The invention relates to apparatuses and methods for performing motor activity exercises and, in particular, it relates to an apparatus and a method for performing water motor activity exercises for sports training, rehabilitation, re-education or physiotherapy.

The use of gymnastic and/or rehabilitation equipment in water, typically in swimming pools or tanks of adequate dimensions, is well known.

The resistance and buoyancy exerted by the water in fact allow a plurality of beneficial effects for the human body to be achieved in the motor activities.

As is well known, a body immersed in a liquid receives an upward buoyancy that is equal to the weight of the liquid displaced. Consequently, when a body is immersed in water, its weight is reduced: if a human body is immersed up to the navel, its weight will be reduced by about 50% and decrease by up to 90% when the immersion reaches the shoulders.

The (viscous) resistance is the reaction that a liquid opposes to a body moving inside it.

Water, being denser than air, provides greater resistance to movement and this resistance increases as the speed of the movements increases and the surface of the body part, which is desired to move, increases.

Beneficial effects on the human body are obtained at the level of muscular and skeletal systems, since thanks to the water buoyancy and support there is a lightening of the weight due to gravity on the spinal column and joints. This lightening, which varies depending on the degree of the body immersion in water, enables exercises, for example for rehabilitation and/or re-education purposes, to be performed by subjects affected by pathologies or recovering from injuries or surgery or subjects having limitations in their movements. In the case of sports training, the weight lightening avoids the risk of load- induced injuries that the body weight could cause in any motor activity on dry ground. The greater resistance of water to movements enables muscles to be toned without running into risks of overload or joint injuries. Moreover, the pressure and resistance exerted by water require a greater use of the muscles themselves.

The continuous massage of water on muscles produces a positive myorelaxant effect on the latter, which is advantageous for subjects having problems of muscle contractures.

At the level of the cardiocirculatory and respiratory systems, immersion in water produces in subjects a redistribution of blood volume, and in particular a centralization of the blood mass in the chest and abdominal area.

With water having a temperature that is around 8 - 10 °C lower than the body temperature there is a vasoconstricting effect that stimulates and reactivates blood circulation. With water having a temperature close to that of the human body (31-35°C) there is instead a vasodilating effect which enhances tissue oxygenation, thus favouring muscle recovery. Thanks to the combined action of heat and hydrostatic pressure, the blood flow to the muscles increases when one is immersed in water.

The gymnastic and/or rehabilitation equipment used in water includes gymnastic equipment and machines such as weights, exercise bikes, rowing machines, platforms, etc. generally also used in gyms on dry ground.

The use of gymnastic machines, which are bulky and heavy, is particularly disadvantageous, since they must be introduced into water prior to use, typically into pools that are also used for other purposes, and then removed at the end of use, this requiring time and suitable staff. Alternatively, the machines can be left in water, which requires, however, specifically dedicated pools or tanks.

Rehabilitation and re-education equipment includes support structures such as railings, bars and wall bars, provided with handles, footboards and proprioceptive platforms, elastic elements, etc.

Such equipment is generally used in specifically dedicated pools or tanks, which can generally be found only in a limited number of specialized centres and they must in any case generally be introduced and then removed, before and after use.

In some applications the equipment is fixed to support structures which are positioned on an edge of the pool or tank and enable the equipment to be introduced or removed more easily. However, even when it is extracted from the pool, the equipment remains positioned adjacent to the edge of the latter, thus limiting accessibility and/or use by users.

Similarly, the support structures that, for reasons of stability and safety, are fixed to the edges of the pool and often to the inside walls thereof, create an obstacle and limit to the use of the pool itself. In order to use the pool or tank in a complete manner, it is necessary in this case to move the equipment and disassemble and remove the support structures, an operation requiring time and suitable staff.

One object of the present invention is to improve the known apparatuses and methods for performing motor activity exercises in water.

Another object is to provide an apparatus and a method that allow performing motor activity exercises for sports training, rehabilitation and/or re-education, physiotherapy in water in an efficacious and optimal manner.

A further object is to produce a versatile multifunctional apparatus that can be used in non- dedicated tanks or swimming pools or directly in bodies of water, in the sea, lakes and rivers.

