Abstract: A slip resistant floor mat includes a number of upstanding projections in the form of blades or teeth arranged on an upper surface thereof. The blades or teeth deflect under a load and dissipate the force of the load so that the tendency of the mat to slip on the underlying floor is reduced.

Abstract: A walking trainer includes a linear transmission unit including two carriages, and two pedal units each including a pedal holder, which includes a bottom frame carried on one respective carriage, upright posts mounted at the bottom frame and a top block mounted on and movable up and down along the upright posts, a rotary shaft mounted in the top block in a direction perpendicular to the upright posts and a pedal mounted on the rotary shaft and biasable with the rotary shaft relative to the pedal holder. Thus, the pedals of the pedal units can be moved with the respective carriages linearly and alternatively back and forth, on the other hand, and can also be moved with the associating top blocks up and down and biased with the respective rotary shafts relative to the respective pedal holders to simulate the walking gait path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating inflammatory symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis in a foot. The method involves stretching gastrocnemius and soleus muscles associated with the foot by placing the sole of the foot on an inclined ramp surface and cooling at least one portion of the sole of the foot. The method may further involve providing localized pressure to at least one portion of the plantar fascia, and to a portion of the foot below the toes, to cause dorsiflexion thereof.

Abstract: In a portable exercise tracking system, a method and apparatus for measuring power output of exercise motion by a user. The system includes a wireless motion sensor and a wireless central mass unit. The wireless motion sensor detects, measures and transmits motion data associated with a first motion by the user. The central mass unit detects and measures motion data associated with a second motion by the user. The central mass unit also computes the power output of the first motion and the second motion as a function of the first motion data and the second motion data. The disclosed method and apparatus provides a more effective means of computing total power output of a user performing free body exercises.

Abstract: Apparatus for bi-directional ankle exercise movements has a main-frame with a seat and upwardly extending columns at either side to support a “U” shaped sub-frame, mounted so that it pivots about a horizontal axis passing very nearly through the ankles of a seated user and interconnecting linkages simultaneously enforcing ankle inversion, with plantarflexion and then ankle eversion, with dorsiflexion, about perpendicularly intersecting axes, while resisting such movements, so as to provide bidirectional ankle exercises according to a progressive resistance program, thus strengthening the ankle muscle groups for enhanced balance and dynamic stability.

Abstract: Various limb manipulation and evaluation devices are provided. The devices generally include three drives, namely a first drive configured to manipulate a first bone relative to a second bone in a first direction, a second drive configured to manipulate the first bone relative to the second bone in a second direction, a third drive configured to manipulate the first bone relative to the second bone in a second direction. The three directions are different relative to each other and in some embodiments represent three distinct axes. The devices are further configured such that at least one of the drives is mutually decoupled relative to at least one other drive, such that operation of the one drive does not affect the position or movement of the another drive. One or multiple of the drives may be decoupled. A corresponding method of operating such decoupled drives is also provided.

Abstract: A positioning device for ankle joint replacement surgery.

Abstract: Person support apparatuses having exercise features are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a person support apparatus includes a support surface, a footboard, a sensor, and a passive resistance mechanism. The support surface has a foot end and a head end, and the footboard is located near the foot end of the support surface, extending above the support surface. The footboard may include a pressure surface positioned to receive a pressing force. The footboard is freely slidable from an extended position to a retracted position with respect to the foot end of the support surface. The sensor provides a signal indicative of a magnitude of the pressing force incident on the pressure surface of the footboard. The passive resistance mechanism is coupled to the footboard, and resists a motion of the footboard to the extended position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an exercise device comprising a base that is attached onto an exercise machine and a rolling rod, which is cradled into the base. The apparatus can be attached either into the jumpboard connection located near the footbar or into the shoulder rests depending on the reformer model. The attachment site allows the user to perform a wide variety of movements or exercises in a manner depending on level or special considerations. Related methods of exercise are also provided. A DVD, instructional manual, or programming exercises may optionally be included.

