Patent Application
20250229125
The disclosure of this patent application relates generally to an exercise training device and methods; and in particular it relates to an experiential and self corrective neuromuscular training device, designed to engage movement through all 3 human anatomical planes of motion and to facilitate the activation and stabilization of the requisite muscle groups to effectively train entire primary fundamental and functional movement patterns, for the purposes of dynamically optimizing biomechanics and lowering the risk of injury.
In the United States alone, over 60,000 female athletes suffer from Anterior cruciate ligament tears each year. Female high school athletes are disproportionately affected, being 5 times more likely to sustain a non-contact ACL injury compared to males. Even more suffer from meniscal tears and some significant percentage of those will also sustain damage to the medial collateral ligament in the knee. Damage to all three structures is conventionally known in the orthopedic world as the ‘terrible triad,’ and effects both boys and girls-men and women—but the highest incidence is in adolescent girls. The medical consensus on the etiology of this pathology is the tendency for adolescent girls to present with a ‘knock-kneed’ posture that even at rest, is overloading the medial structures of the knee. Therefore, when under excessive load or stress, such as during athletic competition, the tissues become over-stressed and often rupture and tear. This is, again, not exclusive to adolescent girls and certain stress injuries to the knee are more prevalent in boys than girls, such as simple meniscus tears—which occur at a ratio of 2.5:1, males to females. When considering other common musculoskeletal injuries, such as sprained ankles and femoral acetabular impingement, a common thread can be found in the root cause; a postural instability and corresponding weakness that stems from poor neuromuscular control of the lower quarter. Weakness, primarily of the hip musculature—that is generally responsible for maintaining alignment and function of the leg—is compounded by developmental tendencies of especially adolescent girls to present with a valgus angle at the knees-a posture more commonly referred to as being knock-kneed.
This is most prevalent in young females because their hips tend to be wide relative to their base of support/stance during adolescent maturation and development. This standing posture, again, applies a disproportionate stress to the medial components of the knee including the MCL and ACL.
Similarly, many shoulder injuries also result from poor postural dynamics and poor neuromuscular control of the stabilizing musculature. Shoulder injuries are even more common than knee and hip injuries and can generally result from a wide variety of potential causes. Broadly, shoulder injuries can be divided into traumatic injuries and overuse injuries—the primary difference being that traumatic injuries are less predictable and therefore harder to prevent whereas overuse injuries are typically a function of poor mechanics, alignment and/or stability. Therefore, this class of injuries-overuse injuries—may be largely preventable with the appropriate training system. For example, overhead athletes sustain far more overuse injuries than traumatic injuries and it is estimated that 30% of all overhead athletes will experience an overuse shoulder injury over their athletic careers. Overuse injuries are not only present in athletes, however, as non-athletes are just as likely to experience shoulder pain and pathology as a result of poor body mechanics or general overuse during work related activities or even home workouts.
The high rate of injury and pain associated with traumatic and non-traumatic injuries for either the upper or lower extremities alike is a widely recognized public health issue and accordingly, physician's have utilized a variety of treatment options; these include analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, injections and physical therapy. If these conservative treatments are not provided early enough, often times surgical intervention is required. The conservative standard of care for some of the most common shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff impingement, strain or tears is to improve the postural dynamics of the individual and the strength and stability of the shoulder and the scapula-thoracic joint specifically. Creating a strong foundation from which the arm can safely exert force directly implicates the primary proximal joints (gelno-humeral and scapula-thoracic) as the most meaningful target of treatment. The standard of care for the aforementioned lower extremity pathologies can be summarized by restoring optimal balance between medial and lateral stressors at the knee which, because of skeletal geometry and alignment, means improving strength and neuromuscular control of the primary proximal joint of the lower extremity—namely strengthening the hip extensors, abductors and external rotators. By maximizing strength and control throughout the upper and lower quarter in these specific movement patterns, one optimizes the biomechanics of all movements related to walking, running, jumping and cutting; in addition to pressing overhead, reaching and throwing. In turn, this minimizes the risk of injury associated with any sport or activity which demands these movements—in addition to preventatively addressing additional conditions associated with misalignment of the lower extremity, such as patella-femoral dysfunction. This has been a successful approach and can be utilized to improve male or female alignment and health of the shoulder and hips/knees—for all ages—as well as to improve function of the foot and the hip—but there are significant shortcomings to this approach.
One significant problem with simply referring patients to Physical Therapy is that typically, patients are referred only after the onset of pain or injury and by that time, the patient has already incurred significant costs associated with treatment. These costs include, but are not limited to; financial costs, time, and most significantly, pain and the psycho-social stress associated with it and the limitations to activity it imposes. Most coaches, trainers and physical educators for elementary to college age athletes do not have the time, education or resources to assess and monitor the individual movement mechanics of all of their athletes. As a result, poor movement patterns develop and become engrained, thus ultimately leading to pain and injury, at which point they will typically be referred to physical therapy—if it is even available in their community/affordable within their respective budgets. However, once the injury has occurred, the chances of returning to a high level sport is exceedingly low. Following an ACL tear, for example, only 30% of athletes will be able to return to competition level sport and then 10-20% of those athletes will sustain a re-injury.
