Abstract: An force generator includes an elongate force generator body that has a longitudinal dimension and has a fluid chamber defined therein. The force generator body exhibits a dimensional extension responsive to an increase in fluid in the fluid chamber and a dimensional retraction responsive to a decrease in fluid in the fluid chamber. A restraint apparatus channels the dimensional extension/retraction into the longitudinal dimension and restrains dimensional extension in a dimension transverse thereto.

Abstract: An ambulatory, wearable support to be worn by a person for applying an extending force to a portion of the human anatomy while being worn, the portion of the human anatomy having an anterior portion and an opposed posterior portion, includes a first anchor member substantially encircling a first portion of the human anatomy, A second anchor member is spaced apart from the first anchor member, the portion of the human anatomy that is to be subjected to the extending force being disposed substantially between said first and second anchor members. A plurality of extender sets have at least one selectively inflatable bladder. The at least one bladder has a first end operably coupled to the first anchor member and a second end operably coupled to the second anchor member, the plurality of extender sets being spaced apart and disposed both anteriorly and posteriorly with respect to the portion of the human anatomy that is to be subjected to the extending force.