| 摘要 |
A pneumatic variable resistance rehabilitation/therapy apparatus for the balanced strengthening of musculature surrounding injured, weakened, and post-operative ligaments associated with the major joints of the lower extremities. In a preferred embodiment, a leg press machine is provided comprising a frame, a foot rest assembly including a foot rest pad, and a reciprocating carriage having a patient supporting bed surface thereon. A pneumatic circuit comprising a cylinder having a reciprocating piston therein, an accumulator, an air supply and a pressure regulator is provided for the variable progressive resistance against the movement of the carriage during the working stroke (where the patient straightens his/her leg(s)). The reciprocating piston rod is linked to the reciprocating carriage by a cable and pulley system to provide a longer and more physiologically tolerable working stroke. The accumulator volume, being roughly equal to the cylinder volume, supplements the system volume to provide a resistive force rate similar to a mechanical spring system. The rod end of the cylinder is also provided with a bleed valve to prevent plunger resistance due to vacuum effects during the working stroke, and a needle valve to control the return speed of the piston rod during the return stroke. An alternate embodiment provides for optional hand holds on both ends of the rehabilitation apparatus for rehabilitation of upper extremity related injuries such that the user may use either a pushing or pulling movement to complete an exercise cycle.
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