TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an exercising device and system adapted to be used by a user sitting in a wheelchair.

BACKGROUND

Rowing machines, or indoor rowers, provides efficient exercise for users in terms of both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Promoting both strength and endurance modern rowing machines are used for practice by professional rowers as well as for general exercise by amateurs. In some common rowing machines, the user sits on a shuttle seat with the feet fastened to the machine and performs a rowing like motion while pulling on a cable attached handle featuring some resistance. The user slides back and forth on the shuttle seat while pulling the cable attached handle and thereby activates most muscle groups. A problem with these conventional rowing machines is that they are ill suited to be used by a paraplegic user or a user sitting in a wheelchair.

To overcome the problem of making rowing machines easily accessible also to paraplegic users or users in a wheelchair one solution is proposed in CN209137912. This document describes coupling a blocking frame to a rowing machine, so that a user can use the rowing machine while seated in a wheelchair.

However, a problem with the current proposed solutions is that the devices do not allow proper use of the rowing machine for all users. Regardless if the person rowing is a professional, or an amateur using the machine primarily for exercise, current solutions do not function properly depending on the build and condition of the paraplegic user or the user sitting in a wheelchair. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Despite the solutions discussed in the above, there is a need for an improved wheelchair rowing exercise device and a method for using the same which overcomes at least some of shortcomings described in the above. It is an object of the present invention to provide wheelchair exercising device and a method for using the same which may be adapted to fit the user. The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description, and in the drawings. According to a first aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a wheelchair rowing exercising device adapted to be used by a user sitting in a wheelchair, wherein the wheelchair exercising device comprises: an engaging portion, adapted to engage a rowing machine or ergometer suited for rowing exercise, a leg support portion, adapted to contact a leg of the user, and a floor contacting portion, adapted be placed on a floor so as to distance the engaging portion and the leg support portion from the floor, the wheelchair exercising device is mechanically adjustable between at least a first operable state and a second operable state such that the wheelchair exercising device may be mechanically adjusted to fit the user.

The wheelchair exercising device is in an operable state when it is engaging any type of rowing machine or ergometer suited for rowing exercise, so that a user in a wheelchair may operate the exercising device. Both the first and second operable state of the wheelchair exercising device is in engagement with a rowing machine or ergometer. In an operable state the wheelchair exercising device is suited for allowing and supporting a user sitting in wheelchair to perform rowing exercise. Disengaging the wheelchair exercising device from the rowing machine or ergometer leaves it a non- operable state, which may be considered a portable state or a storage state, which is distinct from the operable states.

The leg support portion may be referred to as a lower leg support portion. In some implementations the wheelchair exercising device comprises a thigh support portion. The thigh support portion and the (lower) leg support portion may be configured to contact and support different portions of the user’s leg(s). The thigh support portion may contact the leg(s) between the knee and hip of the user and the (lower) leg support portion contacting the leg(s) between the knee and foot of the user.

The present invention is at least partly based on the understanding that quality and comfort of rowing exercise from a wheelchair is increased if the wheelchair exercising device is mechanically adjustable such that it may be adapted to fit the user. For each individual user, properties such as the user’s body build, strength and rowing technique will be different. With the first aspect of present invention there is provided a wheelchair exercising device which is mechanically adjustable between at least two operable states meaning that it may be determined that the first operable state fits a first user while the second operable state fits a second user. Similarly, the wheelchair exercise device may comprise any integer number of operable states wherein each operable state best fits a particular user, or a group of users. Furthermore, with the invention the wheelchair exercising device may be mechanically adjusted between a first and second operable state without disengaging from the rowing machine or ergometer suited for rowing exercise. Thus, it is highly convenient and a fast operation to adapt the wheelchair exercising device to fit a second user, after it has been adapted to fit a first user. Further benefits of the invention according the first aspect of the invention include the fact that pre-existing conventional rowing machines or ergometers suited for rowing exercise may be utilized by more users. As the wheelchair exercising device may cooperate with rowing machines or ergometers in this way less resources are needed, and much space can be saved compared to providing additional complete dedicated wheelchair rowing machines.