The pain points of the current environment include: 1) The reactive nature of our health care model-patients are referred to physical therapy only after the onset of pain or injury. 2) Coaches, trainers, and other physical educators not having adequate time and resources to assess and monitor the movement mechanics of all their athletes. 3) Lack of proper education and expertise at sufficient levels for coaches, trainers, and other physical educators at lower level sports and youth athletics. 4) Long time delays and high costs for accessing health care—or the complete lack thereof in some under-served communities. 5) Difficulty in consistently repeating proper form and technique to develop the ideal muscle memory (neuro pathways) for creating the best habits. 6) Limitations with respect to training with verbal and visual methods versus the superior training which takes place in experiential processes where one feels the appropriate muscle activations themselves. 7) The chasm between person to person training (1 on 1) versus group and class learning situations.
Consequently, the need for a system and device to address these issues exists. A universally available device and method, which can be a part of any schools athletic program (or anyone's home gym), that with minimal supervision (or instruction), can effectively (and intuitively) train anyone to move safely and efficiently through pressing and pushing movements is ideal. Being that the squat is a foundational movement pattern that precedes other more complex movements like running, jumping or cutting—and the pressing movement such as a push up is a primary upper extremity movement pattern preceding any overhead movements like throwing or swimming; focusing on these movements and targeting these specific muscle groups provides the maximum benefit to the user while minimizing the risk of injury.
In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which are illustrations of embodiments in which the disclosed invention may be implemented and practiced. It is to be understood, however, that those skilled in the art may develop other structural and functional modifications without departing from the novelty and scope of the instant disclosure.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present examples may be embodied as a system, method or program product. Accordingly, some examples may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred herein as a “circuit”, “module” or “system”. Further, some embodiments may take the form of a computer program product embodied in any non-transitory tangible medium of expression having computer-usable program code stored therein.
The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, parts and/or sections. It should be understood that these elements, components, regions, parts and/or sections are not limited by these terms of designation. These terms of designation have been used only to distinguish one element, component, region, part, or section from another region, part, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, part, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, part, or section merely for purposes of distinction but without departing from structural or functional meaning.
Exemplary embodiments are described below in more detail with reference to the several drawings where like reference numerals refer to like parts.
The overarching intent of the subject exercise device 10, method and system includes: 1) Decreasing the risk of injury; 2) Increases functional capacity and performance; 3) Bridges the gaps of cost and time within our health care system; 4) Allows for mastery level training with experiential methods; and 5) Instilling a self-corrective process which ensures the user trains correctly.
Beyond these gains and benefits in the functionality of the method and system, when the three planes of movement are simultaneously engaged as previously described, the system demonstrates a synergistic value wherein the sum of all the parts proves to be greater than each individually. In physiologic terms, this is described as functional neuromuscular training and refers specifically to the development of coordination between the brain and body via its communication network to execute fundamental patterns of movement. Simply put, if any one of the three planes is excluded from having independent resistance applied within its range of motion along with its associated monitored effect to the user, then the user is limited in the benefits from the self-corrective and neuromuscular training element. While on the other hand, when all three planes are utilized in this method and system, the user is automatically trained with ideal form and movement within the body's biomechanics. Due to this benefit, the user has significantly more potential to perform the given exercises in optimal form, thereby significantly reducing risk of injury and the development of poor movement patterns.
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Upon the base 12 a parallel track 20 may be mounted the full length of the base 12 which may allow for two sliding platforms 22 to move medially and laterally from a midline position. As seen in
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The first embodiment of the subject exercise device 10 is a therapeutic exercise and training system which has the unique capacity to provide direct and independent resistance to bilateral abductive, torsional, and center of mass controlling forces primarily at the hips and lower extremities for the purposes of training safe and effective squatting movements and squat variations. By design, it also serves as a stable platform to push up from which provides biofeedback to the user via tactile, auditory, and visual cueing in order to ensure safe and effective form throughout the desired movement. This means that with the users body weight alone, the subject exercise device 10 has the capacity to provide resistance in all three planes of movement simultaneously and independently to each side of the body (right and left lower extremities), and inhibit the development of faulty movement mechanics that could precipitate pain and future injury. The 3 planes of movement being discussed in relation to human anatomy and the device's functionality are: 1) The coronal plane involving abduction or adduction movements of the legs associated with the pelvis. In this movement, the feet move away or towards each other laterally; 2) The sagittal plane involving weight and balance transfer to the back or front of the feet. Here the body's center of mass (center of gravity) is shifting, tilting, and pivoting anteriorly or posteriorly. Although resistance in the sagittal plane is provided by the users bodyweight, additional resistance to this plane of movement can be created by carrying or holding any additional weight in a variety of positions by the user, by adjusting the location of the pivot points on the platform, or by adding resistance to the tilting of the platform; 3) The transverse plane involving external or internal rotation of the legs in relation to the pelvis. This is a torquing action in which the entire leg rotates along its long axis. With both feet on their respective areas on the device, the user may go through rotational ranges varying from internally rotated to a neutral (straight) to externally rotated positions based on comfort and desired impact.
