Patent Application
20140106946
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of holistic exercise procedures for holistic treatment, and devices used in such exercises. More specifically, this invention relates to a repetitive exercise procedure that enhances urine retention by enabling the user's bladder to expand to its original size when the bladder space is invaded by the small and large intestine due, for example, to gas and intestinal spasms. This invention further relates an exercise belt that is used in such bladder expanding exercise.
2. Related Art
Applicant is aware of the following prior art relating to this invention, none of which teach or suggest the exercise method of this invention, the exercise belt used in such exercise method and the benefits derived therefrom and
U.S. Pat. No. 1,966,175 to Kappner describes an abdominal truss used for supporting the abdomen and relieving hernia that includes integral hernia pads.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,086,529 to Munz et al. describes an elastic constriction band or ribbon of rubber having Velcro™ fasteners on the ends that is used on arms or legs for the purpose of controlling blood circulation.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,342 to Salmasian describes a belt which has a convex side which is pressed into the abdomen about “three fingers” over the navel displacing the abdomen inwardly from the front to suppress appetite.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,105 to Goldenberg describes the intermittent stretching and relaxing of abdominal muscles for massaging internal organs by applying adjustable intermittent pressure inwardly and upwardly through an inflatable bag on the abdomen and withdrawing air from the bag. The reference teaches that a benefit is to “ . . . speed up the digestive process, promote elimination of waste, reduce excess abdominal fat, improve blood circulation and decongestion, and restore strength and elasticity to the muscles . . . ”
U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,157 to Sears describes a motorized abdominal muscle training device, i.e., a band, for placement about the lower torso and a segment passing over the belly.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,775 to Marenda describes a women's garment that includes an elastic waistband for control of abdominal bloating, bulging, and rippling.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,913 to Aruin et al describes a belt that generates a signal to indicate the user to contract the abdominal muscles. The patent describes the sequential relaxation and contraction of the abdominal muscles. It also describes increasing the abdominal volume by exercising the stomach muscles.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,008 to Gerhard describes a belt that includes a back portion and two wing portions that is worn by the patient for mitigating pain after surgery when the patient coughs.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,124 to Weiss describes a repetitive exercise for abdominal muscles by contracting the muscles against the suction produced by a vacuum.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,960 to McGibbons describes selected muscle tissue contacts against externally applied pressure and a strap used around the waist for the controlled development of abdominal muscles.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,490,602 to Sabri describes an external abdominal compression assembly having a balloon which is inflated prior to eating.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,121 to Goodman describes an elastically deformable maternity support belt.
US Published Application No. 2006/0293719 to Naghavi describes relieving “ . . . a symptom of urinary hesitancy, shy bladder syndrome, DESD, urinary retention . . . ” by modulation of the sympathetic-parasympathetic balance by the application of heat, carotid and/or ocular massage to a target muscle system.
US Published Application 2008/0289623 to Lee describes a therapeutic compression belt for alleviating menstrual cramps.
US Published Application 2007/0010380 to Wilkinson describes a garment that includes a tensioning abdominal band.
US Published Application 2009/0112129 to Lee describes an anti-pooling vest for inhibiting intradialytic hypotensive symptoms during hemodialysis treatment. The vest includes an inflatable bladder for applying compressive pressure on the internal organs.
US Published Application 2010/0076358 to Richardson describes an adjustable belt formed from “flexible but inextensible” material that indicates to the wearer that poor posture exists.
It is an object of this invention to provide an holistic repetitive urine retention exercise and a device to be used for such exercise.
More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a repetitive urine retention exercise and device therefore that expands the bladder to at least close to its original size when the bladder's space is invaded by the small intestine and/or large intestine due to gas and intestinal spasms.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide an holistic repetitive urine retention exercise and device therefore that prompts or assists the bladder to expand and return to its original size to thereby increase the bladder's urine capacity.
Another object of this invention is to provide a repetitive urine retention exercise and device therefore that reduces or eliminates frequent urination, nocturia, and/or reduces or eliminates the incidence of abdominal bloating.
Another object of this invention is to provide a repetitive urine retention exercise belt that is used in the exercise of this invention that is versatile and compact.
All of the foregoing objects and others are achieved by the holistic exercise method of this invention and belt for enhancing urine retention in a person having reduced urine retention. The method comprises the steps of:
a) providing an elastic resistance exercise belt of a size sufficient to encircle a users abdominopelvic region;
b) removably mounting the exercise belt around the abdominopelvic region of the user;
c) expanding the abdominopelvic region outward as far as possible by the user against the resistive force of the exercise belt; and then
d) pulling the abdominopelvic region back into the body as far as possible with the resistance exercise belt elastically retained in a snug position against the exterior of the abdominopelvic region;
e) repeating a cycle comprising the expanding step c) and the pulling step d) for a sufficient number of cycles per day for a sufficient number of days to enhance the urine retention of the person.