In some embodiments the wheelchair exercising device is mechanically adjustable such that the positioning of the leg support portion is different in the first operable state compared to the second operable state.

The wheelchair exercising device may be mechanically adjustable such that the leg support portion may be linearly displaced or rotated in any direction. For instance, the leg support portion may be mechanically adjustable in that it is linearly displaceable in a direction parallel to a normal of the floor plane. The leg support portion may alternatively or additionally be mechanically adjustable in that it is linearly displaceable in a direction parallel to so-called rowing direction (the y direction). The y direction may be defined as a direction perpendicular, (or substantially perpendicular) to a normal of the floor plane and parallel to the direction which the user faces during rowing with the wheelchair exercising device in an operable state. The y direction is thus corresponding to the direction in which the shuttle seat moves on a conventional rowing machine. With the ability to adjust the positioning of the leg support portion the leg support portion may be mechanically adjusted so that it fits the user. Adjustment of the leg support portion may be necessary to properly contact a leg of the user or based on user preference. Some users may require a leg support portion which contacts the leg closer to knee or a leg support portion which contacts the leg closer to the ankle, depending on the handicap of the user.

In some embodiments the wheelchair exercising device is at least mechanically adjustable in height such that the height over the floor of the leg support portion is larger in the second operable state compared to the first operable state.

The wheelchair exercising device may be adjustable in height by comprising a floor contacting portion, wherein the floor contacting portion is adjustable such that the distance between the floor and the leg support portion is adjustable. For instance, the floor contacting portion may be mechanically adjustable such that it can be mechanically elongated or shortened which in turn will position the leg support portion further from or closer to the floor. Alternatively, the floor contacting portion is fixed, and the leg support portion is adjustable in height relative the floor contacting portion (and the engaging portion). The distance between the floor and the leg support portion is one property which may make the wheelchair exercise device fit a user properly or not, with this distance being mechanically adjustable the wheelchair exercising device may be adapted to fit more users or groups of users, and thereby allowing a larger variety of persons in wheelchairs to exercise using the same machine. In some embodiments the leg support portion comprises a leg contacting surface and the wheelchair exercising device is at least mechanically adjustable such that an angle between a normal of the leg contacting surface and a normal of the floor plane is larger in the first operable state compared to the second operable state.

The leg support portion may be rotatably attached to a rotation axis such that it may be rotated around the rotation axis to a desired angle. The leg support portion may be mechanically adjustable between different angles independently of linear adjustability of the leg support portion along y direction (the rowing direction) or in height above the floor. Mechanical adjustability between at least a first and second angle brings the added benefit that a user may select an angle which fits the user. The leg support portion comprises a leg contacting surface, by setting the angle of the leg support portion the angle in which the leg contacting surface contacts the legs of the user will differ. Depending on the build and preference of the user the preferred rowing position might involve the legs of the user being at any angle, such as almost entirely stretched out or bent backwards towards the underside of the wheelchair. A leg support portion being mechanically adjustable by being rotatable allows the wheelchair exercising device to be used in an operational state which fits a larger variety of user. For example, the leg support portion, and thereby also the leg contacting surface, might be oriented to achieve a proper and aligned contact between the user’s legs and the wheelchair exercising device when the user is in the preferred rowing position.

In some embodiments the leg support portion comprises two leg support units, wherein each leg support unit is mechanically adjustable to contact a leg of the user.

One leg support unit for each leg of the user has the added benefit that the legs of the user may be individually supported by a leg support unit. Each of the leg support units may be individually mechanically adjustable linearly in the rowing direction, linearly in the height direction and/or rotatably around an axis perpendicular to the y direction (the rowing direction) and a normal of the floor plane. The leg support units may furthermore be mechanically coupled such that both leg support units are mechanically adjustable as a single unit. Each leg support unit comprises an individual leg contacting surface which, being a part of the leg support unit, is mechanically adjustable for positioning in the same way. This enables, e.g. someone that has broken one leg to adjust the leg support units differently. This may enable working out although having a cast on one leg, or for users that need to offload the load on an injured leg.

In some embodiments the wheelchair exercising device is at least mechanically adjustable such that a distance between the two leg support units is larger in the second operable state compared to the first operable state.