Furthermore, within the coronal plane, the maintaining of lateral weight load distribution symmetry by the user relative to their center of gravity (COG) may be facilitated and challenged by the exercise device 10 as it allows for vertical movement of the feet as the left and right sides of the device hinge from a mobile linkage at the midline. This allows each sides foot disc 28 to move laterally in the coronal plane which utilizes either a set of springs along the medial aspect of the base 12 or a spring-loaded track roller (wheel) that is positioned under and moves with the respective foot disc 28. Either placement allows for the feel (experience) of vertical movement of the each foot disc 28 in the coronal plane as one foot may be higher, lower, or level with the other foot. Further visualization of lateral asymmetry in the coronal plane indicating an uneven distribution of weight of one lower extremity as compared to the other can be quantified and represented to the user via the degree to which the cross connecting member of the left and right sides is level (parallel) with the ground. With the exercise device's 10 left and right sides independently having vertical travel capability, the user's individual weight would need to be taken into consideration when determining the resistances of the resisting mechanism 24 and 34, and their range of motion needs in the coronal plane for the specifications of the individual user. The significance of this particular movement is that it will minimize the risk of injury as a result of overuse and biasing weight distribution on one lower extremity as opposed to both evenly. 30. One of the intended purposes of the subject exercise device's 10 methods and systems are to accomplish two primary goals of physical therapy; namely optimizing the biomechanics of the lower extremity and to maximize muscle recruitment with its associated motor control coordination. This is achieved by the means of four vectors of movement taking place within the three anatomical planes. The 4 vectors of movement being the anterior-posterior shift of the users' center of gravity which occurs in the sagittal plane, the lateral shift in the users' center of gravity and abduction/adduction of the lower quarters which both occur in the coronal plane, and finally the external rotation of the lower quarter which occurs in the transverse plane. The exercise device's 10 simultaneous multi-planar neuromuscular facilitation and resistance with its tactile and visual feedback allows a physiologically ideal squatting movement pattern. Consequently, by using ideal biomechanics, the user with benefits of auto regulation, cueing, and education will have a reduced risk of injury while also maximizing the benefit in terms of strength, balance and proprioception. One example of this can be seen by the user's knees being automatically pushed outwards without instruction or conscious effort in the movement pattern (thereby creating ideal habits), as opposed to the tendency of bringing the knees inward and together in poor, faulty, and injury prone movement habits and patterns. Additional self-corrective items include but are not limited to: Keeping the users center of mass shifted back onto the heels not too far forward over their forefoot. Bracing and utilizing muscle segments specifically through the core which otherwise would be dormant (via the abduction cues). Maintaining symmetry of weight load distribution and muscle power output balance between both legs. Transitioning quad dominant users whereas someone is improperly utilizing the anterior muscle chain group of the body in imbalanced functionality over to a gluts dominant (more accurately the entire posterior muscle chain group) with a balanced functionality. Variables such as the amount of external rotation at the feet, amount of abduction of the legs, and amount of the shift related to the center of mass can be manipulated and customized in order to target specific muscle groups without losing the self-corrective functionality and feedback mechanisms. Furthermore, the user will have the capability to utilize the device's alternative capability options for structured and strategic variations of a squat movement pattern for additional benefits. These may include but are not limited to sumo squats, asymmetrical lateral/side lunges, isolating and developing muscles individually for a given plane, balancing proprioceptive exercises, and upper body exercises (variable loading chest press) to name a few.
As for use and methodologies of the subject exercise device 10, in one embodiment, and specifically focusing on the lower extremities and hips, a user implements 5 phases (steps). First, the user places both feet into the outlined areas and guides located on both of the foot-discs 28 of the exercise device 10 with flat feet utilizing 4 balanced points of contact with the exercise device 10 at an internally rotated starting position and with their feet close together (approximately 4 inches apart). These points of contact are the relative front and back of both feet (forefoot and heel). Second, the user establishes and maintains a proper spine alignment starting from the head and neck extending downward to a single neutral unit of the pelvis and lower back while maintaining scapular retraction. This position is analogous with and can also be referred to as a neutral spine. Third, the user generates and transfers 3 separate but linked force momentums (muscle contraction waves in the kinetic chain) originating from the ground upwards from the base of the feet through the legs and into the torso via the knees and the pelvis. The 3 coordinated, synchronized, and sequenced actions of the user's feet which are interacting with the device's high friction contact surfaces and the adjacent raised outer ridges associated with the feet outline guides located on the foot-discs 28 have the following order of (but not limited to) events: 1) the user externally rotates both of the foot-discs, 2) the user transfers the majority of their weight (center of mass) to both of the heels, and 3) the user laterally pushes both of the foot-discs apart from each other (otherwise known as abduction). A variety of time deltas (delays) or lack there of may be incorporated between these 3 actions. These three actions take place in the transverse, sagittal, and coronal planes associated with human anatomy and occur independently of one side and another—but are intended to be performed symmetrically with equal and balanced weight loading onto both legs.
