Abstract
A muscle memory training apparatus restores muscle memories that have become aberrant to previous normal or superior performance. It restores reflex stabilization muscle memories thereby providing a stable platform upon which voluntary muscle memories are restored. It is based on the universally accepted fact that muscle memories may be improved with practice and the yet to be accepted fact that reflexes execute muscle memories that may likewise be improved. The apparatus generates movements, perturbations, that are applied to the user; thereby stimulating reflex sensory neurons, effectuating stabilization reflexes, executing reflex muscle memories, and contracting muscles that countervail the apparatus perturbations. The perturbations and thereby the execution of the muscle memories is repeated over a protracted period and practiced multiple times per second. Practice improves the performance of the stabilization reflexes thereby restoring stabilization. Practice of voluntary muscle memories restores performance because they are practiced upon a stable platform.
Claims
1. A muscle memory training apparatus comprising: a) a housing comprising a motor with an axle; wherein the motor is configured to rotate the axle about a rotational axis; b) a first arm extending from the axle; c) a first arm weight coupled to the first arm; d) a strap configured to extend from the housing and around a person to couple the muscle memory training apparatus to said person; wherein the motor is configured to spin the first arm weight about the axle to produce an off-balancing force on said person; wherein the first arm weight has a torque offset distance from a rotational axis of the axle and wherein the torque offset distance is adjustable; and wherein the first arm weight is coupled to a first arm weight arm and wherein the first arm weight arm is configured to be interchanged with a longer first arm weight arm having a length greater by at least 20% than a length of the first arm weight arm.
2. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first arm is rotationally adjustable about the axle.
3. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first arm weight is configured to detachably attach to the first arm.
4. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first arm weight is configured for interchanging with a second-first arm weight having a weight that is at least 20% greater than the first weight of the first arm weight.
5. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller coupled with the motor and configured to change a rotational speed of the motor.
6. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing has retainers configured to retain the strap to the housing.
7. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap includes a shoulder strap configured to extend around the housing and over the shoulder of said person.
8. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 7, wherein the strap includes a torso strap configured to extend around the housing and around the torso of said person.
9. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is a box having four sides, a front side, and a back side.
10. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second arm extending from the axle and having a second arm weight coupled to said second arm.
11. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second arm extends from the axle on an opposing side of the motor from the first arm.
12. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second arm is rotationally adjustable about the axle.
13. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second arm weight is configured to detachably attach to the first arm.
14. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second arm weight is configured for interchanging with a second-second arm weight having a weight that is at least 20% greater than the first weight of the second arm weight.
15. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second arm weight has a torque offset distance from a rotational axis of the axle and wherein the torque offset distance is adjustable.
16. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second arm weight is coupled to a second arm weight arm and wherein the second arm weight arm is configured to be interchanged with a longer second arm weight arm having a length greater by at least 20% than a length of the second arm weight arm.
17. A method of training muscle memory comprising: a) providing the muscle memory training apparatus of claim 1; b) attaching the housing to a person by extending the strap around said person; and c) turning on the motor to spin the axle and the first weight coupled to the axle to produce an off-balancing force.
18. A muscle memory training apparatus comprising: a) a housing comprising a motor with an axle; wherein the motor is configured to rotate the axle about a rotational axis; b) a first arm extending from the axle; c) a first arm weight coupled to the first arm; d) a strap configured to extend from the housing and around a person to couple the muscle memory training apparatus to said person; wherein the motor is configured to spin the first arm weight about the axle to produce an off-balancing force on said person; wherein the motor, first arm and first arm weight are configured in a perturbation portion of the housing and further comprising an angle adjustment plate configured to enable rotational engagement of the perturbation portion.
19. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 18, wherein the angle adjustment plate has an interconnect portion, and wherein the perturbation portion has a first angle adjustment feature configured for rotational attachment with the interconnect portion of the angle adjustable plate.
20. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first angle adjustment feature is configured for at least four different rotational attachment orientations with the angle adjustable plate, wherein each rotational attachment orientation is at least 20 degrees offset for all other rotational attachment orientations.
21. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first angle adjustment feature is configured for at least six different rotational attachment orientations with the angle adjustable plate, wherein each rotational attachment orientation is at least 20 degrees offset for all other rotational attachment orientations.
22. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first angle adjustment feature is configured for at least eight different rotational attachment orientations with the angle adjustable plate, wherein each rotational attachment orientation is at least 20 degrees offset for all other rotational attachment orientations.
23. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 22, wherein the interconnect portion is octagonal in shape.
24. The muscle memory training apparatus of claim 19, wherein the angle adjustment feature is a protrusion and the interconnect portion is an aperture or recess in the angle adjustment plate.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
(2) FIG. 1 shows an exemplary muscle memory training apparatus having a housing for the producing forces to off balance a person and a plurality retainers configured to retain a strap configured to extend from the muscle memory training apparatus to a person.
(3) FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus having a motor with arms coupled to opposing sides of the motor and having weights coupled to the arms that produce an off-balance force.
(4) FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus shown in FIG. 2, now turned ninety degrees and the first arm and second arm are extending in opposing directions, 180 degrees apart, versus the same rotational orientation in FIG. 2.
(5) FIG. 4 shows a top view of a person with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus strapped to their back and the arms spinning with the arm weights attached to produce an off-balancing force along a longitudinal axis (vertical with respect to the person standing) and sagittal axis (front to back).
(6) FIG. 5 shows a top view of a person with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus strapped to their back as shown in FIG. 4, now with the muscle memory training apparatus rotated 90 degrees with the arm spinning in a frontal axis (side to side).
(7) FIG. 6 shows a top view of a person with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus strapped to their back as shown in FIG. 5, now with the first arm and second arm extending in opposing directions from the axle, wherein the first arm extends 180 degrees from the second arm from the axle.
(8) FIG. 7 shows a side view of a person with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus strapped to their back and the arms spinning with the arm weights attached to produce an off-balancing force along a frontal axis (side to side), as shown in FIG. 6.
(9) FIG. 8 shows a side view of a person with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus strapped to their back as shown in FIG. 7, with the arms now extending in the same direction from the axle to produce a stronger off balancing force.
(10) FIG. 9 shows a side view of a person with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus strapped to their back as shown in FIG. 8, with the arms now rotating in an opposite direction from the direction shown in FIG. 8.
(11) FIG. 10 shows a side view of a person with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus strapped to their back as shown in FIG. 2, with the arms now extending in opposing directions from the axle.
(12) FIG. 11 shows a side view of a person with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus strapped to their back as shown in FIG. 10, with the arms now rotating in an opposite direction from the direction shown in FIG. 10.
(13) FIG. 12 shows a side view of a person with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus strapped to their back as shown in FIG. 10, with the arms now extending in the same directions from the axle.
(14) FIG. 13 shows a side view of a person with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus strapped to their back as shown in FIG. 12, with the arms now rotating in an opposite direction from the direction shown in FIG. 12.
(15) FIG. 14 shows a front view of an angle adjustment plate of a muscle memory training apparatus.
(16) FIG. 15 shows a side view of a housing of a muscle memory training apparatus connected to an angle adjustment plate by a first angle adjustment protrusion, an interconnect portion, and straps.
(17) FIG. 16 shows a top view of a housing of a muscle memory training apparatus configured relative to an angle adjustment plate.
(18) FIG. 17 shows the muscle memory training apparatus of FIG. 16 wherein the housing is oriented at a different angle relative to the angle adjustment plate.
(19) FIG. 18 shows a back view of a person with the muscle memory training apparatus configured on their back with the axle extending horizontally across the person's back and with the first arm and the second arm oriented in the same rotational direction from the axle.
(20) FIG. 19 shows a back view of a person with the muscle memory training apparatus configured on their back with the axle extending at an offset angle to vertical across the person's back; wherein the first angle adjustment protrusion has been rotated to configure the perturbation portion at said offset angle.
(21) FIG. 20 shows a back view of a person with the muscle memory training apparatus configured on their back with the axle extending vertically along the person's back and with the first arm and the second arm oriented in the same rotational direction from the axle.
(22) FIG. 21 shows a back view of a person with the muscle memory training apparatus configured on their back with the axle extending at an offset angle to vertical across the person's back; wherein the first angle adjustment protrusion has been rotated to configure the perturbation portion at said offset angle
(23) FIG. 22 shows a diagram of a perturbation portion of a muscle memory training apparatus having the first arm and second arm configured in the same rotational position with respect to the axle.
(24) FIG. 23 shows a diagram of a perturbation portion of a muscle memory training apparatus having the first arm and second arm configured in opposing rotational position with respect to the axle, wherein the first arm extends from the axle 180 degrees from the second arm.
