[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to a medical instrument for neck traction, and more specifically, relates to a portable medical instrument that strengthens the deep neck muscles and measures the strength of muscles.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Nowadays there is major problem of neck pain which is due to weakness of deep as well as superficial neck muscles. According to research, the deep neck muscles provide stability to the neck. Multiple instrumented tools known in the art strengthen neck-deep flexor muscles and self-exercise. Few such tool include and held dynamometer that measures maximum force in cervical flexion, extension, side flexion, side flexion with rotation and pure rotation, using the ipsilateral hand to apply isometric resistance. However, this tool has the limitations such as, the participant must have sufficient range of motion of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist; the protocol cannot be used effectively if any of these are lacking. The participant must also be able to generate sufficient force to overcome the tested neck movement.
[0003] There are other instrumented tools known in the art, which helps in measuring the strength of deep cervical flexors. Some tools strengthen the deep neck flexors and can adjust the angles and can fit easily on the neck, thus, providing resistance to the flexor movement and strengthen the deep neck flexors. The limitation of these tools is that they cannot measure the strength of the deep neck flexor muscles while strengthening the deep neck flexors. Some tools act indirectly on the deep cervical muscles as the tool is placed behind the neck and beneath the occiput while patient is in supine lying position and thus acting as long lever. Therefore, forces do not act directly on the deep cervical flexors and depends on the occipital pressure.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a cost-effective device to strengthen the deep neck muscles and to measure the strength of muscles by solving the aforementioned problems.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to a medical instrument for neck traction, and more specifically, relates to a portable medical instrument that strengthens the deep neck muscles and measures the strength of muscles.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus with first support element and second support element, the first support element and second support element coupled to the inflatable tube and configured to support the neck region of the user.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus with a pressure gauge coupled to the inflatable tube and configured to measure the deflection generated in the pressure gauge.
[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that can be easily worn and easily removed from the neck without causing any harm to the user.

SUMMARY
[0009] The present disclosure relates, in general, to a medical instrument for neck traction, and more specifically, relates to a portable medical instrument that strengthens the deep neck muscles and measures the strength of muscles.
[0010] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for monitoring the strength of muscles, the apparatus including: a frame adapted to be worn by a user around a neck of the user the frame adapted to circle the neck; an inflatable tube provided in the frame, the inflatable tube adapted to circle the neck when the frame is worn by the user; an air pump coupled to the tube, the air pump adapted to fill air into the tube to inflate the tube; a valve provided on the tube operable to selectively allow passage of air into and from the tube; a pressure gauge coupled to the tube, and configured to measure inside the tube; a first support element coupled to the frame, the first support element adapted to support a first part of a head of the user; a second support element coupled to the frame, the second support element adapted to support a second part of a head of the user, wherein, when the tube is inflated, and pressure is applied by the user on any of the first support element and the second support element, the pressure being applied by muscles of the user, the inflated tube is accordingly compressed, and wherein, the pressure gauge is configured to indicate an increased pressure inside the tube, the increased pressure being proportional to force applied by the user on the tube at any of the first support element and second support element respectively, the force applied being indicative of strength of the muscles of the user.
[0011] In an embodiment, the first support element and the second support element can be separate and independent from one another.
[0012] In another embodiment, the first part can include chin region of the user to be supported by the first support element.
[0013] In another embodiment, the second part can include occipital region of the user to be supported by the second support element.
[0014] In another embodiment, the force of compression applied on the tube can generate deflections in the pressure gauge.
[0015] In another embodiment, the pressure gauge configured to measure the strength of deep cervical flexors, deep cervical extensors and any combination thereof.
[0016] In another embodiment, the pressure gauge can be a barometer.
[0017] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an apparatus for monitoring the strength of muscles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate exemplary schematic view of the apparatus to perform flexion of neck region of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate exemplary schematic view of the apparatus to perform extension of neck region of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0023] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0024] The present disclosure relates, in general, to a medical instrument for neck traction, and more specifically, relates to a portable medical instrument that strengthens the deep neck muscles and measures the strength of muscles. The portable medical instrument can strengthen the deep neck muscles by providing resistance to the flexion and extension of neck and can also measure the strength of muscles. Selective resistance to movement about each neck movement may be provided and accurate measurements can be obtained with respect to neck movement performance against the resistance.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an apparatus for monitoring the strength of muscles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 can be configured to strengthen the deep neck muscles and to measure the strength of muscles. The apparatus 100 can include a frame 102, inflatable tube 108, a first support element 106, a second support element 104, an air pump 114, a valve 112, and a pressure gauge 110. The frame 102 can be adapted to be worn by a user around a neck of the user, the frame adapted to circle the neck. The inflatable tube 108 can be provided in the frame 102, the inflatable tube 108 adapted to circle the neck when the frame 102 can be worn by the user.
