Abstract: An ergonomically designed weightlifting bench that is provided with an adjustable foot rest and an adjustable knee support. The bench is made of a frame that includes arms that support an Olympic or other weightlifting bar. A pair of pads are mounted to the top of the frame of the bench. The adjustable foot rest is mounted to the frame of the bench. The adjustable foot rest is made of an extendable arm that pivotally mounts to the frame of the bench. A foot pad is mounted at the top of the extendable arm. An adjustable knee support is provided in the center of the bench.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for a seat back of an exerciser includes a pressure rod provided behind a seat back frame. The pressure rod has a cylinder, with its top surface pivotally connected to the seat back frame and a cylinder piston rod having a pressure-leaking valve provided at a lower end to leak out pressure in the cylinder and activate the cylinder piston rod to extend and shrink. A control rod base is fixed behind the seat back frame, having a housing for receiving the cylinder shaft. A control rod is fitted with the control rod base, with its horizontal end contacting with the pressure-leaking valve and its vertical rod positioned beside the seat frame. When the vertical rod is swung up, the pressure-leaking valve leak out the pressure in the cylinder and the cylinder piston rod activate the seat back frame to move backward to any angle.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for restoring the balance of the human body, consisting essentially of a platform (2) for supporting the subject to be treated and capable of being actuated with an oscillating movement. The invention is characterized in that said platform is power-driven and receives its oscillating movement about a central support axis (6), movement associated with a rotational reciprocating movement, the amplitude and the speed of both the oscillation and the rotation being adjustable and capable of being varied while the apparatus is being used.

Abstract: According to the invention a stretching machine is provided which can be used both for stretching and for measuring a level of flexibility. The machine rests on the floor and a beam is adjusted to a convenient height. The beam is provided with a plurality of handgrips. A foot plate is positioned to abut a user's feet. By leaning forward and grasping the handgrips a person can stretch their legs and lower back as well as determine a level of flexibility by noting which handgrip is grasped. The machine has a cutout on the foot plate to allow compact storage.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus for adjusting the position of a member on an exercise machine has an inner tube with a series of spaced pinning holes and an outer tube telescopically engaged over the inner tube and having a locator hole for alignment with a selected pinning hole. A lever has a pinning section pivotally mounted on the outer tube to extend across the locator hole, and a hand engaging section extending at an angle to the pinning section. The pinning section is pivotable between an operative position in which a pinning button projects through the locator hole and an aligned pinning hole in the inner tube to secure the tubes together, and a retracted position in which the pinning button is spaced from the locator hole. A handle is mounted on the outer tube to extend in the same general direction as the hand-engaging section such that a user gripping the handle can engage the hand-engaging section and urge it towards the handle to pivot the pinning section into the retracted position.

Abstract: A functional reclining multipurpose exercise apparatus. When completely assembled in a small space, the apparatus is useful for numerous muscle strengthening exercises. The functional reclining multipurpose exercise apparatus comprises removable leg attachments as well as adjustors and pin attachments. There are also exercise stretch bands which encircle specific components of the apparatus for resistance, depending upon the particular exercise.

Abstract: The current apparatus is a chair assembly comprised of a plurality of structural, pivotal, sensor, and material designs to provide for the comfort and health of the user. The frame provides the user with substantial support along the entire region of the user's body. The frame adjusts, both vertically and horizontally, via adjustable ball joints which operate in conjunction with the body joints. The frame, in conjunction with interchangeable hand modules, attachments, and accessories, allows for resistance exercises via use of manual tension springs. Contoured pads mounted along the frame contain a plurality of sensors to pick up signals from various regions of the users body including muscle, bone, nerve, O2, and load. The data is collected and analyzed by a computer providing for corrections in chair adjustment and exercise resistance instruction with recordation of all activity to facilitate healing and documentation of treatment.

Abstract: A versatile bidirectional isometric exercise device is provided in the form of an inflatable flexible exercise ball (10A-C), about 46 cm (18 inches) in diameter, fitted with a pair of looped handles (12A-B, 30A, 30C), secured to diametrically opposite points of the ball, through which arms or legs can be placed for performing specialized exercises that use the ball (10A-C) in a tension mode. The ball (10A-C) is only partially inflated so as to provide soft compliant accommodation to various body surfaces, and can be utilized bidirectionally, i.e. either in compression or in tension, in conjunction with various body parts such as hands, legs, knees, feet, etc., for a broad array of isometric muscle exercises directed to overall body strengthening, particularly for persons prone to and/or desiring protection from the effects of osteoporosis. A sequence of recommended exercises may be depicted directly on the surface of the ball (10A-C).

