In-bed exercise machine and method of use
First Claim
1. A method of ‘
- in-bed’
exercise to strengthen and maintain muscle groups necessary for normal human functional activities, while exerciser is sitting or reclining in bed, comprising the steps of;
(a) attaching a portable in-bed exercise machine to a bed in a safe and secure manner, whereby said bed and said exercise machine become an integrated unit, forming a closed force loop during exercise periods;
(b) placing said exerciser'"'"'s extremities, which are to be exercised, into appropriate, adjustable, force arms of said exercise machine;
(c) applying programmed isometric, isotonic, or isokinetic forces actively to provide concentric and eccentric closed kinetic chain exercise, said forces being applied both in the direction of the motion of said force arms and in opposition to the direction of motion of said force arms;
(d) regulating action of said exercise machine through its programmable control system to allow bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal exercise at forces up to body weight level and under exercise regimens simulating muscle actions used in performing normal human functional activities.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods of use of a portable in-bed exercising machine are provided for strengthening and/or strength maintenance of the musculature and ligaments associated with an extremity. The exercise apparatus employs the principles of closed kinetic chain exercise of the extremity in both concentric and eccentric modes and for isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercise. Each extremity is engaged separately allowing for bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal motion. As exemplified for lower extremities, force is actively applied to the feet with each lower extremity having the force level continuously adjustable from zero force to a force equal to or greater than body-weight The exercise motions and force applications use the same major muscle groups as functional activities such as standing from a chair, climbing stairs walling, jumping and jogging. Vertical support is provided for the lower extremity to stabilize and control the lower extremity motion within safe limits. Back support is provided for the user to exercise in a supine position. Almost any bed may be integrated with the force producing machine to form the exercise apparatus. The methods of use are adaptable to low gravity environments such as space stations, space shuttles, and other space-like environments.
193 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method of ‘
- in-bed’
exercise to strengthen and maintain muscle groups necessary for normal human functional activities, while exerciser is sitting or reclining in bed, comprising the steps of;(a) attaching a portable in-bed exercise machine to a bed in a safe and secure manner, whereby said bed and said exercise machine become an integrated unit, forming a closed force loop during exercise periods;
(b) placing said exerciser'"'"'s extremities, which are to be exercised, into appropriate, adjustable, force arms of said exercise machine;
(c) applying programmed isometric, isotonic, or isokinetic forces actively to provide concentric and eccentric closed kinetic chain exercise, said forces being applied both in the direction of the motion of said force arms and in opposition to the direction of motion of said force arms;
(d) regulating action of said exercise machine through its programmable control system to allow bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal exercise at forces up to body weight level and under exercise regimens simulating muscle actions used in performing normal human functional activities. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
(e) recording and storing performance data and exercise regimen with said exercise machine'"'"'s data acquisition and storage system; and
(f) printing or displaying said performance data and said exercise regimen.
- in-bed’
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3. The method of in-bed exercise according to claim 1, wherein said application of force in step (c) is applied in a graduated fashion over a predetermined time interval until reaching a predetermined set force level.
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4. The method of in-bed exercise according to claim 2, further comprising a step of:
(g) interfacing programming control with a visual display device and a data input device and providing visual or aural operation control and performance feedback.
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5. The method of in-bed exercise according to claim 2, further comprising the steps of:
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(h) interconnecting said programmable control system and said data acquisition system with at least one vitals signs monitor, all emergency stop switches, all pressure/force transducers, and position sensors, to recording and logic means components of said exercise machine; and
(i) automatically shutting down said exercise machine when recorded data exceeds preprogrammed limit values of vital signs.
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6. The method of in-bed exercise according to claim 2, further comprising the steps of:
(j) collecting substantially continuous data on velocity and acceleration of said force arms and force applied by user and then storing or using such data to calculate and report instantaneous power and total work applied by user.
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7. The method of in-bed exercise according to claim 1, wherein said force source is applied to adjustable, force arms of said exercise machine so as to provide reversing forces during incursion and excursion for use of the machine as a passive motion machine such that no work is required of the user.
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8. The method of in-bed exercise according to claim 1, wherein exercises are done in an environment of low gravity.
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9. The method of in-bed exercise according to claim 8, wherein said low gravity environment is a space vehicle, including a space station and a space satellite.
Specification