EP0732128A2 - Exercise device for extremities - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a training device with a device which can be moved back and forth by moving the extremities against the force of a training load (25; 26), the device essentially consisting of at least two pedals designed as attack surfaces for the extremities and each being movable in a straight line ( 15) and / or handles, and in particular the pedals / handles can be moved independently of one another against their own training load. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a training device with a device which can be moved back and forth by moving the extremities against the force of a training load. Such training devices are often used in medical rehabilitation processes or in competitive sports.

Leg presses based on the cable pull principle are known. In leg presses of this type, the feet of a trainee are supported against a stationary abutment and move the upper body lying on a sledge back and forth along a linear path. The sled is connected to a training load via a rope and pulleys. The sled, rope, pulleys and training load are arranged in such a way that the sled is pulled towards gravity towards the stationary abutment.

The load on the legs can be varied on the one hand by different levels of the training load. On the other hand, the sled can be tilted in its position, so that the trainee must also work against the weight of his own body and the sled or a part thereof. The gradations of the training load and the inclination of the sled can only be set before the start of the training. It is not possible to change the levels during training.

The stationary abutment is designed as a flat contact surface for the feet. Due to the simple construction of the leg press, modifications of the movement sequence cannot be made. But especially in medical rehabilitation processes or in competitive sports, such modifications may be desirable or advantageous.

Furthermore, bicycle ergometers and bicycle trainers are known. These devices are also used to train the legs. Both legs are subject to the same load on these devices. Differences compared to the leg press result on the one hand by a rotational movement of the pedals, on the other hand by an alternating, never simultaneous load on the legs. As a result of the rotational movement, a large number of joint drives, i.e. muscles, tendons, etc. are loaded. A differentiated training of less selected joint drives is not possible. In particular, due to the construction, in particular the rigid mechanical connection of the pedals, modifications of the movement sequence are not possible.

The invention is based on the problem of providing a further training device with possible variations in the movement sequence of a trainee.

This problem is solved according to the invention in that a training device is designed with a device which can be moved back and forth by movement of the extremities against the force of a training load, the device essentially consisting of at least two rectilinear movement surfaces designed as engagement surfaces for the extremities Pedals and / or handles.

The invention enables a more flexible design of the movement sequence by providing several contact surfaces for the extremities. With the training device according to the invention, both the legs and the arms can be trained individually, together or in combination with one another. The feet or hands each operate pedals or handles that can be moved in a straight line.

By providing several contact surfaces in the form of pedals / handles for the extremities, asymmetries of the extremities and the body can be easily compensated for. In particular, the specific situation of the joints and joint drives, for example muscles, tendons, etc., in particular of the legs and arms of a trainee, can be taken into account. Since, according to the invention, the pedals / handles can be individually adapted to the legs / arms in question, this results in a significant advantage over the leg press or bicycle ergometer / trainer known from the prior art.

Furthermore, the training device according to the invention allows further degrees of freedom of the foot / hand movements by designing the attack surfaces of the extremities as pedals / handles. While the feet in the leg press are supported rigidly and immovably against a stationary abutment, the feet / hands grip the movable pedals / handles according to the invention, so that movements of the feet / hands are possible during training.

While the end of the trainer works against a drag brake in the bicycle ergometer or trainer, he works with the training device according to the invention against the inertia of training loads, in particular thus against inert masses. These are more similar to the natural resistance generators, such as carried loads and the exerciser's body to be moved, than the resistance brake of the bicycle ergometer or trainer.

The training device is particularly preferably designed such that the pedals / handles can be moved independently of one another against their own training load (claim 2). This means that different requirements can be placed on the legs or arms concerned. For example, a weaker limb can be trained more heavily with larger training loads. Likewise, an excessive burden an extremity can be avoided by reducing the training load in question.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pedals / handles are guided in straight, horizontal guide slots (claim 3). In this way, the exerciser is forced to perform precisely defined movements. Other articulated drives can thus be trained both in relation to the known leg press and in relation to the bicycle ergometer / trainer.

The training device is advantageously designed for training the legs and has means for supporting the trunk (claim 4). These means for storing the trunk can also be a simple mat or even the floor. These means can be arranged to be stationary as well as movable relative to the training device.

