Abstract: A massage chair (10) is provided. The massage chair (10) includes (i) a front lower support (12) including a front attachment section (14), (ii) a rear lower support (16) including a rear attachment section (18), (iii) a seat (48) secured to the rear lower support (12), (iv) a front upper support (22) including an upper attachment section (24), (v) a chest rest (26) secured to the front upper support (22), and (vi) a connector (28). Importantly, the connector (28) connects the front attachment section (14), the rear attachment section (18) and the upper attachment section (24) and allows for relative motion of the front lower support (12), the rear lower support (16) and the front upper support (22) about the connector (28). As a result of this design, the massage chair (10) easily moves between a transport position (32) and an upright position (30). Further, as a result of this design, the profile of the massage chair (10) in the transport position (32) is relatively small.

Abstract: Apparatus is described which provides enhanced movements of a person's truncal spinal muscles and joints and which comprises a first means for supporting a person in position where there is minimal axial gravity loading of the spine, and second means to permit relative motion between the upper (thoracic) and lower (pelvic) portions of the person's trunk while the person remains in the gravity unloaded position. The device contains a fixed portion and a pivoting or swiveling portion. In the preferred embodiment the user assumes an all fours position and by kneeling or leaning on the swiveling portion engages in a swiveling motion of the body which causes the upper and lower portions of the trunk to move relative to each other. Normal motion is in the frontal and traverse planes of the body. Movement in the transverse plane can be enhanced by incorporating a sloped structure for the swiveling portion of the device to follow.

Abstract: Apparatus is described which allows a user to simulate crawling motions and provides enhanced movements of the person's truncal spinal muscles and joints. The apparatus comprises a first means for supporting a person in position where there is minimal axial gravity loading of the spine and second means to permit relative motion between axial portions of the spine trunk, especially the upper (thoracic) and lower (pelvic) portions of the person's trunk, while the person remains in the gravity unloaded position. The device contains a fixed portion and a pivoting or swiveling portion, the swiveling portion comprising a pair of pivoted supports which can move in circular lateral paths independent of each other. In the preferred embodiment the user assumes an all fours position and by kneeling or leaning on the swiveling portion engages in a crawling motion alternating movements of each leg or arm, which causes the upper and lower portions of the trunk to move relative to each other.

Abstract: A device providing enhanced movements of a person's truncal spinal muscles and joints comprises a flat base for supporting a person in position where there is minimal axial gravity loading of the spine. Relative motion between the upper (thoracic) and lower (pelvic) portions of the person's trunk occurs while the person remains in the gravity unloaded position. The base mounts a fixed portion and a pivoting or swiveling portion. In the preferred embodiment the user assumes an all fours position and by kneeling or leaning on the swiveling portion engages in a swiveling motion of the body which causes the upper and lower portions of the trunk to move relative to each other. Normal motion is in the frontal and traverse planes of the body. Movement in the transverse plane can be enhanced by incorporating a sloped structure for the swiveling portion of the device to follow. Simultaneous movement in the sagittal plane can also be obtained by having the user flex or extend his body during the exercise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described which provides enhanced movements of a person's truncal spinal muscles and joints and which said apparatus comprises a flat base for supporting a person in position where there is minimal axial gravity loading of the spine. Relative motion between the upper (thoracic) and lower (pelvic) portions of the person's trunk occurs while the person remains in the gravity unloaded position. The flat base has mounted thereon a fixed portion and a pivoting or swiveling portion. In the preferred embodiment the user assumes an all fours position and by kneeling or leaning on the swiveling portion engages in a swiveling motion of the body which causes the upper and lower portions of the trunk to move relative to each other. Normal motion is in the frontal and traverse planes of the body. Movement in the transverse plane can be enhanced by incorporating a sloped structure for the swiveling portion of the device to follow.

Abstract: An apparatus permits a user to simulate crawling motions and provides enhanced movements of the person's truncal spinal muscles and joints. The apparatus comprises a flat base for supporting a person in position where there is minimal axial gravity loading of the spine, and hand and knee rests respectively fixed and pivoting relative to the flat base to permit relative motion between axial portions of the spine trunk, especially the upper (thoracic) and lower (pelvic) portions of the person's trunk, while the person remains in the gravity unloaded position. The base mounts a fixed rest and a pivoting or swiveling rest, the swiveling rest comprising a pair of pivoted supports which can move in circular lateral paths independent of each other.