Still another object is to provide an apparatus that can be rapidly and easily set up in a working position or else in an inactive position in which it allows free access to and use of the tank, pool or body of water.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus according to claim 1.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method according to claim 19.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method according to claim 20.

The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate some non-restrictive example of embodiments thereof, wherein: figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention in a use configuration; figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus of figure 1 ;

figure 3 is a side view of the apparatus of figure 1 ;

figure 4 is a plan view from above of the apparatus of figure 1 ;

figure 5 is an enlarged, partially cut-away side view of the apparatus of figure 1 ; figure 6 is a partially cut-away front view of the apparatus of figure 1 ;

figure 7 is an enlarged front view of a first gymnastic -rehabilitation equipment for performing motor activity exercises of the apparatus of figure 1, arranged in a first operating configuration;

figure 8 is an enlarged front view of the first equipment of figure 7, arranged in a second operating configuration;

figure 9 is a partial front view of the first equipment of figure 7, arranged in a third operating configuration;

figure 10 is a perspective view of a second equipment of the apparatus of figure 1 ; figure 11 is a perspective view of a fourth equipment of the apparatus of figure 1 ; figure 12 is a partial, partially cut-away front view of the apparatus of the invention in which equipment is arranged in a respective folded configurations and, represented with hatched lines, in respective operating configurations;

figure 13 is a partial view of a variant of the apparatus of the invention;

figure 14 is a perspective view of a further variant of the apparatus of the invention; figure 15 is a perspective view of the first gymnastic-rehabilitation equipment of figure 7 arranged in further operating configurations;

figure 16 is a plan view of another variant of the apparatus of the invention arranged in a working position and with the gymnastic-rehabilitation equipment in respective folded configurations; figure 17 is a partially cut-away front view of the apparatus of figure 16 in which the equipment is arranged in respective operating configurations;

figure 18 is a partial and partially cut-away front view of the apparatus of figure 16 in which the equipment is arranged in respective folded configurations and, represented with hatched lines, in respective operating configurations;

figure 19 is a plan view of the apparatus of figure 16 arranged in an inactive position and, represented with hatched lines, in a working position.

With reference to figures 1 to 12, a gymnastic -rehabilitation apparatus 1 according to the invention is shown that is intended for performance of motor activity exercises by a user. The apparatus 1 comprises containing means 2 arranged for containing a liquid L, for example water, and for receiving a user and enable the movements thereof.

The apparatus 1 comprises a supporting element 3, positionable above the containing means 2 in a working position A, and at least one gymnastic-rehabilitation equipment 10, 30, or so-called functional module, for performing motor activity exercises, connected to, and supported by, said supporting element 3. In particular, as better explained below in the description, the equipment 10, 30 is fixed to connecting means 18, 19 of the supporting element 3.

The equipment 10, 30 is mobile and can be arranged between a respective operating configuration Wl, W2, in which it is inserted in the containing means 2 and immersed in the liquid L, at least partially, so as to enable the user to perform motor activity exercises, and a respective folded configuration Nl, N2, in which said equipment 10, 30 is extracted from the liquid L and spaced apart from the containing means 2 so as not so as not to obstruct the latter and allow a complete access and use by users.

The supporting element 3 comprises an internal compartment 6, open at the bottom, within which the connecting means 18, 19 are fixed and which is arranged for accommodating and containing within it the equipment 10, 30 in the respective folded configuration Nl, N2 (figure 12).

In the illustrated embodiment, the containing means 2 comprises a tank or a pool having dimensions suitable to contain the equipment 10, 30, one or more users, and possible training and supporting personnel and adequate space for performing the motor exercises. It is however provided that the containing means can comprise a portion of a body of water, in particular of sea, lake, river, and that the apparatus 1 of the invention can thus be used and hence positioned in an area in proximity to the water.

The apparatus 1 is provided with holding means 4 suitable for holding the supporting element 3 above the containing means 2.

