Abstract: An abdomen fitness apparatus including a frame bar, a slide slidably mounted around the frame bar and having a longitudinal coupling hole and a transverse coupling hole, a bearing plate pivoted to the frame bar at one end and adapted for supporting on the user's body, a tubular end cap fixed to the frame bar at an opposite end, a connecting tube fastened to the transverse coupling hole of the slide; a plurality of elastic rubber bands connected between curved pegs at the tubular end cap and curved pegs at the slide, and two tubular handlebars respectively connected to two opposite ends of the connecting tube and adapted for pulling the connecting tube and the slide toward the bearing plate, and two spring-supported retainer rods mounted in a respective radial hole at two opposite ends of the connecting tube to position the handlebars in one of four equiangularly spaced angular positions respectively.

Abstract: A controllable fluid device (20) for rehabilitation of injured or weakened complex appendages such as the hands and feet. The controllable fluid device (20)includes a reservoir (34)which contains a sufficient amount of controllable fluid (52)such as a Magnetorheological (MR) fluid. A magnetic field generator (36)provides the magnetic field (H) which is applied to the controllable fluid (52) by a magnetic circuit (60). In one aspect, an electromagnet including a coil (58) and core (54) provides the magnetic field (H). The intensity of the magnetic field is controlled via a controller (38). In another aspect, the magnetic field (H) is provided by a permanent magnet (44) and a mechanical shunt mechanism (42) is used to vary the magnetic field intensity. Other embodiments include a heater unit (66) with optional thermostat (74).

Abstract: A mobile cardiac massage apparatus is described which comprises a pressure cylinder containing a medium suitable for supplying to a person with reduced or interrupted lung function, connected with a thrusting device for provision of cardiac compression. The apparatus comprises an automatic control device, which actuates cardiac compression, consisting of pressure regulated 3/2 valve open in the start phase, a time regulated valve closed in the start phase, a control link to determine the duration of the cardiac compression, and a unistable 5/2 valve, and having a breathing mask, there being a control means in operative connection with the automatic control device and the breathing mask.

Abstract: A hand development apparatus is provided with a first housing having an interior cavity formed therein and a gripping portion adapted to fit the palm of a person's hand and a second housing having an interior cavity formed therein and a gripping portion adapted to fit the palm of a person's hand. The apparatus has a carrier adapted to be removably fitted within the interior cavity of the first housing or within the interior cavity of the second housing, a plurality of movable elements associated with the carrier, the movable elements being adapted to accommodate the fingers of a person's hand and being movable along a movement direction, and springs for resisting movement of the movable elements along the movement direction. The width of the first housing is substantially different than the width of the second housing so that the apparatus may be configured either for a person having relatively large hands or a person having relatively small hands.

Abstract: A swim-exercise device having a main frame and a balance frame; the main frame has a U-shaped frame, of which a lateral rod is mounted with two vertical dampers; the lower end of each vertical damper is connected with a foot supporting assembly. Two vertical rods of the main frame have two horizontal dampers and two pull elements respectively. The balance frame includes two supporting frames and a balance pad, and several elastic elements mounted between the supporting frames and the balance rod. The balance frame is used for supporting a user's chest and belly portions; the user's feet are mounted in the foot supporting assemblies respectively, while the hands grip the two grip rings on the pull elements respectively so as to imitate a swimming motion.

Abstract: A hooked plate is pivotally attached to a generally straight plate which is strapped between the user's wrist and forearm with the pivot near the wrist. An elastic strip holds the fingers on a tongue on the outer circumference of the hooked plate. The appliance walls, openings, and the fastening arrangement for the strip to the hooked plate and for attaching the straight plate to the users arm are for enabling self mounting on the hand by the quadriplegic user.

Abstract: Universal muscular conditioning devices provide for the placement of two bidirectionally acting, frictionally resistant elements on opposite sides of a joint, in order to require a wearer of the device(s) to provide additional muscular exertion against the frictional resistance and thereby build muscular and joint strength. One embodiment includes a wrap which may be adjustably secured about the joint(s) or limb(s) of differently sized persons, thus eliminating the need for numerous such devices to fit different users. The wrap includes a plurality of pockets or sleeves, into which two of the frictionally resistive elements may be placed opposite one another, to the lateral and medial sides of the joint and essentially coaxial with the joint center.

Abstract: A therapeutic continuous passive motion device for rehabilitating a user's hand that includes a prime mover which provides for reciprocating motion. The therapeutic passive motion device comprises first, second and third links which cause the fingers of a user's hand to be moved in a path substantially defined by an epicycloid curve. The device can be configured to flex only MCP or only DIP and PIP joints or all three sets of joints. The therapeutic passive motion device applies a perpendicular force to the fingers so as not to irritate the tissue surrounding the bones of the fingers receiving recuperative therapy.

Abstract: An exercising device is provided for use with a baby stroller of the type having a housing secured to the frame of a stroller, and an elongated arm pivotally attached at one end of the arm to the housing. The invention may further include an apparatus for preventing pivotal movement of the arm relative to the housing until a torsional force greater than a predetermined amount is applied to the other end of the arm. The housing is secured to the stroller frame by a pair of plates, each having a channel in one side. With the channels facing each other, the plates compressingly engage a portion of the stroller frame. The elongated arm is pivotally attached to the housing by a fixed cuff interposed within a movable cuff. The movable cuff further includes a driven member including an aperture through which the elongated arm is attached.

