Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise machine having parallel ski bases on which skis are rollably or slidably engaged, the skis having foot restraints for receiving a user's feet. An upright ski pole is attached at an end to each ski using a pivot connection, and the ski pole is also pivotally connected to a fulcrum at a point near the midpoint of the ski pole. The fulcrum comprises a brace attached to a frame. The ski poles provide support to a user and are pushed and pulled for upper-body exercise. Where the user has little or no lower-body muscle control, the ski poles function as supports and levers to transfer a passive, reciprocating, back and forth motion to the user's legs. Alternatively, the exercise machine can be used for active exercise of both the upper and lower body. The exercise matching provides access for persons with physical handicaps and support for such users in the standing position, thereby allowing such persons to exercise while standing.

Abstract: A protocol-configurable isometric hand grip recording dynamometer with user guidance. The apparatus employs a grip within which is mounted a load cell. The load cell, in turn, is coupled to a rigid printed circuit board which is compressively squeezed during an exercise regimen. A readout is integrally formed with the battery operated system to provide aural and visual cuing at an angle facilitating the user's reading of a display. Visual cues are provided at the display throughout an exercise regimen prompting the user as to which hand to use and the amount of compressive squeezing force to be applied. The system and method includes a technique for scoring the efforts of the user. The microprocessor-driven device includes archival memory and a data communications port such that may be employed interactively with a trainer or physician.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and a method to prevent RSI symptoms when keys are operated, and it contains a measuring device (4) to determine the force acting on the key, a device to compare the measured force with a finger stress model, and a device to make critical finger impact values (14, 16) perceptible. The inventive device may be positioned directly on the keyboard (2) as a stand-alone device, or it may be designed as part of a data processing system.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for the design, execution and tracking of exercise programs including portable microprocessor controlled data controllers to instruct and record the actual computed workout for the user. A data communication link transfers data between the data controllers and a computer hosting application software and database files for the particular user, exercise and exercise regimen to create and display a customizable and comprehensive exercise system designed for the particular user.

Abstract: A driving device of the massaging chair including a main shaft, a bevel gear mounted on one end of the main shaft, a worm rod mounted on another end of the main shaft, and a driving rotor mounted slidably between the bevel and the worm rod. When the main shaft is driven by a motor to turn forward, the driving rotor is engaged with the bevel gear to actuate a kneading shaft of the massaging chair. When the main shaft is driven by the motor to turn backward, the driving rotor becomes disengaged with the bevel gear and moves away from the bevel gear to engage the worm rod so as to actuate a beating shaft of the massaging chair.

Abstract: A flexible lead screw and motor combination is provided that attaches to the body and has the ability to move body parts. The invention contains at least one motor actuated cincture screw that transfers torque over an articulating joint of the body. A high torque motor is mounted on a suitable location of the body, on one side of the articulating joint to be moved. The motor is attached, through a cable having an externally threaded cincture, to an internally threaded guide bushing mounted to a body location on the opposite side of the articulating joint. In certain mounting locations, the cable routing will be redirected by guide rings before entering the guide bushing. Activation of the motor rotates the cable and, depending on the threads and the direction of rotation chosen, either pulls the threaded guide bushing toward, or away from the motor. Thus, the joint lying between the attached motor and attached guide bushing can be either closed or opened.

Abstract: An active and continuous passive motion (CPM) devices for exercising and/or providing therapy to the upper and lower extremities comprising a frame, a disc pivotally mounted to the frame and hand or feet support members attached to the disc. A motor is provided and is coupled to the disc for rotating the disc in the active mode. A control circuit is provided for adjusting the speed of the disc in the passive mode and for adjusting the resistance to movement of the disc in the active mode.

