Therapeutic Exercise Equipment for the Handicapped

This invention relates generally to exercise equipment for those who are handicapped and more particularly, to therapeutic exercise equipment useful in enhancing a handicapped child's ability to maintain balance and proper posture.

The ability to maintain balance is fundamental to more advanced perceptual motor activities. Balance mechanisms, along with vision, tactile information and proprioceptor feedback, provide the knowledge for perceiving body orientation in space. Balance, defined as the ability to maintain equilibrium while engaging in various locomotor or non-locomotor activities, may be partially or totally deficient in some children. In particular, neurologically impaired children, such as those suffering from cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, often lack those postural adjustments and equilibrium reactions which comprise the basic movement patterns necessary for balance and proper posture.

An individual's equilibrium is used to regain shifted. Equilibrium reactions may be simple postural adjustments or more obvious protective reactions, for example, to stop a fall. In either case, these reactions are typically automatic or semi-automatic, working best when we do not need to think about them. Where these reactions are deficient, they must be taught or developed through appropriate physical therapy. Rhythmic movements involving the entire body assist best in developing these reactions or basic controls.

Today various types of therapeutic exercise equipment or apparatus are available to assist a therapist in initiating controlled postural and equilibrium reactions in the body of a handicapped child. Unfortunately, most, if not all, existing apparatus is designed to initiate only a specific type of movement, e.g., a rocking, rotating or swinging movement. As a result, a therapist must typically own a number of different types of exercise equipment to be able to provide a child with a full range of physical therapy. This is especially problematic today since the enactment of the Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975, Public Law No. 94-142, which requires that all children have an equal right to an education, including an equal right to physical therapy when needed. Thus, today a physical therapist is often required to travel from school to school to meet with a multitude of children, and in the process typically must transport a variety of needed exercise apparatus with him.

Thus, a need exists today for compact therapeutic exercise equipment capable of being used to initiate a wide range of different postural and equilibrium reactions in the body of a handicapped child, both of a higher and lower level of difficulty.

Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide therapeutic exercise equipment capable of being used to initiate a number of different postural and equilibrium reactions in the body of a handicapped child with the goal of enhancing the child's ability to maintain balance and proper posture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide therapeutic exercise equipment capable of being used to develop in a child either higher level or lower level balance skills, or both.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such therapeutic exercise equipment which is compact, lightweight and easy to transport.

The present invention accomplishes these objects by providing exercise equipment or apparatus capable of being used by a physical therapist to initiate a number of different postural and equilibrium reactions in the body of a handicapped child. In its most basic aspect, the exercise apparatus includes a hemisphere having a substantially rigid interior shell surrounded by a molded foam exterior. One end of the hemisphere is rounded and the other end is substantially flat such that a number of different therapeutic exercises may be conducted with either the rounded end or the substantially flat end contacting the floor and the child positioned on the opposite or upward facing end.

In another aspect, the exercise apparatus of the present invention includes a cover detachably secured to the hemisphere at its substantially flat end to allow access to a hollow internal chamber defined within the hemisphere. The cover preferably has a first substantially flat side and a second side, opposite the first side, with coasters secured thereto such that when the cover is detached from the hemisphere it may be separately used as a scooter. In addition, securement means for attaching the cover to the hemisphere are provided such that either the first side or second side of the cover is able to form a portion of the hemisphere's substantially flat end. This allows the physical therapist to construct a wheeled hemisphere which provides for various additional postural and equilibrium reactions to be initiated. An adjustable leg capable of being connected to the cover is also preferably included with the exercise apparatus such that a height adjustable T-stand is formed when the cover is removed from the hemisphere and the leg is secured thereto.

In yet another aspect, the exercise apparatus consists of a scooter having a first, substantially flat side and a second side, opposite the first side, having wheels permanently attached thereto. An adjustable leg is provided capable of being detachably secured to the second side of the scooter such that when the leg is connected to the scooter an adjustable T-stand is formed. This apparatus is capable of being used by the therapist to initiate a number of controlled postural and equilibrium reactions in the body of a handicapped child, being usable either as a scooter or T-stand.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, the objects, features and advantages of the present invention can be more readily ascertained from the following detailed description of one preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of one preferred embodiment of the therapeutic exercise equipment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the therapeutic exercise equipment as shown in FIG. 1B;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the hemisphere shown in FIG. 2 taken along lines A--A and B--B, respectively;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the cover shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustable leg capable of being connected to the cover shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6A-6E are side elevational views of the different functional embodiments of the present invention, FIGS. 6D and 6E being magnified somewhat in relation to FIGS. 6A-6C; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the therapeutic exercise equipment of the present invention positioned for transport with the cover and hemisphere shown in FIG. 2 secured together.