The device's foot-discs 28 which the user's foot 56 is stepping onto in
Additionally, the exercise device 10, for each of the 3 actions dependently and independently can create varying levels of resistance for the user, limit ranges of motion (starting and stopping positions), and quantify (measure) the user's impact on both of those elements while providing live feedback for various desired and ideal target parameters. Now in the fourth phase in the user's interaction with the subject exercise device 10, they are prepared for the squatting movement pattern itself. In this stable standing position, while being muscularly braced, and quantified (calibrated and made aware of their phase 3 goal progressions and ones own symmetry), the user while keeping a neutral spine initially moves their hips backwards to begin the hip hinge component of a squatting motion, which is then followed secondarily by their knees starting to bend. Finally, with the fifth phase the user takes their hips through an arc movement pattern further back and down to within close proximity of the ground followed by a mirrored phase pattern having the same arc raising back up to the hips starting position—all while maintaining force into external rotation and abduction with their center of mass shifted posteriorly. Muscle power output is symmetrical and balanced on both legs throughout the fifth phase. The entire squatting movement pattern can then be repeated by the user along with any of the actions in phase 3 above and in any combination there of while the user is on the exercise device 10.
In the second embodiment of the subject innovation, the exercise device 10 is amended for use in pulling and pushing exercises utilizing the upper body (eg chest/arms/back/core). This is primarily achieved by applying resistance through all three planes of human anatomy (sagittal, coronal and transverse) via a hybrid closed chain movement pattern that is specifically facilitated by the subject exercise device 10 while optimizing the biomechanics of the upper extremities. In doing so, the exercise device 10 is able to facilitate the safest and most effective pressing and pushing movements-such as a chest press-which is a functional, multi-joint, primary movement pattern (similar to the squatting movement for the lower extremities). The above usage description could be modified for the upper body (chest press style exercises) with replacing the foot-discs 28 for hand-discs (not shown) or usage of a universal-disc design on the sliding platforms 22 which can function for both hands or feet. In this use case, the user would lower themselves into a ‘plank’ position with their hands located on the foot/hand discs 28. They would then rotate their hands, and by extension their entire upper extremity into an externally rotated position acting through the transverse plane of movement. They would then slightly abduct their hands against the cueing nature of the exercise device's 10 resistance mechanisms 24 and 34 thereby bringing them in alignment with their shoulders, working in the coronal plane. Finally and specifically in regards to a push up or chest press style of exercise, the body's center of gravity (the way the bodyweight is distributed over the surface of the hand) plays a smaller role in the self corrective automatic training value of the exercise device 10 in maintaining ideal form and movement, however, the sagittal plane is utilized in facilitation and recruitment of stabilizing muscles of the arm and shoulders by function of the tilt feature creating an unstable surface. In this situation, the slight tilt or forward/backward movement of the surface demands increased muscular recruitment, but could also be valuable in achieving a more comfortable position for the wrists.
The exercise device 10 utilizes dynamic stability and self-corrective neuromuscular training for compound closed chain fundamental movement patterns (ie squatting or push-ups) for improving the users' biomechanics and lowering the risk of injury. The mechanism of action required to achieve this is equally applicable to the upper body and upper body pressing movement patterns as they are to the lower body and lower body pressing movement patterns (squatting) because of the analogous anatomy and physiology of the primary proximal joint of the upper extremity (Gleno-Humeral Jt) and the primary proximal joint of the lower extremity (Femoro-Acetabular Jt). By first, isolating the three anatomical planes, then controlling for 4 vectors of movement within, and finally allowing for independent observation and quantification for both sides of the body along with monitoring of overall symmetry in weight load distribution between the left and right side; a total of 9 parameters are created that all play a role in providing continual feedback (tactile and visual) to the user with the end goal of ensuring optimization of biomechanics when performing full range dynamic functional movement patterns.
