DE202011103678U1 - Training device for training the neck muscles - Google Patents

Abstract

Training device for training the neck muscles, comprising - a fastening device (2), which is designed for releasable fixing of the training device to the human head (1) and spans at least one area of the skull (6); - A spring element (4) arranged on the fastening device (2), one end of which is arranged on the section of the fastening device (2) spanning the skull roof (6) and the longitudinal axis (5) of which extends essentially perpendicularly from the skull roof (6) extends, the spring element (4) having an elastic restoring behavior in at least one direction (P1) with an extension direction component arranged perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (5); and - an inertial body (11) arranged on the end of the spring element (4) opposite the fastening device (2).

Description

The invention relates to a training device for training the neck muscles.

The human cervical spine includes the upper seven vertebrae of the spine, which are located between the skull and the thoracic spine. It differs from the other parts of the spinal column in particular by a higher mobility, which are between the cervical vertebrae - as well as between the other vertebrae - intervertebral discs. The cervical spine is supported by both the cervical and back muscles as well as by a plurality of ligaments.

A common cause of painful spinal discomfort is known to be weakness of the cervical and back muscles, which is superimposed in several layers, both around the back and around the neck or neck. In particular, a relatively weak deep-lying, segmental musculature, which plays an important role in the erection of the spine, represents a major risk factor for back pain.

Although the upper layers of these muscles can be relatively easily trained by muscle training of the upper body, the arms and the legs, but these upper muscle layers do not contribute significantly to the stabilization of the cervical, dorsal and lumbar spine. The underlying muscle layers, which include in particular the long back muscles (Musculus erector spinae), can also be targeted by appropriate physiotherapeutic measures, but these muscle layers alone can not prevent any functional instability of the spinal acid and thereby caused pain. This requires primarily a sufficiently strong expression of the deep-lying, segmental muscles, in particular the Zwischendornfortsatzmuskeln (Musculi interspinales), which, however, are very difficult to train by usual physiotherapeutic measures. This applies in particular to the low-lying, segmental neck or neck musculature, such as, for example, in the region of the cervical spine from the second (Axis) to the seventh cervical vertebrae, the interspinous cervicis muscle.

The invention is therefore based on the object to propose a simple and inexpensive training device for training the neck muscles, which allows an effective structure of the deep-lying, segmental muscles in the cervical spine.

• – eine Befestigungseinrichtung, welche zur lösbaren Fixierung des Trainingsgerätes am menschlichen Kopf ausgebildet ist und zumindest einen Bereich des Schädeldaches überspannt;
• – ein an der Befestigungseinrichtung angeordnetes Federelement, dessen eines Ende an dem das Schädeldach überspannenden Abschnitt der Befestigungseinrichtung angeordnet ist und dessen Längsachse sich im Wesentlichen senkrecht von dem Schädeldach fort erstreckt, wobei das Federelement ein elastisches Rückstellverhalten in wenigstens eine Richtung mit einer senkrecht zu seiner Längsachse angeordneten Erstreckungsrichtungskomponente aufweist; und
• – einen an dem der Befestigungseinrichtung entgegengesetzten Ende des Federelementes angeordneten Trägheitskörper.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with a training device for training the neck muscles, which comprises the following components:

• - A fastening device which is designed for releasably fixing the training device on the human head and spans at least a portion of the skull roof;
• A spring element arranged on the fastening device, one end of which is arranged on the cranial roof spanning portion of the fastening device and whose longitudinal axis extends substantially perpendicularly away from the skull roof, wherein the spring element resilient resiliency in at least one direction with a perpendicular to its longitudinal axis arranged extension direction component comprises; and
• - One at the attachment of the opposite end of the spring element arranged inertia body.

