FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to postural devices and muscle sling devices, and to methods for body mechanics treatment. In particular, the invention in one aspect relates to a postural device that is useable in a passive tension orientation and in an active recruitment orientation. In the passive tension orientation the postural device acts towards improved posture by shortening agonist muscles and stretching antagonist muscles (as described herein), drawing the shoulders down and back. In the active recruitment orientation the postural device acts to elicit activation from agonist muscles, as described below, providing a stretch stimulus to the agonist muscles. In a similar context, in another aspect the invention relates to a muscle sling device that is useable to act with or against one or more muscle slings of the body (as described herein) to provide overspeed and resistance to the muscle sling respectively. In a further aspect the invention provides methods for body mechanics treatment through overspeed and resistance training of muscle slings, particularly using such devices.

BACKGROUND ART

Postural devices in the form of back support braces and posture correctors are known. Such devices generally consist of shoulder straps that extend over the shoulders and under the arms of the wearer, and which connect with a back support or tensioning device located centrally on the back of the wearer between the shoulder blades. The shoulder straps may be adjustable and/or padded for fit and comfort. Likewise, support wear for women is known which includes a bra with shoulder straps that connect with crossover of material that locates over the back of the wearer providing back support. Generally, these devices and articles act to draw the shoulders down and back to improve posture of the wearer and provide back support. Devices for improving body mechanics, including those that act on muscle slings of the body, are also known. For example, devices that act to facilitate overspeed training are known. These devices act to provide a force in the direction of movement resulting in overspeed in the movement. Likewise, devices that provide resistance training are known. For example, such devices may include a resistance band having a distal end that is adapted to be connected at a static point and a proximal end that can be attached to or held by a user whereby the user can move against the resistance of the resistance band engaging desired muscles or muscle slings. A downfall of such devices, for example having an end connected to a static point, is that inevitably an external force is exerted on the body of the user that is not inherent to the muscle sling being trained. That is, the muscle sling of the body is not necessarily acting as it would without the presence of the external force.

It has been found in Chiu et al, “The immediate effects of a shoulder brace on muscle activity and scapular kinematics in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome and rounded shoulder posture: A randomized crossover design", Gait & Posture 79 (2020) 162-169, that diagonal configurations of shoulder posture braces are generally superior to parallel configurations with forced tension for increasing posterior tilting and external rotation of scapula, as well as lower trap activity at a high degree of arm elevation.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate exemplary technology areas where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

As mentioned above, the present invention relates generally to postural devices and muscle sling devices, and to methods for body mechanics treatment.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a postural device operable in a passive tension orientation in which the postural device acts to contract agonist muscles and an active recruitment orientation in which the postural device acts to stretch and recruit agonist muscles, the postural device comprising: a pair of shoulder straps; and an elastic section disposed between the shoulder straps, wherein in the passive tension orientation the elastic section is locatable on an upper mid-back of a wearer and in the active recruitment orientation the elastic section is locatable on a mid-chest of the wearer.

The elastic section may comprise a single section of elastic material. However, as noted above it is considered that diagonal configurations of shoulder posture braces are generally superior in effect. As such, in order to emphasise this action, the elastic section preferably comprises a X-shaped section of elastic material. The X-shaped section of elastic material may comprise a unitary section of elastic material shaped accordingly. However, in a preferred embodiment the X-shaped section of elastic material comprises a pair of overlaid elastic strips.

The shoulder straps may generally take any suitable form and may be sized according to usual conventions, such as XS, S, M, L, XL and so on. In one embodiment each shoulder strap comprises a loop of non-elastic material. For example, the shoulder straps may comprise nylon straps. In certain embodiments, the shoulder straps are adjustable in length. For example, the shoulder straps may comprise a slidable buckle facilitating length adjustment.

