PORTABLE THERAPEUTIC STRENGTHENING APPARATUS USING ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE

摘要

A lightweight, portable leg strengthening apparatus includes a footplate and calf support which form a leg rest, a top a friction free sliding element running longitudinally along and supported on a rectangular base. The leg rest is hinged at its attachment to the sliding element to allow a longitudinal tilting movement. The leg rest has adjustability at the hinge point at the ankle to enable alterations in the foot position. The leg rest has a removable heel support which provides the ability for either no pressure of full pressure to be exerted through the heel area of the user. The leg rest is able to be rotated 180° to allow for the user to either push the leg rest a top the guide member away from the user to allow the user to work their quadriceps, or may be pulled towards the user allowing the user to work their hamstring. The apparatus uses resistance material / rubber cords or springs attached via a plate to a steel cable, travelling via an aperture in the end of the device to the back of the sliding element a top the body of the device to create tension as the leg rest a top the sliding element is moved longitudinally along the body of the device. Resistance can be varied and progressed by using different numbers of resistance cords / springs. Organ stop devices are used to engage and disengage the resistance means so that the user has no need to have physical contact with said resistance means. A movable block on the rear of the device behind the sliding element prevents a patient flexing the knee and hip further than is appropriate for them. Fold away legs that are rotated out from under the device and locked into place make the device versatile for using whilst seated or folded away for use on a bed. A contact sensor at the front of the device enables visual display of number of repetitions achieved on a screen at the rear of the apparatus.