FOOT MUSCLE BIOFEEDBACK UNIT

Abstract

The present invention relates broadly to a device for evaluating the mobility of a foot arch of a person. The device includes a base formed from two separate base members. The first base member includes a first zone configured to receive a foot of the or user to be evaluated. Position sensors in the form of a plurality of contact pressure sensor are mounted within the first zone of the first base member for detecting whether the foot to be evaluated is in a desired position relative to the first base member. The first base member includes a biofeedback sensor engaged or contacted by at least a portion of the foot arch. The biofeedback sensor includes an inflatable bladder mounted to the first base member and configured so that changes to the configuration of the foot arch cause a corresponding change to the configuration of the bladder.

Claims

1. A device for evaluating the mobility of a foot arch of a person, the device including: a base for supporting a foot; sensing means associated with the base and arranged to detect a change in configuration of the foot arch predominantly occurring in response to intrinsic foot muscle activity within the supported foot, the sensing means being in contact with the foot arch; position sensing means associated with the base and independent of the sensing means, said position sensing means configured to detect whether the supported foot is in a desired functionally effective position relative to the base; a feedback module operatively associated with the sensing means for providing feedback to the person indicative of the change in the configuration of the foot arch predominantly occurring in response to the intrinsic foot muscle activity within the foot.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensing means is mounted on the base such that the sensing means is contacted by at least a portion of the foot arch.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the sensing means is a biofeedback sensor.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the biofeedback sensor includes an elastically deformable body disposed such that changes to the configuration of the foot arch cause a corresponding change to the configuration of the elastically deformable body.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the elastically deformable body is an inflatable bladder.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the bladder is arranged on the base such that at least a portion of the sole of the supported foot is in direct face-to-face abutment with an operatively upper surface of the bladder.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the biofeedback sensor includes a pressure sensor for detecting changes in pressure within the bladder corresponding to changes in the configuration of the foot arch.

8. A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the biofeedback sensor includes a pump for inflating the bladder to a predetermined pressure.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the feedback module includes an output device for providing the feedback to the user.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the output device provides the feedback as one or more output signals including one or more of audio, visual and/or tactile signals.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the feedback module is in communication with the pressure sensor whereby the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is converted to the output signal.

12. A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the output device has a display for displaying the feedback to the user as a visual signal.

13. A device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the visual signal is a variable signal which changes in shape and/or size in response to changes in the configuration of the foot arch.

14. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the position sensing means includes one or more pressure or contact sensors.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the one or more sensors include a heel sensor and at least one toe sensor.

16. A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the heel sensor and/or the at least one toe sensor are selectively moveable relative to one another to accommodate various sizes of feet, as well as both left and right feet.

17. A device as claimed in claim 1 also including a user interface comprising the feedback module and an input module.

18. A device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the user interface is connected to the sensing means via a control line for allowing communication between the sensing means, the feedback module and the input module.

19. A device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the user interface is in wireless communication with the sensing means.

20. A method of evaluating the mobility of a foot arch of a person, said method including the steps of: supporting a foot of the person on a base; providing sensing means associated with the base and arranged to detect a change in configuration of the foot arch predominantly occurring in response to intrinsic foot muscle activity within the supported foot, the sensing means being in contact with the foot arch; providing position sensing means associated with the base and independent of the sensing means, said position sensing means configured to detect whether the supported foot is in a desired functionally effective position relative to the base; and using a feedback module operatively associated with the sensing means to provide feedback to the person indicative of the change in the configuration of the foot arch predominantly occurring in response to the intrinsic foot muscle activity within the foot.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0048] FIG. 1 is schematic view of a device for evaluating the mobility of a foot arch of a person according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0049] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the device of FIG. 1 showing a person using the device to evaluate the foot muscles in their right foot;

[0050] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first base member of the device;

[0051] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second base member of the device;

[0052] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a biofeedback sensor of the device;

[0053] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a user interface and hand pump of the device;

[0054] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the user interface in which all outputs are off;

[0055] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the user interface in which the position indicator for the heel sensor is on;

[0056] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the user interface in which the position indicators for the heel and the great toe sensors are on;