Other important objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following Detailed Description of the Invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Throughout this application, reference is made to numerous anatomical organs in or locations on the body. Applicant has appropriately indicated these organs and relevant locations in
This invention is directed to an holistic exercise procedure and an exercise belt 20 used in such procedure. The exercise is primarily used for enhancing urine retention in a person (patient) that has reduced urine retention. Such reduced urine retention is evidenced by symptoms of frequent urination, nocturia, and perhaps abdominal bloating.
Broadly the method comprises the steps of:
a) providing an elastic resistance exercise belt 20 of a size sufficient to encircle a users abdominopelvic region;
b) removably mounting the exercise belt 20 around the abdominopelvic region of the user;
c) expanding the abdominopelvic region outward as far as possible by the user against the resistive force of the exercise belt 20; and then
d) pulling the abdominopelvic region back into the body as far as possible with the resistance exercise belt 20 elastically retained in a snug position against the exterior of the abdominopelvic region;
e) repeating a cycle comprising the expanding step c) and the pulling step d) for a sufficient number of cycles per day for a sufficient number of days to enhance the urine retention of the person.
The resistance exercise belt 20 is made of a suitable elastomeric material which has inherent position memory, i.e., does not deform with repeated stretching and maintains its shape after such repeated stretching.
The repetitive exercise cycle of contraction and expansion of the abdominopelvic region creates additional space in the abdominopelvic cavity permitting the urinary bladder to fill up. This exercise is particularly useful for those people who suffer from overactive bladder (OAB) and frequent urination.
This bladder expansion exercise when done with the resistance exercise belt 20 allows the urinary bladder to expand and fill up with more urine by simultaneously moving gas out the large and small intestines and removing stiffness and spasms from both intestines, which can encroach upon and impact the space where the urinary bladder exists due to the turgor/turgid effect.
Generally, the turgor/turgid effect is the ability of an organ to occupy a maximal space within a given cavity, due to its elasticity and vascular pressure. When gas remains in the intestines and does not escape via the mouth or anus, i.e., either end of the gastrointestinal system, it remains stagnant inside the abdominopelvic and/or pelvic cavity(s). As the gas expands inside these cavities, the wall of the small and/or large intestine move into space occupied by the urinary bladder, effectively reducing the volume to which it can naturally expand. Due to this now limited capacity to hold a normal volume of urine, frequent urination and urinary incontinence now ensues. As a result of the use of the exercise method of this invention, the bladder is permitted to expand into the pelvic cavity and the urinary bladder can once again completely fill up.
Spasmodic and or stiff intestines can also cause the turgor effect to cause an over active bladder (OAB) and frequent urination. Inflexible intestinal walls and spasmodic and stiff intestines do not permit the bladder to expand into its own space.
Generally, the exercise routine or cycle consists of first mounting or wrapping the resistance exercise belt 20 around the exterior of the abdominopelvic region of the person. After the exercise belt 20 is in position the person pushes out against the exercise belt 20, without breathing. Preferably the pushing should expand the abdominopelvic region to about 95% of its capability or capacity. Subsequently, the abdominopelvic region is pulled in as far as possible, without breathing. This is one “cycle.” This cycle is then repeated numerous times.
More specifically, for the user to obtain optimum results from the exercise of this invention, i.e., enhanced urine retention, the recommended number of cycles must be completed. In order to obtain the desired results, the user should complete in one exercise period at least about 50 complete cycles (which can be performed in about 50 seconds or more) up to about 750 cycles (which can be performed in about 5½ minutes or more) per day.
The number of cycles is dictated partially by the state of the patients abdominopelvic and pelvic cavity as evaluated by a physical examination. The more serious the findings, the more likely the the patent (user) will need to complete a higher number of cycles.
After the user has completed all the required cycles for any particular day they may remove the exercise belt 20 and store it for use the next day.
For the user to receive the desired results from the exercise the appropriate number of cycles must be completed on a daily basis. The user should start with 50 complete cycles per day and slowly work up to as many as 750 cycles per day.
When a user first starts the exercise regimen, most will only be able to perform a maximum of about 50 cycles per day for the first week. If they can do more then the required 50 cycles they should strive to do so. Some users for the first few days may only be able to do 20 to 25 complete cycles. If this is the case, they should be encouraged to increase that number to at least about 50 repetitions per day as soon as they are able to do so.
For the user to maintain the enhanced urine retention from the exercise of this invention, the user should complete a minimum of 50 to 100 complete cycles per day. After obtaining enhanced urine retention (and the exercise routine is discontinued) and the overactive bladder symptoms reappear, the exercise regimen should be restarted to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
It is possible for the user of the exercise of this invention to experience transitory stabbing like pain in the abdominal and pelvic regions after approximately 21 days of exercising using this routine. If the user experiences such transitory pain they should avoid performing the exercise for a day or two and then continue the regimen. Such pain is usually a signal that there is stiffness and gas accumulation in the intestines. If the user experiences such pain after achieving positive results, i.e., enhanced urine retention, and the pain subsides, they should be strongly encouraged to continue the regimen.