Abstract: An electronic exercise monitor for monitoring the repetitive performance of an exercise comprises a switch having a contact member connected to a displaceable member of the exercise equipment, the switch being responsive to the reciprocal motion of a displaceable member of an exercise device to output a signal for each of a plurality of sequential exercise repetitions performed by the user on the exercise equipment, a processor for receiving the signals and determining for each a starting address at which a block of corresponding sound data is stored, a memory for storing sound data for each of the plurality of sequential exercise repetitions, the sound data preferably comprising data representing a voice count number for each repetition of an exercise, and a speech generator for generating a naturally-sounding human voice or reproducing a digitized version of an actual human voice or other audible indicia in accordance with the sound data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A diagnostic and therapeutic apparatus for re-educating the posture of the backbone includes in combination mechanism for controlling the orthostatic posture of the patient, mechanism for carrying out a differential traction on the same patient at different levels in order to cancel out all or a part of his weight, mechanism for correcting the postural defects in the three planes of the space and for blocking the patient within postural limits in order to prevent him from assuming postures other than that therapeutic even during the deambulation.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for treating upper extremity disorders is detachably secureable to a wheelchair frame or other suitable support. A mounting bar is positionable at differing heights and at differing angles of adjustment relative to the frame and both the height and the angle are easily changed without tools as the patient progresses in response to treatment. The mounting bar also detachably receives any number of therapeutic devices to further aid the patient's recovery, and those devices are attachable to the mounting bar without tools.

Abstract: Therapy apparatus for the exercise of the patient's trunk, back, spine, abdomen and shoulders consisting of a platform having a periphery and upper and lower sides. A pedestal or column extending vertically above the platform upper side supports a seat receiving the patient, and the platform lower side includes a central supporting projection extending below the platform periphery wherein the platform will engage a flat supporting surface, such as the floor, at the support projection and the platform periphery in a tilted manner and a patient located upon the seat may shift their weight to change the angle of platform tilting for exercising the patient's trunk, back, spine, shoulders and torso muscles and ligaments. Support projections of various vertical dimension may be employed to vary the extent of tilting from the vertical, and the apparatus may be utilized with computerized equipment to obtain accurate determination of the extent of exercise and body flexibility.

Abstract: A torso trainer has a user platform mounted on a pivoting, rotating shaft. The lower torso of the user is strapped to the platform with the upper torso supported by the user who employs the waistline muscles. As the platform rotates, different muscle groups are worked so that during the course of a complete 360.degree. revolution all the waistline muscles are exercised. The user effort required varies with the degree of tilting of the shaft and platform. At a nearly vertical tilting position user effort is minimal, while, at a horizontal tilting position, user effort is maximum. A user hand control starts platform rotation and overrides the stopping of platform rotation so that there can be multiple rotations.

Abstract: Gait therapy aid or trainer controls the movement of the feet of the user to travel in substantially a straight line, coordinates the walking movement of the user with that of the aid so that movement of the body of the user and of the training device in the direction of walking are essentially the same by interconnecting a pair of foot pieces and the body of the device via a motion controlling mechanism.

Abstract: An exercising method for stretching the spinal column and strengthening the spinal muscles. The user suspends his body on crutch-like supports and performs a series of exercises by positioning his body and/or the crutches in various angular positions relative to the floor. The crutches may be conventional crutches, or crutches which extend to a level higher than the user's shoulders, straps being provided for holding the body in suspension by the armpits.

Abstract: A back supporting and exercising cushion has upper and lower pneumatic chambers with an orifice or adjustable flow valve between the chambers for controlling shifting of air between the two chambers. With the back support device positioned in a chair or car seat, for example, the lower chamber is situated against the lumbar region of the back while the upper chamber presses against the mid-thoracic region. When the user shifts his posture, the chambers continually accommodate the changes by inflating one chamber while the pressure deflates air out of the other chamber. The ability to change posture frequently decreases fatigue in the low back while driving, for example, and provides neurological stimulation in the joints of the spine, which can help balance activities of the muscles in the back and decrease pain.

