Extensor muscle based postural rehabilitation systems and methods with integrated multimedia therapy and instructional components

• US 20070270295A1
• Filed: 03/26/2007
• Published: 11/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Anastasios Balis
• Original Assignee: Anastasios Balis
• Inventors: Balis, Anastasios
• Granted Patent: US 7,635,324 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/142
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/62 Posture
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0023 for isometric exercising, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/02 posture
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0204 Standing on the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0244 with signalling or indicating means, e.g. of incorrect posture, for deep-breathing exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 26/00 Exercising apparatus not covered by groups A63B1/00 - A63B25/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/902 Employing specific graphic or video display
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/907 Stretching

Abstract

The present invention provides upright, standing, and weight bearing support system for the sternum, arms, and pelvis. The present invention maintains the subject in an ideal posture position, while the guiding the subject through therapeutic exercises that have a specific and practical application towards standing up straight. The system provides video and audio stimulation, educational instruction, and evokes potential central nervous system stimulation.

Claims

1. A posture rehabilitation apparatus comprising:

a human body positioning system having a torso shroud and a chest pad connected to the torso shroud, the chest pad being substantially between left and right arm supports, the human body positioning system enabling a human to stand in an upright position, while isolating and activating the extensor muscle groups of the human'"'"'s body; and

an integrated therapeutic multimedia system, coupled to the human body position system, capable of providing the human with neurological rehabilitation.

2. A posture rehabilitation apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the integrated therapeutic multimedia system further includes a video display device enabling neurological rehabilitation for the human by providing the human with video guided eye exercises.

3. A posture rehabilitation apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the integrated therapeutic multimedia system further includes a sound system enabling neurological rehabilitation for the human by providing the human with audio guided musculo-skeletal exercises.

4. A posture rehabilitation apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the integrated therapeutic multimedia system further includes a sound system enabling neurological rehabilitation for the human by providing the human with sound and vibratory therapy.

5. A posture rehabilitation apparatus as in claim 4 wherein the sound vibration therapy includes chimes.

6. A posture rehabilitation apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the integrated therapeutic multimedia system provides neurological rehabilitation by enabling the human to interact with a multimedia presentation of 3-D virtual reality exercise demonstrations.

7. A posture rehabilitation apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the human body positioning system further provides a mechanism for monitoring the human'"'"'s posture using biofeedback.

8. A posture rehabilitation apparatus as in claim 7 wherein the information obtained from the biofeedback provides a means for producing a doctor'"'"'s report of findings.

9. A posture rehabilitation apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the human body positioning system further includes a foot platform providing foot support, the foot platform being capable of moving to an up position and down position.

10. A posture rehabilitation apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the human body positioning system further includes a seat for the human to sit on, while stile ensuring that the human maintain upright ideal posture.

11. A posture rehabilitation apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the human body positioning system further includes a combination of active and passive conservative musculo-skeletal therapy.

12. A method of rehabilitating posture, the method comprising the steps of:

causing a user to stand in an upright position with ideal posture, while isolating and activating the extensor muscle groups of the user'"'"'s body; and

providing the user with neurological rehabilitation while the user maintains the upright position posture by (a) providing the user with video guided eye exercises, (b) providing the user with audio guided musculo-skeletal exercises, (c) providing the user with sound and vibratory therapy, and (d) enabling the user to navigate through 3-D virtual reality guided exercises.

13. A system for rehabilitating posture comprising:

means for causing a user to stand in an upright position with ideal posture, while isolating and activating the extensor muscle groups of the user'"'"'s body; and

means providing the user with neurological rehabilitation while the user maintains the upright position posture including (a) means for providing the user with video guided eye exercises, (b) means for providing the user with audio guided musculo-skeletal exercises, (c) means for providing the user with sound and vibratory therapy, and (d) means for enabling the user to navigate through 3-D virtual reality guided exercises.