Abstract: An improved treatment apparatus and method of using in which the device has plural protruding contact elements, each preferably having an undulating contact surface with one or more peaks. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of contact elements are positioned spaced apart from one another in columns. In another device an elongated single column is provided. Mounting brackets are provided that enable a user to position the device easily and to adjust mounting straps and/or belts to a particular body shape. In one example, the device may include bracket apertures into which mounting brackets can be positioned. In another aspect of the invention, adjustable buckles and/or binders are provided can be used to adjust the length of the straps and secure the device to the wearer in use.

Abstract: A support structure supports powered lifting means for lifting a patient from a wheelchair and moving the patient over a powered treadmill where the patient is lowered onto the treadmill. A control panel with a mirror thereon is supported at one end of the support structure, and a touch screen data entry/display device is supported by the panel. Two similar housings are disposed at opposite sides of the treadmill. Each housing pivotally supports a support arm which can swing away from the treadmill to facilitate access to the treadmill. Each support arm pivotally supports a first depending arm, and a second depending arm is pivotally supported therefrom. A pair of servo motors are supported by each support arm and are drivingly connected to the first and second depending arms to independently move the depending arms about the pivot axes thereof. A first attachment cuff is connected to the first depending arm for attachment to a patient's leg just above the knee.

Abstract: A reciprocating bed as a one size fits all from small children to the tallest of people by adjusting, and a frame designed to accommodate anyone regardless of weight that reciprocates approximately four times a minute per cycle of reciprocation. This bed can exercise any limb or joint of the body and up to 5 limbs per cycle of reciprocation and also a mobile unit with wheels to be located anywhere with a frame that can be assembled and disassembled with little effort and also can be enclosed with curtains for privacy and also an appealing piece of furniture.

Abstract: A passive movement deivce for exercising a patient's joint is provided. The device includes a resilient foam section and a casing enclosing the foam section within a sealed chamber. The patient's joint is held in position relative to the sealed chamber by a suitable retainer. A vacuum pump is operatively connected with the sealed chamber to selectively provide application and non-application of a reduced pressure, i.e. below atmospheric, to the sealed chamber. The application of the reduced pressure causes the foam section to collapse thereby exerting a force on the joint which causes the joint to move or bend from a predetermined position. The non-application of the reduced pressure to the sealed chamber causes the foam section to expand thereby exerting a force on the joint which causes the joint to move or bend toward the predetermined position.

Abstract: A device and method is shown for invoking a muscle's natural involuntary, reflexive response or stretch reflex by imparting a sudden increase in load on the muscle over a defined period of time from a predetermined base load at which the muscle has assumed a baseline tonus, and over a predetermined amplitude of motion. The muscle is stimulated by cycling the load with a frequency of between 1 and 60 Hz, or more preferably between 10 and 30 Hz, and an amplitude of displacement of the muscle between 2 and 50 mm, or more preferably between 5 and 10 mm. The force input to the muscle can be provided by either the mass of the body to which the muscle is connected or by an external mass or resistance to motion. A seesaw platform can be oscillated in a vertical direction at the correct frequency and amplitude.

Abstract: Exercise is performed and an exerciser device is designed so that they use a massage belt with at least two ends and a chain of ovals composed of ceramic, crystals, wood, plastic or ferromagnetic materials, while a user holds one end of the belt and applies a punching imitating movement, while the other end offers resistance each arm alternating creates resistance to the other arm's motion.

Abstract: A device for non-invasively mechanically stimulating bone or muscle includes a vibrational energy generator for applying vibrational energy to a first end of a length of a tissue which includes bone and/or muscle. The vibrational energy is for inducing strain in at least one region within the length of tissue. A restraint is disposed opposite the first end of the length to resist translation of the length during operation of the device and to provide loading to the bone or muscle. A connecting structure couples the restraint to the vibrational energy generator. The device does not require gravity to operate and as a result is expected to have applications in space, such as with astronauts, with those having bone ailments such as bed-ridden patients, persons with osteoporosis or disuse atrophy, athletes, recovering bone cancer patients, and persons with muscoskeletal disorders.