(25) FIG. 24 shows a diagram of the perturbation portion of a muscle memory training apparatus shown in FIG. 23, with the first arm weight and second arm weight changed to heavier arm weights to increase the amount of force created by the perturbation portion.
(26) FIG. 25 shows a diagram of the perturbation portion of a muscle memory training apparatus shown in FIG. 23, with the first arm weight and second arm weight extended further from the axle to produce more force.
(27) FIG. 26 shows a graph of perturbing forces as a function of time.
(28) FIG. 27 shows a graph of perturbing forces as a function of time.
(29) FIG. 28 shows a graph of perturbing forces as a function of time.
(30) Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the figures. The figures represent an illustration of some of the embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. Some of the figures may not show all of the features and components of the invention for ease of illustration, but it is to be understood that where possible, features and components from one figure may be an included in the other figures. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
(31) As used herein, the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, has, having or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Also, use of a or an are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.
(32) Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein and are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The embodiments described are only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention, and certain modifications, combinations, and improvements of the described embodiments, will occur to those skilled in the art and all such alternate embodiments, combinations, modifications, improvements are within the scope of the present invention.
(33) Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, an exemplary muscle memory training apparatus 10 has a housing 20, which may be an enclosure, for the producing forces to off-balance a person and a plurality of retainers 60, configured to retain a strap that extends from the muscle memory training apparatus to a person. There are a back retainers 66 configured along the back face 26 of the housing 20 and side retainers 64 configured on each of the four side faces 24, 24 24 and 24. Some side retainers are not visible in this view. The front face 22, opposite the back face 26 may have a coupling pad 28 for comfort.
(34) Referring now to FIG. 2, the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus 10 has a motor 36 with a first arm 40 and a second arm 50 extending from the axle 30 and extending in the same direction from the axle. Both the first arm 40 and second arm 50 are configured to be rotationally adjusted about the axle by a respective first arm axle coupler 44 and a second arm axle coupler 54. As shown the arms are extending in the same rotational direction with respect to the axle 30. Each of the arms has a detachably attachable weight, the first arm has a first arm weight 42 attached to the first arm 40 by the first arm weight coupler 46 and the second arm 50 has a second arm weight 52 attached to the second arm 50 by the second arm weight coupler 56. The arms coupled to opposing sides of the motor and having weights coupled to the arms that produce an off-balance force. The muscle memory training apparatus 10 is configured to produce an off-balance force toward and away from the front face 22. On the front face 22 of the housing 20, a coupling plate 29 and coupling pad 28 may be configured. The coupling pad 28 may provide comfort and padding between the housing and a person's back. A coupling plate 28, may be an angle adjustment plate 90 as described herein, enabling the housing to be rotated with respect to the angle adjustment plate 90. The straps, torso strap 70 and shoulder straps as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be coupled with the coupling plate 29 or angle adjustment plate 90.
(35) Referring now to FIG. 3, the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2, is now turned ninety degrees such and the first arm and second arm are now extending in opposing directions, 180 degrees apart, versus the same rotational orientation of the arms as shown in FIG. 2. This change in the orientation of the arms and the rotational orientation of the housing will produce different off-balancing forces. A person may don the muscle memory training apparatus 10 is a first orientation as shown in FIG. 2 and perform activities and then switch one of the arms and rotate the housing 20, 90 degrees and don the muscle memory training apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 2 and perform activities to strengthen their neuromuscular plasticity system and strength muscle memory.
(36) Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 6, a person 80 has the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus 10 strapped to their back by the first shoulder strap 72, the second shoulder strap 74 and the torso strap 70, that extends around the persons chest or waist, for example. The straps extend through side retainer 64 on opposing sides of the housing 20 and around the back side 26 of the housing 20 through a pair of back retainers 66 to effectively restrain the housing to the person's back with the coupling pad 28, configured therebetween. The motor 36 is rotating the first arm 40 and second arm 50 with the respective first arm weight 42 and second arm weight 52 attached thereto to produce an off-balancing force along a longitudinal axis 82 (vertical with respect to the person standing) and sagittal axis 84 (front to back with respect to the person standing) in FIG. 4 and along a frontal axis 86 (side to side with respect to the person standing) in FIG. 5. The orientation of the muscle memory training apparatus 10 in FIG. 4 is like that shown in FIG. 2 and the orientation in FIG. 5 is like that shown in FIG. 3.
