Biomechanical Balance System and Technique

Abstract

To provide a wearable apparatus designed to address improper neuromuscular activation patterns that can result in asymmetrical biomechanical balance by providing a programmed neuromuscular resistance pattern to movement while the user performs certain repositioning or retraining exercises, which results in activating and inhibiting key muscle groups on the body. The apparatus also includes a bolster pad or structure that can be permanently or temporarily attached to the upper section of the apparatus underneath the thigh, which is crucial to be able to isolate the hamstring muscle during certain repositioning exercise by pushing down on the bolster while performing the exercise. After using the apparatus during repositioning and retraining exercises, the apparatus is removed and the user is more biomechanically balanced, thus allowing for an increase in the user's speed, strength and agility, and a decrease in any joint pain, during subsequent functional and sports activities.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus attached to the leg comprising a central area of rotation to allow bending at the knee joint and includes a controlled resistance to movement in at least one of the flexion and extension directions, and a bolster pad that is attached to the apparatus at the back of the thigh and can be removable or permanent. 
     
     
         2 . An apparatus attached to the leg comprising a central area of rotation to allow bending at the knee joint, that includes the ability to set a resistance to motion around at least one central area of rotation that has two extended arms attached to the central area of rotation, in which one of the said arms is attached to the leg above the knee and the other of the said arms is attached to the leg below the knee, whereas said apparatus has the capability to increase the resistance of said arm movement from essentially no resistance to at least 12 in/lbs of resistance through the 0 to 300 range of motion, and increasing to at least 18 in/lbs through 30-60 degrees range of motion, and increasing to at least 24 in/lbs through 60-90 degrees range of motion. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that includes a bolster pad that is attached to the apparatus at the back of the thigh structure and can be removable or permanent. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that allows for width adjustment of the apparatus at the thigh and calf through the use of adjustable screws that clamp down on the position of the arms within the thigh and calf base, said arms also attached to the central area of rotation. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that allows for circumference adjustment of the apparatus around the thigh, calf and ankle through the use of strap means attached to the apparatus. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that includes a ratchet means to apply resistance to motion in the flexion direction and essentially no resistance in the extension direction. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that includes a silent clutch means to apply resistance to motion in the flexion direction and essentially no resistance in the extension direction. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that includes an electromagnetism means to control the amount of resistance to movement throughout the flexion and extension directions. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as in  claim 8  in which said ratchet means includes two dog latches that interlock with the ratchet gear to increase the holding ability of the ratchet means. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that includes a spring or elastic band to create resistance in the flexion direction and a silent clutch or ratchet means to eliminate resistance in the extension direction. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that includes at least one friction means moving against a solid surface whereas the pressure of the friction means against the solid surface creates the resistance to movement of the arms around the central axis of rotation. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that includes pressure adjustment means to apply pressure against said friction means. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that includes means to adjust pressure adjustment means against said friction means as the user moves through the range of motion. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus as in  claim 13  whereas the pressure adjustment means includes a threaded pressure adjustment cap. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus as in  claim 14  whereas means to adjust the amount of resistance to motion which is dependent on the position of the user throughout the range of motion, is accomplished through the use of a release mechanism that engages with a pressure adjustment cap to rotate the pressure adjustment cap during motion which creates more or less pressure on the friction disks. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus as in  claim 14  whereas when there is a central area of rotation on each side of the knee that includes resistance to movement means, said adjustment cap is threaded clockwise on one side of the knee, and counter-clockwise on the other side of the knee. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that includes means to adjust the length of the apparatus between the calf and the ankle of the user. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  that includes arms extending from a central area of rotation to the back of the leg above and below the knee, whereas said arms allow for easier movement from an extension position to a flexion position. 
     
     
         19 . A method of repositioning the left pelvis by first attaching an apparatus to the left leg with a central area of rotation to allow bending at the knee joint, that includes the ability to set a resistance to motion around at least one central area of rotation, whereas said central area of rotation has two extended arms attached, in which one of the arms is attached to the leg above the knee and the other arm is attached to the leg below the knee, whereas user then performs at least one of four repositioning exercises in which the user performs a leg curl against a certain resistance to motion and for a certain amount of repetitions. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19  that allows for retraining the hamstring muscle to activate properly after performing repositioning exercises in which the user lowers the resistance to movement used for repositioning to accommodate retraining by walking with the apparatus attached for a certain period of time, then removing the apparatus prior to functional or sports activities.