Abstract: A rack exercise system (30), according to the invention, having a main support frame (38), two upright support racks (42), a base frame, and a floor unit (36), for conditioning in three-dimensions using a mobile support (32) such as a Swiss ball. The rack excerise system is a multi-capability platform, or anchoring system that, in conjunction with the Swiss ball, allows an exercise or rehabilitation professional or an exercise enthusiast to fully express their creativity in exercise design, and selection.

Abstract: A balancing device has a base and an inflatable flexible portion wherein the center of the inflatable portion is higher than the edges. The device is used by placing the base on the floor and standing and moving on the bladder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wellness apparatus consisting of elastic material in which vibrations can be stimulated. Weights can be added to the ends of the object to allow different exercise purposes. The apparatus is provided for the fitness, wellness, leisure sports and aerobics field.

Abstract: A balance training device includes a platform having a recess defined in an upper side of the platform and a through hole centrally defined in the recess. A level is received in the recess and has a hole defined to communicate with the through hole in the recess. Multiple beads are received in the level and a tube is perpendicularly mounted on a lower side of the platform. At least three resilient compressible legs with compressible assemblies are mounted on the lower side to support the platform so that the platform can be made to tilt or be level during use. The user must control the platform with his legs and roll the beads will the tube through the bore in the level and the through hole in the platform.

Abstract: A balance training device includes a platform having three sunken holes defined near a center of the platform and three recesses defined in a bottom of the platform. Each of the recesses communicates with a corresponding one of the sunken holes. Each of three compressible members has one end mounted in a recess in the platform and is held in place by a bolt that extends through the sunken hole in the platform and is screwed into the compressible member. A base is detachably connected to the compressible members, and includes a first side having at least three blind holes defined to hold a corresponding free end of one of the compressible members and a second side having at least three grooves radially defined in the base. Three legs each has one end secured in one of the corresponding grooves to support the base.

Abstract: A support rack for disc-like weight members for effectively and efficiently storing disc-like weight members.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device that allows the exerciser to do sit-up type exercises to stress the exerciser's abdominal muscles. The device has a frame assembly made of several members. A deformable seat for the exerciser is connected to frame assembly. The deformable seat is a fillable container. Footholds are positioned on the frame assembly to allow an exerciser to sit on the deformable seat and place the exerciser's feet in the footholds while performing an exercise. Additionally, there are handholds that an exerciser may hold so that an exerciser may stabilize himself while getting on and off the exercise device and during performance of exercise.

Abstract: A dual path helical ramp consisting of a wire rail formed as a helix, a straight rail, a closed transparent cylindrical wall rail, and a ball. The helical rail extends between a first elevation where the ball enters or exits the ramp to a second, lower elevation where a ball exits or enters the ramp. The straight rail extends through the center of the helical rail for the length thereof. The cylindrical wall rail extends outside of the helical rail for the length thereof. The helical rail is joined at either end of the straight rail and the straight rail is joined at either end of the cylindrical wall rail, thereby forming two elevations. The helical rail is dimensioned such that the distance between it and straight rail and it and wall rail is less than the diameter of the ball.

Abstract: A free-standing workout browsing stand to be used with fitness equipment, has two main posts connected by a crossbar sufficiently long that the main posts are at a distance approximately wider than the workout equipment, and a browsing platform connected to the cross bar for displaying material. Two auxiliary posts one each pivotally connected to each of the two main posts, respectively, at the lower portions thereof are added for stability and are further connected by a chain at the lower portions thereof for easy set-up and storage. In addition, the crossbar is adjustable in length so that the distance between the two main posts is thereby adjustable. The crossbar is adjustable along at least a portion of the length of each of the two main posts. The browsing platform is adjustable along the length of the crossbar and is tilt-adjustable about the crossbar.