An additional embodiment of the subject exercise device 10 includes: 80 degrees of foot/arm rotation range (20 degrees internal starting position and 60 degrees external from neutral ending position) with 12 degree intervals of adjustability creating 5 adjustable lockout stopping positions; an abduction total range of 40 inches (20 inches per side) with 1 inch incremental adjustment lockout stopping points throughout the range per side; and 16 inch foot discs 28 or 8 inch hand platforms. Resistance specification range from: Abduction resistance of 5-40 pounds; Rotational resistance of 5-60 pounds. Tilt functionality forward and back with a range of 5 degrees forward and 5 degrees backward of the pivot point 18 and in relation to being parallel with the ground; Tilt mechanism lockouts to prevent forward and backward movement if desired; pound weight capacity (user plus accessory weights); Feet starting position at a minimum of 4 inches from each other (normal walking gate is 3-6 inches); and hands starting position about in line with the shoulders.
Additional specification of the subject device include: 90 degrees of foot/arm rotation (40 degrees internal starting position and 50 degrees external from neutral ending position); an abduction total range of 5 feet; and 12 inch foot standing discs or 8 inch hand platforms. Resistance specification range from: Abduction resistance of 5-40 pounds; Rotational resistance of 5-60 pounds; Tilt functionality forward and back with variable pivot point capability up to 20 degrees; 400 pound weight capacity (user plus accessory weights); Feet starting position at a minimum of 4 inches from each other (normal walking gate is 3-6 inches); and hands starting position about in line with the shoulders.
Various types of resistance mechanisms 24 and 34 may be incorporated for all three planes of the device's functionality including but are not limited to: rubber tubing and bands, springs and coils, hydraulics, pneumatics, fabrics, gravity via body weight, gravity via external weights, electric motors, magnets, and pistons.
The subject device's components include the foot-disc 28, the base 12, the tracks 20, the frame 14, and the subframe 16. Additionally the contacting points and surfaces between these individual parts may fall into the categories of either being a fixed type joint (stationary) or a movable type joint (thereby capable of incorporating: a resistance element, a range of motion limiter element, and the quantifications of the user's interaction with those 2 elements). Furthermore, each of the movable joints may be capable of independently acting on the 3 planes and rotation axes associated with the human anatomy (and the movement through those planes) by producing (limiting) the direction of movement and applying varying types of resistance to the user in a squatting movement pattern (or chest press). Consequently, with this combination of components, fixed joints, and movable joints along with the associated combinations and sequencing of movement possibilities associated with their independent resistance factors throughout the 3 planes of movement the user would be able to maintain complete stability with and in relation to the exercise device 10.
Other embodiments of the exercise device 10 may further increase user control and adjustability, in addition to the primary resistance mechanism of each plane, by incorporating additional types of resistances in any one of the 3 planes involved. These could include but not be limited to placing additional resistance mechanisms at the beginning, middle, and end range of motion which has been set up for the user. These auxiliary resistance mechanisms 54 may be seen in
The auxiliary resistance mechanisms 54 may be the same style of the primary resistance mechanisms 24 and 34 or of a completely different nature and style. One such application might be demonstrated in the coronal plane in which lateral abduction is occurring. In this regard without additional resistance being utilized at the end range, especially where the user's legs are moving outside and away from being underneath their hips, the user might improperly benefit from gravity/their weight being utilized in a leveraging effect to apply force on the exercise device 10 and its sensors without actually activating the desirable and appropriate muscles to facilitate ideal squatting biomechanics
The subject device may utilize 2 separate and distinct forms of resistance throughout each range of controlled motion—primarily for the abductive (lateral) movement using the platform resistance mechanism 24, and for external rotation of the foot disc using the rotational resistance mechanism 34. Each form of resistance—the initial nominal resistance and the secondary progressive resistance-will be adjustable to accommodate a wide range of user size/strength. The first type of resistance can be defined as a ‘nominal’ or baseline resistance that is intended to stabilize the device and que the user which direction to engage the moving parts. Resistance bands or surgical tubing 40 will provide the baseline resistance to the abductive movement and a coil spring will provide the baseline resistance to external rotations of the foot discs. There is a variety of other potential mechanisms for providing this baseline resistances in either plane of movement which may be in the form of pistons, pulleys, or a braking mechanism on the foot plate that slows the slide outwards while freely allowing the plates to slide back to the center line. The critical function of this initial resistance is again to que the users initial movement and to provide stability to the moving components so that they are not ‘free floating’ on the track, thereby aiding in balance and comfort for the user. The second form of resistance, which is also adjustable, is a progressive resistance that is applied to the last 1-2 inches of the set range/parameter of each movement (abduction and external rotation). These progressive resistance are independent of one another and serve the primary role of facilitating maximal muscular engagement in each of the two aforementioned planes of movement. By applying this secondary resistance via a rubber spring at the end range of motion, it not only creates maximal engagement of the targeted muscle groups that optimize squatting mechanics, but when paired with the pressure sensors, it necessitates that the user maintain that resistance throughout the squatting movement. Much like the primary nominal resistance, the end range spring also creates a more comfortable and user friendly experience with the device by avoiding hard ‘end feels,’ and creating a type of infinite range given that the spring would not be able to be fully compressed under normal human strength.
