicative of the presence of a mechanical abnormality or injury in the lumbar spine of the patient.

Abstract: A method and an equipment for the detection of a mechanical abnormality or injury in the lumbar spine of a patient and for the identification of this abnormality or injury as being of the compression or torsion type. In a first step, any variation of the lumbar curve of the patient is measured using a combined visual and an electromyographic (EMG) technique. Then, any discrepancy or assymetry is detected in said measured variation of lumbar curve. In practice, the absence of any variation or the detection of any discrepancy or assymetry in the case where a variation is measured, is indicative of the presence of a mechanical abnormality or injury of the lumbar spine of the patient, and of the nature of this particular abnormality or injury.

Abstract: A method and equipment for the detection of mechanical injuries in the lumbar spine of a patient and the identification of these injuries, using a mathematical model applicable to the five lumbar vertebrae of a human being, and to to their disks. According to this method, the electromyographis (EMG) activities of the erectores and abdominals of the patient are measured in the bilateral and symmetrical manner with respect to the spine of the patient while the same is flexing forward in the mediane plane and pulling up a small load. The angle of flexion of the patient is measured during this flexion and is supplied as variable input to the mathematical model. A computer is used to run the model with its variable input in order to calculate the EMG activites of the erectores and abdominals that would normally be used by a healthy person to produce the same task.