Device for rebalancing the pelvis and training method associated therewith

Abstract

A device for rebalancing the pelvis, has first and second support elements and a base, wherein the support elements are such that in a position of use for an individual standing on the base the support element is situated underneath a large part of the arch of the foot in such a way that the arch is raised above its usual position. Feedback signals indicate to a user the correct position of the feet and correct performance of a training and rebalancing routine.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . Device ( 1 ) for rebalancing the pelvis, comprising first and second support elements ( 2 ), and a base ( 4 ), wherein the support elements ( 2 ), comprise:
 a first side ( 3 ), the shape of which is adapted to rest on the base ( 4 ), and   a second side ( 5 ), the shape of which is such that when the first side ( 3 ) rests on the base ( 4 ), a first elevation ( 6 ), a second elevation ( 7 ) and an intermediate part ( 8 ) are formed, wherein the first elevation ( 6 ) comprises an upper surface with a surface area of 0.5-5 cm 2  and is higher than the second elevation ( 7 ), which comprises an upper surface with a surface area of 5-16 cm 2 , the intermediate part ( 8 ) provides a gradual transition from the first elevation ( 6 ) to the second elevation ( 7 ), and the intermediate part ( 8 ) comprises an upper surface ( 9 ) which is inclined with respect to the base ( 4 ) with an angle of inclination (a) of 30-65 degrees, such that in a position of use for a user standing on the base ( 4 ) the support elements ( 2 ) are each situated underneath a large part of the arch ( 12 ) of a user's foot ( 10 ) in such a way that the first elevation ( 6 ) is situated underneath a first foot arch part ( 13 ), which first foot arch part ( 13 ) is situated in the centre on the medial side of the foot arch ( 12 ), and the second elevation ( 7 ) is situated underneath a second foot arch part ( 14 ),   characterized in that   the base comprises a first plate part ( 20   a ) for forming the base for the first support element ( 2   a ) and a first foot, and a second plate part ( 20   a ) for forming the base for the second support element ( 2   b ) and a second foot, and a first weighing unit ( 25   a ) and a second weighing unit ( 25   b ) are operatively connected to the first plate part ( 20   a ) and the second plate part ( 20   b ), respectively; and   a sensor for providing a feedback signal to the user indicative of the correct use of the device.   
     
     
         28 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that it comprises deforming means for moulding the support elements to a desired shape by deforming a deformable part, such as by pneumatic or hydraulic means. 
     
     
         29 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that it comprises a spacer ( 18 ) between the two support elements ( 2 ) of 0.5-15 cm. 
     
     
         30 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that the first elevation ( 6 ) increases the height by 0.8-3 cm compared to the position of the first foot arch part ( 13 ) if the individual were to stand on a flat surface and the second elevation ( 7 ) increases the height by 0.05 to 0.4 cm compared to the position of the second foot arch part ( 14 ) if the individual were to stand a flat surface. 
     
     
         31 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that a pressure sensor ( 16 ) is incorporated at least in the first elevation ( 6 ). 
     
     
         32 . Device according to  claim 31 , characterized in that each support element comprises at least three pressure sensors, activated by low pressure contact with the arch of a user's foot. 
     
     
         33 . Device ( 1 ) according  claim 27 , characterized in that the first and second weighing units comprise first and second heel sensors located on the first and second plate parts at a position that is spaced outwardly from the support elements. 
     
     
         34 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that it further comprises a display for providing a readout from the first and second weighing units providing an indication of the difference therebetween. 
     
     
         35 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that it also comprises a height sensor for determining the position of the first foot arch part ( 13 ) if the individual were to stand on the base ( 4 ) without being in contact with the support elements ( 2 ). 
     
     
         36 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that it also comprises vibrating means for causing the support elements ( 2 ) to vibrate, the sensory feedback signal is a vibration provided in response to completion of a required action. 
     
     
         37 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that it also comprises means for determining the body temperature. 
     
     
         38 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that the sensory feedback signal is an audible or vibratory tactile signal for indicating the correct placement of a user's feet on the support elements ( 2 ). 
     
     
         39 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 38 , characterized in that the signal is audible and has a frequency between 50 Hz and 5000 Hz, preferably between 2800 Hz and 2900 Hz. 
     
     
         40 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that it further comprises an electronic control unit including a memory for controlling operation of the device and storing device parameters and treatment parameters. 
     
     
         41 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 40 , characterized in that it further includes a communication port for communicating with a remote computer. 
     
     
         42 . Device according to  claim 40 , characterized in that the electronic control unit is programmed to follow a treatment protocol comprising:
 displaying respective heel weight readings when a user initially stands on the base with heels spaced apart and in contact with heel sensors;   emitting an audible signal when a user stands on the base with arches in contact with the support elements;   providing a tactile vibration during a period of at least 5 seconds while a user alternately bends a first and second knee four times and the arches remain in contact with the support elements.   
     
     
         43 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that the base comprises a treatment plate on which the support elements are provided and a measurement plate provided with sensors for measuring anatomical parameters. 
     
     
         44 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 43 , characterized in that the anatomical parameters are selected from the group consisting of: blood flow rate, blood pressure, weight, weight distribution, arch height, temperature and pulse rate. 
     
     
         45 . Device ( 1 ) according to  claim 27 , characterized in that it further comprises a hand rail at a height above the base for gripping by a user while standing on the base. 
     
     
         46 . A device for rebalancing the pelvis, comprising a base ( 4 ) and first and second support elements ( 2 ) mounted on the base, the support elements ( 2 ), comprising contoured surfaces arranged to support beneath the arches of a user's feet when standing on the support elements with the medial edges of the feet generally parallel and spaced by between 4 cm and 15 cm, characterized in that the device further comprises sensors for determining a contact between the arch and the contoured surface and an indicator operatively connected to the sensors to provide feedback of contact between the arch and the contoured surface, indicative of a correct position of the feet. 
     
     
         47 . Device according to  claim 46 , characterized in that the contoured surface is an anti-slip surface preferably comprising a rubber-like material. 
     
     
         48 . A method of using a device according to  claim 27 , the method comprising:
 standing on the base with the heels spaced apart;   measuring a differential heel pressure for the respective heels and displaying a representation of the difference;   moving the feet closer together and generally parallel to each other such that the arches enter into contact with the first elevation ( 6 ), the second elevation ( 7 ) and the intermediate part ( 8 ) of the support elements;   alternately bending a first and second knee at least four times while keeping the arch in contact with the support elements; and   stepping off the support elements.   
     
     
         49 . The method according to  claim 48 , further comprising emitting an audible signal when the user's arches are in correct contact with the support elements. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising providing a tactile vibration during a period of at least 5 seconds while the user performs the knee bending motions and the arches remain in contact with the support elements.