Abstract: A portable exercise machine is provided for rotator cuff exercise. The portable exercise machine includes a flat board having an upper surface and a U-shaped cutout for receiving a torso of a user. A pair of opposing, rotatable arms are affixed to the upper surface of the flat board. The distal end of each arm includes a handle adapted to be grasped by a user and the proximal end of each arm is pivotally coupled to a steel coil. The steel coil provides resistance against the rotation of the distal end of the arms. The steel coil can be removably affixed to an inner connection region or an outer connection region of the flat board. The outer connection region provides resistance for inward movement of the arms and the inner connection region provides resistance for outward movement of the arms.

Abstract: The invention provides a vibration and noise absorbing mat structure which includes a flexible mat body including a sound-absorbing layer, a vibration damping layer and a buffer layer stacked in order. The sound-absorbing layer is made of a first foam body having a relatively low hardness. The vibration damping layer includes a sub-layer which is composed of a second foam body having a relatively high hardness, a third foam body having a relatively high elasticity and a fourth foam body having a relatively high hardness stacked in order. The buffer layer is composed of a fifth foam body and a plurality of buffer units spacedly disposed on a bottom side of the fifth foam body.

Abstract: A night splint for a user's foot having a frame member and a toe retainer that is releasably connected to the frame member. The toe retainer is configured to dorsiflex at least one toe of the user to allow for a dynamic stretch of the plantar fascia and to provide a low load stretch of the Achilles tendon, plantar fascia tendon, deep flexor muscles and calf muscles to relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the foot and for treating plantar fasciitis includes a foot pad for receiving a patient's foot and a resistance member associated with the foot pad. As the patient pivots the foot pad on a pivot pin located near the heel section of the foot pad, a resistance is applied to the toe section of the foot pad thereby providing strengthening for the plantar fasciitis band of tissue.

Abstract: An orthosis configured to stretch tissue around a toe of a patient and methods for using the same are provided. The orthosis includes a foot plate, a toe assembly and a drive assembly. The toe assembly can include a first member including a first extension member and a second member including a second extension member. The drive assembly can move the second member with respect to the first member.

Abstract: An exercise device is suitable for progressively strengthening the intrinsic muscle groups of a limb extremity and the associated limbs of a user. The device has a base unit and a gripping surface. The gripping surface can be gripped by at least one of the digits of the limb extremity of the user. The exercise device further includes a system for applying resistance. The gripping surface is configured to adapt to fit the shape of the digits of the limb extremity of the user.

Abstract: A step apparatus is disclosed for individual training or group fitness classes. The step apparatus may simultaneously contain a plurality of step heights for a dynamic work out. The platform heights may be quickly adjusted to user preference. The adjustable settings may be self-contained within a single unit, or alternate pieces may be provided for additional variation. The step apparatus has a frame and a plurality of step platform units, with each platform unit having two height settings.

Abstract: The resistance band system of the disclosure includes one or more resistance bands, and a pair of handles which secure the ends of the one or more resistance bands. Each handle locks onto one of the ends of each resistance band. The handle is adapted to grip the resistance band with greater force when force is applied to the resistance band, such as when it is in use. The handle unlocks to release the ends of one or more of the resistance bands from the handles for changing of one or more of the resistance bands.

Abstract: An exercise device having a hemispherical handle, an internal support, and a foot support for performing a variety of push-up type exercises. The hemispherical handle is designed to provide optimum support and comfort to the user. The internal support is attached to the handle in a way that permits the handle to move relative to the foot support, for example, by moving up and down, rotating, tilting from side to side, or revolving about a central axis. The foot support provides support for the handle. Pads may be removably attached to the foot support to provide the desired surface. A mat may be provided upon which the exercises may be performed.

Abstract: A foot exercise machine has a base, a rotation disk, a linkage rod, a pedal, two elastic ropes, two elastic strips and two elastic pulling strings. The foot exercise machine having simple structure and light weight. The manufacturing cost of the foot exercise machine is lower so it is more approachable for everyone. The foot exercise machine can also improve user's balance skill.

Abstract: A foot exercise device includes at least one attachment means for a foot and a sole that forms a closed accommodation space having one or more compressible chambers to accommodate a particulate material or a fluid. The surface of the sole reaches beyond the foot surface circumferentially around the sides.

Abstract: Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.