An additional component that may be integrated into the subject innovation may include a means for quantification and validation of the correct form of motion. Quantification of the user's effect within the three planes may involve measurements with regards to the amount of force being applied to, the ranges of motion taking place in, and with focus (emphasis) on specific locations (sections) within that range. These measurements may be taken by various analog and digital formats. By way if example, one embodiment of the exercise device 10 may incorporate pressure sensors 50 for all 3 planes of motions involved. These would include independent pressure sensors 50 for the left and right sides of the exercise device 10 which measure the amount of pressure being applied to an adjustable end range position of the lateral abduction movement in the coronal plane and the external rotation movement in the transverse plane. Additionally, pressure sensors 50 placed in the front and back of the tilting mechanism for the sagittal plane would enable measurements of the users weight distribution and relative balance which they are able to maintain for their center of mass throughout the squat movement pattern that is observed at the feet. Furthermore, collectively all these pressure sensors 50 and other force measurements could be processed in software enabled algorithms for varying beneficial feedback provided to the user both during their training on the exercise device 10 and recorded for historical tracking of their progress over time.
Furthermore, with either electronic sensors processed through software or mechanical sensors which are integrated into the exercise device 10 for monitoring, the actual feedback to the user might be continual and live high resolution information which gives great detail in their performance or in a style of threshold and parameter levels being met. These parameters could include but not limited to a minimum safety standard of pressure on the sensors indicating adequate muscle involvement for their squat to proceed, maximum risk parameters of over engagement of certain muscles which might place specific joints like the knee in danger if the squat was to proceed further, and an ideal range window of pressure being applied on the sensors for best performance results in a squat.
An additional component in the form of lasers and photo diodes may be integrated into the subject innovation as a means for visualizing and quantifying biomechanical anatomy throughout the dynamic movement patterns performed on the device. With the placement of one to three independent lasers mounted onto each of the two foot-discs and midline cross connecting member between the right and left sides of the device, visual feedback as to the quality and consistency of the desired movement pattern can be quantified and presented to the user onto a targeted area in front of them representing the degree to which they are interacting with all 3 anatomical planes. The angle and desired specifications of the laser mountings may be adjustable to allow for calibration and customization for individual user needs. The laser's projection may be a variety of forms including dots, lines, and various other patterns. Furthermore, the alignment, balance and symmetry of the users lower extremity and center of mass may also be quantified and represented visually to the user. Additionally, the outward projection of the lasers can me monitored with sensor pads and screens to identify and track subtle but significant deviations to position and alignment throughout the range of movement of the entire lower extremities. This data can then be quantified and integrated with a mathematical model that creates a quality movement grading system, or a proprietary ‘squat score,’ which can be integrated into a variety of platforms to be shared or tracked or interacted with per the users preferences and needs.
Also mounted to the base, may be a strut and dampening like mechanism to counteract the slingshot effect of the sliding platforms quickly releasing back to the center starting position if the device's foot-discs and platforms are abruptly dis-mounted by the user in a tensioned or abducted position. Further safety features include adjustable range limiters to the sliding platforms to limit the outward slide of each sliding plate and also their initial starting positions. This mechanism may be integrated into the parallel tracks and allow the user to set a limit to the abductive movement but without inhibiting the resistance against that movement.
Alternative configurations of the device may include variations in how the tracks function and interact with the platforms. The variations in forms, types, and shapes therein might allow alternative ways of providing resistance in the desired planes and areas for the user. These may include but not limited to movement in the tracks themselves wherein the track's width and distances between them changes as they are pushed or pulled against springs while the platforms move in lateral sliding motions. Additionally, the platforms can be circular in nature and have varying cutout side profiles which allow a rotational motion in which a bar style track sits inside that cut out side section of the platform. Hence, this would permit rotation and application of resistance in that motion due to the tracks moving themselves towards or apart from each other.
With the ability for the user to set their desired stance width and degree of external rotation prior to performing a squat and with the integration of pressure sensors discussed earlier, at the end range of each range/plane of movement, including tilt, the device will have the capacity to not only monitor how much pressure the user is applying in each range, but also when the pressure exceeds a recommended parameter. Given that the primary intent of this device is to reduce the risk of injury with physical activity—especially with young athletes—the integrated safety measures built into the device are of the utmost importance. Basic safety measures like the docking station have been previously discussed and are intended to minimize the risk of any loss of balance when working with the device. Other features, such as the removable foot guide on the lateral aspect of the foot/foot disc also serve to limit the potential of excessive torsional stress to the knees when engaging with the external rotation resistance. The mechanism by which this is achieved is simply by the loss of traction or grip with the foot plate under excessive torsional stress. However, maximum safety is objectively guaranteed by quantifying the exact amount of torsional stress or external rotation pressure the user is creating and then providing feedback to the user via visual or auditory warnings.
