Exercise and rehabilitation device and method

In one preferred embodiment, a device for strengthening the lower back of a user which includes a frame having a horizontal member for support of the hips of the user and having, spaced apart from the hip support, a horizontal platform for support of the head, shoulders, and upper chest of the user. The user places himself upon the frame so that his hips, head, shoulders, and upper chest are supported, with his legs hanging vertically from the hip support. The chest of the user is largely unsupported to permit comfortable and easy breathing. The strengthening motion comprises raising the legs from the vertical position to the horizontal position and again to the vertical position. There is little or no risk of injury to the vertebral column, due to the fact that the vertebral column is stationary when the exercise is executed. In another preferred embodiment, a hydraulically operated hinged member effects the above leg movement to provide therapy for disabled users. On the upward ascension, the user points his toes downward into plantar flexion, while raising the lower extremities upward. On descension, the toes go into dorsi flexion during the release, while the user exhales.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to exercising devices and, more 
particularly, to a novel device which provides for strengthening the lower 
back without twisting or compressing the vertebral column of the user. 
2. Background Art 
The American Back Society has determined that eight out of ten Americans 
suffer from some form of lower-back pain. In 1988, the American business 
community lost about 20 billion dollars because of insurance claims for 
loss of work, due to back injury and/or pain. In fact, compensation claims 
involving back problems represented a third of all job related 
compensation claims paid out by insurance companies that year, and the 
average back injury compensation claim amounted to $6,000. Treatment for 
back pain ranges from complicated surgery to a simple drug prescription. 
However, growing evidence indicates that proper exercise is the best 
long-term solution for back ailments. 
Some back problems can result from hyperextensions occurring during 
improper physical exercises. Extension of the spine or vertebral column 
occurs when it is returned to the normal anatomical position from the 
flexed (bent forward) position. Hyperextension of the spine occurs when 
the extension movement goes beyond the normal anatomical position (in a 
backward direction), usually recognized by additional compressing and 
arching of the spine. 
Hyperextensions, and especially excessive hyperextensions, can be 
dangerous, since compression of the spine is involved. This can lead to 
fractures of the compressed vertebrae occurring as a result of the forces 
acting on the back of the person. 
Bending incorrectly and lack of strength and flexibility in the muscles 
that support the spine continues to be a chronic problem. Stress is also a 
major contributor to back pain, since it causes a tensing and tightening 
of already weak muscles. 
The simplest solution is to strengthen the back by exercise of the muscles 
of the hip and back. There are two major types of lower back strengthening 
apparati that are used: (1) hyperextension devices and (2) back extension 
devices. 
When a hyperextension device is used, an individual lies over the device 
with his face down, bending the torso in the direction of the ground and 
then subsequently raising the torso. The lower part of the body is kept 
stationary by a foot attachment. An important part of this exercise is to 
raise the torso upwardly toward and (improperly) beyond the position 
parallel to the ground without compressing the spine. However, in view of 
the design of this apparatus, it is difficult to properly execute this 
exercise without hyperextension and the resulting substantial compression 
of the spine. To alleviate this condition, special training of a user such 
as, for example, rounding out the back so as to eliminate compression of 
the spine, while performing this exercise, is necessary to ensure correct 
development of the lower back muscles and to decrease risk of injury to 
the spine. Lack of such training makes it very difficult for an 
unconditioned person to use the hyperextension apparatus extensively 
without substantial risk of injury. Substantial hyperextensions and 
arching of the back also can bring on, or increase, pressure on the 
nerves. This can be a factor of back pain and, if the sciatic nerve is 
impinged, can lead to pain down the legs. 
When the back extension machine is used, an individual in the seated 
position presses on part of the machine with his or her back, so that the 
upper part of the body goes from a position substantially perpendicular to 
the lower part of the body to a position in which the whole body is 
substantially straight. A user of this machine conducts exercises in the 
seated position while the spine is already compressed. When the back 
presses on part of the machine, the spine compresses and arches 
substantially further, especially if the resistance is great. This can 
lead to excessive compression and shearing forces acting on the vertebrae 
and disks, injuring the back of a person. 
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide 
an exercise device and method of using the same which can be used to 
strengthen the lower back of a user without compression, hyperextension, 
or twisting of the spine of the user. 
Another object of the invention is to provide such device and method which 
are relatively easy and comfortable to use. 
An additional object of the invention is to provide such a device that is 
readily adjusted to accommodate users of different sizes. 
A further object of the invention is to provide such a device that is 
easily and economically constructed. 
Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features and 
advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, or be apparent from, the 
following description and the accompanying drawing figures. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention achieves the above objects, among others, by 
providing, in one preferred embodiment, a device for strengthening the 
lower back of a user which includes a frame having a horizontal member for 
support of the hips of the user and having, spaced apart from the hip 
support, a horizontal platform for support of the head, shoulders, and 
upper chest of the user. The user places himself upon the frame so that 
his hips, head, shoulders, and upper chest are supported, with his legs 
hanging vertically from the hip support. The chest of the user is largely 
unsupported to permit comfortable and easy breathing. The strengthening 
motion comprises raising the legs from the vertical position to the 
horizontal position and again to the vertical position. There is little or 
no risk of injury to the vertebral column, due to the fact that the 
vertebral column is stationary when the exercise is executed. In another 
preferred embodiment, a hydraulically operated hinged member effects the 
above leg movement to provide therapy for disabled users.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now to the Drawing, in which the same or similar elements are 
given consistent identifying numerals throughout the various figures 
thereof, FIG. 1 depicts a device for use in strengthening the lower back, 
constructed according to the present invention, generally indicated by the 
reference numeral 10, with a user thereon. 
Device 10 includes an upper horizontal frame member 12 having a support 
platform 14 freely movable fore and aft thereon. Device 10 further 
includes a lower horizontal frame 16 for support of said device on a floor 
or like supporting surface. Upper frame 12 is mounted on a first pair of 
telescoping legs having upper sections 22 fixedly attached to the upper 
frame and a lower sections 24 fixedly attached to lower frame 14. A 
similar, second pair of telescoping legs having upper sections 26 and 
lower sections 28 movably joins upper horizontal frame member 12 to lower 
horizontal frame 16. The height of upper frame 12 and support platform 14 
from lower horizontal frame 16 is selectively adjusted by means of a 
conventional worm gear mechanism 30. 
It will be understood that, for purpose of this description and the 
appended claims, the term "front" and formations thereof refer to that 
portion of device 10 near or where upper sections 26 are disposed and that 
the term "rear" and formations thereof refer to that portion of the device 
near or where upper sections 22 are disposed. 
Fixedly and horizontally disposed at the rear of upper horizontal frame 12 
is a rounded, cushioned hip support 40 generally disposed somewhat 
rearwardly of upper leg sections 22, so that device 10 can accomodate 
users with large thighs. 
Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, support platform 14 includes a resilient 
pad 42 fixed thereon, the pad having an oval opening 44 formed 
therethrough, and the pad sloping from a high point at the forward end of 
the pad to a low point at the rear end of the pad. Attached to the forward 
end of upper horizontal frame member 12 is an adjustable hand grip 
structure 50 telescopingly extending forwardly of the member and 
selectively fixed in position by means of hand screws 52. Referring 
particularly again to FIG. 1, fixed hand grips 54 (only one visible on 
FIG. 1) are attached to upper leg sections 26 as shown. 
Completing the description of the major elements of device 10, there is 
provided a horizontal foot stand 56 fixedly attached at the lower ends of 
lower leg sections 24. 
In use, the user, generally identified by the reference numeral 60, steps 
upon foot stand 56 and bends over hip support 40 to the position shown on 
FIG. 1, with the central portion of the user's face inserted into oval 
opening 44. Placing the face in oval opening 44 assists in proper 
orientation of user 60 on device 10, as well as providing comfortable 
support for the head of the user. While moving to the position shown, the 
user may find it convenient to grasp fixed hand grips 54, but while using 
device 10 for back strengthening, the user may find it more comfortable to 
grip adjustable hand grip structure 50 forward of the user's head. Since 
the length of the legs and the length of the torso will vary from user to 
user, depending on age, sex, etc., mechanisms 30 and 32 will be adjusted 
for the comfort of each user. Hip support 40 will be adjusted high enough 
that the feet of the user can be easily slid off foot stand 56. 
Once positioned as shown, the user is supported at the hips by hip support 
40. The shoulders, clavicular area, and face of the user are supported by 
resilient pad 42, while additional support of the upper chest may be 
provided by sternum support 46. Thus positioned, the lower portion of the 
user's chest is unsupported, permitting comfortable and easy breathing. 
Furthermore, in the position shown, the whole vertebral column is 
stationarily positioned and is in correct, natural alignment and 
curvature, without compression thereof and the back muscles are relaxed 
when the feet are in a downward pointing position. Because of the bent 
position of the user's body, the lower back muscles, which are to be 
strengthened during the exercise, are somewhat isolated from the rest of 
the back muscles. The gripping of hand grip structure 50 or of fixed hand 
grips 54 helps stabilize the position of the upper torso of user 60 during 
exercise. 