[0057] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the user interface in which the position indicators for the heel, great toe and fifth toe sensors are on, and the output LEDs are showing that the foot arch is in the neutral configuration;

[0058] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the user interface in which the output LEDs are showing that the foot arch has lifted from the neutral configuration;

[0059] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the user interface in which the output LEDs are showing that the foot arch has dropped from the neutral configuration;

[0060] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the user interface with its cover removed to show the internal components; and

[0061] FIG. 14 graphically illustrates comparative screen displays for different users of the device in a preferred embodiment.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0062] Referring to the drawings, the invention provides a device 1 for evaluating the mobility of a foot arch 2 of a person. In a preferred embodiment the device 1 includes a base 3 formed from two separate base members 4 and 5. The first base member 4 is in the form of a substantially planar member having an upper surface which defines a first zone 6. The first zone 6 is configured to receive a foot 7 of the person or user to be evaluated. The first zone 6 is configured to receive either the right or left foot of the user. That is, the user can evaluate one foot and then swap feet to evaluate the other foot.

[0063] The second base member 5 is also in the form of a substantially planar member having an upper surface which defines a second zone 8 for supporting the other foot of the person.

[0064] The first and second base members (4, 5) are constructed to be of substantially the same thickness T. It will be appreciated that the use of paired base members having substantially the same thickness advantageously provides a neutral balanced foot support platform for the person, in use. That is, the paired base members enable the weight of the person to be distributed substantially evenly over both feet.

[0065] Position sensors in the form of a plurality of contact pressure sensors are mounted within the first zone 6 of the first base member 4 for detecting whether or not the foot 7 to be evaluated is in a desired position relative to the first base member 4. The contact sensors of this embodiment include a heel sensor 9 and four toe sensors. The toe sensors include two great toe sensors (10a, 10b) and two fifth toe sensors (11a, 11b). When the right foot of the user is being evaluated, the left great toe sensor 10a and the right fifth toe sensor 11b will be activated, and the right great toe sensor 10b and left fifth toe sensor 11a deactivated. In contrast, when the left foot of the user is being evaluated, the right great toe sensor 10b and the left fifth toe sensor 11a will be activated, and the left great toe sensor 10a and right fifth toe sensor 11b deactivated.

[0066] In another embodiment, there are only two toe sensors, wherein one acts as the great toe sensor and the other as the fifth toe sensor, depending on whether the right or left foot is being evaluated. That is, when the right foot of the person is being evaluated one of the two toe sensors will act as the great toe sensor 10 and the other toe sensor will act as the fifth toe sensor 11. In such embodiments, when the left foot of the person is being evaluated, the roles of the two toe sensors will swap.

[0067] A heel support 12 is mounted at one end of the first base member 4. The heel sensor 9 is fixedly mounted to the first base member 4 adjacent the heel support 12.

[0068] The first base member 4 has two mounting formations in the form of slots 13 in which the great toe sensor 10 and fifth toe sensor 11 are mounted, respectively. The toe sensors (10, 11) are independently slidably movable along the respective slots 13 such that the toe sensors can be moved relative to the heel sensor 9 to suit different foot 7 lengths and widths.

[0069] A cover (not shown) is preferably fitted over the first base member to cover the heel and toe sensors. The cover has a cut-out portion through which sensing means can pass for exposure and contact with a foot arch. The cover may be removable to provide access to the toe sensors whereby the user can slide the sensors along the slots 13 to suit the size and shape of the foot which is being evaluated. In other embodiments, an external slider (not shown) is connected to each toe sensor for sliding the sensors along the slots such that the cover need not be removed.

[0070] As will be described in greater detail below, the heel sensor 9, great toe sensor 10, and fifth toe sensor 11 each have an associated position indicator in the form of LEDs 14A, 14B, and 14C, respectively, for indicating whether or not the associated portion of the foot 7 is in the desired position. It will be appreciated that when the heel, the great toe and little toe are in the desired position, it follows that the foot 7 is in the desired position relative to the base.

[0071] Accordingly, if the LEDs 14 indicate that the foot 7 has moved from the desired position, the user can correct the position of the foot 7 and recommence foot muscle exercises once they have received positive confirmation from the LED indicators that the foot 7 is back in the desired position. By knowing the position of the foot 7 relative to the first base member 4, the person is able to monitor and feel the effect of their foot muscle activity on the configuration of their foot arch 2.