A particular user might prefer or necessitate a smaller or larger separation distance between the two leg support units. Each leg support unit may be mechanically adjustable individually so that it is displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the y direction and a normal of the floor plane. Furthermore, according to preference or requirement of the user the leg support units may be displaced so as to be off-center with respect to the floor contacting portion and the engaging portion or the rowing machine. That is, if the user prefers the leg support units do may be unsymmetrically arranged with respect to the floor contacting portion and the engaging portion or the rowing machine.

In some embodiments the wheelchair exercising device further comprises an auxiliary support portion. The auxiliary support portion being adapted to support at least one of the upper body (e.g. the chest or abdominal area) and the thigh(s) (a portion of the leg between the knee and the hip) of the user. The auxiliary support portion may to this end be or comprise at least one of an upper body support portion and a thigh support portion. The upper body support portion and the thigh support portion may be provided separate components or provided as a single component forming a single auxiliary support portion. The upper body support portion and/or the thigh support portion may be adjustable in at least one direction so as to adapt its positioning against the user. The upper body support portion and/or the thigh support portion may be adjustable as a unit with respect to other parts of the wheelchair exercising device or separately adjustable with respect to each other and/or the auxiliary support portion.

The auxiliary support portion may comprise structural portions allowing it to place and/or adjust the upper body support portion and/or the thigh support portion at/to a desired position(s) with respect to other components of the wheelchair exercising device and the user. The wheelchair exercising device may be adapted to receive an auxiliary support portion by having an auxiliary support portion receiving portion/port. Alternatively, the auxiliary support portion may be permanently fixated to the wheelchair rowing device. The auxiliary support portion may be mechanically adjustable in at least one direction, such as in the y direction or in the direction normal to the floor plane such that the upper body support portion and/or the thigh support portion fit the user. Alternatively, the upper body support portion and/or the thigh support portion are adjusted with respect to auxiliary support portion.

With an upper body support portion, the chest and/or abdominal area of the user may be supported during the rowing exercise. For example, the upper body support portion may be mechanically adjusted such that the distance between an upper body contacting surface, and at least one leg contacting surface and the floor contacting portion, increases or decreases. Allowing the user to contact both the leg support portion and the upper body support portion in a reclined rowing position, a straight seated rowing position or a forward leaning rowing position. An upper body support portion enables a person being partly paralyzed, e.g. having no torso control, to row in the rowing machine. If such a person would row without an upper body support, the person would fall forward without the possibility to get up again.

Similarly, the adjustable upper body support portion and/or thigh support portion may additionally or alternatively be adjustable in a direction normal to the floor plane so as to fit the user. It is conceivable that adjusting e.g. the upper body support portion in this direction will, besides altering where on the user’s upper body the support is applied, change whether or not the user can row in a reclined rowing position, a straight seated rowing position or a forward leaning rowing position. In some implementations, the auxiliary support portion may comprise a thigh support portion. The thigh support portion being adapted to contact an upper side of the thigh(s) of a user using the wheelchair exercising device. Accordingly, the thigh support portion facilitates proper exercise with the wheelchair exercising device as the user is additionally supported so as to prohibit e.g. rotational movement about the wheels of the wheelchair and/or the user falling over backwards. That is, the thigh support portion enables the user to assume a proper rowing position.

In some embodiments the wheelchair exercising device further comprises at least one fastening means for retaining the user and/or the user’s wheelchair in a position where the user’s leg abut the leg support portion.

The fastening means may be in the shape of a resilient band adapted to be fastened to or around the user or the user’s wheelchair for retaining the user in a position where the user’s legs abut the leg support portion, and/or the users upper body contacts the upper body support portion. The fastening means may alternatively be in the form of an adjustable strap or any other means which may comfortably retain the user and/or the user’s wheelchair in a desired rowing position.