Abstract: An improved gymnastic implement, particularly usable for physical reeducation, including a platform having, in a downward region, first supporting elements and second flexible rocking elements and, in an upper region, first seats for the user's feet and at least one second seat for one or more games of skill. The platform, or a frame for supporting it, has one or more pairs of lateral couplings for detachable supports with which user grip rods fitted with a shock absorber are rotatably associated. This gymnastic implement allows better and more gradual reeducation for rehabilitation and treatment of impaired parts of the body in disorders such as flat feet, talipes valgus, cavovalgus and cavovarus, bowleg, genu valgum, hip dysplasias, juvenile kyphosis, as well as habit and idiopathic scoliosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise bar for use in rehabilitative therapy of joint structures, especially those of an impaired limb of a user. The exercise bar preferably comprises an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and two ends, a loop member comprising a loop attached to a first end of the shaft, and a handle member attached to a second end of the shaft at an angle to both the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the plane defined by the loop of the loop member. The loop preferably is in the shape of an isosceles triangle with the angles forming arcuated notches for receiving a portion of the user's impaired limb. Once the user's limb is seated within one of the notches, the shaft may be rotated about it axis to enable rotational, resistive stretching of a first joint complex or may be reciprocated along its axis to enable the performance of various exercises.

Abstract: A therapeutic method, for simultaneously stretching and lifting a user's lower back while the user is lying on his back on the ground, thereby relieving and preventing lower back pain. The device includes a frame which features a horizontally extending upper cross frame for accommodating the back of the user's knees. In use, the lower end of the frame contacts the ground and serves as a fulcrum. The device further includes a foot rest for accommodating the user's feet. The foot rest is mounted to the frame at a convenient point between the cross frame and the lower end.

Abstract: An apparatus for strengthening and toning a person's bulbocavernosus muscle is disclosed which includes a base and a contact portion having a convex elongated upper surface which is fixed relative to the base. The base and contact portion of the device are connected together by hinged connection with a prop moveable between a storage position and an exercise position in which the contact portion is raised above the base. The sides of the contact portion are contoured to reduce the width of the contact portion at the inward end thereof. The contact portion is preferably covered by a layer of padding material on its upper surface. The method of the present invention is an isometric exercise method wherein a convex member is placed on a horizontal supporting surface. The exercise method requires sitting on the supporting surface with the bulbocavernosus muscle resting on the convex member. The bulbocavernosus muscle is contracted and relaxed repetitively to strengthen and tone a person's bulbocavernosus muscle.

Abstract: A versatile bidirectional isometric exercise device is provided in the form of an inflatable flexible exercise ball, about 18 inches in diameter, fitted with a pair of looped handles, secured to diametrically opposite points of the ball, through which arms or legs can be placed for performing specialized exercises that use the ball in a tension mode. The ball 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. Attachment of the handles to the main ball portion may be made by sonic welding.

Abstract: For the treatment of spinal damage in medical physiotherapy, the patient's spine is stressed via the pelvis by longitudinal forces on the legs in such a way that the setting of displaced spinal components is promoted and the muscles are strengthened. With this device the tensile forces are applied to the feet by spring components which are tensioned by means of cables from the movements of the pins of linear movement components driven by an electric motor. The frequency and amplitude of these tensile forces can be changed via a control unit and thus phase shifts between the forces acting on the legs can be adjusted. During the exercises the patient can adjust the exercise programme by actuating controls connected to the supporting grips. The success of the therapy can be improved by fitting heating elements in the backrest to provide heat treatment for the patient's muscles.

Abstract: An isometric exercise device including a stretchable member and a vibratory portion. The isometric exercise device enables a person to perform an isometric exercise using the stretchable member while the vibratory portion generates vibratory pulses that are useful in providing a massaging action to a portion of the person's body.