The inventive design of the training device allows the user an effective training and in particular a consequent structure not only the superficial and the underlying muscles, but in particular the deep-lying, segmental neck and neck muscles, if he hereby head movements, in particular inclinations of the head in lateral directions, performs. Here, the said parts of the neck and neck muscles have to counteract the forces acting on them, which are caused by the vibrations caused by the movements of the head formed by the spring element and the inertial body attached thereto "spring pendulum". With "spring pendulum" in this context is not (only) a conventional, linearly movable in the axial direction of a coil spring spring pendulum whose restoring force is based on torsion of the coil spring, but primarily a transversely to the longitudinal axis of the spring element movable "spring pendulum" whose restoring force on the elastic restoring force of the spring element due to lateral deflection thereof is based. The spring element must therefore necessarily have a sufficient rigidity in order to be able to support the inertia body fixed at its free end.

In addition, only the weight of the inertia body, which can be set into vibration by means of the spring element, can be used to carry out corresponding movement exercises by loading or unloading the intervertebral discs between the cervical vertebrae for improved nutrient supply to the cartilage tissue. In this way, the training device according to the invention ensures the performance of both static and physiotherapeutic requirements as well as dynamic exercises to provide targeted muscle building of the outer and especially the inner, segmental musculature of the cervical spine.

The fastening device of the training device can basically be designed practically arbitrarily, provided that it fulfills its function of a possible rigid, releasable attachment to the human head and in particular spans the skull at least where the attachment point is provided for the spring element. It may for example be designed in the manner of a crash helmet, as it is known in the form of conventional bicycle or motorcycle helmets, and have conventional adjustment mechanisms in order to adapt to the head size of the respective user can.

The spring element preferably has an elastic restoring behavior in a plurality, in particular in all, directions with an extension direction component arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, ie. H. it may preferably be deflected in any lateral direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, whereafter, as a result of its elastic resilience, it tends again towards its longitudinal axis. Consequently, a supported by the elastic spring force, essentially two-dimensional training of the neck or neck muscles in a plane arranged approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring element level is possible.

In addition, it can be provided that the extension direction of the elastic restoring behavior is adjustable in at least one direction with a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis extension direction component of the spring element by its elastic return behavior in the other directions with a perpendicular to its longitudinal axis arranged extension direction component is blocked. In this way, the therapeutically offered vibration level (or several vibration levels) of the fixed to the spring element inertia body can be preset to z. For example, to train specific muscle groups individually. In constructive terms, such adjustability, for example, by an external, z. Example, about tubular, wrapping the spring element to be ensured, which has a plurality of parallel axes pivotally hinged to each other ring segments, wherein the envelope is rotatable with their ring segments by at least 90 ° about its longitudinal central axis to select the desired vibration level.

In a further advantageous embodiment can be provided that the spring element further has an elastic restoring behavior in the direction of its longitudinal axis, d. H. the elastic return behavior does not only affect a lateral deflection of the spring element, but also an elongation or compression of the same. In this way, movement exercises can be carried out, which are primarily associated with a raising or lowering of the head, wherein the inertial body can increase or reduce the forces acting on the discs hereby forces. Consequently, supported by the elastic spring force, essentially three-dimensional training of the neck and neck muscles is possible.

The spring element may in particular be formed by at least one helical spring, wherein, of course, different types of known springs with a corresponding elastic return behavior at least in one direction with an arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring element extension direction component and preferably also in its axial direction.

The spring constant (or spring rate, hardness or stiffness) of the spring element can be selected more or less freely according to the therapeutic requirements, with spring constants of between about 0.1 N / 1 in relation to an effective construction of the inner segmental musculature of the cervical vertebrae. cm and about 200 N / cm, in particular between about 0.5 N / cm and about 150 N / mm, preferably between about 1 N / cm and about 100 N / cm, have proven.

According to a preferred embodiment, it may further be provided that the arranged on the fastening means end of the spring element is fixed to a region thereof, which with a lateral distance of at most 7.5 cm, in particular at most 5 cm, preferably at most 2.5 cm of the imaginary intersection of a linear extension of the cervical spine is arranged with the cranial roof spanning portion of the fastening device. The longitudinal axis of the spring element may in this case substantially coincide with a linear extension of the cervical spine, d. H. the longitudinal central axis of the spring element is located approximately in concentric arrangement with the foramen magnus of the user, when this carries the training device. This ensures that the neck muscles of the user experience a corresponding load regardless of the direction of the head movements made by the user.

According to an advantageous development can be provided in this context that the spring element in at least one spatial direction along the surface of the fastening device adjustable at the skull roof spanning portion of the fastening device is set, so that the attachment point of the spring element with respect to the fastening device and consequently with respect to the skullcap of the wearer wearing this can be changed according to the therapeutic requirements to inhomogeneous and / or less burden certain areas of the neck muscles , It is expedient in this case, in particular, if the spring element is adjustable with respect to the skull roof to the front and to the rear and / or to the right and to the left, ie the attachment point of the spring element is in viewing direction / opposite viewing direction and / or in / with respect to the user. Adjustable against his right / left body half.

In terms of design, such a configuration can be realized, for example, by the fastening device having a linear (preferably extending to the right / left or forward / backward) section on its cranial roof, in particular a cruciform (preferably both right / left extension) as well as forwards / backwards), fastening rail on which the spring element can be fixed in a desired position, wherein the center of the fastening rail in particular substantially coincides with a linear extension of the cervical spine, so that in the case of a cross-shaped mounting rail of the crossing point of right / left extending rail portion with the forward / rearward extending rail portion is in particular approximately in concentric arrangement with the foramen magnus of the user, if this carries the training device. The mounting rail may in this case be of any known type and, for example, a cross section in the form of an upwardly open "U" with at the free (upper) ends of the "U" arranged, facing webs, between which a mounting of the spring element engages and there by means of screw, latch or other known compounds in the desired position releasably fixed.

Similar to the spring constant of the training device and the length of the spring element between the fastening device and the inertial body - or the length of the formed from the spring element and the inertial body "spring pendulum" - can be selected more or less freely according to the therapeutic requirements, wherein in With regard to an effective construction of the internal, segmental musculature of the cervical spine has proven such a length between about 2.5 cm and about 50 cm, in particular between about 5 cm and about 40 cm, preferably between about 7.5 cm and about 30 cm , It should be noted that the load applied to the neck musculature increases in the case of lateral / fore / aft movements of the head as the length of this "lever" increases.

The same applies to a large extent to the mass of the inertial body, which, depending on the therapeutic requirements, should generally be between about 50 g and about 5 kg, in particular between about 100 g and about 4 kg, preferably between about 150 g and about 3 kg.

With respect to the frequency of oscillation of the spring pendulum formed by the spring element and the inertial body with respect to vibrations perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (ie with respect to lateral deflections of the pendulum spring element), values between about 0.1 Hz and about, depending on the therapeutic requirements 10 Hz, in particular between about 0.2 Hz and about 8 Hz, preferably between about 0.3 Hz and about 6 Hz, (each based on a complete period of oscillation, after which the inertial body is again in the same state of vibration proven).

According to a development of the training device can be provided that the mass of the inertial body is changeable and / or several weights of the inertial body of the same or different mass detachably attached to the opposite end of the fastening device receiving means are fastened to the inertial mass individually to the respective to be able to adapt to therapeutic requirements. In terms of design, this can be ensured, for example, by virtue of the fact that the inertia body has a reservoir which can be filled and closed with liquids or also solid, in particular particulate, materials, which is preferably provided with a scale which, relative to different filling levels of the reservoir, the mass of the corresponding one Indicating filling material. Alternatively, the inertial body z. As well as several, identical or different weights include, which are releasably attachable individually or in combination to a receptacle, a carrier, a holder or the like according to the desired total mass.

Furthermore, of course, the spring element itself at least on the fastening device - or, for example, both on the fastening device and on the inertial body or a recording of the same - be exchangeably mounted to provide the exercise machine with different spring elements of different length and / or spring constants.

According to a development may also be provided that the spring element a motor, in particular electromotive, drive is associated, by means of which the spring element at least in vibrations with a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis extension direction component - or of course alternatively or cumulatively in the longitudinal direction of the spring element under linear expansion / compression of the same - can be excited. Such a configuration is particularly suitable for users who are not able to carry out the necessary from a therapeutic point of view of the neck muscle training head movements, z. B. in the course of rehabilitation measures. The (electric) motor is then able to provide for otherwise caused by corresponding head movements of the user himself vibrations of the spring element with the inertial body attached thereto. In this case, the motor drive should preferably be controllable at least in relation to the direction and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the spring element.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing. The only figure shows:

a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a training device according to the invention for training the muscles of the cervical spine.

The training device shown schematically in the drawing for training both the outer and in particular the inner deep-lying, segmental neck or neck muscles comprises a detachable attachment to (dashed lines shown) human head 1 serving fastening device 2 which is formed in the present embodiment in the form of a largely conventional crash helmet and, for example, an outer shell with inner padding (not shown) and a fastening tape 3 which serves for re-clamping the chin.

At the top of the helmet-shaped fastening device 2 which is at least the skullcap 6 spanned by the user, that is one end of a spring element 4 fixed so that the longitudinal axis 5 of the spring element 4 approximately perpendicular to the surface of the fastening device 2 (or perpendicular to the skullcap 6 of the user). The attachment point of the spring element 4 on the surface of the fastening device 2 can be chosen so that the longitudinal axis 5 of the spring element 4 essentially with a linear extension of the cervical spine 7 - or more precisely: at least the upper cervical vertebra 8th (Atlas) - coincides, ie the longitudinal axis 5 of the spring element 4 is approximately in concentric alignment with the foramen magnus 9 of the user, if this the training device upside down 1 wearing. In other words, the intersection S of a linear extension of the cervical spine also falls 7 the user with the skullcap 6 spanning portion of the fastening device 2 essentially with the longitudinal axis 5 of the spring element 4 together. In the present embodiment, the spring element 4 along one on the surface of the fastener 2 provided mounting rail 14 in the form of an upwardly open rail adjustable, which both a forward / rearward extending rail section 14a as well as a right / left extending rail section 14b which intersect at the above intersection S at an approximately right angle.

The spring element 4 itself is in the present case of a coil spring 10 formed, for example, in the unloaded state has a length L of about 20 cm and a spring constant D of about 20 N / cm. The spring element 4 thus has an elastic restoring behavior in all directions with a perpendicular to its longitudinal axis 5 arranged extension direction component (lateral deflection, arrow P ₁ ) and in the direction of its longitudinal axis 5 (Elongation or compression, arrow P ₂ ).

At his the fastening device 2 remote (upper) end is on the spring element 4 an inertial body 11 fixed, which in the present embodiment, a recording 12 in the form of a rod-shaped carrier, to which one or more, for. B. in the form of perforated discs 13 trained weights of different or equal mass are releasably fastened to the total mass of the inertial body 11 For example, to be able to adjust in a range between about 50 g and about 5 kg. The oscillation frequency of such a spring element 4 and the inertial body 11 formed "spring pendulum" may for example be in the range of about 1 Hz to about 5 Hz.

In addition, of course, the spring element 4 (eg together with the attached recording 12 of the inertial body 11 , or the latter is alternatively on the spring element 4 releasably secured) releasably or exchangeably be attached to the fastening device, such as by means of a drawing connection, not shown in detail or the like.

Moreover, the spring element 4 a motor drive, z. B. in the form of a drawing not reproduced electric motor, be assigned, which is designed such that the spring element 4 in vibrations with a perpendicular to its longitudinal axis 5 arranged extension direction component and / or in the extension direction of the spring element 4 ie in the direction of its longitudinal axis 5 , to move. The motor drive can be expedient at least in relation to the direction and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the spring element 4 be controllable. In constructive terms, such a drive, for example, one within the turns of the coil spring 4 arranged vibration rod (also not shown), which is at the same time by means of the motor with a respective desired amplitude in a respective desired vertical plane or in different vertical planes back and forth and here the coil spring 4 entrains or transfers to these the forced oscillations.

Claims (19)

Training apparatus for training the neck muscles, comprising - a fastening device ( 2 ), which for releasable fixation of the training device on the human head ( 1 ) is formed and at least a portion of the skull ( 6 ) spans; - one on the fastening device ( 2 ) arranged spring element ( 4 ), one end of which is the skullcap ( 6 ) spanning portion of the fastening device ( 2 ) is arranged and whose longitudinal axis ( 5 ) substantially perpendicular to the skullcap ( 6 ), wherein the spring element ( 4 ) an elastic restoring behavior in at least one direction (P ₁ ) with a perpendicular to its longitudinal axis ( 5 ) arranged extension direction component has; and - one on which the fastening device ( 2 ) opposite end of the spring element ( 4 ) arranged inertia body ( 11 ). Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening device ( 2 ) is designed in the manner of a crash helmet. Training device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring element ( 2 ) an elastic restoring behavior in a plurality, in particular in all directions (P ₁ ) with a perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ( 5 ) has arranged extension direction component. Training device according to claim 3, characterized in that the extension direction of the elastic restoring behavior of the spring element ( 4 ) in at least one direction (P ₁ ) with one perpendicular to its longitudinal axis ( 5 ) is adjustable by its elastic restoring behavior in the other directions (P ₁ ) with a perpendicular to its longitudinal axis ( 5 ) arranged extension direction component is blocked. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spring element ( 4 ) Furthermore, an elastic restoring behavior in the direction (P ₂ ) of its longitudinal axis ( 5 ) having. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the spring element ( 4 ) of at least one coil spring ( 10 ) is formed. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spring element ( 4 ) has a spring constant between 0.1 N / cm and 200 N / cm, in particular between 0.5 N / cm and 150 N / cm, preferably between 1 N / cm and 100 N / cm. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that on the fastening device ( 2 ) arranged end of the spring element ( 4 ) is fixed to a region thereof, which with a lateral distance of at most 7.5 cm, in particular at most 5 cm, preferably at most 2.5 cm, from the imaginary intersection (S) of a linear extension of the cervical spine ( 7 ) with the skullcap ( 6 ) spanning portion of the fastening device ( 2 ) is arranged. Training device according to claim 8, characterized in that the longitudinal axis ( 5 ) of the spring element ( 4 ) essentially with a linear extension of the cervical spine ( 7 ) coincides. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the spring element ( 4 ) in at least one spatial direction along the surface of the fastening device ( 2 ) adjustable at the cranial roof spanning portion of the fastening device ( 2 ). Training device according to claim 10, characterized in that the spring element ( 4 ) is adjustable forward and backward and / or rightward and leftward with respect to the skullcap. Training device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the fastening device has at its the cranium roof spanning portion a linear, in particular a cross-shaped, mounting rail on which the spring element ( 4 ) is fixable in a desired position, wherein the center of the fastening rail, in particular substantially with a linear extension of the cervical spine ( 7 ) coincides. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that between the fastening device ( 2 ) and the inertial body ( 11 ) located length (L) of the spring element ( 4 ) between 2.5 cm and 50 cm, in particular between 5 cm and 40 cm, preferably between 7.5 cm and 30 cm. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the mass of the inertial body ( 11 ) between 50 g and 5 kg, in particular between 100 g and 4 kg, preferably between 150 g and 3 kg. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the oscillation frequency of the spring element ( 4 ) and the inertial body ( 11 ) with respect to vibrations (P ₁ ) perpendicular to its longitudinal axis ( 5 ) between 0.1 Hz and 10 Hz, in particular between 0.2 Hz and 8 Hz, preferably between 0.3 Hz and 6 Hz. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the mass of the inertial body ( 11 ) is variable and / or several weights ( 13 ) of the inertial body ( 11 ) of equal or different mass detachable at one of the fastening device ( 2 ) opposite end of the spring element ( 4 ) arranged receptacle ( 12 ) are fastened. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the spring element ( 4 ) at least at the fastening device ( 2 ), in particular both on the fastening device ( 2 ) as well as on the inertial body ( 11 ) or a recording ( 12 ) thereof, is interchangeably attached. Training device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the spring element is associated with a motor, in particular electromotive, drive, by means of which the spring element ( 4 ) at least in vibrations with a perpendicular to its longitudinal axis ( 5 ) arranged extension direction component is excitable. Training device according to claim 18, characterized in that the motor drive at least in relation to the direction and / or the amplitude of the oscillations of the spring element ( 4 ) is controllable.

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