Abstract: A lateral-movement trainer is disclosed which is selectively positionable for storage or use. The trainer includes an elongate slidesheet with first and second ends, and an enclosure dimensioned for substantially containing the slidesheet. Extension/retraction structure is associated with the enclosure, and is selectively actuable to move the slidesheet to either a retracted position for storage, or an extended position for use in connection with lateral-movement training. A lock mechanism is associated with the enclosure for selectively preventing undesired actuation of the extension/retraction structure. Bumper structure is coupled to the first end of the slidesheet, and the enclosure includes an outer surface with a bumper region substantially opposite the bumper structure. The enclosure is also shown being dimensioned to contain the slidesheet and bumper structure.

Abstract: A back stretching invention that consist of a vertical main tube (11) that is fitted with a rib (12) and is fixed to the wall via plate (15). Located on the main tube (11) is a slider (17) that moves vertically on said tube to raise and lower handle tube (22). The handle tube (22) is were the uses grasps with their hands and hangs, stretching their spine, strengthening their muscles.

Abstract: A medical device is provided for applying compressive pressures against a patient's foot. The device comprises first and second panels of flexible material secured to one another to form an inflatable bag to be fitted upon the foot. The bag has first and second separate fluid bladders. The first fluid bladder is adapted to engage a first portion of the foot and the second fluid bladder is adapted to engage a second portion of the foot. A boot is provided for holding the inflatable bag to the foot. A fluid supply is provided for applying pressurized fluid to the first and second fluid bladders such that the first fluid bladder applies a first compressive pressure upon the first portion of the foot and the second fluid bladder applies a second compressive pressure upon the second portion of the foot.

Abstract: A portable fluid therapy device comprising a flexible bladder member defining independently inflatable inner and outer chambers. Fluidly coupled to inlet and outlet valve ports of the inner chamber is a portable water pumping apparatus for selectively infusing hot or cold water into the inner chamber or circulating the water therethrough, The bladder member is adapted to be used in association with a brace member or cast and may be configured to accommodate a desired region of the body.

Abstract: An exercise device for children with muscular impediments that permit the periodic and uniform exercising of a child's limbs. The electronic motor that drives the slidably mounted front and rear brace members can be selectively engaged or disengaged, depending on the child's needs and progress. The brace members hold the child's hands and feet and cause them to move and flex, when forced over a predetermined path defined by front and rear channel assemblies. The mechanism can be selectively engaged and disengaged depending on the needs of the child. Telescopic linkage arms are provided to adjust the extent to which the child's limbs will be moved. A canvas and a mask keep the child horizontally suspended while being exercised.

Abstract: A two-part traction device for applying caudal pressure against the forehead of the user comprising a first part back support and a second part, or traction unit. The user lies with his neck extended over the padded back support which supports the thorax of the patient in a face up position. The second part, or traction unit, comprises a spring loaded tube which is used to apply the compressive force against the user's forehead in this position. The traction unit has a bowl shaped forehead engaging member with a padded material portion for engagement with the forehead. The force applied to the user may be varied by rotation of the spring loaded tube by various degrees thus elongating the spring tube and increasing the pressure transmitted through to the headpiece.

Abstract: A device and method for activating the circulation of the lymphatic system in the legs of a user (100), is described. The device includes a T-shaped support 12 having a main shaft 14 with a cross shaft 16 mounted at the proximal end 14B and a base 18 mounted at the distal end 14A. Coil springs (26, 28) are mounted at one end to ends (26A, 28A) of the cross shaft or arm and at the other end (26B and 28B) to the supporting stirrups (30, 31) for the heel 103A of the user in a sitting position. The base is comprised of a first crossbar 18A and a second crossbar 18B which can be disassembled for shipping and storage. To activate the circulation of the lymphatic system, the heels of the user are first inserted into the supporting stirrups. Next, the user applies a downward force on the stirrups with the heels and finally, the user releases the downward force on the stirrups.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion (CPM) device for a limb having pivotally connected first and second body portions. A first carriage member receives the first body portion and is pivotally connected to a second carriage member which receives the second body portion. A drive mechanism reciprocally moves the first carriage member with respect to the second carriage member. A brace is provided for receiving at least the first body portion. A connection device is connected between the brace and the first carriage member for quickly connecting and disconnecting the brace and the first carriage member such that a user can utilize the CPM device without removing the brace from the limb. The connection device connects the brace and CPM device such that the pivot axes of the brace and CPM are aligned during use of the CPM.

Abstract: An appendage interface assembly, such as a hand grip assembly (2) or a foot pedal assembly (120), is used with an exercise machine to reduce skeletal misalignment problems while increasing the muscle working benefits of the exercise. The assembly includes an assembly support (4, 122) securable to the exercise machine. A hand grip (22) or foot pedal (128) is pivotally mounted to the assembly support for movement about three orthogonal axes (26, 28, 30; 134, 174, 176). The foot pedal is mounted using a universal or ball joint (130). With the hand grip assembly, a yoke (12) is pivotally mounted to the assembly support, a hand grip support (16) is pivotally mounted to the yoke, and a hand grip (22) is pivotally mounted to the hand grip support by first, second and third pivots (14,18,24) for movement about the three axes. The hand grip or foot pedal can pivot freely or with a drag force hindering the pivotal motion or, if great enough, locking the hand grip or foot pedal to a fixed orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the angle of flexure between an elongated body limb and the portion of the body to which the limb is affected. The apparatus can be used to monitor flexure between a thigh and lower portion of a human leg. The apparatus is useful during the performance of rehabilitative knee-bends includes means for coupling the apparatus to the thigh, and two gravity actuated switches for monitoring the angle between a long axis of the thigh and a vertical axis. The apparatus indicates when the extreme points of the knee-bend have been crossed.