When the back strengthening exercise begins, the user inhales and raises 
the lower extremities to a position substantially parallel to the ground, 
as shown in broken lines on FIG. 1. On upward ascension of the lower 
extremities, the user preferably points the toes downward into plantar 
flexion. On descension, the toes preferably go into dorsi flexion during 
the release, while the user exhales. 
When performing the exercise, the user's chest freely expands and contracts 
within the unrestricted area between hip support 40 and platform 14, thus 
permitting the user to breathe easily and freely. Such breathing ensures 
an adequate supply of oxygen to the lungs, eliminates discomfort, and 
helps the user to exercise efficiently. Having support platform 14 movably 
disposed on horizontal frame member 12 permits movement thereon during the 
exercise, thus affording user 66 a high degree of comfort and further 
assuring that the vertebral column is neither expanded nor compressed. 
FIG. 5 depicts device 10 modified for use in physical rehabilitation 
programs where injury or illness has seriously limited the range of 
movement of the body, or its strength, with respect to muscles of the 
lower back and hip, the modified device being identified generally by the 
reference numeral 10'. Device 10' includes a leg support 70 rotatable 
about a shaft 72, the shaft being fixedly attached to device 10' by means 
of flange 74 on the right side of device 10'. It will be understood that 
an identical shaft and a flange (neither shown) are provided on the left 
side of device 10'. Leg support 70 is rotated by means of a conventional 
hydraulic cylinder 76 having its distal end rotatably attached between 
upper leg sections ZZ, with its shaft 78 extendable to rotate the leg 
support from its vertical position (solid lines) to its horizontal 
position (broken lines), thus raising the legs of the patient. The 
controls for hydraulic cylinder 76 are conventional and may be arranged so 
that either patient 66 or an attendant can operate the cylinder. The 
controls may provide for selectively adjusting the speed and/or extent of 
rotation of leg support 70. 
When device 10' is used in a rehabilitation program, careful attention must 
be given to the prevention of over-extension of the lower back muscles 
which may have been subject to disease or injury. The process of 
exercising must not be permitted to aggravate the original condition. 
In order to use device 10' for rehabilitation purposes, patient 66 is 
placed on the apparatus in the position similar to that shown, which is 
identical to that of user 60 shown on FIG. 1. To raise the legs, hydraulic 
cylinder 76 is activated to gradually lift leg support 70. After leg 
support 70 reaches a predetermined elevation, the direction of motion of 
the mechanism is reversed and the legs are gradually lowered to the 
initial position. Such exercise can be repeated with different speeds of 
motion and different degrees of elevation of the legs. 
In order to have control over the intensity of a rehabilitation program, 
the hydraulic controls can be adjusted to vary the level of support 
provided by leg support 70 to the legs. For example, leg support 70 can 
provide the lifting force to move only 50 percent of the weight of the 
patient's legs, the remaining 50 percent of the required force being 
provided through exercise of the patient's own muscles. The level of 
support provided by the regulating mechanism is usually greater at the 
initial stages of rehabilitation and can be reduced as the condition of 
the patient improves. 
During the rehabilitation exercise, the lower extremities of a physically 
impaired person are moved upwardly into a hip extension to manipulate the 
muscle groups of the gluteal and lower back. The regulating mechanism 
associated with the leg support 70 enables the patient to raise and lower 
his or her legs with different degrees of assistance. 
FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an alternative hip support 90 which may be employed 
with devices 10 and 10'. Hip support 90 is a generally rectilinear padded 
member which is disposed rearwardly of upper sections 22 and which is 
disposed on a shaft 92 to permit a slight amount of rotational motion as 
is indicated by comparing the relative positions of hip support 90 on 
FIGS. 6 and 7. Thus, hip support 90 affords a somewhat greater degree of 
support and comfort than does hip support 40 shown on FIGS. 1, 2, and 5. 
Hip support 90 includes a cut-out portion 94 for the increased comfort of 
male users. 
Devices 10 and 10' of the present invention facilitate extensions of the 
lower back and hip areas versus extensions of the upper torso. This is a 
substantially safer exercise than those disclosed by the prior art, since 
possibility of hyperextension or compression of the vertebral column is 
substantially reduced, if not totally eliminated 
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made 
apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, 
since certain changes may be made in the above construction without 
departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter 
contained in the above description or shown on the accompanying drawing 
figures shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting 
sense. 
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover 
all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described 
and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of 
language, might be said to fall therebetween.