Abstract: A seating apparatus is provided which has a seating surface that tilts in a full-circle manner, the tilting being controlled so as to be adequate to allow the person seated on the apparatus to change the alignment of body muscles and skeletal members, while avoiding a degree of movement which would be excessive, potentially uncomfortable and/or possibly disruptive. The apparatus can incorporate a ball-and-socket arrangement which provides for the full circle tilting while also incorporating an appropriate stop surface for preventing excessive tilting along the full-circle rotation orientations. When used for extended periods of time, the seating apparatus improves, rather than detrimentally affects, muscle tone and flexibility, while also reducing risk of back injury and muscle stiffness due to prolonged sitting.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exercise, rehabilitation and extremity testing method and apparatus having a cycloidal speed reducer. A multiposition chair is rotatably mounted to a stand which is slidingly mounted to a track on a platform. A dynamometer is mounted on a pedestal on the platform such that it is capable of rotating about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The vertical height of the dynamometer can also be adjusted. An input apparatus capable of engaging the limb or body segment of a user is mounted to an input shaft of the dynamometer. A motor controls the movement of the input shaft through a cycloidal speed reducer. Consequently, the motor controls the movement of the input arm and the user's limb or body segment. The user exercises his muscles by applying force to the input apparatus according to a number of different protocols.

Abstract: A new design of therapeutic traction modality with closed loop traction force control based on EMG signals from selected muscle is developed for rehabilitation. This modality includes main traction controller, a high signal-to-noise ratio EMG scanning and processing units, A/D and D/A computer interface hardware, on-line self-adjusted traction force actuating unit, biofeedback control software, and audio/visual alarms. This new traction modality provide a breakthrough milestone for the open loop control architecture of conventional motorized traction machine. The kernel of this invented modality is to adaptively adjusting traction force based on real time detected EMG signals to ensure the safety, comfort, and effectiveness of traction therapy.

Abstract: A system for isolating, evaluating and exercising the muscle groups of the human hand which includes structure for detecting the cardinal movements of the hand and translating the movements into rotational data for the system, the structure for detecting effectively isolating the movements of the hand so that the movements of other muscle groups of the body are not detected by the system. The system also generally includes an assembly for providing a selective variable resistance to the structure for detecting and for ascertaining the force applied to the structure for detecting by the movements of the hand.

Abstract: A controller (10) having a housing (11) within which is positioned a moveable portion (13). The housing comprises an outer housing portion (12a) and an inner housing portion (12b) and having a vent (14) and a limit peg (22). Detent means (15) defines the lower position limit of the movement of the inner housing portion (12b) and second detent means (16) defines the upper limit of the movement of the inner housing portion (12b) with the outer housing portion (12a). Biasing means (17) biases the moveable portion 13 to a first position. The device further comprises an inlet (19) attachable to a pump and an outlet (20) connectable to an inflatable body to form part of a continuous passive motion device.

Abstract: A counterbalancing assembly reduces the weight of an exercising person by pulling the exercising person upwardly. The counterbalancing assembly includes a monolithic support structure which is secured to a base. A cantilever support extends out from the top of the monolithic support structure. A cable extends from the top of the monolithic support structure, down through a linear actuator, and back up through the monolithic support structure to the cantilever support. The cable extends down from the end of the cantilever support to a position suitable for an exercising person to comfortably exercise on a piece of exercising equipment. A spring at the fixed end of the cable provides an unloading force accommodating to the exercising patient movement and dampens sudden movements created by the exercising person. A linear actuator is used to adjust the length of the cable extending down from the cantilever support and to tension the spring.

Abstract: An exercise method beneficially and safely affects the lumbar spine and muscles of a human. The method uses a simple exercise device having a substantially rigid body with top and bottom surfaces, and a front and back. The top surface is configured and dimensioned to safely passively extend a human's lumbar spine when the human lays with her or his stomach on the top surface (e.g. by providing a concave surface with a total angle of concavity of about 10.degree.-30.degree., preferably about 12.degree.-17.degree.). The bottom surface of the device is configured and dimensioned to allow rocking action in a dimension extending from the front to the rear of the device, and may include two or more spaced rocking strips with front and rear stops.