In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 6, the holding means 4 comprises a couple of arms 41 arranged side by side and interconnected by a plurality of cross elements 42 that are regularly spaced apart. The arms 41 are connected to a platform 43 which is fixable to a floor 49 of the place in which the containing means 2 are located (for example a paved surface around the containing means 2). The arms 41 are connected to and support the supporting element 3.

In a variant of the apparatus that is not illustrated, the arms 41 are movable, for example they are adjustably fixed to the platform 43 so as to enable the height of the supporting element 3 to be changed relative to the level of the liquid L in the containing means 2 and/or to the floor 49.

In another variant of the apparatus that is not illustrated, the holding means is movable so as to enable the supporting element 3 to be moved away from or closer to the containing means 2. In particular, the holding means moves the supporting element 3 between the working position A, in which it is arranged above the containing means 2 to enable the user to use the equipment 10, 30 inside the containing means 2, and a inactive position B, in which the supporting element 3 and the equipment 10, 30 are spaced apart from the containing means 2. To this end, the platform 43 can be provided with wheels and locking means to secure stably and firmly the apparatus 1 in a desired working position.

In a still other variant of the apparatus 1, that is not illustrated in the figures, the holding means 4 comprises an articulated frame that includes, for example, two or more rotatably connected members, and is configurable between an extended position, in which said articulated frame is extended so as to keep the supporting element 3 suspended, in particular above the containing means 2 in the working position A, and a folded position in which the articulated frame is folded in such a way as to move the supporting element 3 away from the containing means 2 into the inactive position B.

In a further variant of the apparatus, which is not illustrated in the figures, the support means is slidably connected to guide means, comprising, for example, a track or rail, fixed to one or more walls of a room enclosing the containing means 2. The supporting element 3 is thus movable along the guide means between the working position A, in which it is suspended above the containing means 2, and the inactive position B in which the supporting element 3 is spaced apart from the containing means 2.

Figure 13 illustrates another further variant of the apparatus 1 of the invention, which differs from the embodiment above described and illustrated in figures 1 to 6 in that the supporting element 3 is directly fixed to a wall 48, for example an upper wall of a place, for example a closed room, in which the containing means 2 are located. The supporting element 3 can be fixed to the wall through attaching means 7. The latter can be movable and adjustable to enable a height of the supporting element 3 to be changed with respect to containing means 2.

The supporting element 3 has a cap or vault-like shape and comprises an upper curved wall 16 (obtained, for example, by calendering a metal or plastics sheet) and two lateral walls 17, which define, together with the upper wall 16, the internal compartment 6 arranged for receiving and containing the equipment 10, 30 in the respective folded configurations Nl, N2 (figure 12).

The apparatus 1 comprises a first equipment 10, or first functional module, which includes extendable and/or shortenable wall bars (also called Swedish runged wall bars or gymnastic ladder) rotatably fixed to the supporting element 3 so as to be movable between a first folded configuration Nl (figure 12), in which said wall bars 10 are shortened and arranged, in particular in a horizontal position, inside the internal compartment 6 of the supporting element 3, and a first operating configuration Wl in which said wall bars 10 are extended and arranged, in particular in a vertical position, inside the containing means 2 (figures 1, 5). In this first operating configuration Wl the wall bars 10 can be rested against a bottom wall 29 of the containing means 2.

The wall bars 10 comprise, in particular, a first wall bar portion 11 and a second wall bar portion 12; the first wall bar portion 11 is rotatably fixed, at one end, to the supporting element 3 and, at the opposite end, to the second wall bar portion 12 so that the latter is movable between an extended position, in which said wall bar portions 11, 12 are substantially aligned, and a folded position, in which they are substantially superimposed. In particular, the first wall bar portion 11 and the second wall bar portion 12 are rotatably connected around a hinge axis X0.

Each wall bar portion 11, 12 comprises a respective couple of uprights 13, 14 and a respective frame 21, 22, the latter being provided with a couple of longitudinal bars 23, 24 connected to each other by a plurality of transverse bars 25, 26. The frame 21, 22 is reversibly fixed to the couple of uprights 13, 14 of the respective wall bar portion 11, 12 so as to rotate about a plurality of rotation axes and be arranged in different desired working positions.