The second operable state may differ from the first operable state in that at least one of the leg support portion, at least one leg support unit, the upper body support portion (the auxiliary support portion), the thigh support portion (the auxiliary support portion) and the floor contacting portion has been adjusted. Moreover, the second operable state may differ from the first operable state in that any combination of such adjustments has been implemented. The adjustment of one or more of these portions may be with respect each other, or with respect to a body portion of the wheelchair exercising device or the engaging portion.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a wheelchair exercising system comprising the wheelchair exercising device according to a first aspect of the invention, wherein the wheelchair exercising system further comprises a rowing machine or ergometer suited for rowing exercise, and wherein the engaging portion is in engagement with the rowing machine or ergometer suited for rowing exercise.

Such a wheelchair exercising system has the benefit that it may be used by a user sitting in a wheelchair and be mechanically adjusted so as to fit the user. This second aspect may comprise any features described above in relation to the first aspect and have similar technical effects as the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for setting up a rowing machine for a wheelchair user, comprising the steps of: disengaging a shuttle seat module from the rowing machine, mechanically coupling an engaging portion of a wheelchair exercising device to the rowing machine, adjusting the wheelchair exercising between at least a first operable state and a second operable state such that the wheelchair exercising device fits the user, wherein the wheelchair exercising device comprises: a leg support portion, adapted to contact a leg of the user, and a floor contacting portion, adapted be placed on a floor so as to distance the engaging portion and the leg support portion from the floor.

This aspect may exhibit the same or similar features and technical effects as the previously described aspects. The method for setting up a rowing machine for use by a user sitting in a wheelchair has the benefit that any conventional rowing machine may be adapted for such use.

The step of adjusting the wheelchair exercising device between at least a first operable state and a second operable state may further comprise one or many sub steps of adjusting at least one of the floor contacting portion, the leg support portion, at least one leg support unit, the upper body support portion, the thigh support portion and the auxiliary support portion by displacement or rotation in any of the directions described for each portion/unit respectively. It should be understood that when e.g. an adjustable upper body support portion is disclosed, it is hereby also disclosed that the method may include the step of adjusting the upper body support portion, and in relation to the fastening means, the method may include the step of fastening the user/wheel chair with said fastening means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wheelchair exercising device in a first operational state.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a wheelchair exercising device in an exemplary second operable state.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a wheelchair exercising device in an exemplary second operable state. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a wheelchair exercising device in an exemplary second operable state.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a wheelchair exercising device comprising an auxiliary support portion comprising an upper body support portion in a first operational state. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a wheelchair exercising device comprising an auxiliary support portion comprising an upper body support portion in an exemplary second operational state.

Fig. 7a is a perspective view of some embodiments of the wheelchair exercising device with an auxiliary support portion comprising a thigh support portion.

Fig. 7b is a side view of some embodiments of the wheelchair exercising device with an auxiliary support portion comprising a thigh support portion.

Fig. 8 is a side view of a wheelchair exercising device according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a side view of a wheelchair exercising system according to an aspect of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, some embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention.

With reference to Fig. 1 there is illustrated a wheelchair exercising device 100 adapted to be used by a user sitting in a wheelchair. The wheelchair exercising device 100 comprises an engaging portion 110 adapted to engage a rowing machine or equivalent, and a leg support portion 120 adapted to contact at least one leg of the user. The wheelchair exercising device 100 further comprises a floor contacting portion 130 adapted be placed on a floor so as to distance the engaging portion 110 and the leg support portion 120 from the floor. The wheelchair exercising device 100 may additionally comprise a body portion 140 wherein the body portion 140 may rigidly connect the engaging portion 110, the leg support portion 120 and the floor contacting portion 130. Additionally, the body portion 140 may comprise an auxiliary support portion receiving portion/port 142 adapted to receive an auxiliary support portion (upper body support portion and/or thigh support portion). The distance between the engaging portion 110 and the floor contacting portion 130 may be fixed in direction the user faces during use of the wheelchair exercise device 100, the so-called rowing direction (y direction).

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the floor contacting portion 130 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the body portion 140, the engaging portion 110 and the leg support portion 120. The angled portion of the body portion 140 leading up to the leg support portion 120 allows a user to conveniently place the feet at least partially below the wheelchair exercising device 100. Furthermore, the placement of the floor contacting portion 130 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is merely an example, however, placing the floor contacting portion below the wheelchair exercising device 100 and also away from the leg support portion 120 has the added benefit that the user may easily enter a suitable rowing position without the floor contacting portion 130 being in the way.