[0072] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the sensing means of this example is in the form of a biofeedback sensor 15 mounted on the first base member 4. When the foot 7 is supported on the first base member 4, the sensor 15 is engaged or contacted by at least a portion of the foot arch 2. The biofeedback sensor 15 in this embodiment includes an inflatable bladder 16 which is elastically deformable in use. The bladder 16 is mounted on the first base member 4 such that it is disposed generally intermediate the heel sensor 9 and the two toe sensors (10, 11).

[0073] The bladder 16 is configured such that changes to the configuration of the foot arch 2 cause a corresponding change to the configuration of the bladder 16. Provided the foot 7 is maintained in the correct position and in contact with the base (confirmed by the indicator LEDs as previously described), the changes to the configuration of the foot arch 2 which are detected are those predominantly occurring in response to intrinsic foot muscle activity within the supported foot. It will be appreciated that such changes to the configuration of the bladder 16 cause a corresponding change in pressure within the bladder 16. The biofeedback sensor 15 includes a pressure sensor 17 for detecting these changes in pressure within the bladder 16.

[0074] To inflate the bladder 16, the biofeedback sensor 15 includes a selectively operable hand pump in the form of an elastically squeezable bulb pump 18. The pump 18 is connected to the bladder 16 by a supply line 19. As will be described in greater detail below, the pump 18 is used to initially inflate the bladder 16 to a predetermined pressure. In an alternative embodiment the pump may be mounted within the first base member 12 eliminating the need for the supply line 19. The pump may be manually activated for inflation of the bladder 16 or may automatically activate relying on an electric motor (not shown) onboard the base member 12 and designed to inflate the bladder to a pressure preset by the user.

[0075] A multi-position pressure range selector switch, preferably a four-position switch (not shown) is located at the rear of the first base member 4. The four-position switch is operatively associated with the bladder 16 and the pump 18 of the biofeedback sensor 15 and is configured to allow selection of one of four different pressure ranges. For example, the pressure ranges can be 0-40 cmH.sub.20, 0-20 cmH.sub.20 and 0-5 cmH.sub.20. It will be appreciated that the selection of various pressure ranges provides for various sensitivities such that the range can be selected to suit the change in foot arch 2 configuration of a particular person. In addition, the multi-position pressure range selector switch can be used to identify slow leaks in the bladder 16 by selecting the 0-5 cmH.sub.20 pressure range. The multi-position pressure range selector switch can also be used to zero the device when the bladder 16 is inflated with no foot present.

[0076] Calibrating means in the form of a pressure release valve (not shown) is operatively associated with the pressure sensor 17. The release valve is adapted to calibrate the pressure in the bladder 16 to a control pressure after initial inflation to the predetermined pressure. The control pressure advantageously enables the bladder 16 to detect both arch lift and arch drop.

[0077] A user interface 20 is in operative communication with the biodfeedback sensor 15 and the position sensing means. The user interface 20 includes an input module and a feedback module.

[0078] The user interface 20 is in this embodiment connected to the first base member via a control line 21 to enable communication between the position sensing means, the biofeedback sensor 15, the input module and the feedback module. The control line 21 is flexible such that the user interface 20 is movable relative to the first base member 4. In an alternative embodiment the communication between the user interface 20 and the biofeedback sensor 15 (and position sensing means) is provided wirelessly. For example, the interface 20 may communicate with the sensor 15 (and position sensing means) across a Bluetooth link with the devices appropriately paired.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the feedback module is operatively associated with the biofeedback sensor 15 to provide substantially real-time feedback to the user. The feedback provided by the feedback module is indicative of the changes in pressure within the bladder 16 of the sensor mechanism, which in turn are indicative of changes in the configuration of the foot arch 2 predominantly occurring in response to foot muscle activity associated with the foot 7.

[0080] The feedback module includes an output device in the form of a display 22 to provide a visual signal which correlates to the changes to the foot arch 2 configuration.