More precisely, and with reference to figures 7 and 8, the wall bars 10 comprise a first wall bar portion 11 provided with a first couple of uprights 13 rotatably fixed to first connecting means 18 of the connecting means fixed to a wall 16, 17 of the supporting element 3 in the internal compartment 6. The first wall bar portion 11 further includes a first frame 21 provided with a couple of first longitudinal bars 23 connected to each other by a plurality of first transverse bars 25 that are regularly spaced apart. The first frame 21 is reversibly fixed to the first uprights 13, for example by means of threaded knobs 27, in order to rotate about a first rotation axis XI or a second rotation axis X2 by a desired angle comprised between 0° and 360° so as to be arranged in different desired working positions.

The wall bars 10 also comprise a second wall bar portion 12 provided with a couple of second uprights 14 rotatably connected to the free ends of the first uprights 13 and with a second frame 21 comprising a second couple of longitudinal bars 24 connected to each other by a plurality of second transverse bars 26 that are regularly spaced apart. The second frame 22 is reversibly fixed to the second uprights 14, for example by means of threaded knobs 27, in order to be able to rotate about a third rotation axis X3 or a fourth rotation axis X4 by a desired angle comprised between 0° and 360° so as to be arranged in different desired working positions.

Figures 6 and 8 illustrate a possible operating configuration of the wall bars 10 in which the first frame 21 is rotated about the first rotation axis XI and arranged, in a substantially horizontal position, facing the internal compartment 6 of the supporting element 3 to enable the user to use the second frame 22.

A platform or footboard 40 is fixed to the second longitudinal bars 24 of the second frame 22. By rotating the latter about the third rotation axis X3 or about the fourth rotation axis X4 it is possible to dispose the second frame 22, and in particular the footboard 40, in a horizontal position and at two different heights with respect to a bottom wall 29 of the containing means 2. As illustrated in figures 6 and 9, the second frame 22 is rotatable about the fourth rotation axis X4 so as to position the footboard 40 closer to the bottom wall 29 of the containing means 2.

Figure 15 illustrates a variant of the wall bars 10 in which the second frame 22 can be fixed along the couple of second uprights 14 of the second wall bar portion 12 in a plurality of different positions and rotates about a respective rotation axes according to a desired angle comprised between 0° and 360°. For example, the second frame 22 provided with the footboard 40 can be fixed at the third rotation axis X3 or at the fourth rotation axis X4 and then rotated of 90° towards the inside of the containing means 2, or else rotated of 180° towards the outside of the containing means 2, being rotatable about the second rotation axis X2 (hatched line), or fixed in any intermediate position between the first rotation axis XI and the fourth rotation axis X4.

Similarly, the first frame 11 can be fixed along the couple of first uprights 13 of the first wall bar portion 12 in a plurality of different positions and rotate about respective rotation axes according to a desired angle of between 0° and 360°. For example, the first frame can be fixed at the first rotation axis XI and rotated by 90° towards the inside of the containing means 2 to enable the user to perform exercises outside of the liquid L and the containing means 2.

With reference to figure 12, the second wall bar portion 12 can be rotated and folded over the first wall bar portion 11 to reduce the overall length of the wall bars 10 and enable it to be positioned inside the supporting element 3 in the folded configuration Nl.

In a variant of the apparatus, which is not illustrated in the figures, the second wall bar portion 12 is slidably connected to the first wall bar portion 11, for example by coupling with linear sliding guides so as enable the second wall bars portion 12 to be slidably superimposed on the first wall bar portion 11.

The transverse bars 25, 26 of frames 21, 22 can be reversibly fixed to the longitudinal bars 23, 24 to enable the number and positioning of said transverse bars 25, 26 to be varied according to the user's specific requirements.

The apparatus 1 comprises a second equipment 30 (or second functional module) which includes an extendable/shortenable rod or pole rotatably connected to the supporting element 3, in particular to second connecting means 19 of the connecting means, so as to be movable between a second folded configuration N2, in which said pole is arranged, in particular shortened and in a horizontal position, in the internal compartment 6 of the supporting element 3 and a second operating configuration W2, in which said pole is arranged, in particular extended and in a vertical position, inside the containing means 2. When completely extended the pole 30 rests, for example, on the bottom wall 29 of the containing means 2.