Abstract: A portable intelligent stretching device for use by patients suffering from spastic and contractured joints and limbs. The intelligent stretching device has a motor and a motor shaft for rotating the joint or limb. The variable velocity and stretch distance of the device is determined by a torque sensor on the joint or limb that communicates information to a controller which subsequently instructs the motor as to the variable velocity and stretch distance.

Abstract: Aerobic rhythmic running exercise (RRE) is an exercise mode wherein a horizontally disposed participant elevates and lowers his or her limbs alternately in a striding manner against dissipative loading provided by enabling RRE apparatus. RRE comprises safe aerobic exercise for cardiovascularly handicapped heart patients and other participants by substantially supporting or balancing the weight of the limb groups one against the other during the alternate limb elevation and lowering. It is an observed fact that the blood pressure remains near resting values during such aerobic RRE. It has also been observed that RRE allows an athlete to preferentially develop fast twitch muscles useful for enabling improved running speed. Stationary RRE apparatus comprises a supporting tripod structure, and pulley supported leg and arm supporting rope lines coupled to leg and arm drive belts that are, in turn, coupled to leg and arm drive sprockets.

Abstract: A neuro-fuzzy exerciser instrument panel installed in an exerciser, including a housing, a main control circuit, a set of control buttons, a massager unit, the massager unit having energy generating means adapted to generate an energy for stimulating the muscles of the user and at least one massaging device adapted to transmit the energy from the energy generating means to a part of the body of the user, switch means adapted to switch on/off the massager unit; and power source means adapted to provide the necessary working voltage to the main control circuit and the massager unit.

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 movement system for moving a person. In at least certain aspects, the system has a power apparatus and primary line apparatus connected to the power apparatus. The power apparatus selectively moves or plays out and takes in the primary line apparatus. One or a plurality of secondary lines are connected to the primary line apparatus In those embodiments with a plurality of secondary lines, the secondary lines diverge from each other and extend to a corresponding movement station in a structure. The or each secondary line has a distal end extending into its corresponding movement station for connection to a personal support apparatus around a person, and the or each secondary line is movable by the power apparatus to move a person to whose personal support apparatus the or each secondary line is attached.

Abstract: A massage ball (10) has an outer hollow ball (12) and an inner ball arranged freely movably therein. An massage device made of a plurality such massage balls (10) is also provided. Such massage devices are introduced into the vagina of the woman and are used to massage and consequently train or strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. The massaging effect occurs due to the fact that the massage balls (10) connected to one another move in relation to one another and the inner balls (13) also move within the outer balls (12). To avoid the undesired generation of noise, the inside of the outer hollow ball and/or the outside of the inner ball (13) are provided with a coating (21, 23) consisting of a soft material, preferably an elastomer.

Abstract: An exercising tool for acupressure includes a curved surface with a plurality of acupressure protuberances on the upper side, a space at one part of the curved surface, a gripe being at one side of the space, the gripe being a circular rod in shape, and having a plurality of acupressure protuberances made of nonferrous metals, two rollers inserted into two inserting grooves respectively at the lower side of the curved surface, and the rollers being fixed with screws and fixing strips; and a sliding control protuberance rod at the lower side of the curved surface.

Abstract: An continuous passive lumbar motion (CPLM) device for alleviating lower back stiffness and/or pain. A person seated on a backless seat is subjected to cyclical forward and backward horizontal acceleration, thus imposing a horizontal to-and-fro force to the lower part of the body resulting in flexion and tension of the upper torso relative to the lower torso in the lumbar spinal region.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus to strengthen the abdominal and oblique muscles in a relaxed state by kneeling and twisting the lower torso. An embodiment configured according to principles of the invention includes a height-adjustable, contoured knee rest rotatingly mounted on a base. Handles extend from the base to where a user may comfortably grasp the handles while kneeling on the knee rest. The user exercises with the present exercise apparatus by urging the user's lower torso to rotate the knee rest. Rotation may be resisted by increasing the inertia of the knee rest with weights suspended from weight arms connected to the knee rest.

