1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to exercise machines which can be utilized for therapeutic reasons, or simply to improve the conditioning of the user. In particular, the present invention provides an improved head, neck and shoulder exercise machine which provides muscle conditioning for all normal head/neck movements.
2. Discussion of Background
Often, it is desirable to improve the strength and/or conditioning of muscles associated with movement of the human head, neck and shoulders. Conditioning these muscles can be particularly important in avoiding injuries in both professional and weekend athletes. Effective exercise also provides increased endurance, strength and range of motion. In addition, exercise is an important component in recovering from injuries which can result from participation in athletics, or from automobile accidents. Recently, conditioning of head, neck and shoulder muscles has been increasingly recognized as important in improving posture, relieving stress, and in reducing or alleviating head and neck pain including headaches which can result from poorly conditioned or atrophied shoulder and neck muscles. Exercise and conditioning of head, neck and shoulder muscles can alleviate or subside numerous conditions including pain, spasm, contractures, myofacial trigger points, swelling, abnormal tone or abnormal sensations. Head, neck and shoulder exercise can also be beneficial therapy in improving or correcting dizziness, blurred vision, loss of balance and vasomotor phenomenon.
Unlike many other structural/muscle groups of the human body, the head and neck can move in multiple different directions, and cannot be conveniently exercised with conventional free weights or weight machines. Head and neck movement is accomplished by a number of muscles or muscle groups cooperating primarily with the cervical vertebrae up to the first thoracic vertebrae. Some of the muscles associated with head and neck movement include the trapezius muscle, the sternocleidomastoid muscle, obliqus and rectus group, splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, the posterior cervical muscles, suboccipital, as well as the levator scapulae and scalene muscles. There are three basic movements of the head and neck including: (1) rotation in which the head rotates or turns from side to side; (2) forward and backward flexure and extension in which the head moves forward (e.g. to look downward) or backward (to look upward); and (3) lateral flexure in which the head moves laterally such that the person's ear is moving toward their shoulder.
Although the importance in exercising muscles in the neck region has been recognized, a satisfactory exercise device has not been available. Although a number of neck/shoulder machines are available, they suffer from a number of shortcomings. For example, many machines do not provide for proper isolation of the head, neck and shoulder movements, and do not provide for proper stabilizing and fixing of the torso or other portions of the body of the user. In addition, if the user is not properly positioned in the apparatus, abnormal movement can result, and pain or injury can result. In accordance with one shortcoming of conventionally available exercise machines, I have recognized a particularly widespread deficiency in that the exercise machines do not simulate the true movement of the human head and neck. This primarily results from the fact that conventional machines do not provide a joint which is aligned with the natural axis and movement of the cervical spine.
Accordingly, an exercise machine is desired which can improve the conditioning of muscles associated with movement of a person's head and neck. Such a machine should be capable of movement with a user's head and neck, and should be capable of movement in all directions for which a head is movable. In addition, the machine should provide resistance in opposition to neck movement of the user, thereby improving the strength of the muscles associated with head and neck movement. Most desirably, the machine should be able to simulate the natural movement of the human head and neck, and should include a joint arrangement which is substantially aligned with or synchronous with a person's neck when they are positioned in the machine, with movement of the machine about the joint simulating all normal types of movement of the human head and neck.