(37) The perturbation portion 21 has been rotated 90 degrees about the sagittal axis 84 from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5. In FIG. 4, the axle 30 extends in the frontal axis 86 or generally horizontally with the person standing erect on a horizontal surface with the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus 10. In FIG. 5, the axle 30 extends vertically or along the longitudinal axis 82. As described herein, the perturbation portion 21 may be configured to rotation with respect to angle adjustment plate 90.
(38) As shown in FIG. 6, the exemplary muscle memory training apparatus 10 is strapped to the back of a person 80 (user) as shown in FIG. 5, now with the first arm and second arm extending in opposing directions from the axle, wherein the first arm extends 180 degrees from the second arm from the axle. This configuration may produce a twisting force with one weight pushing forward while the opposing weight on the second arm producing a pulling force, or force away from the user.
(39) Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 13, a person has an exemplary muscle memory training apparatus 10 strapped to their back to produce an off-balancing force that they must accommodate for while they attempt to perform a task, such as tracing a circle or figure eight with their outstretched arm. As shown in each of FIGS. 7 to 13, the muscle memory training apparatus is secured to the person by a first shoulder strap 72 and a second shoulder strap 74 and a torso strap 70. The straps extend through a side retainer 64 on a side 24 of the housing 20 and a pair of back retainers 66 on a back 26 of the housing 20.
(40) As shown in FIG. 7, the axle 30 of the motor 36 extends vertically or along the longitudinal axis 82 with the person standing upright on a horizontal surface. The first arm 40 and second arm 50 are configured 180 offset from each other with respect to the axle 30. The motor spins the two weights to produce an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis 84 (front to back).
(41) As shown in FIG. 8, the axle 30 of the motor 36 extends vertically or along the longitudinal axis 82 with the person standing upright on a horizontal surface. The first arm 40 and second arm 50 extend radially from the axle in alignment with each other. The motor spins the two weights to produce an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis 84 (front to back). This configuration may produce a stronger off-balance force as the weights are aligned with each other.
(42) As shown in FIG. 9, the axle 30 of the motor 36 extends vertically or along the longitudinal axis 82 with the person standing upright on a horizontal surface. The first arm 40 and second arm 50 extend radially from the axle in alignment with each other. The motor spins the two weights to produce an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis 84 (front to back). This configuration shows that the direction of rotation of the motor may be reversed, wherein the rotation direction in FIG. 9 is opposite the direction of rotation shown in FIG. 8.
(43) As shown in FIG. 10, the axle 30 of the motor 36 extends horizontally or along the sagittal axis 84 with the person standing upright on a horizontal surface. The first arm 40 and second arm 50 extend radially from the axle 30 in opposing directions of offset 180 degrees. The motor spins the first arm weight 42 and second arm weight 52 to produce an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis 84 (front to back) to produce both an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis 84 and longitudinal axis 82.
(44) As shown in FIG. 11, the motor 36 spins the first arm weight 42 and second arm weight 52 in an opposite direction from that shown in FIG. 10, to produce an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis 84 (front to back) to produce both an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis 84 and longitudinal axis 82.
(45) As shown in FIG. 12, the axle 30 of the motor 36 extends horizontally or along the sagittal axis 84 with the person standing upright on a horizontal surface. The first arm 40 and second arm 50 extend radially from the axle 30 in the same direction, or in radially alignment from the axle. The weights therefore spin in unison together about the axle to produce both an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis 84 and longitudinal axis 82. This configuration may produce a stronger off-balance force as the weights are aligned with each other.
(46) As shown in FIG. 13, the motor 36 spins the first arm weight 42 and second arm weight 52 in an opposite direction from that shown in FIG. 1, to produce both an off-balancing force in the sagittal axis 84 and longitudinal axis 82.
(47) As shown in FIG. 14, an angle adjustment plate 90 has an interconnect portion 92 that is configured to couple with the housing 20 of the perturbation portion 21 of the muscle memory training apparatus 10, shown in FIG. 15. The interconnect portion 92 shown in FIG. 14 has a plurality of sides, such as eight sides to enable adjustable angular orientation with the adjustable plate. The eight sides enable adjustment at 45, 90 135, 180, 225, 270 and 360 degrees. Angle adjustment plate retainers 94 are configured on the angle adjustment plate 90 around the interconnect portion 92 and may be slots configured to retain a strap. There are eight angle adjustment plate retainers 94, which corresponds with the eight sides of the interconnect portion 92.