Either as a part of the primary device, or a supplemental piece of equipment, a docking station may be integrated with the primary subject device in order to first and foremost provide safety and stability to the user when stepping on and off the device. The docking station may attach directly to, rest underneath, or be located adjacent to the primary device so that a stable bar can extend up from the docking station and run parallel to the front of the device or within close proximity. This provides a stable point of contact (handhold) for the user to interact with when either stepping on or off the primary device or when utilizing the device itself. The docking station can also be a foundation for a seat post (cushion) on the posterior aspect of the primary device that would allow a user to rest or serve as a target for desired depth of squat. Lastly, the docking station may be designed with a variety of attachment points to which additional resistance bands can be anchored should the user want to add more resistance to the unweighted bodyweight squat. This can be realized either with individual hand holds at the end of the resistance cables (theraband) or a bar which would have both of its ends attached to the resistance cables anchored to the docking station. These anchor points dramatically increase the variety of exercises that can be performed on the primary device as well as the potential for further strength gains.
Another embodiment of the device may allow for the resistances and tensions within each plane of movement itself to be made variable as opposed to linear or constant. One form of this mechanism may be an attachment to the user's waist (belt) which when raised and lowered alters the device's internal resistances being applied to abduction, external rotation, and tilt aspect as the user goes through the entire squat movement pattern. By anchoring the resistance to the user various designs incorporating camber and pulley systems would allow the user's body position to create desirable increases or decreases of resistances (tensions) throughout the full range of the squatting positions. This mechanism may also be hand held allowing for further increased variability of resistances independent of the user's location within a single repetition cycle of the squat. Alternatively the change in resistances may be controlled with a mechanical motorized system which incorporates sensors for determining where in the squat movement pattern the user is. By allowing for variable levels of resistances within a single repetition (squat cycle) to be applied independently to any of the individual planes of movement (ie exponentially increased resistance with increased abduction in the coronal plane) or all planes simultaneously the user has increased potential of benefits with the device.
Furthermore, another embodiment of the device might have no tracks and deal with sensors and force plates only which monitor the desired planes in a isometric (absence of movement) system for the user to train, when compared to the previous isokinetic system in which force is taken through a range of motion.
Other embodiments of the device may further increase user control and adjustability by in addition to the primary resistance mechanism of each plane incorporating additional types of resistances in any one of the 3 planes involved. These could include but not be limited to placing additional resistance mechanisms at the beginning, middle, and end range of motion which has been set up for the user. These auxiliary resistance mechanisms may be the same style of the primary resistance mechanism or of a completely different nature and style. One such application might be demonstrated in the coronal plane in which lateral abduction is occurring. In this regard without additional resistance being utilized at the end range, especially where the user's legs are moving outside and away from being underneath their hips, the user might improperly benefit from gravity/their weight being utilized in a leveraging effect to apply force on the device and its sensors without actually activating the desirable and appropriate muscles to facilitate ideal squatting biomechanics.
In addition, the mechanical configuration and stacking of the device's 3 main elements relating to the 3 planes of movement could be configured in a variety of ways. These could include but not limited to the abduction (coronal plane) being closest to the ground, the tilt (sagittal plane) in the middle, and the rotation (transverse plane) occurring on top of the device. Alternatively, this orientation and stacking can be tilt on bottom, abduction in middle, and rotation on top. Again the order of configuration might be in a variety of ways with each plane capable of being limited in an adjustable range of motion along with its own specific adjustable resistance being applied within. Furthermore, configurations could exist in which mechanically 2 planes or more are combined into a singular element of movement which would not interfere with the adjustable range of motion and resistance needs for any of the planes. One example of this would be a single bar track system running horizontally which allows lateral abduction movement for the legs while also allowing for each foot to tilt forward and back on that same bar which the lateral sliding is occurring on.
Summarily, the subject innovation utilizes dynamic stability and self corrective neuromuscular training for compound closed chain fundamental movement patterns (ie squats or push-ups) for improving the user's biomechanics and lowering their risk of injury. These objectives of the system may be accomplished either for the upper body extremities (ie the arms) or lower body extremities (ie the legs) with: 1) Separating the 3 human anatomical movement planes for both limbs involved independently thereby isolating (enabling) 6 different areas [alternatively the movement ‘planes’ can be viewed as axis or degrees of freedom]; 2) Limiting the range of motion in each area independently to establish 6 specific sections; 3) Independently cueing and challenging each of the 6 sections with resistance; 4) Monitoring and quantifying the 6 sections; and 5) Providing continual feedback (tactile and visual) to the user of differences between their performance and optimal desired goals throughout the full dynamic range of the movement pattern from start to finish. Additionally, a 7th metric parameter for the user may incorporate measurements and feedback in regards to the user's ability to maintain a symmetrical weight load distribution for the relationship between the right and left extremities during the movement.