Abstract: A device for exercising the lower back and upper leg region of a user which includes a foot mount for attachment of a user's foot and a planar, flexible fin affixed to the foot mount and extending perpendicular to a user's foot when attached thereto. Front and rear edges of the fin are substantially parallel to each other and form an acute angle with the plane of the sole.

Abstract: Traction apparatus for treating vertebral problems comprising a tripod type self-standing support having a block and tackle unit suspended from the tripod apex. The lower block includes a T-bar upon which triangular cushions are supported for location under the knees of a supine patient, and a torso encircling belt includes a strap passing through the patient's legs adjustably attachable to the lower block. The block and tackle tension member includes a tail passing from the upper block to the patient permitting the patient to raise and lower the leg supporting cushions to adjust the degree of back tension being achieved, and a lock mechanism mounted on the upper block permits automatic positioning of the degree of leg lift as determined by the tension produced in the block and tackle tail by the patient.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device which has a dual configuration of (1) a hand-held buoyancy swimming kickboard; and (2) a buoyancy device worn around the human's midsection. The device is a buoyant board element which is substantially elongated, of greater length than width, and having large surface areas at opposite sides thereof and without lateral extending flaps. Affixed to and/or projecting from the buoyant board element are opposing limbs of band element which extend at least about 20% of the board length. When secured around the human midsection, the device is used for exercise in deep water to support the human in a relatively or substantially vertical position. This allows upright exercise while the human is freely suspended with the head and most or all of the neck above water, and the lower extremities bearing no weight, feet not touching bottom. When the band is folded and/or wrapped and fastened around the board or removed, the board can be used for exercise in water as a kickboard.

Abstract: A device is provided to enable simultaneous application of continuous passive motion therapy and thermal therapy. The device specifically provides an improved fluid transfer pad having a first membrane in a sealed cooperation with a second membrane to form a fluid receiving cavity, and the device having a fluid conduit means comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The device further includes an internal reinforcement which telescopes within the fluid inlet conduit and extends beyond the inlet conduit into the fluid containing cavity. The internal reinforcement is lobed to form open flow surfaces or alternatively, is a spiral cut tube which allows an enlarged area of fluid diffusion.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a housing with walls, a lever rod with a spring attached to one end, a movable fulcrum and a second end for attaching a device to couple the second end with the hand or arm of the user. Movement of the hand or arm will be transmitted through the movable fulcrum to the spring to provide resistance against which to exercise.

Abstract: An ambulatory apparatus for rehabilitating individuals is formed by a rigid foldable tubular frame characterized by an open framework formed by a plurality of horizontal side rails defining forward and rearward ends of the frame. Fixed axle rear wheels and a forward caster wheel support the frame for mobile movement. A foldable seat and back rest at the rearward end of the frame supports the user when seated thereon. The uppermost side rails support the user in a walker fashion and normally stored crutch members supported by the side rails are available for a user needing crutches. Manually operated brake pads are movable toward and away from the rear wheels for anchoring the apparatus or controlling its rate of descent on a downgrade.

Abstract: A new and improved swimming simulator includes a base support assembly and a pair of arm exercising assemblies attached to the base support assembly. A pair of leg exercising assemblies is attached to the base support assembly. Each of the leg exercising assemblies includes a leg-supporting member pivotally connected to a first portion of the base support assembly. Each of the leg exercising assemblies also includes an extensible and retractable hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly which supports a portion of the leg-supporting member and which is connected to the base support assembly. A bench assembly is attached to the base support assembly and includes a bendable top member, a spring assembly located under the bendable top member and supported by the base support assembly, and a horizontal support member supporting the bendable top member. A user lies down on the bench assembly.

Abstract: A medical appliance is disclosed employing multiple inflatable components which cooperate to apply compressive pressure to each leg of a person. The appliance includes physically separate upper and lower leg components each having individual chambers joined together with flexible straps for attachment to the wearer. The appliance can further include a physically separate inflatable bladder elements for attachment to the wearer's pelvic region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise device for use in developing and toning hand, arm, wrist and upper body muscles. The device defines a frictional rotation exercise stick which includes a mounting bar upon which two handgrip elements are rotatably mounted. Located between these two handgrip elements is a center stop collar to prevent one of the handgrip elements from being pushed off of one end of the mounting bar when an inwardly directed force is exerted on the other handgrip element. A cylindrical weight is screwthreaded onto each end of the mounting bar and end stop collars are disposed between these weights and the handgrip elements. Compression bias and friction elements are provided between the end stop collars and the handgrip elements to provide an increase in rotational resistance of the handgrip elements in response to a tightening of the cylindrical weights against the stop collars while retaining a smoothness of operation.

Abstract: A structure for a multi-directional rotatable wrist exerciser comprising an arm covering body and a movable base. Said arm covering body and the movable base are pivotally connected together but movable by spiral springs which are made of harden materials. Since the harden spiral springs are free to turn in any direction, a user can therefore use the wrist exerciser to work out his wrist. The stretching of the springs generate a restoring force which the user tries to overcome through wrist exercising.