Abstract: An exercise ball has a bladder, a yarn lining wound on an outer face of the bladder, an air layer formed between the outer face of the bladder and the yarn lining, a cloth lining wrapped on the yarn lining, an adhesive layer applied on an outer surface of the cloth lining, a sponge lining securely attached to the cloth lining by the adhesive layer, and an outer surface securely engaged with the sponge lining. With the provision of the air lining and the sponge lining, the exercise ball is able to maintain its softness.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the gluteus maximus comprising a body section curved to support the lower, middle and upper back and neck areas, a cam associated with the underside of the body for permitting the user to rock from a resting to a full extension position, and, a pair of shoulder members extending outward from said body and curved slightly toward the lower part of the body section to retain the shoulders on the apparatus when in use.

Abstract: A stretch therapy apparatus provides for enhanced physical fitness as well as rehabilitation and medical treatment by allowing the user to increase core flexibility and shoulder flexion. The stretch therapy apparatus includes both a hip locking mechanism that retains the user's hips securely so that he or she may than rotate about his or her spine to grasp a grip (i.e., handle, vertical pole, etc.) located outside the opposite hip and preferably located behind the user's opposite shoulder prior to beginning the stretch. One embodiment of the hip locking mechanism allows the user to easily and safely separate his or her legs by 180 degrees or more using a hand crank or motorized mechanism. Alternatively, the hips and pelvis may be locked in place by the legs being restrained and the hips pushed against an object such as the back of a chair.

Abstract: A restraint and exercise device is provided to treat acute or chronic mechanical pain, particularly lumbopelvic and/or leg pain, and to restore and/or increase range of motion in suitable users. The device is particularly useful during exercise. The device may contain a restraint, such as two straps, connected to a support structure. The straps help restrain a portion of a person's body such as the pelvic region. The portion of the person's body may be restrained in a substantially pain-free position so as to reduce the pain that would otherwise be felt during exercise.

Abstract: In a convertible cardiovascular exercise apparatus, a frame is provided having an interior area adapted to support the exercise apparatus. The frame includes a pair of arm rests coupled thereto and on opposite sides thereof. The cardiovascular exercise apparatus is moveable between an inactive position wherein the exercise apparatus can be stored within the interior area, and an active wherein the apparatus can be put to use by a user. When in the inactive position, the cardiovascular exercise apparatus can be concealed by using cushions, thereby converting the apparatus to an article of furniture adapted to support at least one person in a seated position.

Abstract: An indoor walking workout facility has multiple pathways traversing several rooms, with elevated passageways accessed by elevated paths. The path sections are movable and re-configurable. Several locations along the paths are equipped with scenery, scenic images, sounds, climates and smells that complement a theme for the particular location, such as a mountain walk. The scenic images are displayed on available surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, in a manner tending to surround the walker. Intertwined with the thematic locations are bridges, tunnels, steps, inclines, rope ladders, simulated rock and hill climbs, and the like, that provide varying levels of exertion. Walker care stations are interspersed along the paths for rest and determining blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, calories burned, miles walked, and other information related to the walking activity.

Abstract: A method of exercising and various exercise devices. The exercise device includes a substantially circular hoop, the hoop comprising a hollow chamber for allowing a member to move within the chamber. One of at least one handle or at least one mechanism is attached to the hoop for supporting the hoop at a location on a user's body. At least one member is disposed in the hollow chamber, wherein the hoop is postionable around a portion of the user's body. The exercise device can also include at least one substantially circular casing comprising a hollow chamber for allowing a member to move within the chamber and a centrally disposed through opening. A handle rod at least partially disposed within the opening, and at least one member is moveably disposed in the hollow chamber. The casing is removably fixed to the handle rod so that movement of the handle rod causes movement of the at least one member within the casing.

Abstract: The upper extremity exercise apparatus is a device intended to be used by humans to exercise their upper extremity. The apparatus exercises the upper limb in multiple planes in gravity assisted, gravity eliminated, and against gravity positions. It can be used in a standing, sitting, or lying position. The exercise apparatus consists of a long tubular structure generally made from plastic. A short movable sleeve, generally made from plastic, surrounds the long tubular structure. The movable sleeve has a slightly bigger inner diameter than the tubular structure's outer diameter. The difference in size allows the movable sleeve to migrate freely along the length of the apparatus. To operate the apparatus, the user positions his or her hand onto the movable sleeve. One hand stabilizes the apparatus while the other hand smoothly moves the sleeve in multiple planes.