Abstract: An exercise machine for one or two persons incorporating a spinning body (300) mounted intermediately on a pair of ropes (200). At one end of the ropes, dual handgrips (100) afford independent movement to the right and left sides of the body, and can be either held by the hands or worn as stirrups by the feet. At the other end of the ropes, a handlebar (400) can be grasped by a second participant; built into the handlebar is a harness (500) to secure the handlebar to a door for one-person use.

Abstract: A lumbar traction apparatus for applying traction to the back of a patient includes a frame structure, a winch support structure extending above the frame structure, a winch assembly having a hand crank mounted on the winch support structure, two harnesses for wrapping around the torso of the patient, tensioning cords extending from the winch assembly each to one of the two harnesses, so that rotating the hand crank on the winch assembly gathers both of these cords and thereby pulls the harnesses apart to create traction in the back of the patient. The frame structure preferably includes a connecting segment, a first arm segment substantially perpendicular and joined to the connecting segment, and a second arm segment substantially perpendicular and joined to the connecting segment and spaced apart from the first arm segment. The connecting segment is preferably formed of two telescoping portions for convenient assembly and disassembly of the frame structure for transport and storage.

Abstract: An ambulatory traction system which is designed to provide decompressional forces to the lumbosacral spine, lower body and related connective tissues at varying speeds from static to ambulation speeds up to 12 MPH. The ambulatory traction system has an overhead support assembly for horizontal linear displacement and a novel harness assembly suspended from the overhead support assembly to support and suspend the patient's body. A variable ambulation speed system is provided beneath the harness assembly which allows the patient, while being suspended by the harness assembly, to stand, walk or run thereon.

Abstract: Muscle treating devices for use by muscular therapists and patients include a clamp device having utility as a muscle treating device. It includes a probe attached to a preselected movable jaw that simulates a therapist's fingers or thumb. It further includes a quick release device and a pressure measuring device so that a therapist can record pressures at which a patient reports discomfort. Additional muscle treating devices treat the cervical, thoraic, and lumbar regions of the back. Each of these devices includes a flat, rigid base and a support member disposed normal to the base having a groove formed in its peripheral edge for receiving neck vertabrae, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine, respectively. A combination device combines the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar devices into a single unit so that all of the muscles flanking the spinal column are treated simultaneously.

Abstract: Abdominal exercise apparatus wherein upper and lower body supports are provided and interconnected to coordinate upper and lower abdominal workouts. Resistance for the abdominal exercises may also be provided by the apparatus. Further, the interconnection between the upper and lower body supports may be selectively disconnected so that individual upper and lower abdominal exercises can be performed.

Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus for a user in a standing position has a base, a pair of upright bars, a leg rest member slidably engaged between the upright bars for movement between selected vertical positions for stretching posterior leg muscles of a user's leg rested thereon, and a linear drive mechanism fixed to the base provided with a drive motor and a linear drive member having an end coupled to the leg rest member. The linear drive member is operated to raise and lower the leg rest member in the vertical direction in a cycle of stretching, holding, and retracting as desired by the user.

Abstract: The gravity traction device comprises an inclined platform or table having an upper inclined surface for supporting a user's upper body or torso and a generally U-shaped, head receiving portion mounted to the platform adjacent an upper end thereof and having contoured surfaces for receiving and supporting a user's head and neck and a ridge with an adjacent lift surface for engaging against the occipital bone of the user's head received in the head receiving portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the strength of and for performing physical therapy exercises to strengthen a patient's limb. The device includes a pair of pivot clamps each having a end for connecting the pivot clamps to a solid object such as a physical therapy table or hospital bed. A second end of each pivot clamp adjustably receives a first frame member of a conventional traction or load frame. This arrangement enables rotational and translational movement of the first frame member retained by the pivot clamp relative to each pivot clamp to allow the frame to be positioned in a desired location and orientation relative to the patient's limb to be tested. A second frame member is adjustably connected to the pair of first frame members by a pair of adjustable brackets. A limb engaging member having a force transducer located therein is used to both engage the patient's limb to be tested and to detect a force transmitted between the limb of a patient and the limb engaging member.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus and method of using the apparatus for exercising the lungs of a user. The breathing apparatus has a main body with a generally cylindrical inner cavity. The main body has a main aperture for the user to breathe into and at least two sets of outer openings. An inner cylinder is coaxially disposed within the inner cavity of the main body and is adapted to move relative to the main body. The inner cylinder has an open end adjacent the main aperture, and at least two sets of inner openings selectively matable with the openings in the main body upon movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the main body. By selecting the appropriate alignment of openings, either resistive, percussive, or pulsing breathing exercises can be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome includes restraining the elbow of the patient from movement while applying a controllable tension to the wrist in a direction away from the elbow. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for rotating the wrist while the forearm is under tension.

Abstract: A therapeutic multi-component exercise kit for rehabilitative or maintenance purposes. The components can be combined in several different ways to provide exercise for specific muscles. One such combination includes a base and pedal arrangement, whereby resistance is provided by at least one elastomeric band, for dorsiflexion strengthening exercise. Another combination includes a belt having elastomeric loops for plantar flexion strengthening exercise. Inversion and eversion exercise is provided, as is external and internal rotation of the patient's foot, again using elastomeric bands to provide resistance.