Abstract A physical therapy diagnostic device for determining muscle strength and tone has now been invented. The device comprises energy absorbing means and an absorbed energy measuring device associated therewith. The energy absorbing means may be a fluid filled cylinder containing a piston connected to a body or muscle contacting member. The energy absorbing means can be rigidly attached to a housing to which pressure may be applied to force the body contacting member against a particular muscle, limb or other body part. The resistance of the muscle, limb or the like to movement causes energy to be absorbed by the energy absorbing means, the quantity of energy absorbed being observable from the measuring device.
A therapy diagnostic device for measuring muscle strength comprising: a. a body contacting member comprising a block-like, body contacting member; b. a liquid filled cylinder having a movable piston therein; c. shaft means connecting the said body contacting member to said piston; d. a housing embodying said liquid filled cylinder and rigidly connected thereto; e. a fluid pressure gauge communicating with said liquid filled cylinder and attached to a sidewall of said housing; f. a strap-like body contacting member attached to the end of said housing from which said block-like, body contacting member projects to form a loop; g. handle means located at the opposite end of said housing from said block-like, body contacting member, said handle means attached to a pair of plates slidably connected by slot and pin means to said block-like, body contacting member, said plates slidably passing through said housing wherein the relationship between the plate members and housing is such that when the handle means is in contact with the end of said housing the block-like, body contacting member can be moved in the slots in said plates towards the housing a sufficient distance to get a maximum reading on the fluid pressure gauge.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
199 words
A therapy diagnostic device for measuring muscle strength comprising: a. a body contacting member comprising a block-like, body contacting member; b. a liquid filled cylinder having a movable piston therein; c. shaft means connecting the said body contacting member to said piston; d. a housing embodying said liquid filled cylinder and rigidly connected thereto; e. a fluid pressure gauge communicating with said liquid filled cylinder and attached to a sidewall of said housing; f. a strap-like body contacting member attached to the end of said housing from which said block-like, body contacting member projects to form a loop; g. handle means located at the opposite end of said housing from said block-like, body contacting member, said handle means attached to a pair of plates slidably connected by slot and pin means to said block-like, body contacting member, said plates slidably passing through said housing wherein the relationship between the plate members and housing is such that when the handle means is in contact with the end of said housing the block-like, body contacting member can be moved in the slots in said plates towards the housing a sufficient distance to get a maximum reading on the fluid pressure gauge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the area of said piston is about one-square inch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 2 wherein the fluid pressure gauge has a maximum reading of about 100 psi.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
The device of claim 1 wherein a detachable bracket having a pair of legs and a transverse member is attached to one end of the housing such that the transverse member of said bracket is substantially parallel with the handle means and is farther from the housing than said handle and so adapted that said handle and bracket can be gripped by one hand.