Abstract: An exercise device has a base, an upstanding member extending from the base, and a handgrip affixed to an upper portion of the upstanding member. The base is preferably U-shaped and has two longitudinal members that extend rearward from a forward portion of the base. The base has stiffening ribs and cutouts for allowing the base to fit between the legs of a typical chair. The handgrip has two gripping portions extending laterally and on opposite sides of the upstanding member, which is selectively detachable from the base. A user places the outer ends of the longitudinal members under the front portion of a chair and sits in the chair. The user then places his feet on the longitudinal members and grips the gripping portions of the handgrip. The user pushes downward with his feet and pulls toward his body with his hands to move the body to a standing position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swing trainer apparatus for the teaching of a sport player the power “follow-through” of a swing to hit a ball or puck. The swing trainer apparatus comprises a supportable frame and a plurality of webs supported from the frame. The webs defining a swing zone through which the training player must fully empower and continue his/her swing, to order to practice and improve that swing. The webs are made of an elongated flexible material and hang downwardly from the frame.

Abstract: An exercise ball has a bladder, a yarn lining wound on an outer face of the bladder, an air layer formed between the outer face of the bladder and the yarn lining, a cloth lining wrapped on the yarn lining, an adhesive layer applied on an outer surface of the cloth lining, a sponge lining securely attached to the cloth lining by the adhesive layer, and an outer surface securely engaged with the sponge lining. With the provision of the air lining and the sponge lining, the exercise ball is able to maintain its softness.

Abstract: A restraint and exercise device is provided to treat acute or chronic mechanical pain, particularly lumbopelvic and/or leg pain, and to restore and/or increase range of motion in suitable users. The device is particularly useful during exercise. The device may contain a restraint, such as two straps, connected to a support structure. The straps help restrain a portion of a person's body such as the pelvic region. The portion of the person's body may be restrained in a substantially pain-free position so as to reduce the pain that would otherwise be felt during exercise.

Abstract: A riding type exercise machine with horizontal free planar motion, has a base frame, supporting an intermediate wheeled horizontal frame, supporting an upper wheeled frame with seat pad, which supports the user. A horizontal bar frame with hand/foot grips is provided, which is pivotally attached to vertical posts, which are rigidly attached as a frame to a pipe, which pipe acts as the pivotal member for the attached said base frame to be raised to a vertical inactive parked position. With hand or foot use of the hand/foot grips, the user can propel himself in any horizontal motion. Exercise is caused by acceleration of the user and wheeled frame masses in a horizontal plane, and by braking apparatuses between frames.

Abstract: A method of exercizing, various exercize devices and a method of assembling the exercizer devices. The exercise device includes at least one weight system comprising at least a first weight and a second weight, the first and second weights being rotatably mounted, at least one chamber for at least partially enclosing the weight system, and at least one mechanism for allowing a user to grip the inertial exercizer. A method of exercizing provides for gripping the exerciser with at least one hand, and moving the exercizer in at least one direction. A method of assembling an inertial exerciser, includes installing the at least one first weight and the at least one second weight into the at least one chamber, and attaching the at least one mechanism to the at least one chamber.

Abstract: This invention is an abdominal, and low back exercise machine used to tone and strengthen the muscles of the user. The machine includes a frame upon which a slidable foot rest or carriage and a seat are attached. The machine additionally includes a harness coupled to the carriage through a strap such that as the harness moves in a first direction, the carriage moves in the opposite second direction along the frame. The harness is placed around the shoulders and neck of the user such that when the user sits on the seat and brings the shoulders towards the knees, the legs will be drawn up to the shoulders by the movement of the carriage. This exercise device strengthens the user's upper and lower abdominal muscles. The machine further includes an exercise ball which supports the back or stomach while performing hyper-extension type exercises.

Abstract: A portable exercise device comprises a U-shaped frame having two free ends opposite in location to each other. The two free ends are provided with a plurality of orientation rollers pivoted thereto, and a swivel arm pivoted thereto. The swivel arms of the two free ends are connected by an elastic belt and are provided with a plurality of pressure rollers pivoted thereto. As the U-shaped frame is moved in all directions by an exerciser, the orientation rollers and the pressure rollers roll over the waist and the belly of the exerciser.

