FEPS (flexion extension pronation supination) devices and methods of use

A FEPS (flexion extension pronation supination) device includes: a structural frame; a shaft mounted to rotate relative to the structure frame; and a brake that is structured to apply a selectively variable resistance against rotation of the shaft relative to the structural frame. A FEPS (flexion extension pronation supination) device includes: a structural frame; a shaft mounted to rotate relative to the structure frame; and a gripping member mounted to the structural frame and structured to adhere to an external support surface. A method includes operating the FEPS device by rotating the shaft.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to FEPS devices and methods of use.

BACKGROUND

FEPS devices are used to rehabilitate and strengthen the wrists, hands, and forearms. Existing devices use a shaft that rotates under selectively variable resistance.

SUMMARY

A FEPS (flexion extension pronation supination) device is disclosed comprising: a structural frame; a shaft mounted to rotate relative to the structure frame; and a brake that is structured to apply a selectively variable resistance against rotation of the shaft relative to the structural frame.

A FEPS (flexion extension pronation supination) device is disclosed comprising: a structural frame; a shaft mounted to rotate relative to the structure frame; and a gripping member mounted to the structural frame and structured to adhere to an external support surface.

A method is disclosed comprising operating the FEPS device by rotating the shaft.

A FEPS (flexion extension pronation supination) device is disclosed comprising: a structural frame; a shaft mounted to rotate relative to the structure frame; and a magnetic hysteresis brake that is structured to apply a selectively variable resistance against rotation of the shaft relative to the structural frame.

A FEPS (flexion extension pronation supination) device is disclosed comprising: a structural frame; a shaft mounted to rotate relative to the structure frame; and a brake that is structured to apply a selectively variable resistance against rotation of the shaft relative to the structural frame.

In various embodiments, there may be included any one or more of the following features: The gripping member comprises a plurality of external-support-surface-gripping feet. The gripping member comprises three external-support-surface-gripping feet. The gripping member comprises a suction cup. A brake that is structured to apply a selectively variable resistance against rotation of the shaft relative to the structural frame. The brake comprises a magnetic hysteresis brake. A resistance adjuster lever connected to manipulate the brake. The structural frame defines a plurality of teeth oriented about a range of motion of the resistance adjuster lever to selectively engage and disengage a corresponding tooth or indent on the resistance adjuster lever to set the brake at a desired resistance level. The resistance adjuster lever comprises an actuator connected to selectively disengage the corresponding tooth or indent with the plurality of teeth to permit the resistance adjuster lever to be moved into a different position about the range of motion. The structural frame comprises a top shroud that encloses the brake and part of the shaft. A handle connected to an end of the shaft. A plurality of handles, each handle being distinct from one another and being configured to interchangeably connect to the end of the shaft. The plurality of handles include a key, a door knob, and a door handle lever. The plurality of handles comprises: a plurality of handle shafts, each handle shaft being distinct from one another and being configured to interchangeably connect to the end of the shaft; and a plurality of handle tips, each handle tip being distinct from one another and being configured to interchangeably connect to an end of a respective handle shaft. A repetition counter. The repetition counter comprises a shaft encoder. The repetition counter comprises a switch arm mounted to follow an outer profile of a cam mounted to the shaft. The cam comprises a ring plate with an out of round convex cross-sectional profile. The gripping member is mounted to the external support surface, which forms part of a piece of furniture. A gripping member mounted to the structural frame and structured to adhere to an external support surface. The gripping member depends below a base of the structural frame. The brake comprises an electromagnetic brake. The handle comprises a first handle connected to a first end of the shaft, and a second handle connected to a second end of the shaft.

These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims, which are incorporated here by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hand, wrists, and arms may be injured in various ways. Typical injuries range from minor sprains and bruises to major fractures, partial paralysis, burns, and deformation. Included in these are injuries or diseases of the spinal cord that affect movement of these extremities. Because of the anatomical complexity of the wrist area, rehabilitation of the forearm, hand and wrist are often lengthy and must be carefully monitored.

The human wrist is a relatively complex structure, and damage to the wrist can result in injuries that are difficult and time consuming to heal. Traditionally, the injured wrist is immobilized to permit the joining of broken bones and torn tendons, as well as to allow the healing of inflamed tendons. After the structure has healed, it can be difficult to redevelop full muscular strength and flexibility in the wrist, as the muscles and tendons tend to atrophy to a certain degree due to the immobilization.