The body portion 140 may shaped so as to displace the leg support portion 120 in one end from the engaging portion 110 in the other end. Specifically, the body portion 140 may be configured to place the leg support portion 120 further from the floor plane than the engaging portion 110.

With further reference to Fig. 2, the wheelchair exercising device 100, 100b of the invention is mechanically adjustable between at least a first operable state 100 and a second operable state 100b such that the wheelchair exercising device 100, 100b may be mechanically adjusted to fit the user. The wheelchair exercising device 100, 100b may be mechanically adjustable in the sense that the positioning of the leg support portion 120 is different in in the first operable state 100 compared to the second operable state 100b. To exemplify one way in which the position of the leg support portion 120 may be different in the second operable state 100b compared to the first operable state 100 the leg support portion in the second operable state 100b depicted in Fig. 2 is positioned higher above the floor compared to the first operable state 100 depicted in Fig. 1. In this sense, the wheelchair exercising device 100, 100b and/or the leg support portion 120 may be mechanically adjustable at least in height such that the height over the floor of the leg support portion 120 is larger in the second operable state 100b compared to the first operable state 100.

To this end, means for mechanical adjustment 132 of the height over the floor of the leg support portion 120 may be provided on the wheelchair exercising device 100, 100b. The exemplary embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 features means for mechanical adjustment 132 of the height in the form of a crank mechanism with a threaded arrangement adjusting the relative distance from the floor contacting portion 130. However other alternative means for mechanical adjustment 132 of the height are possible. For instance, means for mechanical adjustment 132 of the height over the floor of the leg support portion 120 may be provided in the form of a locking pin with corresponding locking pin holes provided on the floor contacting portion 130. A part of the floor contacting portion being in slidable relation to the leg support portion 120. Alternatively, the means for mechanical adjustment 132 of the height over the floor of the leg support portion 120 may act on the leg support portion 120, by being adapted to adjust the distance in height between the engaging portion 110, the body portion 140, or the floor contacting portion 130 and the leg support portion 120.

With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of the invention wherein an angle between the a normal of a leg contacting surface and a normal of the floor plane is larger in the first operable state 100 compared to the second operable state 100c. The leg contacting surface is a surface of the leg support portion 120, 120a which is adapted to come into contact with a leg of the user. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 illustrates how the wheelchair exercising device 100, 100c may be mechanically adjustable such that an angle between the normal of the floor plane and a normal of the leg contacting surface is larger in the first operable state 100 compared to the second operable state 100c. The angle between a normal of the floor plane and a normal of the leg contacting surface, which may be referred to as the tilt angle, is mechanically adjustable by tilt angle adjustment means 124a. In the exemplary embodiments shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 the tilt angle adjustment means 124a is the form of a locking pin mechanism. In the locking pin mechanism corresponding holes adapted to receive the locking pin are arranged at a radial distance from a rotational axis of a structural component, wherein the structural component is mechanically coupled to the leg support portion 120, 120a. The structural component may be rotated and locked into position with the locking pin in a corresponding hole, thus setting the desired tilt angle of the leg contacting surface of the leg support portion 120, 120a. Moreover, the wheelchair exercising device 100, 100c may itself be tilted, during such circumstances it is preferable that the leg support portion 120, 120a may also be adjusted in tilt angle so as to for example compensate the tilt of the device 100, 100c.

Further depicted in Fig. 3 is embodiments wherein the leg support portion 120 comprises two leg support units 120a, 120b, wherein each leg support unit 120a, 120b is adapted to contact a leg of the user and being is mechanically adjustable so as to fit the user. As illustrated in Fig. 3 the leg support portion of the wheelchair exercising device 100c may comprise individual leg support units 120a, 120b which may be adjusted individually to fit the user. The mechanical adjustment of the leg support portion described in the above applies analogously to each of the two leg support units 120a, 120b. The second leg support unit 120b may feature its own adjustment means and is mechanically adjustable to a desired tilt angle independently of the first leg support unit 120a.