Depending on the arrangement of these means, the angles or angular ranges within which the exerciser can move his extremities are different. Thus, by changing the angular ranges, the work areas of the training device can be varied and the movement sequence can be modified.

The means for storing the trunk preferably consist essentially of a chair or reclining seat, first positioning means being provided by means of which the chair or reclining seat can be positioned at different distances in front of the pedals / handles, in particular in a stationary manner (claim 5). With the first positioning means, the training device can be individually adapted to the needs of different exercisers. In particular, the size of the exerciser can be taken into account. If the chair or reclining seat is positioned stationary, ie that only the pedals / handles are moved, this results in comparison with the known leg press, in which the feet rest against a stationary one Support abutments and the upper body moves on a sled, a completely different sequence of movements with regard to the musculoskeletal system in the form of its joints and joint drives.

In particular, by changing the position of the chair / reclining seat, the angular ranges within which the exerciser moves his extremities can be changed. This also results in the advantages of varying the work areas and movement sequences mentioned above.

The chair or reclining seat of the training device preferably has an adjustable seat, backrest and / or shoulder support and / or is adjustable in height (claim 6). As a result, the training device can advantageously be adapted to the individual needs of the exerciser. In addition, the movement or movement can be modified by adjusting the chair or the reclining seat and its parts. In particular, the above-mentioned change in angle and working range can be achieved by adjusting the height.

Furthermore, compared to the leg press, which is operated with the upper body lying down, spinal column loads can be reduced or avoided in the present training device, in particular with the backrest erected.

In a further preferred embodiment, the training device is characterized by first drive means for adjusting the seat surface, the backrest, the shoulder support, the height of the chair or reclining seat and / or the distance between the chair or reclining seat and the pedals / handles (claim 7). This enables automatic or controlled adjustment. In particular, these first drive means can also be used to adjust the chair or reclining seat itself or its parts during training. The drive means can for example be electric motors, have hydraulic or pneumatic systems. These can, for example, be controlled individually via controllers. Overall control via central data processing means is also conceivable.

Means for external driving of the pedals are particularly preferably provided in the training device (claim 8). The pedals / handles can additionally be provided with loops or the like for fixing the feet / hands to the pedals / handles. The means for external driving can have, for example, electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic systems. This enables a strength-free flexibility training of the leg muscles. The exerciser can also try to move the pedals / handles faster or slower than the external drives.

If an external drive with sectionally constant speed is used in this variant, the patient can apply braking or acceleration forces at sectionally the same speed. With constant power consumption of the motor, however, the user can actually accelerate or slow down the movement of the pedals / handles within a certain speed range. This variant of the training device enables the trainee to work under controlled kinematic conditions.

The training loads are preferably guided on levers and power transmission means are provided between the pedals / handles and the training loads, such that when the pedals / handles are actuated, the training loads are on linear paths along the levers and / or together with the levers on curved paths around axes of rotation of the levers are moved (claim 9). The training device therefore provides different construction variants. For example, in the case of a first construction variant, when one is pressed Pedals can move the corresponding training load in a straight line. This means that the training load in particular could always act on the pedal with the same, constant force. This force essentially corresponds to the force to be exerted by the trainee. It is transmitted, for example, via ropes and suitable guidance and / or deflection means. The training loads are in particular slidably mounted on the levers. This can be done, for example, by appropriate roller bearings.

A second design variant of the training device provides for swiveling the levers together with the training loads by actuating the pedals / handles. The exerciser thus essentially works against the torque acting on the levers from the training loads. It is possible that the forces exerted by the training loads on the pedals / handles decrease in a cosine-like manner as a function of the angle between the horizontal and the lever. Appropriate construction of the power transmission means allows the cosine-like courses to be compensated to the extent that the forces exerted by the training loads on the pedals / handles are independent of the deflection or position of the pedals / handles. In some applications, however, such cosine-like curves can be desirable prerequisites for training.

As a result of constructive modifications, in addition to the constant or cosine-like curve, the force exerted by the training load on the pedal, depending on the angle between the horizontal and the lever, further curves, e.g. sectionally tangent, realizable. In particular, a combination of the first and second construction variants is also provided according to the invention in order to achieve further courses.