[0081] As most clearly shown in FIG. 7, the visual signal is preferably formed from a linear array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 23. Each LED 23 is configured to be in either an on state or an off state. The changes to the configuration of the foot arch 2 are thus indicated by a change in the number of LEDs 23 which are in the on state. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, as the foot muscles cause the foot arch 2 to lift, the number of LEDs in the on state progressively increases. That is, as the height of the foot arch 2 increases, the number of LEDs 23 in the on state also increases. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12, the number of LEDs 23 in the on state decreases as the foot muscles cause the foot arch 2 to drop. By receiving such real-time feedback, the user gradually gains a feel for in particular their intrinsic foot muscle activity and the direct effect that this muscle activity has on the configuration of their foot arch 2.

[0082] It will be appreciated that it is advantageous for the user interface to be movable relative to the base, as it enables less mobile people or those physically unable to see their own feet to position the user interface 20 such that they can receive substantially real-time feedback indicative of their foot muscle activity.

[0083] The input module includes an input device for allowing user selections by the person. The input device includes a selector switch 24 for selecting between a right foot mode and a left foot mode. The input device also includes a calibration switch or button 25 which is operatively connected to the pressure relief valve to allow the user to calibrate the pressure in the bladder 16 to the control pressure, as part of a predetermined calibration protocol. The input device also includes input buttons 26 to allow the user to operate the device, enter user specific information and/or reset the device.

[0084] As most clearly shown in FIG. 6, the user interface 20 includes a housing 27 for housing both the input module and the feedback module. The housing 27 also includes the LEDs 14 associated with the heel sensor 9, great toe sensor 10 and fifth toe sensor 11. Again, this enables real-time feedback to the person of whether or not their foot 7 is in the desired position whilst conducting their foot muscle exercises.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment the user interface is in the form of a mobile device such as a mobile or cell phone, or tablet. The input module in this embodiment is in the form of a touchscreen associated with the mobile device. The feedback module is in the form of a screen display associated with the mobile device. The mobile device may include a memory storing software for implementation of the device 1 via a processor associated with the mobile device. The software may take the form of an application or App which is downloaded to the mobile device. The mobile device may also be configured to save and/or send data associated with the sensing means for review by a practitioner, clinician or other specialist.

[0086] In use, the first base member 4 and second base member 5 are arranged next to each other to support both feet of a user in spaced side-by-side relation. The device 1 can be used with a person in seated, standing or standing leg bend positions. In this regard, it is recommended that the person initially commence in the seated position, before progressing to the more advanced standing positions. It will be appreciated that these various positions provide non-weight bearing, weight bearing and stressed positions, respectively. In each of these positions, the device can provide feedback on the ability of the user to engage their foot muscles to control arch deformation as a ratio of flexibility (arch drop), range of motion (arch lift) and endurance (ability to repeat arch lift). Furthermore, the use of various weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions in combination with pressure sensors for detecting the pressure exerted by various portions of the foot 7 on the base enables the effect of load or gravity on a person's ability to activate their foot muscles and their associated foot arch 2 configuration to be evaluated.

[0087] Before the user places their foot 7 on the first base member 4, the device is turned on and the user selects either the right foot mode or the left foot mode via the switch 24. With no foot present, the device calibrates itself as indicated by a continuous tone for approximately two seconds.

[0088] Once the person has placed their feet on the base members, the person takes the user interface in one hand and the hand pump 18 in the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. The left button 26 is then pressed to enable the pressure sensors. This initiates a calibrating routine in which the foot sensors are set for sensing the great toe and fifth toe, as required, over a period of approximately two seconds. This calibrating routine may by indicated by an audible signal such as a chirping tone.

[0089] The user then observes the LEDs 14 on the user interface 20 to verify that their heel, great toe and fifth toe are in the desired position.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 7, each of the position indicating LEDs 14 are in the off state before the foot 7 is placed in the desired position. The user will typically move their foot 7 in order to first place their heel in the desired position. Once the heel has been placed in the desired position, the heel sensor position indicator 14A will light up as shown in FIG. 8. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, the great toe sensor position indicator 14B will light up once the great toe is moved to the desired position and finally, the fifth toe position indicator 14C will illuminate to confirm when the fifth toe is in position (see FIG. 10). The LEDs 14 may also change colour in response to pressure applied by the heel and toes so that over or under inflation of the bladder 16 can be controlled.