With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 there is illustrated a wheelchair exercising device 100, 100d wherein the wheelchair exercising device is mechanically adjustable such that a distance between the two leg support units 120a, 120b is larger in the second operable state 100d compared to the first operable state 100. When comparing the wheelchair exercise device of Fig. 1 with Fig. 3 it is clearly visible how the separation between the leg support units 120a, 120b is larger in the second operable state 100d compared to the first operable state 100. The separation distance between the leg support units is mechanically adjustable with separation distance adjustment means 122a, 122b. The separation distance adjustment means 122a, 122b may be any suitable means adapted to displace the leg support units 120a, 120b relative each other in a plane parallel to the floor plane or displace at least one of the leg support units 120a, 120b relative one of: the floor contacting portion, the engaging portion and the body portion 140 in a plane parallel to the floor plane. An exemplary embodiment, shown in Fig. 4 utilizes separation distance adjustment means 122a, 122b in the shape of an individual tensioning handle 122a, 122b adapted to release or reliantly hold the leg support unit 120a, 120b, which is in slidable engagement with the rest of the wheelchair exercising device 100, 100d, in a desired position. A tensioning handle and a corresponding sliding configuration of the leg support unit 120a, 120b has the benefit that the positioning of the leg support unit 120a, 120b may be set to a position in a continuous fashion. As an alternative, separation distance adjustment means consisting of a configuration with a locking pin and corresponding locking pin holes is also a conceivable solution for achieving mechanical adjustability of the leg support units 120a, 120b. As well as any type of suitable screw and rail actuator. Similarly, the mechanical adjustability of the leg support units 120a, 120b by the tilt angle adjustment means 124a and 124b may also be achieved with a sliding configuration similar to the leg support unit 120a, 120b, but with a rotational adjustment. Such adjustment of the tilt angle adjustment means would have the benefit that the positioning of the leg support units’ angles 120a, 120b may be set to an angle in a continuous fashion.

With reference to Fig. 1-4 the leg support portion 120 and/or the leg support units 120a, 120b may preferably be provided with a concave leg contacting surface. This enables more and better contact between the user’s legs and the wheelchair exercising device 100, 100b-d. Furthermore, the leg contacting surface may be provided with a soft foam material, to enable enhanced comfort for a user contacting the leg contacting surface.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrates a wheelchair exercising device according to embodiments of the present invention. The wheelchair exercising device 100e, 10Of may comprise an auxiliary support portion 150 which is mechanically coupled or fixated thereto. The auxiliary support portion 150 may be adapted to contact and support the upper body of the user via an upper body support portion 152. The upper body support portion 152 may be adjustable such that the positioning of an upper body contacting surface of the upper body support portion 152 is adjustable in height over the floor and/or in displacement against or from the user i.e. in the rowing direction relative the leg support portion 120. At least a part of the auxiliary support portion 150 may be made in a solid piece with at least one of: the body portion 140, a part of the leg support portion 120, a part of the engaging portion 110 and the floor contacting portion 130. Alternatively, the auxiliary support portion 150 may be adapted to engage with at least one of: the body portion 140, a part of the leg support portion 120, a part of the engaging portion 110 and the floor contacting portion 130 such that it may be attached and detached by the user. The auxiliary support portion 150 being in an operable state when it is attached to the wheelchair exercise device 100e, 10Of. The exemplary embodiments in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 feature an auxiliary support portion 150 with a concave upper body contacting surface for the upper body support portion 152. The shape of the upper body contacting surface could be any shape, however, a concave shape as the benefit of being comfortable for the user while still providing support over a large contacting area. Furthermore, the upper body contacting surface may be provided with a soft foam material, to enable enhanced comfort for a user contacting the upper body contacting surface. Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a second operable state 10Of of the wheelchair exercising device 10Oe, 10Of into which it may be mechanically adjusted from the first operable state 100e. In Fig. 6 the wheelchair exercising device 100e, 10Of has been mechanically adjusted to an operable state such that the displacement of the upper body support portion of the auxiliary support portion 150 is closer to the leg support portion 120 while also the height above the floor plane of the upper body support portion 152 is larger compared to the operable state in Fig. 5. Similarly, the wheelchair exercising device 100e, 10Of may be adjustable such that the displacement of the upper body support portion 152 is further from the leg support portion 120 and also such that the height above the floor plane of the upper body support portion 152 is made smaller.