One preferred embodiment of the therapeutic exercise equipment or apparatus of the present invention, generally denoted as 10, is shown perspectively in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Apparatus 10 has a main body member or structure 12 which can be substantially hemispherical in shape as shown or of some other configuration, such as box, bullet, or bowl shaped, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "hemisphere 12"). One end 14 of hemisphere 12 is rounded and the other end 16 is substantially flat. Apparatus 10 is designed such that either end 14 or end 16 of hemisphere 12 may be contacting the floor when in use. A lip or rim 18 which is capable of functioning as a hand grip, is provided adjacent substantially flat end 16 to assist a child i maintaining balance when seated on end 16 as discussed below.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, apparatus 10 also includes a detachable cover 20, which serves in part to allow access to a hollow internal chamber 22 in hemisphere 12. Internal chamber 22 provides a convenient storage space for miscellaneous exercise items and/or patient files. The shape and dimensions of cover 20 may vary but should be sufficient to support a child as discussed in detail below. Substantially flat end 16 has an open or recessed portion 24 appropriately configured to accommodate cover 20 therein. Recessed portion 24 has a depth "d" approximately equivalent to the width "w" of cover 20 such that a substantially flat side 26 of cover 20 is coplanar with end 16 when cover 20 is secured to hemisphere 12 and forms a portion of the hemisphere's substantially flat end. Also provided in hemisphere 12 are two ledges 28a and 28b which partially define recessed portion 24 and provide support for cover 20 when it is secured to hemisphere 12.

Loop-type fabrics 30a and 30b (see FIG. 4) are attached to a second side 32 of cover 20, opposite substantially flat side 26, so as to detachably engage hook-type fabrics 32a and 32b secured to ledges 28a and 28b, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, side 26 of cover 20 also preferably includes loop-type fabrics 34a and 34b which again are capable of selectively detachably engaging hook-type fabric 32a and 32b, respectively. Thus, either side 26 or 32 of cover 20 is positionable so as to form a portion of end 16 of hemisphere 12. This ability to select between which side of cover 20 is to form a portion of end 16 is important since side 32 preferably has a plurality of wheels or coasters 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d secured thereto, the uses for which are discussed below. A particularly efficient loop-type fabric 30a, 30b, 34a and 34b and hook-type fabric 32a and 32b combination is commercially available under the trademark "Velcro".

The construction of hemisphere 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are cross-sectional views taken along perpendicularly intersecting imaginary lines A--A and B--B, respectively, in FIG. 2. Hemisphere 12 has an essentially rigid internal shell or core 42 surrounded by a foam exterior 44. Exterior 44 consists of a resilient molded foam material which is coated with a durable, seamless exterior covering 45. The thickness "t" of foam exterior 44 is shown to increase along the side 43 of shell 42 from rounded end 14 to flat end 16. Rounded end 14 preferably has a foam exterior 44 of minimal thickness "t.sub.min " so that when end 14 is contacting a floor the exterior foam does not result in undue damping of a particular balance exercise. A minimum thickness "t.sub.min " is, however, preferred over no exterior foam for comfort reasons when apparatus 10 is used with substantially flat end 16 contacting the floor. Lip 18 is defined by a disc-shaped portion 46 of enlarged radius "r.sub.en " from the center axis "c.sub.L " of hemisphere 12. In the embodiment shown, the outer ring 48 of disc-shaped portion 46 is constructed only of molded foam material. This provides a surface which children find helpful and comfortable when apparatus 10 is used in a position with rounded end 14 contacting the floor and the child seated on flat end 16. Cover 20, which comprises the center of disc-shaped portion 46, is supported by ledges 28a and 28b. As shown in FIG. 3B, ledges 28a and 28b are defined by portions of edge 50 of rigid interior shell 42. Inner surface 54 of interior shell 42 is preferably coated with a durable seamless covering 52 the same as covering 45 over the outer surface of hemisphere 12.

Referring to FIG. 4, it will be observed that cover 20 includes a substantially rigid internal plate 60 surrounded in part by a molded foam material and completely coated with a durable, seamless exterior covering as discussed above in connection with hemisphere 12. Molded foam material is secured below the seamless exterior covering to substantially flat side 26 for user comfort and peripheral edge 21 of internal plate 60 to act as a bumper when cover 20 is used in certain applications of apparatus 10 discussed below. As mentioned above, wheels or coasters 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d are secured to side 32 of cover 20 such that when cover 20 is removed from hemisphere 12, it may be separately used as a scooter. In addition, cover 20 preferably has two slots 62a and 62b, positioned near ends 64a and 64b, respectively, which function as handles for convenient carrying of cover 20 when removed from hemisphere 12 or for convenient carrying of apparatus 10 when secured to hemisphere 12. Slots 62a and 62b also provide a child with hand grips when cover 20 is used separately from hemisphere 12.