In a further preferred embodiment, the training device has second positioning means by means of which Predefined positions of the training loads, namely the angle of inclination of the levers and / or the distances between the training loads and the axes of rotation of the levers can be set or changed (claim 10). By means of these second positioning means, the load on the extremities of the exerciser can be individually adjusted, varied and dosed for each extremity. These loads can also be changed during training. For this purpose, two construction variants are provided according to the invention. On the one hand, the angle of inclination of the levers can be adjusted or changed. On the other hand, the distances between the training loads and the axes of rotation of the levers can be set or changed. Thus, the cosine-like or other trigonometric courses described above can be changed by shifting the training loads. In each case, the forces to be exerted by the trainee change. In particular, a combination of both variants is also provided.

The second positioning means of the training device particularly preferably have second drive means (claim 11). These are arranged in particular as counterweights to the training loads on the levers. These second drive means can in particular have electric motors. Hydraulic or pneumatic systems can also be used. These can be done on site, i.e. for example controlled by individual controllers. Overall control via central data processing means is also conceivable.

Due to the special arrangement as counterweights, the drive means require smaller forces, so that a smaller dimensioning of the drive means is possible. This arrangement is particularly favorable in the first construction variant.

The training device advantageously has position measuring means (claim 12). These are used to measure the positions of the chair or reclining seat, including its adjustable parts, and to this extent also the positions of the body parts, in particular the extremities of the person exercising. Furthermore, the training device can have means for detecting the forces to be exerted and / or actually exerted by the exercising person, movement quantities, performance and / or work. In addition, the training device can have means for detecting the quantities of the training load that determine the load on the extremities (claim 12). These funds are used in particular for the documentation and reproducibility of training processes. They can also be used advantageously for biofeedback processes (cf. EP-A-94 113 968.5). For example, certain movement variables that a trainee has to perform can be specified and controlled.

In a further preferred embodiment, the training device has means for data processing including means for entering, storing and outputting training-relevant data (claim 13). With this variant of the training device, the aforementioned sizes in particular can be processed electronically. This makes it easy to record training protocols and treatment results.

The data processing means and the first and second drive means are advantageously designed for an exchange of control or measurement data (claim 14). This variant makes it possible, in particular, to automatically dose and vary the loads on the exerciser; moreover, the overall control of the training device and course, which has already been mentioned several times, by means of the data processing system.

The data processing means in connection with the position measuring means and means for detecting further variables referred to above enable an adaptive behavior of the training device, in particular in relation to the performance parameters of the exercising person that are applied or are to be applied. The training device is thus able to automatically make settings and their changes at any time. The training device can gain knowledge from the course of the training and process it in such a way that the specific situation of the trainee or several trainees can be discussed in detail. The training device is therefore capable of learning.

The invention is described in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawing.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Trainingsgerätes;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Trainingsgerätes;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht des hinteren Abschnitts eines erfindungsgemäßen Trainingsgerätes;

Fig. 4a

eine Ansicht des hinteren Abschnitts von oben eines erfindungsgemäßen Trainingsgerätes;

Fig. 4b

eine Ansicht des hinteren Abschnittes von hinten eines erfindungsgemäßen Trainingsgerätes.

The drawing shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a training device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a side view of a training device according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a side view of the rear portion of an exercise device according to the invention;

Fig. 4a

a view of the rear portion from above of an exercise device according to the invention;

Fig. 4b

a view of the rear section from behind of an exercise device according to the invention.

1 has a chair or reclining seat 1. This is adjustable in its back 3, its seat 5, its shoulder rest 7 and its position. The position of the chair or reclining seat 1 is displaceable within the extent of the chair guides 9 and 10 designed as a slot.

Furthermore, the chair or reclining seat has lower handles 11 and 12 and upper handles 13 and 14. These are used by the trainer to hold on during training so that he can counteract slipping out of the chair or reclining seat 1 when pressed against the pedals 15. The shoulder support 7 serves the same purpose. It can be pivoted relative to the backrest 3.

The second pedal is not shown because it is located on the back of the training device. Like the first pedal 15, it is arranged on the other, not visible side and can be actuated independently of it.