Additionally or alternatively, the upper body support portion 152 or the auxiliary support portion 150 may be dynamically movable in the y direction (the rowing direction) together with the user during rowing exercise. In such a way that the upper body support portion 152 follows the user during the rowing motion in the rowing direction while supporting the user in other directions. The upper body support portion 152 and/or auxiliary support portion 150 may be membered with at least one joint such that the upper body support portion 150 may follow, and abut, the user for at least a part of a rowing stroke. Preferably, the upper body support portion 152 and/or auxiliary support portion 150 is pivotable around an axis in the x-direction. Flereby, at least one portion of the auxiliary support portion 150 may be dynamically movable in the y direction (i.e. the rowing direction) together with the user during rowing exercise, while still providing the user with support. The upper auxiliary support portion150 may be pivotable around an axis located in the lower portion of the upper auxiliary support portion 150, so as to allow the upper portion to pivot more than the lower portion. As an alternative, the auxiliary support portion 150 may be pivotable around an axis located in the middle portion of auxiliary support portion 150, so as to allow the an upper portion to pivot about the lower portion. For example, the lower portion may be stationary (fixated or coupled to the body of the wheelchair exercise device) an comprise the thigh support portion while the upper body support portion pivots about the lower portion (and thereby pivots about the thigh support portion).

With reference to Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b there is illustrated a wheelchair exercising device according to some embodiments. Especially, Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b illustrates the thigh support portion 154 adapted to contact an upper surface of a thigh area of a user using the wheelchair exercising device. The thigh support portion 154 may be fixated to the auxiliary support portion 150. Alternatively, the thigh support portion 154 may be adjustable such that the thigh support portion 154 may be displaced in the rowing direction (y- direction) or height above the floor direction (z-direction) or rotated around the rowing direction (y-direction). The adjustability of the thigh support portion 154 may be with respect to one of the floor contacting portion 130, the leg support portion(s) 120, the body portion 140, the engaging portion 110, auxiliary support portion 150 and the upper body support portion 150. For instance, the thigh support portion 154 may be coupled to the auxiliary support portion 150 via a clamp or locking pin arrangement to enable the adjustability of the thigh support portion 154. Alternatively, the thigh support portion 154 is attached to the auxiliary support portion 150 and the auxiliary support portion 150 is adjustable to allow displacement in the rowing direction (y-direction) or height above the floor direction (z-direction) or rotation around the rowing direction (y-direction).

In one embodiment the upper body support portion 152 is slidable in and out of the thigh support portion 154 (an lockable with pin and hole an mechanism) wherein the thigh support portion 154 is coupled or fixated to the body of the wheelchair exercising device.

As depicted in Fig. 7a the floor contacting portion 130 may comprise a foot extending along the floor so as to define a clear area allowing the user to remain in contact with the floor when using the wheelchair exercising device. In other words, the wheelchair exercising device may be adapted to enable the user’s feet and wheelchair to be in direct contact with the floor when in the rowing/exercising position. Accordingly, the wheelchair exercising device becomes more portable and lighter. The wheel chair exercising device according to some embodiments in the operable state is dimensioned so as to have a maximum height equal to or less than the height of the user sitting in a wheelchair or a maximum height equal to or less than the height of users shoulders when the user is sitting in a wheelchair. The contacting portion 130 as depicted in figure 7a and 7b is also compatible and herein disclosed in combination with the other illustrated embodiments in e.g. figures 1-6 and 8-9. Similarly, the contacting portion 130 depicted in figures 1-6 may be used in the embodiment depicted in figures 8 and 9.