Abstract: A system for isolating, evaluating and exercising the muscle groups of the human hand which includes apparatus for detecting the cardinal movements of the hand and translating the movements into rotational data for the system, the apparatus for detecting effectively isolating the movements of the hand so that the movements of other muscle groups of the body are not detected by the system. The system also generally includes a mechanism for providing a selective variable resistance to the apparatus for detecting and for ascertaining the force applied to the apparatus for detecting by the movements of the hand.

Abstract: A controllable fluid device (20) for rehabilitation of injured or weakened complex appendages such as the hands and feet. The controllable fluid device (20)includes a reservoir (34)which contains a sufficient amount of controllable fluid (52)such as a Magnetorheological (MR) fluid. A magnetic field generator (36)provides the magnetic field (H) which is applied to the controllable fluid (52) by a magnetic circuit (60). In one aspect, an electromagnet including a coil (58) and core (54) provides the magnetic field (H). The intensity of the magnetic field is controlled via a controller (38). In another aspect, the magnetic field (H) is provided by a permanent magnet (44) and a mechanical shunt mechanism (42) is used to vary the magnetic field intensity. Other embodiments include a heater unit (66) with optional thermostat (74).

Abstract: Muscle treating devices for use by muscular therapists and patients include a clamp device having utility as a muscle treating device. It includes a probe attached to a preselected movable jaw that simulates a therapist's fingers or thumb. It further includes a quick release device and a pressure measuring device so that a therapist can record pressures at which a patient reports discomfort. Additional muscle treating devices treat the cervical, thoraic, and lumbar regions of the back. Each of these devices includes a flat, rigid base and a support member disposed normal to the base having a groove formed in its peripheral edge for receiving neck vertabrae, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine, respectively. A combination device combines the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar devices into a single unit so that all of the muscles flanking the spinal column are treated simultaneously.

Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus for a user in a standing position has a base, a pair of upright bars, a leg rest member slidably engaged between the upright bars for movement between selected vertical positions for stretching posterior leg muscles of a user's leg rested thereon, and a linear drive mechanism fixed to the base provided with a drive motor and a linear drive member having an end coupled to the leg rest member. The linear drive member is operated to raise and lower the leg rest member in the vertical direction in a cycle of stretching, holding, and retracting as desired by the user.

Abstract: A self contained portable traction or back-stretch apparatus (11) comprising a frame assembly (13) with first tensile force application means in the form of two U-shaped members (15) for supporting a person under their arms, and a second tensile force application means (17 or 57) for supporting a person about their waist and hips. The frame assembly (13) is formed of two frames (19) comprising parallel elongate struts (21) and parallel elongate struts (23) connected about a pivot pin (25) in a scissor type relationship. Separation of the force application means (15 and 17 or 57) is limited by a resiliently stretchable mat (37) which also serves to support the weight of a person therebetween. The weight of the person supported in the traction apparatus results in a downward force on the frame assembly (13) which translates to a tensile force applied between the force application means (15 and 17 or 57) and effects traction, providing a degree of intervertebral separation in the person.

Abstract: A device adapted to be placed upon a human for the purpose of counting exercises incident to therapeutically treating and restoring the part of the anatomy being exercised to normal use. The device accurately counts the number of repetitions the part of the anatomy is exercised in a given time period. The accuracy of the total number in a given time period is assured by anti-cheating elements which render the counting mechanism inoperable in the event the device is not on the human anatomy when the device is utilized.

Abstract: Basic elements of the apparatus are a base with patient's seat, and an arched tube fitted behind the seat. The arched tube is connected, via a shaft, to the pedals or electric motor mechanism designed for moving of the arched tube. The arched tube is turned around the shaft beaming point, along helicoidal path contours. On the arched tube there are mounted sliding components fitted with belts or tieing of the upper part of the patient's body, with his/her back rested against the arched tube. The apparatus is fitted also with a mechanism for controlled hand or electric-motor powered extension of the spine of the patient, and with a vibromasseur which is located on the arched tube.