[0091] Referring now to FIG. 10, once the three LEDs 14 indicate that the foot 7 is in the desired position in firm contact with the base, the user relaxes the foot 7 and then repeatedly squeezes the hand pump 18 in order to inflate the bladder 16 to the predetermined pressure. In the alternative embodiment where the pump is onboard the first base member 4, the bladder 16 is automatically inflated to the required pressure set by the user. At this stage, the person again observes the LEDs 14 to confirm that their foot 7 is still in the desired position.

[0092] For the manually inflated bladder 16, the calibration button 25 is now pressed to calibrate the pressure within the bladder to the control pressure. The user interface includes LEDs in the form of arrows (28, 29) for indicating under- or over-inflation of the bladder 16. Once the pressure in the bladder 16 has been calibrated, a predetermined number of the output display LEDs 23 of the feedback module are turned on as shown in FIG. 10. This predetermined number of LEDs represents that person's neutral foot arch 2 configuration. A further and final check of the foot position LEDs 14 can now be made to confirm that the foot 7 is in the desired position, prior to commencing to exercise their foot muscles.

[0093] With their foot 7 in the desired position, the user is able to activate their foot muscles with a view to changing the configuration of their foot arch 2. As the user begins alternately to contract and relax their foot muscles, their foot arch 2 will lift or drop accordingly. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, this lift or drop will be shown as increases and decreases in the number of LEDs 23 which are on, relative to the neutral foot arch 2 configuration. That is, in FIG. 11 an additional three LEDs have turned on, indicating that the foot arch 2 has lifted by a corresponding extent from the neutral foot arch 2 configuration. In contrast, in FIG. 12 only two LEDs are on, indicating that the foot arch 2 has dropped from the neutral foot arch 2 configuration. Alternatively the visual feedback may be replaced or complemented with audio feedback indicative of the user's foot arch configuration in response to foot muscle activity. The audio feedback is particularly helpful for the sight impaired.

[0094] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates comparative screen displays for different participants where the user interface is in the form of a mobile device such as a mobile or cell phone. The screen display in this embodiment provides a continuous plot of pressure versus time for various predetermined tasks given to a participants with the intention of mobilizing their foot arch. The participants in these comparative examples are seated. The displayed signal has been inverted so that it is generally indicative of the foot arch height. In this example the tasks in order and as marked from left to right in FIG. 14 are as follows: [0095] 1. Speed task where a rapid sequence of elevations and lowers in the foot arch are performed over a continuous period, for example 20 to 30 seconds; [0096] 2. Concentric motor control task where a slow and controlled elevation in the foot arch is followed by a relatively fast lowering in the foot arch over a continuous period, for example 20 to 30 seconds; [0097] 3. Eccentric motor control where a slow and controlled lowering in the foot arch is followed by a relatively fast elevation in the foot arch over a continuous period, for example 20 to 30 seconds; [0098] 4. Endurance task where the foot arch is elevated and held in that position for an extended period such as a minimum of 20 seconds or failure or up to a maximum of 3 minutes.

[0099] These are exemplary foundation exercises that can be performed in different stances such as seated, double leg standing, and single leg standing. The double and single leg standing exercises increase the load down through the foot and make the exercises more challenging and increase resistance thereby improving foot muscle activation and strength. There are further and supplementary exercises which may be performed using the device such as individual great toe, lesser toe or heel lifts for improved foot motor control.

[0100] It will be understood that the device 1 in strengthening and extending the range of movement in the foot arch can function effectively as a therapeutic device. The participant may be graded for each task depending on the quality of the task completed as measured or derived from the output device of the biofeedback unit or device. The device 1 may also provide a diagnostic purpose in identifying flaws or weaknesses in motor control and other muscle functions associated with the foot. For example, in comparing the continuous plots of FIG. 14 it can be seen that: [0101] 1. the first participant in the upper graph has excellent control in their foot arch whereas the second participant in the lower graph has very poor control illustrated best by their failure to complete the tasks; [0102] 2. the first participant has high-functioning feet with no deformities, problems or foot pain and the results show good flexibility and intrinsic muscle strength and control; [0103] 3. the second participant has hyper-mobile (floppy) pronate feet and hallux valgus (bunion) on their great toe with the results indicating very poor intrinsic foot muscle tone and low control.