Abstract: The invention performing abdominal exercises includes a rigid shell having a rear portion and a sidewall rigidly attached to the rear portion and extending forward from the rear portion to define an inner chamber. The sidewall forms a rim defining an opening adapted for sealably attaching to the abdominal portion of the body. A vacuum mechanism in fluid communication with the chamber creates suction within the shell such that to contract the abdominal muscles the applied suction must be counteracted by the abdominal muscles. Contracting the muscles against the suction produced by the vacuum exercises the abdominal muscles.

Abstract: A method of preventing deep vein thrombosis of airline passengers has the steps of retaining a passenger in a sitting position on an airplane seat, providing a stretching element which is substantially immovable relative to the airplane seat, engaging the immovable stretchable element by a passengers arm or leg, stretching the stretchable element by the passenger's arm or leg so as to provide exercising of the passenger's arm or leg in the position while the passenger sits on the airplane seat and his arm and/or leg overcomes a resistance of the stretching element, thus causing a forced exercising of the arm improve blood circulation and prevent a blood clot formation.

Abstract: The device for training an extremity of the human body for the practice of a specific physical activity consists of a concave form comprised of at least one laminar part that is made of a light metal and is substantially rigid. The inside of said form consists of a first part that adapts to and substantially surrounds the extremity and its articulation to a member, wherein the latter are immobilized in an optimally correct holding position of a tool used for performing a given action in a specific physical activity. The device includes a second part that adapts to and substantially surrounds the portion of the member closest to the articulation.

Abstract: An exercise and massage device includes an elongate member made of rubber material for increasing the resilience and the flexibility of the elongate member, and for allowing the device to be used for rhythmic exercising purposes. One or both ends of the elongate member each includes an enlarged head or a weight, such as a magnetic or cylindrical or spherical weight. A hand grip may further be attached onto the elongate member and may be easily and quickly formed onto the elongate member with molding processes.

Abstract: An exercise alignment mat system for providing reference to an individual performing an exercise such as yoga. The inventive device includes a mat having a first center line, a second center line orthogonal to the first center line, a plurality of first lines parallel to the first center line, and a plurality of second lines parallel to the second center line. The mat is a flat structure which may include a resilient and cushioned material. A plurality of markers may be positioned at the intersection of the lines for increased visual references. The student is able to have a visual reference regarding the respective position of their feet, hands and body during an exercise. In an alternative embodiment, the mat includes a first extended portion and a second extended portion on opposite sides of the mat.

Abstract: A handle of an exercise device has a main body and a grip tape which is spirally wound on the main body to form a plurality of adjoining segments extending along the axial direction of the main body. The grip tape has at least one three-dimensional stripe which is formed by the heat pressure method and is located on at least two adjoining segments.

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response, which are also important for controlling the evacuation of the intestines and the bladder. This exercise device focuses on increasing the strength, tone and endurance of these muscles. The device comprises a longitudinally extending member that includes a blunt head portion and a compressible shaft portion. The first end of the shaft portion is juxtaposed with the head portion. The first end of the shaft portion has an outwardly extending retaining slope formed thereon, particularly when the device is received within a pelvic body cavity and the muscles of the pelvic floor are at rest. The retaining slope is engageable with the retaining edge of the adjacent pelvic floor muscle platform of that pelvic body cavity to facilitate intracorporal retention within the pelvic body cavity.

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response, which are also important for controlling the evacuation of the intestines and the bladder. This exercise device focuses on increasing the strength, tone and endurance of these muscles. The device comprises a longitudinally extending member that includes a blunt head portion and a compressible shaft portion. The first end of the shaft portion is juxtaposed with the head portion. The first end of the shaft portion has an outwardly extending retaining slope formed thereon, particularly when the device is received within a pelvic body cavity and the muscles of the pelvic floor are at rest. The retaining slope is engageable with the retaining edge of the adjacent pelvic floor muscle platform of that pelvic body cavity to facilitate intracorporal retention within the pelvic body cavity.

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response, which are also important for controlling the evacuation of the intestines and the bladder. This exercise device focuses on increasing the strength, tone and endurance of these muscles. The device comprises a longitudinally extending member that includes a blunt head portion and a compressible shaft portion. The first end of the shaft portion is juxtaposed with the head portion. The first end of the shaft portion has an outwardly extending retaining slope formed thereon, particularly when the device is received within a pelvic body cavity and the muscles of the pelvic floor are at rest. The retaining slope is engageable with the retaining edge of the adjacent pelvic floor muscle platform of that pelvic body cavity to facilitate intracorporal retention within the pelvic body cavity.

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response, which are also important for controlling the evacuation of the intestines and the bladder. This exercise device focuses on increasing the strength, tone and endurance of these muscles. The device comprises a longitudinally extending member that includes a blunt head portion and a compressible shaft portion. The first end of the shaft portion is juxtaposed with the head portion. The first end of the shaft portion has an outwardly extending retaining slope formed thereon, particularly when the device is received within a pelvic body cavity and the muscles of the pelvic floor are at rest. The retaining slope is engageable with the retaining edge of the adjacent pelvic floor muscle platform of that pelvic body cavity to facilitate intracorporal retention within the pelvic body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a workout bench-coffee table that is capable for use as a both a coffee table and a workout bench. In accordance with the present invention, the workout bench coffee table consists of a tri-fold resting portion, a base, and an incline means. The tri-fold resting portion is comprised of three panels, two outside panels hingedly connected to the center panel. Said outside panels each having a width essentially equal to ½ the width of the center panel. Each of said outside panel can fold onto the center panel, to expose a padding which the user can lay on for exercising, while placing their feet on the ground and laying on their back. The tri-fold resting portion is supported by a base. The tri-fold resting portion can be raised by an incline means to allow the user to incline said base, to hold a barbell in a horizontal position so the user can perform the exercise known as, “bench pressing”.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a rear support which is contoured to be placed against the small of the back, a rigid front pate having a front pad forming a load or resistance to movement against the front plate and an adjustable linkage interconnecting the front plate and the rear support for adjusting the size of the exercise device and the load or resistance, so that repeated use of the exercise device results in improvement of the muscle tone of a person using the device, thereby improving the condition of the muscles in the abdominal region of the user.

Abstract: Leg-swinging exerciser including a foot rest body and a rolling unit. A middle portion of the foot rest body is pivotally supported on the rolling unit. Two ends of the foot rest body are formed with foot rest sections on which a user's feet are rested. When the user's feet exert a transverse pushing force onto the foot rest body, the rolling unit is transversely reciprocally rolled so as to swing and exercise the waist and feet of the user together.

Abstract: An exercising device for simulating hula-hoop rotations includes: a housing having at least a track annularly formed in the housing, at least a ball rolling or rotably moving in the track upon a hula-hoop rotation by a user who wears the housing of the exercising device, and an audio and visual device provided on the housing to indicate or display the whirling movements audiovisually.

Abstract: A balance training apparatus, which is preferably used for training a body balance function and a locomotive function of a user, and for rehabilitation for lumbago prevention, is provided. This apparatus has a seat for the user and a driving unit for driving the seat. The driving unit comprises a drive source and a power transmission unit for converting an output of the drive source into a horse-riding motion, which is a combination of a rectilinear reciprocating motion in a forward and backward direction (X) of the seat, a first pivotal reciprocating motion (&thgr;y) about an axis extending in a horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the forward and backward direction, and a second pivotal reciprocating motion (&thgr;x) about an axis extending in the forward and backward direction, and transferring the horse-riding motion to the seat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture and methods for treating pain and increasing tissue healing and rehabilitation in patients suffering from injury and/or inflammation of the muscle and/or joints and/or skeletal system. The articles of manufacture include a source of topical heat and a set of instructions in association with the heat source. The set of instructions provides instructions for performing specific therapeutic exercises designed to develop or restore strength, endurance, and/or function to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation. The methods include applying topical heat to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation in combination with specific therapeutic exercises designed to develop or restore strength, endurance, and/or function to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation.

Abstract: In a competitive balance exercise game played by two participants an elongated game device is employed in the form of an elongated rod having a pair of opposite end portions and a middle portion disposed between and integrally connected with the opposite end portions, and a pair of gripping sleeves each disposed over and attached to one of the opposite end portions of the rod. The material of the rod can vary from being relatively inflexible or stiff to semi-rigid and semi-flexible so that it will bend during play of the game. Each gripping sleeve is long enough to receive both hands of the participant and is comprised of a substantially rubber material.