Abstract: A physical rehabilitation system is provided for improving the capability of a user to support the weight of the user's body on the user's limbs. The system comprises a walker frame capable of gliding movement across a surface, upper limb holding members on the walker frame adapted for engagement by the hands or arms of the user, and counterbalance weights on the walker frame releasably attachable to the user's body for assistance in lifting the user's body to an upright position. The counterbalance weights may be adjustable according to the need of the user. The width of the walker frame, of the upper limb holding members, and the height of the upper limb holding members are all adjustable to accommodate the size of the user. While the user is provided with a range of freedom with respect to the counterbalance weights, a safety limit is provided for restraining and supporting the user in the event of a fall.

Abstract: A back and body support for maintaining a person in an antigravity position, primarily forward bending, with minimal muscle activity, force, and fatigue and, therefore, compressive loading on the spine. It also allows for changing position without such muscle activity or compressive loading, and without requiring the use of the hands, and without obstructing the performance of desired functions. It accomplishes this with a motor, spool, support line, pulleys, vest, belaying track, and remote control switch. The motor can produce rotation of the spool in either direction, and sufficient braking. The vest fastens at the front for easy and posturally sound donning and doffing. The spine sling support is particularly useful for people who must maintain forward-bent postures for prolonged periods, and especially for people with a history of back pain and dysfunction. It allows continued function with decreased pain.

Abstract: A system for isolating, evaluating and exercising the muscle groups of the human hand, wrist, arm and shoulder including an adaptable detector for interpreting the cardinal movements of at least one muscle group of the hand during flexion, extension, or deviation of the wrist, or abduction, opposition, flexion or hyperextension of individual digits of the hand. The detector translates the movements of the muscle group into rotational data for the system and effectively isolates the movements of the muscle group so that the movements of other muscle groups of the body are not detected by the system. The system also includes a controlled resistance coupled to the detector which provides a variable resistance against the muscle group and ascertains the force applied to the detector by the movements of the one muscle group. The resistance can be varied to provide isotonic, isokinetic, or isometric modes of testing against said at least one muscle group.

Abstract: The rehabilitation therapy apparatus of the present invention includes a support bar cantilevered generally horizontally outwardly from a vehicle which is operable in a forward direction, the support bar being adjustably mounted for selective vertical adjustment on the vehicle. A frame with a horizontal arm is connected to the roof of the vehicle, while a vertical leg depends from the arm, upon which the support bar is adjustably connected. A tube mounted on the roof of the vehicle receives the frame arm on either end, to permit use of the arm on either side of the vehicle. The rehabilitation therapy includes the initial step of loosely strapping a patient's nonambulatory leg to the leg of a trainer such that movement of the trainer's leg will appropriately move the patient's leg. The therapy apparatus of the invention is then positioned with the support bar forwardly of the patient and trainer so that the patient and trainer may grip the bar for support.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating bowlegs, which is simple in structure and easy in operation, gives no pains to the patients, while keeping the patient in a very stable and safe condition. The apparatus comprises a stationary platform 1, a tilted rotary plate 3 being located inside the platform 1 and having, on its top, a tilted surface 4 in the form of an inverted cone, a motor 2 for turning the tilted rotary plate 3 together with a patient standing upright on the tilted surface 4, and a control panel 7 for controlling the speed of rotation of the motor 2. The tilted rotary plate 3 is connected to the motor 2 in such a way that the plate 3 can be replaced with one of other tilted rotary plates having different angles of inclination.

Abstract: A purposeful exercise device including a frame; a pump mounted on the frame; and a work-adjusting mechanism movably borne by the frame and disposed in force-transmitting relation relative to the pump. The pump has a handle which is moveable along a path of travel from a first or fluid withdrawing position to a second or fluid exhausting position. The work-adjusting mechanism permits a patient or operator to selectively adjust the amount of work performed when moving the pump handle from the fluid withdrawing position to the fluid exhausting position or vice versa.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching and exercising the soft tissue surrounding the shoulder girdle and back, while stabilizing the upper extremities. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of elbow/forearm cuffs are mounted on a lower horizontal bar, and a second horizontal bar is attached above the lower horizontal bar. The users elbows/forearms are placed in the cuffs on the lower bar, while their hands slide back and forth along the upper bar.