As seen in
Poor movement mechanics are a direct result of poor muscular coordination and activation. Muscles are either too weak to perform their necessary action at a joint or throughout an extremity, or they are not able to coordinate their activity with other muscles creating a dysfunctional movement pattern. Often because of pain or injury, certain muscles are unable to be voluntarily activated at all. A simple example of this is commonly referred to as ‘glut amnesia,’ a condition in which a person-even with instruction—is unable to voluntarily contract the gluteus muscles.
When performing a specific movement, especially one as complex as a squatting movement-let alone running or jumping—the body needs to coordinate the strength and activation of multiple muscles and muscle groups. Therefore, in order to optimize movement mechanics, a device must not simply activate a specific muscle, or even a specific group of muscles, but rather activate, regulate and coordinate the strength and control of all muscle groups involved with respect to each other in performing the desired movement. This is what the EMG (electromyography) testing demonstrates the subject device is able to accomplish.
In isolation, there are a variety of exercises or movements that may activate a specific muscle such as the gluteus medius. However, until now, there has not been a device that increases activity within the gluteus medius while simultaneously up regulating complimentary activity in the glut max while down regulating activity in the hamstrings and quadriceps-thereby creating optimal balance and synchronicity of the lower body musculature necessary to perform a squatting movement that will least likely result in injury and will most likely translate to improved performance of other analogous movement patterns such as running and jumping. The mechanism and physiologic principles that substantiate this claim and explain these results is referred to reciprocal inhibition of antagonist musculature. In real terms, what this means is that because the gluteus medius is a hip abductor, and part of the hamstring is a hip adductor, by engaging the gluteus medius you are simultaneously inhibiting the hamstring. This means that you are able to increase activity in the glut max and glut med, while calming activity in the hamstring, avoiding hamstring dominance and thereby improving the alignment of lower extremity joints and balance and synchronization of muscle groups in the lower extremity when performing a squat.
Specifically, because of the unique approach and capacity to engage all three planes of movement independently for the entire lower extremity, the device is able to provide a type of functional strength and coordination training that has not previously existed. Furthermore, because the subject device engages these planes starting where the foot meets the ground, it is even further able to translate the specific training it affords to moving a body through real world activities. Remembering that when a body is walking, running, jumping or lifting, the body must initially contact the ground through the foot. Therefore, only a training tool that is able to cue an entire movement pattern beginning at the foot is able to effectively sync, balance and activate necessary muscle and muscle groups in a manner that is easily translatable to real world functional activity.
A similar finding is illustrated in
In other embodiments, the subject device might take the form of a gamification or competitive element in the monitoring of the user's interaction with the device and its associated feedback being provided. This embodiment could be referred to as a “squat score” in which the user could compare their performance to their own prior performances or to other individuals. The scoring system might take into consideration (but not be limited to) how many squats the user is able to perform while meeting an adjustable parameter for degree of difficulty which accounts for and incorporates all available data in the monitoring of the 3 planes of movement associated with their range of motion and resistances being applied within. Furthermore, an element of time, additional weight loads, and squat position holds might be involved and assessed in order to determine performance and scoring.
For a first time user of the subject device, prior to them stepping onto the foot platforms (and training with the device), the version of the device which incorporates pressure sensors and auxiliary end range resistance mechanisms could have the following process to configure and account for varying body mass, size, and capabilities for any specific user. 1) The starting and stopping points which determine the range of motion allowed for the lateral abduction (coronal plane) would be set for the each leg. 2) The end range auxiliary resistance for the last 2 inches of travel prior to the stopping point would be selected for each leg in the abduction movement. 3) The starting and stopping points which determine the range of motion allowed for the external rotation (transverse plane) would be set for the each leg. 4) The end range auxiliary resistance for the last 0.5 inch of travel prior to the stopping point would be selected for each leg in the rotational movement. 5) The starting and stopping points which determine the range of motion allowed for the tilting of the user's center of mass (sagittal plane) would be set for the each leg. 6) Level of sensitivity for the feet's front and back sensors associated with the tilting movement would be selected. 7) User feedback parameters and difficulty levels would be selected in customizable or predetermined settings. At this point the device would be enabled for ideal training purposes.
In certain configurations and embodiments of the subject device, the following parameters could be created for adjustability and measurements thereof for the user: 1) Abduction range of motion of left and right leg. 2) Abduction force of left and right leg. 3) Symmetry in abduction of left vs right leg. 4) Rotation range of motion of left and right leg. 5) External rotation force of left and right leg. 6) Symmetry in external rotation of left vs right leg. 7) Tilting forward and backward range of motion of the left and right feet relative to parallelism with the ground. 8) Ratio of weight distribution forward or backward in relation to the tilting mechanism for the left and right feet. 9) Symmetry in tilting mechanism and weight load distribution of left vs right feet.