Generally, the elastic section is permanently joined to the shoulder straps. For example, the elastic section may be sewed into the shoulder straps. However, it is envisaged that in certain embodiments the elastic section and shoulder straps may comprise connections for removably connecting the shoulder straps to the elastic section.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a muscle sling device operable to act with or against a muscle sling of the body to provide overspeed or resistance to the muscle sling respectively, the muscle sling device comprising: a first strap and a second strap locatable on a first limb and a second limb of a wearer respectively based on the muscle sling to be engaged; and an elastic section disposed between the first strap and the second strap, wherein the elastic section has a length that in use elicits a response from the muscle sling to be engaged.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the length of the elastic section will be necessarily determined based on the muscle sling to be engaged and muscle slings of the body are of different lengths. In a general sense, it is envisaged that the length of the elastic section will be at least 5% shorter, for example from 5-30%, or 10-20% shorter than a distance between the area of the first limb and the area of the second limb of the wearer. This may ensure an appropriate amount of bias is provided for or against the muscle sling being engaged. In preferred embodiments the area of the first limb and the area of the second limb of the wearer are proximal areas of the first limb and second limb respectively.

According to this embodiment, in which the elastic section is generally longer than that seen in the postural device described above, the elastic section preferably comprises a length of elastic material.

As was the case with the previous aspect of the invention, the first and second straps preferably each comprise a loop of non-elastic material. For example, the first and second straps comprise nylon straps. In certain embodiments, the first and second straps may be adjustable in length, or either one may be adjustable. For example, the first and second straps may comprise a slidable buckle facilitating length adjustment.

As with the previous aspect of the invention, the elastic section may be permanently joined to said first and second straps. Alternatively, the elastic section and the first and second straps may comprise connections for removably connecting the first and second straps to the elastic section.

In certain embodiments it may be desirable to provide a muscle sling device that can be used to provide body mechanic training or treatment for muscle slings involved in jumping. In that regard, the muscle sling device may further comprise: a third strap and a fourth strap locatable on an area of a third limb and an area of a fourth limb of the wearer respectively; and a second elastic section disposed between the third strap and said fourth strap and being connected to or integral with the elastic section disposed between the first strap and the second strap, wherein the second elastic section has a length that is substantially equal to that of the elastic section disposed between the first strap and the second strap.

In this embodiment, the muscle sling device comprises the four straps for location over the proximal ends of the arms and legs of the wearer, and preferably an X-shaped elastic section defined by the two elastic sections extending therebetween. In use this will effectively draw the arms and legs inwardly when the X-shaped elastic section is in front of the user and will urge the arms and legs outwardly when the X-shaped elastic section is behind the user resulting in resistance and overspeed respectively,

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising: the elastic section and shoulder straps of the postural device described above, adapted to constitute the postural device; and/or the elastic section and the first and second straps of the muscle sling device described above, adapted to constitute the muscle sling device, and optionally the third strap and fourth strap and the second elastic section described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for body mechanics treatment through overspeed and/or resistance training of a muscle sling, the method comprising: identifying the muscle sling; locating a first strap on a first proximal area of a first limb of a person to be treated, the first proximal end being associated with a first end of the muscle sling; and locating a second strap on a second proximal area of a second limb of the person to be treated, the second proximal end being associated with a second end of the muscle sling; wherein an elastic section is disposed between the first strap and the second strap, the elastic section having a length that elicits a response from the muscle sling.

According to certain embodiments, the length of the elastic section is at least 5% shorter, for example from 5-30%, or 10-20% shorter than a distance between the area of the first limb and the area of the second limb of the person.

In one embodiment the first proximal area of the first limb is a proximal end of an arm of the person, and the second proximal area of the second limb is a proximal end of a contralateral leg of the person, and wherein the elastic section extends behind the person from the proximal end of the arm to the proximal end of the contralateral leg.

In another embodiment the first proximal area of the first limb is a proximal end of an arm of the person, and the second proximal area of the second limb is a proximal end of a contralateral leg of the person, and wherein the elastic section extends in front of the person from the proximal end of the arm to the proximal end of the contralateral leg. In a further embodiment the first proximal area of the first limb is a proximal end of an arm of the person, and the second proximal area of the second limb is a proximal end of an ipsilateral leg of the person, and wherein the elastic section extends from the proximal end of the arm behind the person and in front of the person to the proximal end of the ipsilateral leg.