The pole 30, also called tower, comprises at least two pole portions 31, 32 which are reversibly and adjustably connected to each other to allow a length of said pole 30 to be adjusted. The two pole portions 31 , 32 are provided with a plurality of gripping pins 33 for a user. The gripping pins 33 can be inserted and blocked in respective through holes 34, 35 carried out in the pole portions 31, 32. Number and arrangement of pins 33 can be varied according to specific requirements.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the pole 30 includes a first pole portion 31 and a second pole portion 32, each of which comprising a hollow profiled element, for example with a quadrangular cross section. The pole 30 is telescopically extendable and shortenable, the second pole portion 32 being inserted and slidable inside the first pole portion 31. The two pole portions 31, 32 are fixed and blocked in the desired working position (defining the pole length chosen on the basis of specific use requirements) using the pins 33 inserted in the through holes 34, 35, which are superimposed each other and coaxial.

The first pole portion 31 is rotatably connected to the second connecting means 19 fixed to a lateral wall 17 of the supporting element 3 so as to enable the rod 30 to be rotated between the second folded configuration N2 and the second operating configuration W2. The second connecting means 19 moreover enable said rod 30 to be moved linearly and positioned in a plurality of different positions along an adjustment direction, which is for example parallel to the lateral walls 17, closer to or away from the first equipment 10 (Figure 12) according to the user's specific requirements.

A supporting equipment comprising a seat 37 for a user or an operator and a flexible lumbar support 38 can be removably fixed to the pole 30, for example to the pins 33, in different desired positions along the same pole so as to be usable by the user to perform particular exercises.

The apparatus 1 further comprises one or more third equipment 40 (third functional modules) which includes respective footboard or platform removably and adjustably fixed to the first equipment 10 and/or to the second equipment 30. As illustrated in figures 5-9, the footboard 40 can be fixed to the second frame 22 of the wall bars 10. Alternatively, the footboard can be fixed to the free end of the pole 30, in particular to the free end of the second rod portion 31.

The footboard 40 can be a simple platform for supporting the user or a proprioceptive footboard to enable the user to perform specific proprioceptive exercises for training or motor rehabilitation.

There is also provided a fourth equipment 50 (fourth functional module) which comprises a crossbar connected to the first equipment 10 and to the second equipment 30 and provided with one or more gripping handles 52 for the user. The handles 52 can be positioned as desired along the crossbar 50 and angularly rotated about a longitudinal axis of the crossbar and locked in a desired position (for example vertical at 0° and 180° or horizontal at 90° or 270°). A first end 50a of the crossbar 50 is fixed to the rod 30 by means of a pin 33 which is inserted into a through opening 51 of said first end 50a and into a through hole 34, 35 of the pole. A second end 50b of the crossbar 50 has an abutment 53 shaped to mate with and rest upon a transverse bar 25, 26 of the wall bars 10.

The height of the crossbar 50 with respect to the containing means 2 can be adjusted on the basis of specific use requirements.

Further items of equipment of a known type, such as elastic bands or ropes, cables, floats and handles can be used in association with the apparatus 1 of the invention in order to perform motor exercises inside the containing means 2.

The supporting element 3 is further provided with one or more hooks, not illustrated, for example fixed to the lateral walls 17, which a harness can be hooked onto and suspended from, for example hammock style, and arranged so as to support a user during the immersion and performance of motor exercises in the liquid L of the containing means 2. Ropes, cables and elastic bands can be hooked onto said hooks to perform additional motor exercises and/or make easier for the user to get into/out of the containing means 2.

A lifting arm of a known type, articulated or jib-like, can also be fixed to the supporting element 3, to enable a disabled person to be lifted and moved into and out of the containing means 2. The arm is provided, at a free end thereof, with a harness for supporting and constraining the person. The arm can be folded so as to be accommodated in the internal compartment 6 of the supporting element 3 in a respective folded configuration.