A threaded internal bore 66 is provided in side 32 near the center of cover 20 for accommodating and engaging a threaded stem 68 positioned at one end of an adjustable leg 70 shown in FIG. 5. When adjustable leg 70 is secured to cover 20 a T-stand or T-stool is constructed (see FIG. 6E). Leg 70 is preferably adjustable so that the height of the T-stand formed by the combination of the cover and leg may be changed to accommodate children of varying height. Leg 70 consists of two slideably engageable, concentric cylinders 72 and 74 which are adjustable relative to each other by any known means. For example, a spring-loaded peg 76 may be provided at one end of cylinder 72 to selectively engage one of a plurality of holes 78a, 78b, 78c, 78d provided in cylinder 74. A disc-shaped plate 80 is secured to cylinder 72 at that end having threaded peg 68 to provide a wide surface area of contact between adjustable leg 70 and cover 20 when threaded peg 68 is secured within threaded bore 66, thus lessening the chance that adjustable leg 70 could be broken away from cover 20. This object is best accomplished when plate 80 is substantially in contact with plate 60 of cover 20, which is why side 32 of cover 20 contains no molded foam material. A guide 82 is provided between cylinders 72 and 74 to maintain appropriate spacing and to allow for a close tolerancing of the cylinders. A floor bumper 84, e.g. made of a rubber material, is included at the free end of cylinder 74 to prevent damage to a floor whenever leg 70 and cover 20 are used as a T-stand.

Various different functional embodiments or applications of apparatus 10 of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6E. Apparatus 10 is first usable with cover 20 secured to hemisphere 12 and rounded end 14 contacting a floor (FIG. 6A), in which case the child sits tailor or Indian style on the upward facing, substantially flat end 16. In this position, a therapist provides movement of the apparatus through space by rocking right to left or forward and backwards, asking the child to maintain balance. The child may be partially supporting and balancing himself by grasping lip 18. The level of skill required by this exercise varies in relation with the degree of rocking initiated by the therapist. This exercise promotes equilibrium reactions and trunk strengthening.

Apparatus 10 is alternately usable with substantially flat end 16 contacting a floor (FIG. 6B). In this position, a child sits on rounded end 14 with feet on the floor and attempts to maintain balance. This activity tests lower level balance skills. Target and throw/catch games can be played if desired. The exercise promotes equilibrium reactions, eye-hand coordination and proprioception to lower extremities.

In addition, cover 20 is capable of being selectively secured to member 12 such that substantially flat end 16 includes wheels 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d which contact the floor when end 16 is facing downward (FIG. 6C). In this configuration, a child lies prone over rounded end 14 with his weight bearing on the upper extremities. Upper extremity weight shifting is facilitated by asking the child to toss bean bags at a target using one hand. The exercise promotes proprioception to upper extremities, reflex integration and eye-hand coordination.

When removed from body member 12, cover 20 is usable as a scooter with wheels 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d contacting the floor (FIG. 6D). In this configuration, a child sits on substantially flat side 26 of cover 20 and uses both feet to propel himself while holding on to cover 20 by using slots 62a and 62b as hand grips. This particular exercise promotes equilibrium reaction, proprioception to lower extremities and eye-foot coordination. An additional exercise which may be performed with cover 20 functioning as a scooter is to have the child lie prone on substantially flat surface 26 and use his arms to propel himself. Various tag and relay games can be played in this position. The exercise promotes prone extension posture, upper extremity proprioception, muscle cocontraction and bilateral motor coordination.

As noted above, by attaching adjustable leg 70 to cover 20 a T-stand is formed (FIG. 6E). A child may sit on the resulting T-stand with feet on the floor and attempt to maintain balance. Throw/catch games may also be performed in this position, resulting in higher level balance skills being tested. The exercise promotes equilibrium reactions, eye-hand coordination, lower extremity weight bearing for proprioception to hips, knees and ankles.

Apparatus 10 is constructed so as to be lightweight and compact with various miscellaneous items being storable within chamber 22 of hemisphere 12, e.g., adjustable leg 70 (see FIG. 2), a foam ball, and/or a net swing (i.e., a structure commonly used to initiate through swinging movements various different types of equilibrium reactions). As shown in FIG. 7, when apparatus 10 is positioned on its side an individual can easily grasp slot 62a or 62b in cover 20 and carry the entire structure. The fact that apparatus 10 is compact and easy to transport is particularly beneficial since as mentioned above therapists routinely travel between schools today and in the process have to carry with them any needed exercise equipment.

It will be noted from the above that this invention fully meets the objectives set forth. Therapeutic exercise apparatus is provided which is capable of being used to initiate a number of different postural and equilibrium reactions in the body of a handicapped child. In addition it will be observed that the number of different exercises available include exercises for developing both lower level and higher level balance skills. Further, it is apparent that the therapeutic exercise apparatus of the present invention is compact and easy to transport.

Although one embodiment has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment discussed but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the size and dimensions of the exercise apparatus may vary and its use is not limited solely to children but rather adults may benefit from certain exercises as well. The following claims are intended to encompass all such modifications.