(48) As shown in FIG. 15, a first angle adjustment feature 100, such as a protrusion, extends from the housing 20 of perturbation portion 21 of the muscle memory training apparatus 10. A second angle adjustment feature 110 extends from the housing 20 from a separate face of the housing 20, and extends orthogonally from the extension direction of the first angle adjustment feature 100. The first angle adjustment feature 100 and the second angle adjustment feature 110 each have eight sides, which correlate with the eight sides of the interconnect portion 92. The second angle adjustment feature 110 extends orthogonal to the first angle adjustment feature 100. First angle adjustment retainers 102 extend from the housing 20 opposite the first angle adjustment feature 100. Second angle adjustment retainers 112 extend from the housing 20 opposite the second angle adjustment feature 110.
(49) The first angle adjustment feature 100 is received by the interconnect portion 92 of the angle adjustment plate 90 to removably connect the housing 20 to the angle adjustment plate 90. The housing 20 is secured to the angle adjustment plate 90 by straps 76 that are configured through the first angle adjustment retainers 102 and the angle adjustment plate retainers 94. Two straps 76 are used to secure the housing 20 to the angle adjustment plate 90. These two straps 76 are configured orthogonal to one another.
(50) The orientation of the housing 20 may be adjusted by removing the housing 20 or perturbation portion 21, from the angle adjustment plate 90, rotating the housing 20 about at least one of the sagittal axis 84, longitudinal axis 82 and frontal axis 86, and reconnecting the housing 20 to the angle adjustment plate 90 by receiving the first angle adjustment feature 100 with the interconnect portion 92 and securing the housing 20 to the angle adjustment plate 90 by configuring the straps 76 through the first angle adjustment retainers 102 and the angle adjustment plate retainers 94.
(51) The orientation of the housing 20 may also be adjusted by removing the housing 20 from the angle adjustment plate 90 and rotating the housing 20 about the frontal axis 86 whereby the second angle adjustment feature 110, such as a protrusion, is aligned with the interconnect portion 92. The housing 20 may be reconnected to the angle adjustment plate 90 by receiving the second angle adjustment feature 110 with the interconnect portion and securing the housing 20 to the angle adjustment plate 90 by configuring the straps 76 through the second angle adjustment retainers 112 and the angle adjustment plate retainers 94.
(52) As shown in FIG. 16, the housing 20 is configured relative to the angle adjustment plate 90. The housing 20 is secured to the angle adjustment plate 90 by straps 76 that are configured through the first angle adjustment retainers 102 and the angle adjustment plate retainers 94. As shown in FIG. 17, the housing 20 of FIG. 16 is configured at a different angle relative to the angle adjustment plate by rotating the housing 20 about the sagittal axis 84. As shown in FIG. 17, the housing 20 is secured to the angle adjustment plate 90 by straps 76 that are configured through the first angle adjustment retainers 102 and angle adjustment plate retainers 94. Since the orientation of the housing 20 is different in FIG. 17 than in FIG. 16, the straps 76 in FIG. 17 are configured through different angle adjustment plate retainers 94 than in FIG. 16 to allow for the housing 20 to be secured in its different orientation.
(53) Referring now to FIGS. 18 to 21, a person 80 has a muscle memory training apparatus 10 configured on their back with perturbation portion 21 configured in different rotational orientations with respect to the angle adjustment plate 90 via the first angel adjustment portion engaged with the angle adjustment plate 90. As shown in FIG. 18, the perturbation portion 21 is configured with the axle 30 extending horizontally across the person's back, or along a horizontal axis 16, and with the first arm 40 and the second arm 50 oriented in the same rotational direction from the axle. As shown in FIG. 19, the perturbation portion 21 is configured with the axle 30 extending at an offset angle 120 from the vertical axis 14 across the person's back 81, and with the first arm 40 and the second arm 50 oriented in the same rotational direction from the axle. The offset angle 120 is measured from the vertical axis 14. The perturbation portion 21 will produce a force that is offset from the vertical axis 14 and horizontal axis 16 in this configuration. The first angle adjustment protrusion (not shown) has been engaged with the angle adjustment plate 90. As shown in FIG. 20, the perturbation portion 21 is configured with the axle 30 extending vertically across the person's back, or along a vertical axis 14, and with the first arm 40 and the second arm 50 oriented in the same rotational direction from the axle. As shown in FIG. 21, the perturbation portion 21 is configured with the axle 30 extending at an offset angle 120 from the vertical axis 14 with the first arm 40 and the second arm 50 oriented in the same rotational direction from the axle. The offset angle 120 is measured from the vertical axis 14. The perturbation portion 21 will produce a force that is offset from the vertical axis 14 and horizontal axis 16 in this configuration. The first angle adjustment protrusion (not shown) has been engaged with the angle adjustment plate 90. Note that the offset angle has the same value but is to the opposing side of the vertical axis 14 from the perturbation portion 21 shown in FIG. 19.
(54) Referring now to FIGS. 22 to 25, a perturbation portion 21 of a muscle memory training apparatus 10 has a variety of adjustments in the arms and weights coupled to the axle 30. The first and second arms can be rotated about the axle and locked into a desired rotational position, such as having the arms extending in the same rotational position or opposing rotational positions, or about 180 degrees separated (within 15 degrees of 180 degrees). Also, the magnitude of the weight attached can be changed, as well as the has the first arm 40 and second arm 50 configured in the same rotational position with respect to the axle 30. As shown in FIG. 22, the first arm 40 and the second arm 50 are configured or extend in the same rotational orientation from the axle 30. Also, the first arm weight 42 and the second arm weight 52 may weight substantially the same within about 5%. For example, an exemplary perturbation portion 21 has a first arm weight 42 that weighs 0.5 kg and a second arm weight 52 that weighs 0.5 kg (+1-0.025 kg); thereby being substantially the same weight. Finally, the distance of the arm weight arm may be changed to produce a higher torque force as the weight is spun around the axle.
(55) As shown in FIG. 22, a perturbation portion 21 of a muscle memory training apparatus 10 has the first arm 40 and second arm 50 configured in the substantially the same rotational position with respect to the axle 30, wherein the first arm extends from the axle in the same rotational orientation (within about 10 degrees) as the second arm. Also, the first arm weight 42 and second arm weight 52 are substantially the same weight and the first arm weight is configured substantially the same offset distance from the axle (within about 10%) as the second arm weight.
(56) As shown in FIG. 23, a perturbation portion 21 of a muscle memory training apparatus 10 has the first arm 40 configured in a substantially opposing rotational position as the second arm 50 or about 180 degrees (within about 10 degrees of 180 degrees). Also, the first arm weight 42 and second arm weight 52 are substantially the same weight and the first arm weight is configured substantially the same offset distance from the axle (within about 10%) as the second arm weight.
(57) As shown in FIG. 24, a perturbation portion 21 of a muscle memory training apparatus 10 has the first arm 40 configured in a substantially opposing rotational position as the second arm 50 as shown in FIG. 23. However, the first arm weight 42 and second arm weight 52 have been changed from those shown in FIG. 23 to heavier arm weights to increase the amount of force created by the perturbation portion. The heavier weights are represented as larger in FIG. 24 to those shown in FIG. 23, however the weight may be changed but the size of the arm weight may stay substantially the same.
(58) As shown in FIG. 25, a perturbation portion 21 of a muscle memory training apparatus 10 has the first arm 40 configured in a substantially opposing rotational position as the second arm 50 or about 180 degrees, as shown in FIG. 23. However, the first arm weight 42 and second arm weight 52 are configured a greater offset distance from the axle than the first arm weight and second arm weights shown in FIG. 23. The first arm weight arm 43 and second arm weight arm 53 may be changed or extended out further from the first arm weight coupler 46 and second arm weight coupler 56 to produce said greater offset distance. The torque offset distance 47, the distance from the rotational axis 38 of the axle 30 and the center of mass of the first arm weight 42 is shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, wherein this torque offset distance is greater in FIG. 25.
(59) As reflex muscle memories become aberrant, voluntary muscle memories change as they attempt to adapt to an unstable platform.
(60) The therapy is designed to restore stabilization muscle memories thereby alleviating the need for cognitive intervention and providing a stable platform upon which voluntary muscle memories may be restored. The present invention and method is configured to restore aberrant muscle memories and mitigate movement disorders.
(61) Voluntary Muscle Memory
(62) Muscle memory is generally described as a voluntary movement that is essentially automatic and requires little or no cognitive intervention. Practicing a movement, with intent to improve and knowledge of performance, increases accuracy, efficiency, and automaticity. Practice movements to restore aberrant muscle memories or improve them to superior levels.
(63) Reflex Muscle Memory
(64) Reflex muscle memory can be improved the same way. But how do you cause a reflex to be effectuated? Unlike voluntary muscle memories that respond to conscious decision, reflex muscle memories respond to stimulus of sensory neurons. Stimulate sensory neurons the way they are designed to be stimulated.
(65) The programmable apparatus delivers repetitive, passive perturbations to stabilization reflex sensory neurons. It stretches muscles effectuating stretch reflexes, perturbs balance effectuating balance reflexes and does so under varying load conditions that effectuate Golgi tendon organ reflexes.
(66) The therapy combines the passive movement with voluntary movement; exercise routines, that direct or target the passive perturbations and heighten demands on all movement muscle memories. Therapy is performing motor and cognitive tasks with intent to improve whilst stabilization reflexes are perturbed.
(67) Therapy Description
(68) The apparatus may be hand-held, attached to the user's body, or attached to an unmovable surface. It provides multi-directional, adjustable perturbations to joint and balance reflexes and when coupled with daily living activity or prescribed movements targeted for optimum results.
(69) For example, the Romberg test is a series of postures designed to challenge and measure a person's balance acuity. It can also be used as an exercise, and another means of heightening and targeting demand.
(70) A weight is rotated imparting a continuous sequence of perturbations to stabilization reflexes and thereby execution of reflex muscle memories.
(71) Perturbation parameters, frequency, force, and rotational direction are adjustable. The frequency may be automatically or manually set by adjusting the motor control duty cycle. The force may be set by changing the radius of the orbital path and/or the weight being rotated. Rotational direction is switch selectable and causes perturbations to occur in a reversed order causing reflexes to occur in reverse order. Targeting reflexes is facilitated by orienting the perturbations to the user posture. For example, reorient the perturbation unit from the vertical to horizontal plane or walk to change the center of gravity, base of support, joint positions and load.
(72) The frequency of the perturbation is synchronized with the user's natural reflex loop time. In this manner, the sum of the movements will remain consistent. When the frequency of the movements is the same, they will entrain and summate correctly.
(73) For example, if the frequency is greater than the reflex loop time [time from stimulation to completion of muscle contraction]. A tetanic muscle contraction occurs. When repeated stimuli occur at short intervals the muscle doesn't have time to fully relax before it is called upon to contract again. Movement becomes erratic, ceases, or becomes rigid.
(74) As shown in FIG. 26, in the first frame or time period (1), a single perturbation effectuates a single reflex. In the second frame, or time period (2), a second perturbation occurs before the first reflex is completed. In the third frame or time period (3), multiple perturbations occur before any reflex is completed. The effect is cumulative. In the fourth frame (4), full tetanus occurs and there is no muscle relaxation between perturbations. A line showing the perturbations 8 as a function of time is shown in the third frame. A line representing a reflex 9 is shown as a function of time above the perturbation line.
(75) Starting a reflex movement before the prior movement is completed is like practicing a golf swing wherein successive swings are started before the current swing is completed. When perturbation and reflex movements of the same frequency are added together, the resultant movement will be the same frequency, maximum amplitude, and consistent. FIG. 27 shows the desired effect wherein the frequencies and phase are the same. The resultant movement A+B is the sum of both movements A and B.
(76) However, when the movement frequencies differ, the resultant movement will be a complex summation of forces that undergo constant change. FIG. 28 shows the summation of 2 frequencies, one of which is twice the other. The phase and amplitude relationships do not summate correctly for this application. Every combination of 2 forces occurring at different frequencies or phase relationships, yields a complex movement.
(77) Perturbation frequency may be an important setting. The intent is to practice the reflex movement, not some derivative movement that can do more harm than good.
(78) Fatigue
(79) Reflexes occurring at a high frequency over a protracted period can lead to synaptic, muscle, and other forms of fatigue that cause short or long-term deficit performance. Reflexes begin to fail. Stability is inadequate and may even contribute to instability. Practice challenges fatigue and can improve strength and endurance. Not unlike building muscles, subject them to heightened demands and make them bigger, stronger, and less susceptible to fatigue.
(80) In summary, the apparatus is designed to deliver programmed perturbations to stabilization reflexes whilst the user is engaged in daily living or planned activities.
(81) It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Specific embodiments, features and elements described herein may be modified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications, combinations and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