In yet another embodiment the first proximal area of the first limb is a proximal end of an arm of the person, and the second proximal area of the second limb is a proximal end of a ipsilateral leg of the person, and wherein the elastic section extends from the proximal end of the arm in front of the person and around behind the person to the proximal end of the ipsilateral leg.

For the purpose of this document, muscles that are being stimulated to contract when the devices are used in a passive tension orientation will be referred to as the “agonist muscles”; and the opposing muscles that will be stretched as a result of the agonist contraction will be referred to as the “antagonist muscles”.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or integer or group of steps or elements or integers, but not the exclusion of any other step or element or integer or group of steps, elements or integers. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense and thus should be understood as meaning “including principally, but not necessarily solely”.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

T o further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting on its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a postural device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the postural device of Figure 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the postural device of Figure 1 in use in a passive tension orientation.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the postural device of Figure 1 in use in a passive tension orientation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the postural device of Figure 1 in use in an activation orientation.

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of musculature of the back exemplifying agonist muscles.

FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram denoting the main muscles that comprise the anterior oblique muscle sling.

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram denoting the main muscles that comprise the posterior oblique muscle sling.

FIGS. 9 and 10 superimpose an athletic movement on top of the diagrams of Figures 7 and 8 respectively.

FIG. 11 illustrates the reciprocal relationship between the anterior oblique muscle sling and the posterior oblique muscle sling.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of an anterior oblique muscle sling. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a posterior oblique muscle sling.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a muscle sling that rotates the body in one direction to prompt a response in the opposite direction, for example rotational sport in which rotation occurs mostly in the transverse plane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, this specification will describe the aspects of the present invention according to preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Postural Devices

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a postural device 10 is illustrated. The postural device 10 includes a pair of shoulder straps 11 , 12 and an elastic section 13 disposed therebetween. The elastic section 13 consists of a pair of overlaid elastic strips 14, 15 that define an X-shaped section. Ends of the overlaid elastic strips 14, 15 are attached to respective ends of the shoulder straps 11 , 12.

The postural device 10 has two primary orientations and uses: as a passive assist device, meaning it is worn with the intension of stretching the postural antagonists (primarily the pectoralis minor) and passively placing the shoulder blades in a position of retraction, depression and posterior tilt; and as an active muscle recruitment device which initiates a stretch reflex as outlined below.

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, when the postural device 10 is worn in a passive tension orientation 30 as a passive assist device the position of good posture is restored. The overlaid elastic strips 14, 15 bias the shoulders backwards as desired to reduce slumping of the shoulders. As illustrated in Figure 5, when worn in the active muscle recruitment orientation 50, the postural device 10 exacerbates the position of poor posture. In this orientation, the muscles responsible for attaining good posture (the agonists) are stretched, thereby initiating the stretch reflex, causing subsequent contraction. In addition, this contraction of the agonist muscles causes a reciprocal inhibition of the antagonist muscles, which helps to restore balance between agonist and antagonist in those individuals suffering from poor shoulder posture.

Kinetic Sling Devices

As background, the anterior and posterior oblique slings are muscle groups that assist in the transfer of force from the lower body to the upper body in an oblique direction, from one lower extremity to the contralateral upper extremity. Slings are comprised of contractile (muscle) and non-contractile tissue (fascia and passive structures) that together allow for the transfer and summation of forces to occur within the body.

Figure 7 illustrates a diagram denoting the main muscles that comprise the anterior oblique muscle sling 70, while Figure 8 illustrates a diagram denoting the main muscles that comprise the posterior oblique muscle sling 80. Figures 9 and 10 demonstrate sport specific examples corresponding to each of the anterior and posterior oblique muscle slings respectively.