The position of the chair / reclining seat 1 in the chair guides 9 and 10 is transmitted to data processing means by suitable sensors (not shown). Of the data processing means, only one means for outputting data, namely a monitor 17, is shown. The monitor 17 is mounted on an arm 19 which can be pivoted in all directions.

The data processing means in particular control first positioning and drive means (cf. FIGS. 2: 39, 40, 43; not shown in FIG. 1), so that the position of the chair / reclining seat 1 can be changed automatically and in a controlled manner. Furthermore, by means of the positioning and drive means, the backrest 3, the seat surface 5 and the shoulder support 7 can be adjusted automatically and in a controlled manner by means of the data processing means. The systems used can be operated electrically, hydraulically and pneumatically.

1 shows a guide slot 21 which guides the pedals 15 horizontally and in a straight line. As already stated, each pedal, and therefore each leg, can be loaded independently of one another, which is why a double version of the lever construction is also provided.

A bracket 23 protects the mechanism of the training loads 25, 26, levers 27, 28, second drive means 29, 30 and other movable parts. On the other hand, it particularly protects people from unintentional staying within the danger zone of the moving parts.

Fig. 1 can be used to explain two construction variants of the training device.

According to the first design variant, the pedals 15 move over guide and deflection means, of which only the deflection rollers 33 and 34 are shown in FIG. 1, guided cables 31 and 32, which to and fro the training loads 25 and 26 on the levers 27, 28 move around. The second drive means 29, here in the form of electric motors, are used to adjust and change the inclinations of the levers 27 and 28. By changing the inclinations, the loads on the trainee are varied and metered. It can be seen that in the case of a power transmission via ropes between the pedals 15 and the training loads 25 and 26, a substantially constant force which is independent of the deflection of the pedals and acts on the training loads 25 and 26 acts on the pedals 15.

In a second design variant, the second drive means 29 and 30 are connected to the training loads 25 and 26 via the ropes 31 and 32 and deflection rollers 33 and 34. The drive means 29 and 30, which are designed here as electric motors, thus allow the training loads 25 and 26 to be shifted and consequently a variation of the physical lever arm. The trainee changes the inclination of the levers 27 and 28 by moving the pedals 15 in this design variant. He thus essentially works against the torque acting on the levers from the training loads. Compared to the first construction variant, this results in the trainee works directly against the force of the training load, a different strain on the musculoskeletal system.

Depending on the transmission of force between the pedals 15 and the levers 27 and 28, there may be another connection between the deflection of the pedals 15 and the forces exerted on them by the training loads. For example, a cosine connection between the deflection of the pedals 15 and the inclination of the levers 27, 28 is possible. Another connection can also be realized through suitable design measures. In particular, suitable measures can be used to create a connection as in the first embodiment variant.

It is also possible to link the two design variants. The second drive means 29 and 30 shift the training loads 25 and 26 on the one hand along the levers 27 and 28, and on the other hand the second drive means 29 and 30 pivot the levers 27 and 28. In this combination, the trainee changes both by moving the pedals 15 Position of the training loads 25 and 26 along the levers 27 and 28 as well as their inclination.

In Fig. 2, the loads on the legs are set differently according to the first design variant. This results from the different inclination of the levers 27 and 28, with the same training load 25, 26 on each lever. The training device is shown in a rest position. This results from the fact that the training loads 25 and 26 have assumed the lowest position and the pedals 15 have accordingly assumed the foremost position in relation to the chair or reclining seat 1.

Again, the second pedal is not shown in FIG. 2, since it is located on the back of the training device. It's analogous to the first pedal 15 on the other, arranged invisible side and serves to lift the training load 26th

In addition to the monitor 17 carried on the arm 19, the keyboard 35 is also shown in FIG. Using the keyboard 35, predetermined training programs, user-defined training programs and other training-relevant data can be called up and entered, and data records can be stored.

As a variant compared to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 does not show the chair guides 9 and 10, within which the chair or reclining seat can be moved, but a guide rail 37. However, it also fulfills the functions of the chair guides 9 and 10. FIG. 2 also shows upper, first drive means 39 and 40 for adjusting the shoulder rest 7 and lower, first drive means 43 for adjusting the backrest 3.

Fig. 3 shows the two levers 27 and 28 together with the training loads 25 and 26 each in two different positions. For each lever 27, 28 one position is fully marked and the second position is indicated. The various positions result, for example, according to the first design variant, when the loads on the legs are changed by changing the inclination of the levers 27 and 28. Alternatively, the different positions can result according to the second construction variant, in that the exerciser changes the inclination angles of the levers 27 and 28 by actuating the pedals 15.

4a shows the training device from above. In it, the levers 27 and 28 are shown analogously to FIG. 2 in different positions. While one lever 27 points vertically upwards, the other lever 28 is inclined flat. In Fig. 4a, the second drive means 30 is both filled and drawn with thin solid lines. These lines represent the position that this drive means 30 would take, if the lever 28 were vertical. In fact, however, this lever 28 is inclined flat relative to the horizontal. Overall, the inclination of the levers 27 and 28 corresponds to the inclination shown in FIG. 2 both in FIG. 4a and in FIG. 4b.

The axis of rotation 42 of a lever 28 is shown in FIG. 4a as a further feature of the training device. The axis of rotation 41 of the other lever 27 is shown in FIG. 4b, which shows the training device from behind. The remaining reference numbers indicate the same parts as in FIGS. 1 to 3.

In the individual figures, drive means for the positioning means, position measuring means, data processing means as well as means for detecting the forces to be exerted or actually applied by the trainee, movement quantities, performance or work as well as means for detecting the quantities of the training loads determining the extremities were found for reasons not shown for clarity. These funds are used in particular when operating the training device in the biofeedback process.

In addition, it should also be pointed out that the position measuring means can be integrated in the drive means or, for manual handling, additionally or instead can be designed as measuring devices or suitable integrated scales.

Claims (14)

Training device with a device which can be moved back and forth by moving the extremities against the force of a training load (25; 26), characterized in that the device consists essentially of at least two pedals (15 ) and / or handles. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pedals / handles (15) can be moved independently of each other against their own training load (25, 26). Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pedals / handles (15) are guided in straight, horizontal guide slots (21). Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed in particular for training the legs and has means for supporting the trunk. Training device according to claim 4, characterized in that the means for supporting the trunk essentially consist of a chair or reclining seat (1) and first positioning means are provided by means of which the chair or reclining seat (1) is at different distances from the pedals / handles ( 15), in particular can be positioned stationary. Training device according to claim 5, characterized in that the chair or reclining seat (1) has an adjustable seat (5), backrest (3) and / or shoulder support (7) and / or is adjustable in height. Training device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by first drive means (39, 40, 43) for adjusting the seat surface (5), the backrest (3), the shoulder support (7), the height of the chair or reclining seat (1) and / or the distance between the chair or reclining seat (1) and the pedals / handles (15). Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means are provided for externally driving the pedals (15). Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the training loads (25, 26) are guided on levers (27, 28) and power transmission means (31, 32, 33, 34) between the pedals / handles (15) and the training loads ( 25, 26) are provided such that when the pedals / handles (15) are actuated, the training loads (25, 26) on rectilinear paths along the levers (27, 28) and / or together with the levers (27, 28) on curved paths the axes of rotation (41, 42) of the levers (27, 28) can be moved. Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by second positioning means by means of which predetermined positions of the training loads (25, 26), namely the angle of inclination of the levers (27, 28) and / or the distances between the training loads (25, 26) and the axes of rotation (41, 42) the lever (27, 28) are adjustable or changeable. Training device according to claim 10, characterized in that the second positioning means second drive means (29, 30), which are arranged in particular as counterweights to the training loads (25, 26) on the levers (27, 28). Training device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that it a) position measuring means for measuring the positions of the chair or reclining seat (1), including its adjustable parts (3, 5, 7) and / or adjusted to a trainee b) means for detecting the b1) forces to be exerted and / or actually applied by the exercising person, movement quantities, performance and / or work and / or b2) the load on the extremities determines the quantities of the training load (25, 26). Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has means for data processing including means for entering, storing and outputting training-relevant data. Training device according to claim 13, characterized in that the data processing means and the first and / or second drive means are designed for an exchange of control or measurement data.

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