With reference to Fig. 8 the wheelchair exercising device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated from a side view with the unit vectors of a cartesian coordinate system. The floor plane is spanned by the x and y vectors while the height, or distance from the floor, is measured parallel to the z vector. The rowing direction is parallel to the y vector and a normal of the leg contacting surface of the leg support portion 120, in the particular operational state depicted in Fig. 8, lies in a plane spanned by the x and y vectors but displaced in height above the floor plane. Adjusting the tilt angle of the leg support portion 120 and/or one of the leg support units implies rotating the leg support portion 120 and/or one of the leg support units around a rotational axis parallel with the x vector. The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures feature a concave leg support portion 120 and/or leg support units and the corresponding leg contacting surface features normal vectors with both positive and negative x components. Flowever, when referring to a tilt angle of a normal of the leg contacting surface the normal of the leg contacting surface is assumed to lie in a yd plane. It is noted that a concave leg contacting surface always comprises a normal in a plane parallel to the yz plane.

In Fig. 9 there is illustrated a wheelchair exercising system 200 wherein the wheelchair exercising apparatus according to any embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a rowing machine or ergometer suited for rowing exercise 160 via the engaging portion 110. The handle of the rowing machine 160 is pulled by the user backwards and forwards in the rowing direction, along or against the y vector. The leg support portion 120 exerts a counter force on the legs of the user while performing rowing exercise. Likewise, the wheelchair exercising system 200 may comprise fastening means adapted to retaining the user and/or the user’s wheelchair in a position where the user’s leg abuts the leg support portion 120. The floor contacting portion 130 may be adapted to support the weight of the wheelchair exercising device and the rowing machine 160. Furthermore, adjusting the extension of the floor contacting portion 130 may in accordance with embodiments of the invention set the height above the floor of the leg support portion 120. Adjusting the height above the floor in this manner for a wheelchair exercising system 200 may tilt the entire system 200, thus it is preferable that the leg support portion 120 may also be adjusted in tilt angle to compensate a tilt of the system.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart describing a method according to an aspect of the invention. At S1 the shuttle seat module of a rowing machine is disengaged. The rowing machine may be any type of conventional rowing machine or ergometer suitable for rowing exercise. The step S1 of disengaging the shuttle seat module may alternative be constituted by a step of making the rowing machine suitable for engagement with the engagement portion of the wheelchair exercising device. Depending on the particular type of rowing machine there might be multiple sub steps for making it suitable for engagement with the engagement portion of the wheelchair exercising device.

After the shuttle seat module has been disengaged, or the rowing machine has been made suitable for engagement with the engagement portion of the wheelchair exercising device at S1 the method may go to step S2. At S2 the wheelchair exercise device according to the inventive concept is mechanically coupled to the rowing machine via the engagement portion. After coupling of the wheelchair exercise device to the rowing machine there will provided a wheelchair exercising system, one embodiment of which is illustrated in Fig. 9.

Following S2, the method goes to S3. At S3 the method comprises adjusting the wheelchair exercising between at least a first operable state and a second operable state such that the wheelchair exercising device fits the user. The step S3 of adjusting the wheelchair exercise device may comprise one or more sub steps S31, S32, S33, S34, S35 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Wherein S31 may comprise mechanically adjusting the positioning of the leg support portion between at least a first and a second operable state. S32 may comprise mechanically adjusting the height over the floor plane of the leg support portion between at least a first and a second operable state. S33 may comprise mechanically adjusting the angle between a normal of a leg contacting surface and a normal of the floor plane, such that the angle is larger in the first operable state compared to the second operable state. S34 may comprise adjusting the separation distance between leg support units. S35 may comprise adjusting an upper body support portion and/or thigh support portion of the auxiliary support portion in at least one direction so as to adapt its positioning against the user. Additionally, or alternatively, S3 may comprise a sub step corresponding to adjusting any portion or unit of the wheelchair exercise device in accordance with the function of that portion or unit as described in connection to embodiments of the first or second aspect. For instance, S3 may comprise a sub step of mounting the thigh support portion (wherein the thigh support portion comprises an aperture, e.g. a hollow pipe) and (subsequently) inserting the upper body support in the aperture of the thigh support portion. Optionally, S3 may also involve sub steps involving adjusting the upper body support portion with respect to the thigh support portion and adjusting the thigh support portion (and the upper body support portion coupled thereto) with respect to the body or engaging portion (or other portions) of the wheelchair exercising device. The skilled person in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the embodiments described above. The features of the described embodiments may be combined in different ways, and many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting to the claim. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in the claim. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.