Abstract: A control console for exercise machines such as treadmills having a microprocessor to generate signals to control the exercise. The console is operable to control an exercise program comprising a series of time segments for which the difficulty levels are individually specified, and to provide a display of the program time segments. The console is further operable to display and store user-designed programs of the type described. Optionally, the console is operable to control two difficulty parameters of an exercise machine. The console may also include preset programs selectable by a user. The preset programs may include a fitness test comprising a series of exercise time segments of increasing difficulty, in which a user's fitness level is based on the user's inability to continue exercising beyond a particular time segment.

Abstract: Computer exercise system including at least two exercise devices coupled to a computer through a serial mouse port. These devices provide on/off signals to the computer indicating when the devices have been fully compressed or extended. The computer runs a program that responds to these inputs by requesting activation of the devices for a predetermined number of repetitions and a predetermined number of sets, with a preselected amount of delay between repetitions and sets. Alternatively, a game program is provided that requires patient input from one exercise device in order to perform a first function and requires patient input from the other exercise device to perform a second function. At the start of the game program, it is selected which exercise device is to provide the more frequently needed function.

Abstract: An apparatus to relieve back and leg pain comprising a housing with fasteners for mounting the housing to a ceiling. A pair of cable lines extend downwardly from the housing, while a foot support is affixed to the lower ends of the cable lines. A mechanism is for controlling the vertical movement of the foot support by raising and lowering the cable lines. A person can lie down on their back upon a horizontal surface under the ceiling adjacent the foot support and place their feet upon the foot support when lowered. The foot support can be raised to assist in easing the back and leg pain the person is suffering from.

Abstract: An exercise unit for applying a rectilinear vibration and a swing vibration to the user. The exercise unit is divided into a lateral vibration part and a swing vibration part which are driven by two separated driving motor respectively. The lateral vibration part converts a rotative motion of the motor into a rectilinear vibrating motion to provide the user with the rectilinear vibration. The swing vibration part converts the rotative motion into a swing vibrating motion to provide the user with the swing vibration. The two parts may be selectively driven by a single driving motor.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus is for supportively aiding a patient's therapeutic upper limb movements and rehabilitation of those corresponding muscles. A skeletal frame has two exercise assemblies mounted on it. Each exercise assembly has a substantially horizontal boom, a first weight resistance assembly in depending relationship to the rearward end of said boom, a flexible connecting line extending from the first weight assembly and then along the boom to a sling for a patient's upper limb, and a depending leg to which the boom is pivotally mounted at its rearward end for pivot swinging adduction and abduction movement of the boom. An adjustable stop system is associated with the boom pivot mounting and permits step-wise setting of stop limits for the adduction and abduction pivot swinging movement of the boom. The flexible connecting line does not extend across the axis for the pivot of the boom. Color coded connecting lines for different slings and weight assemblies are used.

Abstract: An ambulatory support system for providing support for a patient. The support system includes an overhead system which allows a support carrier to travel within its confines so that it may be located above a patient at any time. The support system supplies a passive fall interruption device which restrain freefalling of a patient. The restraint system allows a patient, once falling, to be lowered slowly to the ground. In addition, the overhead support system of the present invention provides an accessory mount in which folding tables, IVs, monitors, and the like may be suspended from the ceiling and may be moved anywhere in the region underneath the overhead system.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluation of a limb of a test subject. The apparatus generally includes a pedal or grip to secure the distal end of the limb to the apparatus and a seat to secure the proximal end of the limb to the apparatus. A motor and transmission assembly is coupled to the pedal or grip to provide a controlled load to the distal end of the limb. The apparatus also includes a measurement and control system to determine the load to be applied, and to measure and compute the force on each joint of the limb while the controlled load is applied to the limb.