The anterior oblique muscle sling and posterior oblique muscle sling are used commonly during everyday life. Referring to Figure 11 , the anterior oblique muscle sling 110 and posterior oblique muscle sling 111 are utilized to execute the gait cycle, with walking, and especially with running. This explains why our arm moves simultaneously with the contralateral leg. As seen in Figure 11 (on the left), the anterior oblique muscle sling 110 running from right lower extremity 112 to left upper extremity 113 is stretched when those limbs are swung backwards, all the while, stretching and storing potential energy in the elastic tissues that will used to then swing those limbs forward again during the subsequent stride. This process repeats itself throughout the duration of a walk or a run. The movement of the body to the position illustrated is primarily due to the posterior oblique muscle sling 111 , pictured on the right side of Figure 11. In the image on the left of Figure 11 , the anterior oblique muscle sling 110 is being stretched; but if we were to rotate the image 180° in the horizontal plane, we would see that the opposing posterior oblique muscle sling 111 running from right lower extremity 114 to left upper extremity 115 is being shortened or contracted. This demonstrates the reciprocal nature of the slings 110, 111 ; if an anterior sling 110 is contracting or shortening its opposing posterior sling 111 is doing the exact opposite, it is lengthening. This is the mechanism by which the “oblique sling” devices work.

As with the shoulder postural device described above, when an antagonist is shortened it results in a stretch of an agonist; the same applies for slings as discussed above. If the goal is to elicit a response from a sling, we must lengthen/stretch it by shortening its opposing, or antagonist sling. Figures 12 to 16 illustrate how this is done.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13, an anterior oblique muscle sling device 120 and a posterior oblique muscle sling device 130 are illustrated respectively. These are, in fact, the same device placed in a different orientation on the body. The anterior muscle sling device 120 includes first and second straps 121 , 122 looped around a proximal area 123 of the right arm and a proximal area 124 of the left leg of the wearer. An elastic strip 125 extends between the first and second straps 121 , 122, biasing the proximal area 123 of the right arm and a proximal area 124 of the left leg of the wearer towards one another. This biasing elicits a response from the posterior oblique muscle sling 111 (Figure 11). The opposite applies to the orientation illustrated in Figure 13 in which the posterior muscle sling device 130 includes first and second straps 131 , 132 looped around a proximal area 133 of the right arm and a proximal area 134 of the left leg of the wearer. An elastic strip 135 extends between the first and second straps 131 , 132, biasing the proximal area 133 of the right arm and a proximal area 134 of the left leg of the wearer towards one another. This biasing elicits a response from the anterior oblique muscle sling 110 (Figure 11). When applying this to a sport, it must be determined what sling we are aiming to enhance the mechanics of. With reference to Figures 9 and 10, two sportspecific actions that utilize the anterior and posterior slings respectively are illustrated. The action of throwing a javelin primarily requires the contraction of the anterior oblique sling. Therefore, to enhance a contraction of the anterior sling, we would use the posterior oblique muscle sling device 130 (Figure 13) device to achieve this. Conversely, a golf swing primarily relies on the mechanics of the posterior oblique sling to transfer force from the lower body to the upper body to improve club head speed. Therefore, to improve these mechanics, we would utilize the posterior oblique muscle sling device 120 (Figure 12).

Some sports are more rotational and occur mostly in the transverse plane. For this reason, a sling device that rotates the body in one direction will prompt a response in the opposite direction of rotation. These sling devices can be used to enhance mechanics of, for example, a baseball bat swing. Referring to Figures 14 to 16 a rotational-type sling device 140 is illustrated in situ. Unlike the oblique sling devices, rotational-type sling device 140 is longer and can be wrapped fully around the body once, as illustrated in Figures 14 to16. The rotational-type sling device 140 includes a first strap 141 located at a proximal area 142 of the right arm of the wearer and a second strap 143 located at a proximal area 144 of the right leg of the wearer. An elastic strip 145 extends between the first and second straps 141 , 143, running from proximal area 144 of the right leg around the back of the wearer (Figure 16) to the ipsilateral shoulder denoting the proximal area 142 of the right arm. That is 1.5 times from one hip all the way around the body to the opposite shoulder. This results in rotational reward biasing of the right shoulder of the wearer.

Unless the context requires otherwise or specifically stated to the contrary, integers, steps or elements of the invention recited herein as singular integers, steps or elements clearly encompass both singular and plural forms of the recited integers, steps or elements. It will be appreciated that the foregoing description has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons of skill in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.