Abstract: A stretching and exercise device has a first strap member having a pair of end portions, a second strap member having a pair of end portions, and a pair of resistance members connected between respective end portions of the first and second strap members. A third strap member has a pair of end portions attached to respective first and second surface portions of the second strap member. A fourth strap member is attached to a third surface portion of the second strap member different from the first and second surface portions thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exercise device comprising a plurality of belt members attached to, and arranged in parallel on a base frame, the exercise device further comprising at least one frictional member disposed in frictional contact with, and forcibly biased against a surface of at least roller in communication with the belt such that an external force applied to at least one of the belts is opposed by a frictional force provided by the frictional contact between the frictional member and the roller. A method of exercising using the exercise device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An actuator (10) includes a body (12), an output member (14) slidably received in the body (12) along— a first axis (X1), an electric motor (18) arranged to set into rotation a motor shaft (20) about a, second axis (X2) and a motion conversion mechanism (22) for converting the rotary motion produced by the electric motor (18) about the second axis (X2) into a translational motion of the output member (14) along the first axis (X1). The motion conversion mechanism (22) includes a driving pulley (24) which is drivingly connected for rotation with the motor shaft (20) and an elongated mechanical transmission member which is wound onto the driving pulley (24) and is fastened at its two opposite ends to the output member (14) to draw this latter in either direction along the first axis (X1) as a result of the rotation of the driving pulley (24) in either direction. The output member (14) is shaped as a rod and is received in a cylindrical cavity (16) of the body (12) so as to project partially therefrom.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the foot and for treating plantar fasciitis includes a foot pad for receiving a patient's foot and a resistance member associated with the foot pad. As the patient pivots the foot pad on a pivot pin located near the heel section of the foot pad, a resistance is applied to the toe section of the foot pad thereby providing strengthening for the plantar fasciitis band of tissue.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable artificial sport log for logrolling, having physical properties that mimic a selected natural log, has a hollow cylindrical shell of a suitable high density polymeric material and an internal baffle support shape of a rigid polymeric material fixed to the internal surface of the cylindrical shell. One or more sealable fill/drain ports allow addition and draining of water from the artificial log. Auxiliary training devices to control log rotation are disclosed, as is an inflatable embodiment.

Abstract: A leg exercise apparatus having a supporting frame, a leg disposition assembly and a connecting panel. The supporting frame is pivotably connected to the leg disposition assembly, and an upper portion of the connecting panel is pivotably connected to the leg disposition assembly on its backside. A positioning bar passes through a lower portion of the connecting panel and is disposed in positioning grooves located on both arms of the supporting frame to secure the connecting panel. An end opening is located at an end of the supporting frame and connects to two tunnel grooves at both arms so the positioning bar can be pushed out through the tunnel grooves and end opening, which leads the leg disposition assembly to collapse into the supporting frame to form a compact and portable leg exercise apparatus.

Abstract: Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening the foot and for treating plantar fasciitis includes a foot pad for receiving a patient's foot and a resistance member associated with the foot pad. As the patient pivots the foot pad on a pivot pin located near the heel section of the foot pad, a resistance is applied to the toe section of the foot pad thereby providing strengthening for the plantar fasciitis band of tissue.

Abstract: A method for gait rehabilitation, comprising, identifying at least one deficient gait element; exercising said deficient gait element individually using a rehabilitation apparatus; and exercising said deficient gait element in concert with at least one other gait element using said rehabilitation apparatus.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices and methods stretching the Achilles tendon. Each device includes base and wedge portions. The wedge portion has heel and toe ends, inside-foot and outside-foot edges, and an upper surface that includes a planar surface portion that lies in a wedge plane and an arcuate surface portion defined by a projection that extends out of the wedge plane. The wedge plane has a nonuniform elevation relative to the base portion as a result of the wedge portion having a fore-aft taper in the fore-aft direction and a lateral taper in the lateral direction. The fore-aft taper and the lateral taper are sufficient so that placement of a user's foot on the upper surface of the wedge portion causes supination and locking of the foot and enables stretching of the Achilles complex, while the arch of the user's foot is against and supported by the arcuate surface portion.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device may include a platform base and resistance bands/tubes coupled to the platform base. The device further includes one or more enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands/tubes. The one or more enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The one or more enclosures are configured to slide on top of or above the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands/tubes provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.