Accordingly, therapists assist a patient to exercise the wrist, gradually building up the strength and mobility of the joint until optimum strength and mobility have been reached. Such therapy is costly due to the specialized equipment often used, as well as the cost of usually personalized therapy provided by a specialist. Various specialized machines and equipment have been developed in the past for the purpose of providing some form of therapy to the wrist, but most require active muscular input from the user, and the development of muscular strength for such input does not necessarily provide the flexibility needed, as it is important that the muscular structure be stretched gradually, as well as that the muscles be made to contract to develop strength.

Passive therapeutic wrist rotators exist to rehabilitate the wrist and to bring it back to substantially full strength and flexibility. A user of such devices need only grip the handgrip handle, turn on a switch, and allow the active rotational means of the device to rotate the wrist passively, without any muscular effort on the part of the user, other than gripping the handgrip.

Active devices exist to train bilateral, cooperative hand functions of a subject with housing means, handle means comprising two exchangeable handles, namely a left handle and a right handle. Shaft means comprise multiple shafts and couplings for coupling said shafts. Clutching means comprise variable slipping clutches, with the slipping clutches being adjustable. First sensor means are provided for measuring the angular position of each of said handles, and second sensor means are provided for measuring the torque which is applied by the subject onto each of said handles. Locking means are provided for locking said shaft means wherein both handles can be rotated independently when said locking means are locked. The locking means are positioned between the second sensor means so that the second sensor means for the left handle can measure the torque applied onto the left handle and the second sensor means for the right handle can measure the torque applied onto the right handle.

Forearm and wrist exercise devices are known to include a base frame, a handle rod, a driver wheel, a driven yoke, a driven wheel and an adjustable tensioner. The base frame is attached to a stationary object, such as a wall. The handle rod extends from the driver wheel and the handle rod is pivotally retained by the base frame. One end of the driven yoke is pivotally retained by the base frame and the driven wheel is pivotally retained by the other end thereof. The driven wheel is forced against the driver wheel with the adjustable tensioner. A hydraulic pump, a hydraulic flow valve and a pair of extension shafts may be present to adjust tension.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 8-10, a FEPS (flexion extension pronation supination) device10is illustrated comprising a structural frame12and a rotatable shaft14. Referring toFIG. 1, the FEPS device10may comprise a gripping member16, for example mounted to the structural frame12and structured to adhere to an external support surface71. The support surface71may face and support the FEPS device10in use. Referring toFIG. 8, the gripping member16may comprise a plurality of external-support-surface-gripping feet16B. Referring toFIG. 1, in use the gripping member16may be mounted to an external support surface71, which forms part of a piece of furniture, for example a table or counter top. The FEPS device10may be operated by rotating a shaft14, for example in directions22.

Referring toFIG. 1, the gripping member16may have a structure suitable for adhering to the external support surface71. Referring toFIG. 8, the gripping member16may comprise one or more suction cups. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 8, suction cups16C may use the negative fluid pressure of air to adhere to the external support surface71(FIG. 1) via a partial vacuum. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 5, the suction cup16C may be made of elastic or other suitable material and may have a curved surface, for example that is configured such that when a center16A of the gripping member16is pressed against the external support surface71(FIG. 1), the volume of the space between the external support surface71is reduced causing the air between the suction cup16C and the external support surface71to be expelled past a peripheral rim of the suction cup16C. The cavity that develops between the cup16C and the flat surface71may have little to no air in it. The pressure difference between the atmosphere on the outside of the suction cup16C and the low-pressure cavity on the inside of the suction cup16C may keep the gripping member16adhered to the external support surface71. A lever (not shown) or other type of suction release mechanism may be connected to release the suction on each cup16C. Other mechanisms may be used to adhere the members16to an external support surface other than or in addition to suction cups, such as via magnets or hook and loop fasteners. Such other mechanisms include non-destructive adherence to a planar external support surface.

Referring toFIG. 1, the gripping member16may have a structure suitable for balancing the FEPS device10on the external support surface71to avoid the FEPS device10from tipping over during use. The gripping member16may comprise three external-support-surface-gripping feet16B. Referring toFIG. 5, each external-support-surface-gripping feet16B may be spaced from a vertical plane defined by a shaft axis14E, for example with two external-support-surface-gripping feet16B positioned on one side of the vertical plane and one external-support-surface-gripping foot16B positioned on the other side of the vertical plane to form a stable tripod configuration with lateral support. Respective centers16A of the external-support-surface-gripping feet16B may be positioned along radial lines24that extend from a vertical central axis28, defined by the structural frame12and the shaft axis14E. Radial lines24may form suitable angles such as 120 degrees between adjacent radial lines24. Other angles, including unequal angles, may be formed between adjacent lines24and respective feet16B.

Referring toFIG. 8, the external-support-surface-gripping feet16B may connect to the structural frame12via a suitable structure, for example respective legs17. The external-support-surface-gripping feet16B may connect to the legs17via a suitable mechanism such as respective fasteners32and holes17A. Legs17may connect to structural frame12via respective lateral anchor arms17B and respective shoulders17D. Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the lateral anchor arms17B may connect to the structural frame12via one or more of respective holes17C, respective fasteners30, and respective aligned holes12C-3in structural frame12(FIG. 9). The arm-holes17C and underside-holes12C-3may be positioned to align with one another and concurrently receive the arm-fasteners30. Shoulders17D may be formed of upright members that hug the side walls of a base12G of frame12.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 8-10, the structural frame12may have a configuration suitable for mounting and enclosing part or all of the operative machinery of the FEPS device10. The frame12may define a housing. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 9, the structural frame12may comprise a frame-base12G and a top shroud72(FIG. 1). Referring toFIG. 9, the frame-base12G may have an underside12C-1and an external side wall surface12C-2connected to a perimeter of the underside12C-1. Referring toFIG. 8, the external side wall surface12C-2may have one or more bearing saddles or slots12C-4, for example shaped to receive one or more respective bearings34and/or the shaft14. The shaft14may be positioned within bearings34, for example to constrain movement of the shaft14and reduce friction arising from rotation of the shaft14. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 8, the top shroud72(FIG. 1) may be formed by a left shroud12A and a right shroud12B, for example that connect to one another and are mounted to the external side wall surface12C-2. The left and right shrouds12A and12B may define respective shaft holes12E, for example shaped to receive and/or surround the shaft14in conjunction with the slots12C-4. The axial bore holes12E and slots12C-4may have a semi-circular configuration or other suitable shape. Together, the top shroud72and the frame-base12G may form an enclosure that surrounds a part of the shaft14or other suitable such as a brake18as discussed below.

Referring toFIGS. 8-14, the FEPS device10may comprise a brake18, for example that is structured to apply a selectively variable resistance against rotation of the shaft14relative to the structural frame12. Brake18may comprise a magnetic hysteresis brake, a disc brake, an eddy current brake, or other suitable brake. Brakes with an electromagnet or permanent magnet may facilitate accurate engagement and clean release, in some cases without creating friction between parts other than through bearing connections. Such brakes may also run cooler and cleaner, with the convenience and controllability of electrical components.

In hysteresis clutches and brakes, hysteresis losses transmit constant torque for a given current. Used mostly in fractional power applications, such may exhibit almost no wear. Such brake units may comprise a fixed magnetic pole assembly and a moving drag cup, which constitutes a rotor. The rotor is suspended by shaft bearings into a close-tolerance groove in the assembly, and current applied to a coil in the pole structure creates a magnetic field in the groove. As the rotor turns, its magnetic particles do a constant flip-flopping in an attempt to stay magnetically aligned with the groove's field. Braking resistance results from the hysteresis heat losses resulting from the molecular friction in the pole and rotor. A coil on the pole assembly generates a magnetic field in the assembly and drag cup. Hysteresis losses in the cup cause the flux to change more slowly than through the assembly, which transmits smooth torque through the drag cup. Though a slight eddy current effect is always present, full rated torque is independent of slip speed, the relative speed between rotor and pole assembly.

During normal operation the rotor's magnetic orientation is constantly realigned by its rotation and by coil current changes; this dynamic operation results in smooth transitions between torque levels for coil power adjustments. When electricity is applied to the field, it creates an internal magnetic flux. That flux is then transferred into a hysteresis disk passing through the field. The hysteresis disk is attached to the brake shaft. A magnetic drag on the hysteresis disk allows for a constant drag, or eventual stoppage of the output shaft. When electricity is removed from the brake, the hysteresis disk is free to turn, and no relative force is transmitted between either member. Therefore, the only torque seen between the input and the output may be bearing drag. In applications where electrical power cannot be supplied to a clutch or brake coil, or where it is otherwise desired not to use electrical power, permanent magnets may be used to provide hysteresis braking. Permanent magnets are of hard magnetic materials, such as rare earth magnets, with domains that stay in an aligned orientation, even in magnetic fields. By manually moving such magnets, the amount of magnetism acting on a brake's output rotor may be adjusted.

Referring toFIGS. 8, 14, and 23, a magnetic hysteresis brake18may comprise a resistance ring18A, a main body18B that encloses a part of the shaft14, and an end ring plate18C. Referring toFIGS. 8 and 23, the resistance ring18A and the end ring plate18C may be connected to opposed ends of the main body18B. Referring toFIG. 23, a reticulated pole structure18M, a drag cup or rotor18K, a field coil18J, and bearings18N may be provided as internal components of brake18. An air gap18L and a central bore18E (FIG. 8), may be defined for example to receive the shaft14. The rotor18K and the shaft14may be connected to rotate together freely, relative to pole structure18M, for example via a set screw or other suitable method, and shaft14may be mounted on bearings18N of the brake18prior to energizing the field coil18J or advancing the rotor18K a sufficient distance in the case of a permanent magnet brake18. When voltage or current is applied to the field coil18J may produce magnetic lines of flux. Such flux may travel through the air gap18L between the field coil18J and the rotor18K, such that the rotor18K is magnetically restrained to provide a braking action between the pole structure18M and rotor18K with contact between such parts. The axial separation distance between the field coil18J and the rotor18K may be increased or decreased to decrease or increase the braking action, respectively. In cases where a permanent magnet is used, rotation of ring18A may advance and retract rotor18K to increase or decrease, respectively, the resistance applied to the shaft14by the brake18.

Other brakes types may be used. Such other brakes may include magnetic particle brakes, eddy current brakes, mechanical brakes, and electromagnetic frictions brakes. In magnetic particle brakes, an output disc (attached to the output shaft) sits untouched inside a housing. Remaining empty space within the housing is filled with magnetic shavings or powder that remains free-flowing until acted on by a magnetic field radiating from a stationary coil, embedded in the housing. When the coil is energized with DC (direct current) power, the powder solidifies into chains along magnetic field lines, fixing the disc to the housing, and stopping the load.

Eddy current clutches are almost structurally identical to hysteresis clutches. However, the output discs that rotate through induced magnetic fields are made of nonferrous materials—good conductors that are otherwise only marginally magnetic. Materials include repelling diamagnetic aluminum, weakly attractive paramagnetic copper, and brass. During brake operation the rotor is made to rotate by a load. The stationary coil and pole assembly's polewheel are fixed to the stator body, attached to the main housing. When the magnetic flux penetrates the rotor, an attraction is created between the stationary polewheel and rotor. Because the rotor is fixed to the output shaft, this attraction causes the output shaft to slow, and braking is established.

A large number of electromagnetic brakes and clutches operate by friction. Such may use electrically created magnetism to clamp two friction faces together, thereby converting kinetic energy into thermal energy, which is then dissipated. An electromagnetic friction brake may have two principal components: an armature and a magnet. The armature is a steel plate or disc that is designed to rotate, it mounts to the shaft of the machine, and is the part clamped during braking.

Referring toFIGS. 8-9, 12, and 14, the FEPS device10may comprise a resistance adjuster, such as a lever44, for example connected to manipulate the brake18. Referring toFIG. 16, a part of lever44, for example lever ring base44A, may be connected to the resistance plate ring18A to permit rotation of the ring18A, relative to the main body18B, in conjunction with rotation of lever44. Referring toFIGS. 16 and 23, rotation of the resistance ring18A may increase or decrease the axial separation distance between the rotor18K and the field coil18J (FIG. 23), for example by causing relative movement between same along axial direction lines18P, and thus, change the level of resistance and braking action against rotation of the shaft14.

Lever44may have a structure suitable for mounting the lever44to the brake18. Referring toFIGS. 9 and 16, lever44may have a lever-base-hole44F positioned to align with a brake-base hole18F in ring18A, with one or more upper-handle-holes44G positioned to align with upper-brake-holes18G, all to receive respective fasteners52to secure parts together. Referring toFIGS. 9 and 17fasteners52may pass into holes44G and18G to securely mount the lever44to the brake18.

Referring toFIGS. 1, 11, and 16-20, the FEPS device10may have a structure suitable for incrementally adjusting the resistance level, regardless of whether the brake18permits adjustment across an infinite range of resistance levels. Referring toFIGS. 17-20, the structural frame12may define a plurality of teeth50oriented about a range of motion, such as an arcuate path50A, of the lever44to selectively engage and disengage a corresponding indent, or tooth, such as locking-tooth46F, on the lever44to set the brake18at a desired resistance level. The grooves may be shaped to mate with the locking-tooth46F. The grooves and the locking-tooth46F may have corresponding triangular shapes. The plurality of teeth50may be arranged to define a series of grooves as shown. The teeth50may provide a discrete number of locking positions and thus, a set number of levels of resistance.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 13-20, the resistance adjuster lever44may comprise a suitable actuator, for example a lever lock46with a depressible button46C, connected to selectively disengage the corresponding locking-tooth46F with the plurality of teeth50to permit the lever44to be moved into a different position about the arcuate path50A. Referring toFIGS. 8-9 and 15-18, the lever lock46may be structured to selectively engage and disengage the locking-tooth46F in cooperation with lever44. Lever lock46may have a lock-base ring46A, a lock-arm46B that extends from the lock-base ring46A, and a base stem46E, and may define an inner face46H, and an opposed outer face46I. Lever lock46may be structured to permit lock-arm46B to be moved into an axial-facing groove44C of the lever44. Axial groove44C may be tapered with increasing depth in a direction from the lock-base46A to the lever lock tip44D as illustrated inFIG. 16.

Referring toFIG. 9, the rear face46I may face and be spaced from a surface of the axial groove44C, and a base stem46E of the lever lock46may be positioned within a base-groove44E of the lever44, when the lever lock46is mounted to the lever44. Referring toFIG. 8, the depressible button46C may be positioned at or near a lever lock tip44D. The lever lock46may be positioned such that the project outward away from the lever44.

Referring toFIG. 11, the lever lock46may be structured to resiliently bias the lock-arm-lever46away from the axial groove44C, for example such that a gap48is defined between the lever44and lock lever46in the absence of an external force acting on the lever46. When in the neutral position shown, lever lock46may resiliently bias the locking-tooth46F into engagement with one groove of the plurality of teeth50. Pressing the depressible button46C toward the brake18may permit the lock-arm46B to be pushed into the axial groove44C and may concurrently disengage the locking-tooth46F from a groove of the plurality of teeth50, thus enabling rotation of the lever44and the lever lock46and adjustment of the resistance level. Following rotation of the lever44and the lever lock46, the depressible button46C may be released such that the lock-arm46B returns to its original neutral configuration and the locking-tooth46F engages a different groove of the plurality of teeth50. Referring toFIGS. 9 and 18, lever lock46may have other suitable parts. A lock-hole46G may be positioned to align with lever-base-hole44F to receive a lever-handle-base-fastener53, for example to facilitate mounting of lever lock46to lever44.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 11the left and right shrouds12A and12B may be configured to protect the interior of the frame12from unwanted user access through a lever movement gap12Q defined between the shrouds12A and12B. The arcuate strip54may be positioned about lever44within the gap12Q. Each shroud12A and12B may have respective strip slots12A-1and12B-1for example shaped to receive arcuate strip54to permit strip54to slide through the slots12A-1and12B-1with the lever44during use. Arcuate strip54may have a strip-lever-hole54A shaped to receive the lever44and the lever lock46. As the lever44and lever lock46are moved along the arcuate path50A, for example following disengagement of the locking-tooth46F from a groove of the plurality of teeth50via pressing the depressible button46C, the arcuate strip54may slide within the strip slots12A-1and12B-1.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 8, the FEPS device10may comprise interchangeable handles20, for example to permit a user to perform a variety of unique motions and exercises. The FEPS device10may comprise a handle20connected to an end of the shaft14, for example a first end14A-2or a second end14A-3of shaft14. The FEPS device may comprise a plurality of handles20, each handle20being distinct from one another and being configured to interchangeably connect to one or more of the first end14A-2and the second end14A-3of the shaft14. The plurality of handles20may include a door knob20′, a door handle lever20″, a key20′″, any other suitable handle. In some cases a crank may be used, for example to provide a realistic motion for certain movements. Each handle20may connect to shaft14via a suitable mechanism, such as by mating with a corresponding stem13C-1of an end cap13C. Caps13C and handle20may connect via a suitable mechanism such as a locking pin and hole connection.

Referring toFIG. 8, the plurality of handles20may comprise a plurality of handle shafts13D. Each handle shaft13D may be distinct from one another and be configured to interchangeably connect to one or more of the first end14A-2and the second end14A-3of the shaft14. Each handle shaft13D may have a different diameter, or a different surface texture or structure. Each handle shaft13D may connect to shaft14via a suitable mechanism, such as by mating with a corresponding end cap13B. Caps13B and shaft14may connect via a suitable mechanism such as a locking pin and hole connection.

Referring toFIG. 8, a plurality of handle tips20A may be provided, for example each handle tip20A being distinct from one another and being configured to interchangeably connect to an end of a respective handle shaft13D. Referring toFIG. 8, the shaft14may comprise a spindle14A, whose axial ends14A-2and14A-3may connect to handle tips20A, handle shafts13D, or another suitable intermediate structure.

Referring toFIG. 20, the FEPS device10may comprise a repetition counter, for example to permit a user or therapist to keep track of progress during a rehabilitation routine. The repetition counter may comprise a shaft encoder58. A rotary encoder, also called a shaft encoder, is an electro-mechanical device that converts the angular position or motion of a shaft or axle to an analog or digital code. The repetition counter may comprise a switch arm58A mounted to follow an outer circumferential profile of a cam56mounted to the shaft14. Referring toFIGS. 8 and 19-20, spindle14A may have a spline slot14A-1, which aligns with a slot56A in cam56to receive a corresponding key such as a rod (not shown) to mount the cam56for torque transfer between the two parts. Referring toFIGS. 19-22, rotation of the shaft14causes cam56to rotate, and upon sufficient rotation a flat spot56B of cam56contacts switch arm58A. Encoder58may be mounted to pivot relative to frame12, for example via mounting upon a bracket60that pivots about a pivot axle60B. Bracket60may define a slot60A that receives a limiter pin68extended from frame12, for example from saddle12C-4, to permit a limited range of pivoting motion of bracket60and hence encoder58. The cam56may have a suitable shape, such as that of a ring plate with an out of round convex cross-sectional profile as shown.

Referring toFIGS. 12 and 20, upon arm58A contacting flat spot56B, the encoder58registers a count event and outputs a signal or displays an updated repetition count. In some cases the signal is sent for display on a display64on a face panel62mounted in frame12. Suitable controls may be provided on face panel62, such as an on/off or reset button66. In some cases, resistance may be electronically adjusted from the face panel62. A controller (not shown) may be provided to automate some or all of the functionality of the device10.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 8, one or both sides of shaft14may incorporate a manual counter or position indicator. In the example shown a protractor is positioned at each exit point for shaft14from frame12. For example, referring toFIGS. 1 and 8, a pointer ring plate36is provided on shaft14, with a pointer indicator36A. The ring plate38rotates with shaft14, and hence indicator36A rotates about a protractor ring plate38to provide feedback to the patient or therapist as to the angular position of the handle20. The ring plate38may secure to the frame12by a suitable method, such as by fastener holes38B, which align with corresponding holes (not shown) in the frame12to receive fasteners40.

Referring toFIG. 1, the FEPS device10may be used to perform a variety of flexion, extension, supination, and pronation exercises, for example to strengthen the user's forearms, wrist, hands and/or fingers. A user may perform flexion and/or extension exercises via the plurality of handle shafts13D. A user may face a side of the FEPS device10and grip one or more handle shafts of the plurality of handle shafts13D and rotate the handle shafts13D in directions22, for example in a direction22A to perform a forearm extension exercise and/or in a direction22B to perform a forearm flexion exercise. A user may perform supination and/or pronation exercises via the plurality of handles20. The plurality of handles20may be common hand-manipulated objects such as door handles, knobs, and keys that permit the user to simulate everyday activities, for example as part of a rehabilitation program. The lever44and lock lever46may be used to increase or decrease the level of resistance provided by brake18against rotation of the shaft14, and thus vary the difficulty of an exercise. Such parts may be used to increase forearm strength via progressive overload.

Fasteners include bolts, and other suitable parts that connect two other parts together. Holes include slots, gaps, and other structures that may be engaged by a fastener to secure two parts together. Parts of the device10may be constructed of suitable material, for example material that is medically safe, and resistant to degradation from hospital chemicals.

In the claims, the word “comprising” is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.