The apparatus 1 can also comprise guide means fixed to the supporting element 3, and which a cable can be slidably hooked onto to support a harness to enable a user who is wearing it to move inside the containing means 2 along an advancing direction without touching the bottom wall 29 of the latter. In particular, a user can simulate walking or running in the water without resting on the bottom wall 29 and thus without loading his/her feet and/or legs with his/her weight.

The guide means comprises, for example, an extendable guide rod fixed to the supporting element 3. In this case as well, the guide rod can be shortened and folded so as to be accommodated in the internal compartment 6 of the supporting element 3 in a respective non-operating configuration.

The apparatus further comprises means for diffusing sound and/or light and/or essences and fragrances positioned in the supporting element 3 and means for controlling and activating said diffusing means, positioned on the holding means 4 in a position which can be easily reached by an operator. Alternatively, the diffusing means can be activated remotely by means of a suitable remote control.

Figure 14 illustrates another version of the apparatus 1 of the invention, which differs from the embodiment above described and illustrated in figures 1 to 6 in that the holding means 104 comprise a single arch-shaped supporting arm which supports the supporting element 103 to which variants of the first equipment 110 and of the second equipment 130, respectively, are rotatably fixed.

The first equipment 110 comprises in this case a wall bars that includes a third frame formed by two external third uprights 113 connected by third transverse bars 125 spaced regularly apart and a fourth central upright 114 fixed to the third transverse bars 125 and extending from the opposite side with respect to the supporting element 103. In the first operating configuration Wl of the wall bars 110, the fourth upright 114 is immersed inside the containing means 2 in the liquid L. The third uprights 113 are rotatably connected to first connecting means of the supporting element 103 in such a manner that the wall bars 110 is movable between the first folded configuration, in which it is arranged, in particular in a horizontal position, inside the internal compartment 106 of the supporting element 103, and the first operating configuration Wl, in which the wall bars 110 is arranged, in particular in a vertical position, inside the containing means 2.

The second equipment 130 comprises an extendable/shortenable pole, rotatably connected to the supporting element 103 so as to be movable between the second folded configuration inside the internal compartment 106 and the second operating configuration W2. The pole 130 comprises, in this variant, three pole portions 131, 132, 134 reversibly and adjustably connected to one another to enable a length of said pole 130 to be adjusted. The pole portions 131, 132, 134 are provided with gripping pins 133 for a user.

Figures 16 to 19 illustrate a further version of the apparatus 1 of the invention, which differs from the above described embodiments in that the holding means 204 comprises a single arch-shaped supporting arm which supports the supporting element 203 and is rotatably mounted on a platform 243 in such a way as to rotate about a vertical axis Z and a horizontal axis Y. In this manner, by rotating the holding arm 204 about the horizontal axis Y, the supporting element 203 and the equipment 10, 30 fixed thereto can be positioned at different heights with respect to the containing means 2 and the liquid L according to specific exercises the user has to perform, thus adjusting the degree of immersion of the user in the liquid L.

By rotating the holding arm 204 about the vertical axis Z it is possible to move the supporting element 203 and the equipment 10, 30 from the working position A, in which they are positioned above the containing means 2 to enable the user to use the aforesaid equipment 10, 30 inside the containing means 2, to the inactive position B, in which the supporting element 3 and the equipment 10, 30 are spaced apart from the containing means 2 to enable free access and/or use by users (figure 19).

Actuator means of a known type can be provided to rotate the holding means 204 about the two axes Y, Z.

In this variant of the apparatus 1, the supporting element 203 has a cap or vault-like shape and comprises an upper curved wall 216 (obtained for example by calendering a metal or plastics sheet) and two end walls 217, which, together with the upper wall 216, define the internal compartment 206 arranged for receiving and containing the equipment 10, 30 in the respective folded configurations Nl, N2 (figure 18). The connecting means 18, 19 are fixed to the end walls 217 and rotatably support the equipment 10, 30.