The resistance exercise belt 20, used herein may be of various shapes, styles, and sizes and may be unitary exercise belt or exercise belt requiring attachment of the ends to encircle the person.
A preferred exercise belt and its positioning on the body while being used in the exercise of this invention is depicted in
The preferred location of the belt 20 on the body while performing the exercises of this invention, hereinafter referred to as the strategic locus, is important in order to achieve the optimum benefits from the exercise. Even though the exercise of this invention specifically targets the organs immediately surrounding the urinary bladder, the exercise is primarily directed at the urinary bladder within the pelvic cavity. Thus positioning of the exercise belt 20 on the person practicing the exercise is important.
Referring to
The use of the exercise belt 20 at the strategic locus, particularly the preferred exercise belt of this invention, provides the user with multiple benefits. These benefits include physical benefits, psychological benefits, as well as mind-body coordination benefits.
The preferred exercise belt 20 of this invention is shown in
The average waist size for women is 37 inches and enough material (length) should be provided for women of almost all girths to allow for use of the exercise belt 20. Likewise, the average waist size for a man is 40 inches and enough material (length) should be provided for men of almost all girths to allow for use of the exercise belt. By way of example, the exercise belt can range from 37 inches to 45 inches in length (circumference) and from three inches to six inches in width, preferably five inches.
Referring to
For example,
In
Although it might be impossible to accurately perform each complete action with the four balance indicators 28, 30 in perfect alignment due to the convex nature of the abdomen depending on the end-users girth and gender, the user should strive as much as possible to perform each action so that the indicators are in alignment, particularly when first starting to do the exercise routine.
Among the physical benefits that are gained through proper use of the indicators 28, 30 and placement on the body is that the user will be able to more easily perform a full action using the device. The indicators 28, 30 provide the user with external reference points to visually measure his/her performance. The four balance indicators 28, 30 provide the user with enhanced psychological benefit in that he/she is working towards achieving the goal of perfectly performed cycles of the exercise routine which will also reward the user with more rapid results.
The mind-body coordination benefits that are gained through proper placement of exercise belt 20 over the pelvic cavity provides the user increased focus on the pelvic cavity by shifting their awareness towards this exact area of their body. Because the pelvic cavity is located deep inside where the human body's critical lower organs reside (including the urinary bladder), normal mind-body awareness of this region is not as intimate or strong as with nearly any other part of the body likes ones upper extremities (shoulders, arms, and hands) or ones lower extremities (hips, legs, or feet) which get used on a relatively frequent basis. Therefore the exercise belt 20 and the exercise succeed by giving the user a specific area on which to concentrate their efforts and attention (abdominopelvic cavities) utilizing their vision and tactile sensations.
To determine if a patient requires the use of the exercise of this invention, a physical examination of the abdominopelvic region is performed. Palpation often reveals objective physical differences in the abdominopelvic region, indicating that the exercise of this invention will be helpful. Objective signs upon palpation of the abdominopelvic region include increased resistance upon direct downward pressure of the abdominopelvic region signaling hardness and pressure of the intestines. Subjective signs upon palpation of the abdominopelvic region experienced by the patient include fear of gentle pressure, pain, discomfort, and least frequently the urgent need to urinate.
After the exercise of this invention has been followed by the patient for an initial seven day time period, physical re-examination of the abdominopelvic region shows immediate objective changes nearly 100% of the time as long as the patient is properly following directions for successful use of the exercise. Objective signs upon palpation of the abdominopelvic region after this initial period, include decreased resistance signaling minimized hardness and pressure of the intestines. Subjective signs upon palpation of the abdominopelvic region during re-examination following initiation of the exercise include minimal fear of gentle pressure, minimal pain, minimal discomfort, and minimal urgent need to urinate.
Every patient who under goes physical examination for initiation of the exercise frequently will display different affected areas within the abdominopelvic region. The majority of patients will overall experience affected areas located inferior to the umbilicus and superior to the pubic bone. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gray829.png. The minority of the patients affected areas will include the area superior to the umbilicus and inferior the the anterior mediastinum. http://upload.wikipedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/Mediastinum.png
While various changes may be made in the detailed construction and processes of this invention, it will be understood that such changes will be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit and scope thereof.
This is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 13/065,443 filed on Mar. 22, 2011, to be issued on Dec. 24, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,613,693. The entire disclosure of this application is incorporated herein be reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13065443 | Mar 2011 | US |
| Child | 14109310 | US |
