Abdominal exercising and strength testing systems

Abstract

A postural awareness apparatus includes a pad, a signal generating element and an element for detecting a weight applied to the pad and activating the signal generating element when the weight so detected exceeds a predetermined weight.

1 . An apparatus comprising 
 a) a pad,    b) signal means for producing a signal, and    c) detection means for detecting a weight applied to said pad and activating said signal means when said weight exceeds a predetermined weight.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said signal means produces a signal selected from the group consisting of a vibratory signal, an auditory signal and a visible signal.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said signal means comprises at least one vibrator unit.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a head rest affixed to said pad.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said head rest is detachably affixed to said pad.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said head rest is spaced from said signal means.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said head rest is adjustably spaced from said signal means.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said pad has a longitudinal axis and wherein said signal means comprise a plurality of vibrator units, a portion of said plurality of vibrator units being affixed to said pad at opposed locations on either side of said longitudinal axis.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said head rest comprises at least one vibrator unit disposed within said head rest.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising means for activating said at least one vibrator unit disposed within said headrest independent of said detection means.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said head rest comprises a plurality of handles.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 4  further comprises a wedge for insertion between said head rest and said pad.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said detection means comprises a mechanical switch which closes when a weight applied thereto exceeds a predetermined pressure.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said mechanical switch comprises a spring.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said detection means comprises a pressure sensor and an electronic circuit which generates an output when pressure measured by said pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined pressure.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said detection means is spaced from said head rest.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said detection means and said signal means are affixed to said pad adjacent one another and wherein said detection means and said signal means are spaced from said head rest.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said pad has an upper surface on which graphics depicting at least a portion of a human spine and pelvis are disposed.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a lordosis insert.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising means for attaching said pad to a horizontal or vertical surface.  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said head rest comprises second detector means for detecting a weight applied to said head rest and second signal means, said second detector means activating said second signal means when said weight is below a predetermined weight.  
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said detection means comprises means for measuring said weight.  
   
   
       23 . An apparatus comprising 
 a) a pad having a longitudinal axis, proximal and distal ends and an upper surface,    b) a head rest adjustable affixed to said proximal end of said pad,    c) at least one vibrating unit affixed to said pad, said vibrating unit being in spaced relationship to said head rest, and    d) detection means for detecting a weight applied to said pad and activating said signal means when said weight exceeds a predetermined weight, said detection means and said signal means being affixed to said pad adjacent each other.    
   
   
       24 . A method of strengthening the abdomen and lower back of a human comprising the steps of: 
 i) contacting the back of a person to be strengthened to an apparatus comprising 
 a) a pad having a longitudinal axis, proximal and distal ends and an upper surface,  
 b) a head rest adjustably affixed to said proximal end of said pad,  
 c) at least one vibrating unit affixed to said pad, said vibrating unit being in spaced relationship to said head rest, and  
 d) detection means for detecting a weight applied to said pad and activating said signal means when said weight exceeds a predetermined weight, said detection means and said signal means being affixed to said pad adjacent each other,  
   ii) adjusting the position of said head rest on said pad to align said head rest with the neck of the person to be strengthened and simultaneously align said at least one vibrating unit and said detection means with the lumbar region of the person to be strengthened,    iii) compressing the lumbar region of the person to be strengthened to contact said detection means, whereby said detection means in response to said compression activates said at least one vibrating unit, and    iv) compressing and relaxing the abdomen of the person to be strengthened while maintaining compression of the lumbar region of the person to be strengthened, whereby said at least one vibrating unit continues to vibrate throughout said abdominal compression and relaxation.    
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24  wherien said pad is placed on a horizontal surface and the person to be strengthened lies on said upper surface of said pad.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein said pad is affixed to a vertical surface and the person to be strengthened stands against said upper surface of said pad.