[0104] It will be appreciated that by observing this feedback substantially in real time, the user will rapidly gain an awareness of the effect their intrinsic muscle activity has on their foot arch configuration. Over time, the user thereby gains a substantial degree of conscious control over their foot arch configuration, even if much of the sensation and muscle control in the foot has previously been lost. This awareness and control will of course be developed and strengthened through repetitive exercise of the foot muscles in combination with observation of the real-time feedback signals.

[0105] In one alternative embodiment, a change in the positional relationship between the heel and toes can be detected by the position sensors, and used as an indication of the change in configuration of the foot arch. In such embodiments, the contact sensors are used essentially to perform the function of the sensing means (i.e. the biofeedback sensor). In this case, the position sensors are configured and arranged not only to verify whether the foot is positioned correctly, but also to provide a qualitative or quantitative indication of any change in the positional relationship between the heel and toes, in response to foot muscle activity. Thus, in this embodiment, it will be appreciated that changes in the relationship between the heel and toes are used as a proxy for corresponding changes in the configuration of the foot arch.

[0106] The bladder 16 may be divided so that it includes multiple and separate pockets each designed to detect changes in pressure by contact with different areas of the foot arch. Alternatively the biofeedback sensor may take the form of separate bladders dispersed across and thus dedicated to different areas of the foot arch. The biofeedback sensor need not be limited to an inflatable bladder and may include other devices such as pressure pads which provide an electronic signal proportional to contact pressure with the foot arch.

[0107] In yet other embodiments, a combination of biofeedback and position sensors can be arranged to provide feedback to the user indicative of changes in configuration of the foot arch, in conjunction with changes in the positional relationship between the heel and toes, in response to foot muscle activity.

[0108] It has been found particularly that the provision of a direct feedback mechanism which ensures the foot is retained in the desired position, allows the user more effectively and consistently to isolate and control their intrinsic foot muscles in order to change the configuration of their foot arch. Otherwise, it can be difficult to distinguish between the influence of intrinsic foot muscle and extrinsic leg muscle activity, and therefore difficult to isolate the intrinsic foot muscles effectively. The degree of control a user has over their intrinsic foot muscles will develop over time through repetitive exercise of these muscles. The combination of repetitive exercise and real-time feedback of the effect that intrinsic muscle activity has on foot arch lift and drop will further enhance awareness of foot arch configuration. This increased awareness of, control over and exercise of the intrinsic foot muscles can lead to substantial improvements in localised blood circulation, as well as overall posture, gait and mobility, particularly in those suffering from various systemic diseases and related foot problems, and other posture related conditions arising from conditions such as obesity.

[0109] Accordingly, the present invention, at least in its preferred embodiments, provides a safe, robust, effective easy to use and relatively inexpensive device for measuring muscle activation and mid-arch movement in a human foot. The device advantageously provides the user with substantially real-time biofeedback of their foot muscle movement and the effect these muscles have on their foot arch configuration. In particular, preferred forms of the invention enable arch spring or lift to be measured and evaluated. Such evaluation could be incorporated into rehabilitation programs and could advantageously be used in combination with a specific set of Pilates or similar exercises for the lower limbs and feet, with a view to improving dynamic upright posture, particularly for elderly adults or those suffering from long-term postural problems. In particular, the use of preferred embodiments of the present device in such an exercise program can advantageously lead to significant improvements in foot functional performance and lumbo-pelvic stability. The device is understood to improve fine muscle control in the correct recruitment of intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles. The method and apparatus of the invention could also be used by elite athletes, for example, to develop specific foot muscle control and strength, adapted to optimise their performance in specific sports such as gymnastics, running or cycling. In these and other respects, the invention in its preferred embodiments represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art.

[0110] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. The device in its mobile form may be permanently or temporarily fitted to a chair or wheelchair and this conveniently makes the device readily accessible for the aged and less mobile users. The device can be adapted for use with the hand, neck or pelvic floor and in these alternative implementations is of similar construction to the foot arch device including sensing means for detecting changes in the configuration of the hand, the neck, or the pelvic floor in response to associated muscle activity. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention.