Method and apparatus for physical therapy exercise
View Patent ↗A method for exercise, physical therapy and rehabilitation includes providing an elastic member having a tension indicator, securing one end of the elastic member, and stretching the elastic member using a part of the body until the tension indicator indicates that a predetermined tension level has been attained. Upon reaching the predetermined tension level, the elastic member is returned to its relaxed state. The tension indicator on the elastic member may be a printed image of recognizable image that distorts to another recognizable image at the predetermined tension level, a printed non-recognizable image that distorts to a recognizable pattern or image at the predetermined tension level, or an electronic indicator that provides audio and/or visual cues at the predetermined tension level.
1. An apparatus for use in exercising, rehabilitating or strengthening a user's body, comprising:
an elastic member;
a handle; and
a tension indicator having a first side directly and rigidly attached to said handle and a second side attached to said elastic member, said tension indicator comprising an electronic indicator operable to provide a cue when said elastic member attains a predetermined tension.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said cue comprises an audible indicator.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said cue comprises a visual indicator.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said visual indicator comprises a light-emitting indicator.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said electronic indicator comprises a strain gauge.
6. An apparatus for use in exercising, rehabilitating or strengthening a user's body, comprising:
a handle; and
a tension indicator having a first side directly and rigidly attached to said handle and a second side configured for attachment to an elastic member, said tension indicator comprising an electronic indicator operable to provide a cue when the elastic member attached to said tension indicator attains a predetermined tension.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said cue comprises an audible indicator.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said cue comprises a visual indicator.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein said visual indicator comprises a light-emitting indicator.
10. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said electronic indicator comprises a strain gauge.
11. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said tension indicator is configured for attachment to a first end of the elastic member, and further comprising a second handle configured for attachment to a second end of the elastic member.