ABSTRACTApparatus is described which provides enhancedmovements of a person's truncal spinal muscles and jointsand which comprises a first means for supporting a personin position where there is minimal axial gravity loadingof the spine and second means to permit relative motionbetween the upper (thoracic) and lower (pelvic) portionsof the person's trunk while the person remains in thegravity unloaded position. The device contains a fixedportion and a pivoting or swiveling portion. In thepreferred embodiment the user assumes an all foursposition and by kneeling or leaning on the swivelingportion engages in a swiveling motion of the body whichcauses the upper and lower portions of the trunk to moverelative to each other. Normal motion is in the frontaland traverse planes of the body. Movement in thetransverse plane can be enhanced by incorporating a slopedstructure for the swiveling portion of the device tofollow. Simultaneous movement in the sagittal plane canalso be obtained by having the user flex or extend hisbody during the exercise. The two supports for the handsand knees can be mounted on the same base, mounted in atelescoping or adjustable fashion or positioned inseparate but adjacent locations. Extra supports can beused if a person is unable to support one or anotherportion of his body on his own. The swiveling portion ofthe unit can be moved either by the person's own exertionsor his exertions can be separately assisted by a motordrive or other means.
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