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 device for preventing or relieving pain in the lower back of a human subject includes a body-engaging element configured for engaging a region of the subject's body inferior to the lumbar vertebrae while the subject lies in a supine position. A drive mechanism is configured to move the body-engaging element through a repetitive cyclic motion which includes an operative motion along a first path including a primarily vertical lifting motion followed by a primarily horizontal tensioning motion, and a return motion along a second path, the second path lying generally below the first path. The body-engaging element preferably includes at least one surface configured for engaging a rear surface of both of the subject's legs from the knees downwards.

Abstract: A health machine for enabling an user to exercise upside down includes a support having a pair of circular seats on the top, a top bar having a pair disks at two ends rotatably engaged with the pair of circular seats and a massage assembly secured to the top bar. So that the massage assembly may rotate clockwise for about 90 degrees to facilitate the upper body of a user to hang upside down on massage in order to relax his vertebra and to improve the blood circulation in his body.

Abstract: A leg exercising equipment is disclosed. It mainly comprises a base, a driving system, and a lower leg supporting frame for exercising the legs and lower body of a user. The driving system includes a driving device, a rotary element, a link, a guiding element and a guiding frame. So, it can create a unique substantially 8-shaped smooth reciprocated moving path to overcome the sharp-return problem of the conventional one. This invention's exercise is very smooth, comfortable, and effective. Also, it contains both the horizontal and vertical movements for exercise. And, the starting section and the ending section are added to provide a better exercising effect.

Abstract: Continuous passive body motion is efficiently and effectively treated by a therapy device which includes at least one movable body carrying element which is driven by a controlled motion drive to produce the desired movement. The motion drive controller includes at least data reading element which cooperates with a program data media to provide individualized control of the therapy device. This individual control will be specifically adapted for each particular patient, thus allowing therapy to occur without the need for operators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a training regimen which addresses motor control problems accompanied by sensory degradation. Accordingly, the training regimen is applicable to motor control disorders associated with a variety of different causes, including traumatic injury, disease, aging and gradual “occupational” type injury. For example, in an individual suffering from repetitive strain injury (RSI), the disabling motor control problems are often accompanied by sensory problems. These sensory problems appear to be caused over time by harmful attended rapid repetitive movements resulting in undesirable changes in the somatosensory, proprioceptive and/or kinesthetic ability of the affected regions of the individual.

Abstract: An exercise method and device for alleviating lower back stiffness through continuous passive motion (CPM) mimicking that experienced by a person mounted on a horse at the walk. The device and method of the present invention are envisioned as being used in gymnasiums as well as health practitioners' offices, by trainers and physical therapists treating subjects with lumbar stiffness and pain, on the one hand, and by those subjects themselves who may seek relief and greater range of motion without professional assistance. With the subject seated upright on a backless seat, with his or her spine self-supported and in proper vertical alignment, the seat is accelerated, alternatingly, forward and backward, thus imposing a horizontal to-and-fro force to the lower part of the subject's body at such frequency and excursion-amplitude that that part of the body is caused to move with respect to the upper part of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending and stretching a foot of a living person by pressing at least an arch of a sole of the foot and stopping the pressing of the arch.

Abstract: A process for treating orthopedic injuries including the steps of presenting a set of treatment protocols; approving a treatment protocol from among the presented set of treatment protocols; capturing information identifying the approved treatment protocol from among the set of presented protocols; and generating information from the captured information into a form compatible with a handheld computer adapted for connection to an orthopedic sensor system. The generated information includes parameters of the identified approved treatment protocol. The process may also include the steps of basing the presented set of treatment protocols upon a database of historic patients, orthopedic injuries, treatment protocols and outcomes, and retaining information about the current patient, the patients injury, treatment protocol and outcome. A system for treating orthopedic injuries with a historic database on a central computer and a handheld computer attached to a sensor system.

Abstract: A support structure supports powered lifting means for lifting a patient from a wheelchair and moving the patient over a powered treadmill where the patient is lowered onto the treadmill. A control panel with a mirror thereon is supported at one end of the support structure, and a touch screen data entry/display device is supported by the panel. Two similar housings are disposed at opposite sides of the treadmill. Each housing pivotally supports a support arm which can swing away from the treadmill to facilitate access to the treadmill. Each support arm pivotally supports a first depending arm, and a second depending arm is pivotally supported therefrom. A pair of servo motors are supported by each support arm and are drivingly connected to the first and second depending arms to independently move the depending arms about the pivot axes thereof. A first attachment cuff is connected to the first depending arm for attachment to a patient's leg just above the knee.

Abstract: A transportable offloading weight apparatus for supporting a portion of a patient's weight undergoing gait training is provided. The offloading weight apparatus employs a resilient suspension system to reduce the amount of weight borne by a patient. The offloading weight apparatus includes a frame having a connection linkage, a rope routed in the frame through a pulley system, a resilient cord that is attached to the frame at one end and connected to the connection linkage through one end of the rope, a harness support assembly secured to another end of the rope and a tension adjustor for applying tension to the resilient cord.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive unit of a foot massage machine which includes a housing in which a motor is installed for bringing an eccentric block into motion to drive a slider assembly at two shaft rods for a lateral shift leftwards and rightwards. The present invention is characterized in that the slider assembly is provided with a longitudinal bar at center thereof, and a crank is inserted on the outer rim of the longitudinal bar. The crank is T-shaped and includes a circular sleeve externally mounted on the longitudinal bar and a cylindrical slider serving as shaft and fixed at one side of the circular sleeve. The cylindrical slider is inserted into a mounting hole of the eccentric block, showing a sliding joint between a shaft and the mounting hole. When the eccentric block rotates with the power output shaft, the crank acts as a driven part and the circular sleeve moves upward and downward in the longitudinal bar.

Abstract: A therapeutic device may be used in providing physical therapy for a patient's knee by moving the patient's leg through a plurality of cycles of motion in each of a number of treatment sessions. The device includes a “Comfort Zone” range of motion feature which allows an operator to temporarily increase the flexion angle (or decrease the extension angle) to alleviate discomfort the patient is experiencing as the upper leg support and lower leg support pivot or attempt to pivot through a portion of the operational range of motion. The preferred embodiment of the device will automatically decrease the flexion angle (or automatically increase the extension angle) at a predetermined rate over a period of treatment time, so that the device may return to operation between the preset operational limits of the range of motion with a lower chance that the patient will experience the same pain or discomfort which necessitated the establishment of a Comfort Zone limit.

Abstract: Passive and powered RLE apparatus (10 and 80, respectively), and method for use therefor, allow and encourage safe aerobic exercise for cardiovascularly handicapped patients by partially balancing or lifting the weight of the limbs. Furthermore, during such aerobic exercise the patient's torso and head are rhythmically flooded with blood, and thus subject to varying blood pressure, as the limbs are rhythmically elevated. It is believed that this enhances cardiovascular activity and health by enabling “collateral circulation” around partially blocked arteries. The passive RLE apparatus (10) comprises an overhead anchor structure (12), and leg supporting extension springs (16) and arm supporting extension springs (18) for partially supporting the limbs via respective leg and arm supporting straps (36 and 38), and spring hooks (28) during the aerobic exercise.

Abstract: An electronic activity monitor for monitoring the performance of an activity such as an exercise comprises an activity detector responsive to motion associated with the performance of the activity to output a corresponding signal, a processor for receiving the signal and determining a starting address at which a block of corresponding sound data is stored, a memory for storing sound data corresponding to a plurality of values associated with the monitored activity, the sound data preferably comprising data representing a voice representation of the values, and a speech generator for generating a naturally-sounding human voice or reproducing a pre-stored version of an actual human voice or other audible indicia in accordance with the sound data stored in the memory. The speech generator is controlled by the processor in response to the activity detector to provide a verbal representation of the user's performance of the activity.

Abstract: A therapeutic device which may be used in providing physical therapy for a patient's knee by moving the patient's leg through a plurality of cycles of motion in a treatment session. The device includes a “Fast Back” range of motion feature that permits the machine to be operated at more than one speed or rate per cycle, wherein the patient's knee may pass through a critical or working range of motion at a first rate, and through a non-critical or non-working range of motion at a second rate, so as to increase the portion of time of a treatment session that is spent in the working of the range of motion, as compared to conventional CPM machines.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion device which may be used in providing physical therapy for a patient's knee by moving the patient's leg through a plurality of cycles of motion in a treatment session includes an “Oscillation Zone” range of motion feature that permits the machine to be operated in such a manner that the patient's knee is flexed and his leg extended through a critical or working range of motion more frequently than through the non-critical range of motion, or the remainder of the range of motion of the device, so as to increase the portion of time of a treatment session that is spent in the working range of motion. A preferred embodiment of the device allows the patient's knee to be flexed, extended and held in certain positions a predetermined number of times per cycle, so as to provide a treatment regimen which replicates the holding and stretching one might receive through physical therapy conducted by a therapist or a physician.

Abstract: A therapeutic device may be used in providing physical therapy for a patient's knee by moving the patient's leg through a plurality of cycles of motion in each of a number of treatment sessions. The device includes a progressive range of motion feature that permits an automatic decrease in the flexion angle (or an automatic increase in the extension angle) over a period of time as rehabilitation progresses. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carriage holding the patient's leg is decelerated, at a controlled rate over a controlled distance, from the operational speed to zero, as the carriage approaches the extension or flexion limit, and the carriage is accelerated in the same fashion as the carriage moves away from the extension or flexion limit.

Abstract: A device for treatment of patients with disturbed posture and motor activity comprises shoulder, pelvic, knee, pedal, elbow, hand, and finger supports (1), all of them being interconnected by fixing elements, which are shaped as elastic tie-members (2) and placed on the surface of the patient's body in antagonistic pairs so as to follow anatomical arrangement of skeletal muscles. Each of the tie-members (2) is connected to two of the supports (1) and comprises an adjuster (3) of its tension, which is interposed between the tie-member (2) and one of the supports (1) through a lock (5).

Abstract: A patient monitoring system, particularly for orthopedics, is designed for use by the medical layman and provides this person with information relating to the exercises or activities he performs. To this end, a sensor array produces sensor signals which are stored in a first memory and are compared to the contents of a second memory (ideal signal pattern). The comparison result is made available to the user via a display or as a biofeedback.

Abstract: An exercise device for stretching the lower back and leg muscles of a user includes a flexible cable located between a foot rest portion and a handle member. The handle member is designed to be grasped by the hands of a user; and the cable is fixedly attached to one or the other of the foot rest or the handle. The other end of the cable is attached to a rotatable reel; and a motor is provided for operating the reel to wind up the cable to reduce the distance between the handle and the foot rest at a predetermined rate. Controls are provided for controlling the operation of the motor and for controlling its direction of operation. In some embodiments, the motor is a battery-operated motor located within the handle member, which also includes batteries for operating the motor.

Abstract: The apparatus provides active and passive exercise to the hand, wrist and forearm of the patient. It has dual handles and an attached inertia apparatus such that both the affected arm and the non affected arm are subjected to the therapy. It is theorized that in the retraining of nerve, muscle and ligament/tendon function there is cross-training of right-left part of the systems and the healthy system can assist the afflicted part of the system in retraining. The apparatus addresses specifically the range of motion of the wrist, both for flexion-extension and pronation-supination. For pronation-supination, two conical handles, one for each hand is attached through an axis to a gear system connected to a flywheel. The gear/flywheel system allows for clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the flywheel. The patient puts the system in motion by rotating the handles in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The rotary (oscillating) motion is transferred to the flywheel through the gears.

Abstract: A device for carrying out motional training by continuously flexing and extending a joint of the body comprises a mounting piece for mounting the device in the vicinity of a joint, a drive unit arranged on the mounting piece including a reversable rotation motor having a motor output shaft, a manual switching clutch connected to the motor output shaft, a power transmission connected to the motor output shaft and a transmission output rotating shaft, a swinging arm having a base portion mounted on the mounting piece, and a free end portion of the device including another mounting piece for mounting the free end side of the device to a portion of the shaft body in front of a joint. The swinging arm is coupled to the transmission output rotating shaft and subjected to a reciprocating swing motion during regular and reverse rotation of the transmission output rotating shaft. A movable range setting copying mechanism sets the first swing end and the second swing end of the swing arm.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of scoliosis of the spine. Vibro-influence is performed on the spine with a frequency of 10-50 Hz, and an amplitude 1-5 mm. Simultaneously the muscles are alternately placed in tension and relaxation for 5-10 second intervals. A vibro-influence is performed without decompression of the spine and on the background of horizontal with an effort of 10-40 kg and alternating with a vertical one, repeating them during the treating session. The duration of the treatment session is 2-3 hours. The course of treatment is 15-20 sessions during one month, with possible repetition in 3, 6, 9 months. Vibro-influence is combined with manual therapy, medical massage, electric stimulation, thermal magnetic therapy, X-ray therapy, diet therapy, psycho-therapy and medical correction of the life style. The method provides for the restoration of full value of supportive and locomotory function of the spine.

Abstract: Bed for motor activity for aesthetic and slimming treatments, comprising at least a base (11) on which the user (14) can rest in at least a partially supine position and a cover in the shape of a dome (12) with an opening (13) associated with closing and insulating means (15), the bed having means (18, 19, 24) to carry out gymnastic and muscular exercises of the upper and/or lower limbs, there being an external control panel (17) to adjust and set the temperature, there being a first heating system comprising means (22, 23) to take in air at a controlled temperature inside the bed (10) and a second heating system comprising a plurality of lamps (27) emitting concentrated and localized rays directed towards the inside of the bed (10) and individually directed and/or able to be directed towards the body of the user (14), the combination of the action of these two distinct heating systems, together with the heat insulation created inside the bed (10), determining conditions of extreme uniformity of the temperatu

Abstract: A foot-pressure massage stand and method effectively massages parts of a patient's body by using foot pressure either directly upon the patient by an operator or indirectly when a patient massages himself. The foot-pressure massage stand makes it possible for an operator and a patient or a patient alone to select an appropriate width between the friction wall and the reaction wall. One disclosed method is for the patient to massage himself while sitting on the floor plate, by using various auxiliary tools to massage areas of his or her body such as the back and lateral chests. Another method involves an operator applying foot pressure to a patient permitting the force to be increased by a magnitude of ten. By exerting foot pressure using the massage stand, stronger foot pressure can be achieved than by just using body weight or by leaning against only one wall, thereby achieving a more effective massage than is possible with conventional methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the heart rate of a user of a fitness apparatus at a scheduled target rate by varying the resistance of a first resistance mechanism with respect to a second resistance mechanism. To increase the heart rate, the resistance of the first resistance mechanism is increased to a maximum level before an adjustment is made to the second resistance mechanism. To decrease the heart rate, the resistance of the second resistance mechanism is decreased to a minimum level before an adjustment is made to the first resistance mechanism. The invention may be incorporated into a treadmill having resistance mechanisms including a mechanism to vary the speed of the treadmill belt and a mechanism to vary the grade of the treadmill.

Abstract: A physical exercise device using a T-shaped bar, comprises: a vertical rod constituting the T-shaped bar and having a plurality of first height-adjusting holes; a hollow vertical rod telescopically fitted around the vertical rod and having a plurality of second height-adjusting holes; a horizontal rod horizontally secured to the hollow vertical rod and having a pair of footrests fixed thereto; a pair of vane-shaped cushioning plates attached to the pair of footrests, respectively, and each having a thinner front and a thicker rear; a base having a projection formed at one end thereof; and a seat secured onto the base and having a higher front and a lower rear.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle is composed of a base, a motor, a seat plate, a plurality of resilient elements, a support unit, a seat, a handle, two pedals, and a drive device. The motor is mounted on the base and provided with an eccentric rod fastened with a shaft of the motor such that the eccentric rod is capable of disturbing the seat plate to vibrate horizontally at the time when the motor is in operation. The horizontal vibration of the seat plate is imparted via the support unit to the seat, the handle and the pedals for massaging the hips, the back, and the hands of a user of the exercise bicycle, who is engaged in a leg exercise.

Abstract: A foot dorsiflexion device comprises at least one portable boot, which can be submersed in liquids if desired, worn by a patient, having a baseplate and a footplate affixed at one end to the baseplate. An inflatable bellows is positioned between the baseplate and footplate, such that inflating the bellows moves the footplate relative to the baseplate to effect flexion of the patient's foot. A controller controls the pumping sequence of a pump which can inflate one or more boot devices. In another feature, the controller also receives information as to the patient's leg muscle activity and responds appropriately to stop/re-start the device. Such a feedback mechanism is useful to prevent flexion during an abnormal contraction pattern, such as occurs in muscle spasm or tetany. The device is can be operated remotely and in both automatic and manual modes by the user or operator.

Abstract: A combination slant board and abdominal rocker includes a slant board which comprises a rigid body support elevated at one end to incline the body support. The abdominal rocker has a frame with a base section pivotally mounted adjacent to the body support and a grip section spaced from the base section. A neck rest is mounted to the frame between the base section and the grip section. The grip section and the neck rest are located above the body support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a training regimen which addresses motor control problems accompanied by sensory degradation. Accordingly, the training regimen is applicable to motor control disorders associated with a variety of different causes, including traumatic injury, disease, aging and gradual "occupational" type injury. For example, in an individual suffering from repetitive strain injury (RSI), the disabling motor control problems are often accompanied by sensory problems. These sensory problems appear to be caused over time by harmful attended rapid repetitive movements resulting in undesirable changes in the somatosensory, proprioceptive and/or kinesthetic ability of the affected regions of the individual.

Abstract: A maximum contraction unit (10) comprising a cabinet (12) having a front panel (14), a pair of side panels (16), a top panel (18), a bottom panel (20) and a rear panel (22) hinged at (24) to one of the side panels (16), to gain access to the interior of the cabinet (12). A structure (26) is for keeping the cabinet (12) in an upright position. A facility (28) in the cabinet (12) is for producing electronic impulses. A component (30) on the front panel (14) of the cabinet (12) is for activating the electronic impulses producing facility (28) by the insertion of paper money. An assembly (32) is for carrying the electronic impulses from the electronic impulses producing facility (28) to muscles in a body of a person (34), so as to stimulate the muscles to contract and exercise.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus gives a patient a rotational motion at a discretionary controlled speed suitable to medical treatment and at the same time can continuously supply the patient in rotation with oxygen for inhalation by means of oxygen supply equipment. The apparatus is characterized in that a chair 1 on which a patient is sitting is driven, via a rotary shaft 6, by a driving system 3 installed in a control base 2 to rotate, and oxygen for inhalation to be supplied to the patient in rotation is guided to pass through the interior of the rotary shaft 6 and supplied by a mouthpiece 23 provided at the top end of an oxygen supply tube 21 to a position suitable for the patient to breathe.