Abstract: An exercise device that includes a main base and a pair of resistance members. The main base rests on a support surface. The pair of resistance members are replaceably attached to the main base to allow the device to be portable, are length adjustably attached to the main base to allow the device to be length adjustable, are resistance adjustable so as to allow the device to be resistance adjustable, allow exercising of both feet simultaneously without having to have the feet physically attached thereto, are activated by weight of the user, and are disposed on opposite sides of the main base so as to allow the feet to be positioned in front of each other during exercising both feet simultaneously so as to work in opposition to each other by working the toe portion of one foot simultaneously with the heel portion of the other foot.

Abstract: A compact portable leg exercise apparatus includes a top platform, a base member, a resilient member and a frame assembly interposed between the top platform and base member. The apparatus is sized to receive a foot onto the top platform to move the top platform relative to the base member and against a force provided by the resilient member as the apparatus is moved to the collapsed position. The apparatus is sized to fit in carryon luggage, handbag, backpack or be hand-carried, allowing for its use anywhere. The frame assembly aligns the top platform and base member and inhibits twisting motion of the top platform relative to the base member, thereby constraining the motion of travel for the apparatus. The frame assembly can include a plurality of hinged leaf pairs shaped to inhibit generation of noise by the frame assembly as it moves to the collapsed configuration during use of the exercise apparatus.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method allows a user to perform exercises while seated or otherwise supported. Such exercises can assist in avoiding DVT and help those who otherwise might have difficulty exercising due to various conditions. The apparatus requires a base element formed of substantially flat sheet material dimensioned to accommodate a portion of a user's foot, and a leash element attached to a periphery of the base element and dimensioned for retention of the base element. The sheet material reduces friction between a user's foot and the exercise surface to allow a user to exercise their lower extremities via a sliding motion. The leash element allows the base element to be deployed to a floor or other surface for use, and then retrieved without requiring the user to bend over. The leash element is preferably formed of elastic to allow resistive forces to be applied to the base element.

Abstract: An article of athletic equipment for a wearer with a foot and a leg including a knee joint includes an article of footwear operable to secure to the foot. The equipment also includes a knee coupling member that is operable to secure to the leg about the knee joint. The knee coupling member is operable to extend superiorly and inferiorly about the knee joint. Moreover, the equipment includes a biasing member that is coupled to the article of footwear and the knee coupling member. The biasing member biases the article of footwear relative to the knee coupling member to bias the foot toward plantarflexion relative to the leg to increase proprioception of the foot relative to the leg.

Abstract: This device (1) comprises two lengths of substantially inextensible material (2) and (3) that can act on the chest of the wearer. These will improve the endurance, exercise tolerance and lung function of the user. The two lengths of substantially inextensible material may be contained in a garment comprising one sleeve on the inside of the garment and the other on the outside of the garment.

Abstract: A foot exercise machine has a base, a rotation disk, a linkage rod, a pedal, two elastic ropes, two elastic strips and two elastic pulling strings. The foot exercise machine having simple structure and light weight. The manufacturing cost of the foot exercise machine is lower so it is more approachable for everyone. The foot exercise machine can also improve user's balance skill.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rehabilitation exercise aid. The exercise aid includes an actuator for extending from a first body part. An alarm unit can be fastened to a second body part and coupled to the actuator. The alarm unit is configured to generate an alarm when the first body part moves beyond a target relative to the second body part. In one embodiment, the actuator includes an elongate biasing means for biasing the alarm unit toward the first body part.

Abstract: A foot pivot sports training aid is disclosed. The training aid may include a platform coupled to a base. The platform may rotate around the base. The platform may include an upwardly projecting baffle with an inwardly facing contour and/or a sloped surface.

Abstract: An ankle strengthening exercise device is disclosed. The device is intuitive and simple to use by a patient even without professional medical supervision since the device indicates a specific movement of a foot by pivoting an ankle of the patient. In particular, the device may have an extension member that can be positioned on a frame of the device. The foot of the patient may engage the device. An elastic member may be secured to the extension member and the foot. The direction of the elastic member indicates the direction the foot of the patient should move by pivoting his or her ankle to specifically work or strengthen and exercise a particular ankle muscle of the patient.

Abstract: Footwear includes a support member having an upper surface attachable to a foot, and two bulbous protuberances, a forward bulbous protuberance and rearward bulbous protuberance. Each of the protuberances has a curved outer contour, and protrudes from a lower surface of the support member on opposite sides of a latitudinal midline thereof, the latitudinal midline being halfway between a calcaneus support portion and a phalanges support portion of the support member. The forward bulbous protuberance is positioned medially offset with respect to a longitudinal centerline.

Abstract: An exercise attachment for a shoe includes a platform upon which the shoe rests. A shoe strap is removably connectable to the platform, and is used to hold the shoe in place on the platform. The platform has a rounded pivot member disposed on its bottom surface. The rounded pivot member contacts a support surface, and allows the exercise attachment to pitch, roll, and yaw about the rounded pivot member. The shoe strap is connected to the platform by an anchor member which has an elongated pocket which selectively receives a locking rod.

Abstract: A rehabilitation device for legs has a foot piece mounted on a set of track rails, the foot piece is movable through knee extension and flexion, as well as through an elastic band looped around the back. By moving the foot piece, users are able to redevelop and strengthen muscles in the lower leg. Accompanying the foot piece on the track is a slider. The slider measures the distance the user is able to move the foot piece through a plurality of numbered holes in line with the track.

Abstract: Board devices, apparatus, systems and methods for practicing exercises such as yoga and stand up paddling with an elongated planar type board having two half sections joined by a flush mounted hinge, with plural convex curved rocker members mounted underneath the board. A pair of the curved rocker members can abut each other under the hinge to lock the board in an extended position.

Abstract: A push-pass technique system and method in accordance with the present invention for training soccer players having a frame along which is a track, that is formed into a semi-circle, raised on each end by graduating ramp, upon which slides a foot pedal that can be secured by four wheels on each side to the track and the frame. The foot pedal glides back and forth upon the horizontal plane and moves length-wise across the plane to a pre-determined length following the curvature of the ramp. The foot pedal will guide the player's foot into the proper horizontal position while training the player to execute the proper push-pass soccer technique and gain muscle memory.

Abstract: A compact leg exerciser includes two portions rotatable about a hinge. Each portion includes a base and a foot pedal displaceable along the base. The pedals include stops located longitudinally inward of the wheels. Each base is provided with resilient limiters for contacting against the stops of the pedals to limit travel of the pedals and thereby prevent the pedals from contacting the longitudinal ends of the periphery. The hinge is offset from the sides of each base and forms a handle for transporting the leg exerciser when the exerciser is folded about the hinge into a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise device comprising a rigid solid body or a rigid hollow body having a first surface for contacting the instep of the foot of a user and a second surface for contacting a floor surface, wherein the first and second surfaces are configured so that rolling the second surface over a floor surface causes at least a part of the first surface to rise with respect to the floor surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for strengthening, improving range of motion and/or improving flexibility in ankle joints and/or rehabilitating injured ankle joints. The device comprises structure or frame, at least one resistance mechanism connected to the structure or frame and a support platform connected to the at least one resistance mechanism for supporting the patient's foot. Rotating, flexing, inverting and/or everting the foot connected to the ankle of interest, which results in pressure applied to the support platform by the subject foot, increases and/or decreases the tension in the at least one resistance mechanism. A variety of stretches and/or strengthening and/or rehabilitating exercises may be performed with the device. The support platform is suspended within frame on the at least one resistance mechanism and, as a result, the support platform may be rotated, flexed, inverted and/or everted in an infinite number of directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a leg-stretching exercise apparatus comprising a base, a handle connected to the base about a front vertical member assembly extending from the front thereof, a waist belt extending from a rear vertical member extending from the rear of the base, and a pair of generally horizontal track assemblies extending collinearly from either side of the base. Each track assembly comprises at least one rail pipe extending between a pair of proximal and distal blocks, a foot-supporting platform coupled to the at least one rail pipe such that the platform can slide along the length thereof, and a resilient member connecting the platform to the proximal block.