Back exercise apparatus with a neck exercise attachment

Claim 1

In combination with an exercise machine of the type adapted for multi-axial movement of the lower back against a selective resistance provided by first, second and third resistance means associated, respectively, with flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotational movement of the lower back, said machine providing for accurate measurement of the torque and concomitant angular position and velocity associated with movement against said resistance means associated each of said axes of movement, an attachment to adapt said machine for measurement of neck exercise movements comprising: an attachment frame secured to said low back exercise machine; a neck exercise assembly pivotably mounted to said frame and including a pivotably movable support member and means extending generally upwardly therefrom for securing the head of a user, said support member being pivotably movable relative to said frame about a horizontal axis which corresponds to an axis of rotation which is coaxial with the axis of flexion/extension movement of the neck, and said means for securing the head being pivotably movable relative to said support member about an axis of rotation which is generally perpendicular to said horizontal axis and coaxial with the axis of lateral flexion movement of the neck; a head engagement device pivotably mounted to said means for securing the head, said head engagement device being pivotably movable relative to said head securement means about a vertical axis which is generally perpendicular to said horizontal axis and coaxial with the axis of rotation movement of the neck; first flexible connecting means for operatively connecting the first resistance means of said exercise machine to said support member of said neck exercise assembly for resisting flexion/extension movement of the neck of a user; second flexible connecting means for operatively connecting the second resistance means of said exercise machine to said head securement means of said neck exercise assembly for resisting lateral flexion movement of the neck of a user; third flexible connecting means for operatively connecting the third resistance means of said exercise machine to said head engagement device for resisting rotational movement of the neck of a user; and restraint means for securing the user during exercise of the neck; whereby said attachment to said low back exercise machine permits simultaneous multi-axial pivotal movement of the neck about its natural axes.