The first equipment 10 comprises wall bars, which in the first operating configuration Wl are extended and disposed, in particular in a vertical position, inside the containing means 2, the second wall bar portion 12 being substantially aligned with the first wall bar portion 11. In this first operating configuration Wl, the wall bars 10 can be resting on a bottom wall 29 of the containing means 2 and the first frame 21 and the second frame 22 can be fixed to the respective wall bar portions 11, 12 in different positions along the uprights 13, 14 and about the rotation axes, as illustrated in figure 17, to enable the user to perform different exercises inside and outside the liquid L.

In the first folded configuration Nl (figure 18) the first equipment 10 is folded and placed, in particular in a horizontal position, inside the internal compartment 6 of the supporting element 3, and the second wall bar portion 12 is folded and superimposed on the first wall bar portion 11.

The containing means 2 contains a liquid L which comprises an aqueous solution containing magnesium chloride and/or sodium chloride in a concentration comprised between 30 °Be (degrees Baume) and 5 °Be, in particular between 27 °Be and 17 °Be, and at a temperature comprised between 25 and 35 °C, in particular between 30 and 32°C.

The aqueous solution can be supersaturated water with a concentration of magnesium chloride and/or sodium chloride equal to 27 °Be and at a temperature comprised between 30 and 32°C.

At this saline concentration, water has a density much higher than neutral water or fresh water and much greater than seawater concentration. Such density enables the human body to float effortlessly, i.e. it enables a nearly complete lightening of the weight due to gravity (weight reduction of up to 90%), which allows users performing gymnastic or rehabilitation and/or re-education exercises, with greatly reduced muscular efforts and loads on the joints. The use of such equipment 10, 30, 40, 50 of the apparatus 1 of the invention in this type of supersaturated aqueous solution thus makes it possible even for subjects affected by pathologies or motor problems, or recovering from injuries or surgery or in any case having limitation in their movements (obesity, heart disease, disablements, etc.) to easily and profitably perform motor exercises for training, rehabilitation and/or re-education purposes that would be impossible to perform on dry ground or even in fresh water.

It should be noted that since the lightening of weight depends on the level or degree of immersion of the body in the liquid (lightening is maximum on the surface) it is possible to modulate the muscular efforts and the resistance to movements offered by the supersaturated aqueous solution by varying the aforesaid degree of immersion of the body. In particular, the deeper the body is immersed in supersaturated water, the more the resistance loads increase that are exerted on the body in movement. The greater resistance of supersaturated water to movements enables muscles to be strengthened and toned without provoking joint overloading and injuries.

In addition the osmotic effect that derives from the high salinity of the water stimulates a draining action which very effectively opposes water retention. The absorption of salts and minerals present in the water moreover favours the achievement of a better electrolytic balance in the body.

At a temperature of 30-32 °C, close to the body temperature, supersaturated water also produces a positive vasodilating effect on the blood vessels of the user's body, which improves tissue oxygenation, favouring muscle recovery. Thanks to the combined action of heat, pressure and resistance offered by the supersaturated water the blood flow to muscles increases.

Finally, in the case of a supersaturated aqueous solution of magnesium chloride, the high concentration of this salt produces a positive myorelaxant effect that favours a beneficial general muscular relaxation in musculoskeletal pathologies.

Alternatively, the liquid L can comprise seawater (thalassic) with a salinity comprised between 2 and 3 Be, of the type generally used for thalassotherapy treatments.

As yet another alternative, the liquid L can comprise bromo-iodized water.

Finally, the liquid L can comprise neutral or fresh water.

The method according to the invention thus provides performing motor activity exercises by a user positioned in containing means 2 containing a liquid L comprising an aqueous solution containing magnesium chloride and/or sodium chloride in a concentration comprised between 30 °Be and 5 °Be, in particular comprised between 27 °Be and 17 °Be, and at a temperature comprised between 25 and 35 °C, in particular comprised between 30 and 32°C.

The method provides immersing the user in the aqueous solution in an adjustable manner and according to the requirements and/or needs of said user and/or the motor activity exercises the user has to perform. The method further provides the user immersed in the aqueous solution utilizing gymnastic and/or rehabilitation equipment, in particular the equipment of the apparatus 1 above described.