[0027] In an embodiment, the air pump 114 can be coupled to the tube 106, the air pump 114 adapted to fill air into the tube 108 to inflate the tube 108. The valve 112 can be provided on the tube 108 operable to selectively allow passage of air into and from the tube 108. The pressure gauge 110 can be coupled to the tube 108, and configured to measure inside the tube. The pressure gauge 110 may include any or a combination of a measuring tool. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure gauge 110 can be a barometer.
[0028] In another embodiment, the first support element 106 can be coupled to the frame 102, the first support element 106 adapted to support a first part of a head of the user. The first part my include the chin region of the user to be supported by the first support element 106. The second support element 104 can be coupled to the frame 102, the second support element 104 adapted to support the second part of a head of the user. The second part my include the occipital region of the user to be supported by the second support element 104. The apparatus 100 can be used for easy handling, carrying and storage.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 can be configured as a cervical myometer. The apparatus can also be configured in other suitable configurations. The frame 102 can be provided in an inflated condition encircling the neck portion of the user. The inflatable tube 108 can be configured with the air pump 114 at the free end of the frame 102. The tube 108 can be made of any light weight material or durable plastic material and a combination thereof. The tube can be constructed of an expandable material such as neoprene rubber, such as neoprene rubber etc.
[0030] In another embodiment, the valve 112 can be configured between the air pump 114 and the tube 108. The valve 112 may include a screw that can be opened to allow inflation and then closed to retain the inflated air pressure in the tube 108.The pressure gauge 110 can be operatively coupled with the tube 108.The pressure gauge 110 can be configured to measure air pressure in a certain environment, wherein, the pressure gauge 110 can be configured to indicate pressure inside the tube, the pressure inside the tube indicative of force of compression applied on the tube 108 at any of the first support element 106 and second support element 104 by the user.
[0031] In an embodiment, the frame 102, when inflated, can provide a cushioning effect which bears against the user's neck, making the apparatus 100 more comfortable for the user. The first support element 106 and the second support element 104 can be of narrow shape, sinusoidal shape and any combination thereof. They provide support to the chin, left and right mandibular and occipital regions, the shoulders, and the upper chest and back regions of user and any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the first support element 106 can be projected from the lower portion of the frame 102 to support the chin region of the user. The second support element 104 can be projected from the upper portion of the frame 102 to support the occipital region of the user.
[0032] In an implementation, the frame 102 can be inflatable by filling air by pressing the air pump 114 and to control the amount of air to release the air from the pressure valve 112. The user can wear the inflatable tube 108 around the neck portion, the air pump 114 can be operated to fill air in the frame. The user can move his/her neck in forward and backward position. While the user moves his/her neck in the forward or backward position, the user neck can be pressed against the inflatable tube 108 and the force can be measured by the pressure gauge 110.
[0033] In an embodiment, when the tube (108) is inflated, and pressure can be applied by the user on any of the first support element (106) and the second support element (104), the pressure being applied by muscles of the user, and the inflated tube can be accordingly compressed. The pressure gauge (110) can be configured to indicate an increased pressure inside the tube (108), the increased pressure being proportional to force applied by the user on the tube at any of the first support element (106) and second support element (104) respectively, the force applied being indicative of strength of the muscles of the user.
[0034] For instance, the tube 108 can be inflated by pressing the air pump 114, the pressure can be applied by the first part e.g., chin region of the head to perform flexion and the second part e.g., occipital region of the head of the user to perform extension. The first support element 106 and the second support element 104 can be separate and independent from one another. The pressure on any of the first support element 106 and the second support element 104 respectively, may cause the inflated tube 108 to be compressed. The compression of the inflatable tube 108 can strengthen the deep neck muscles of the user.
[0035] In an embodiment, selective inflation and deflation of the tube 108 can be provided, a hand operated air pump 114 can be used to pump air to the tube 108.The tube 108 can then be deflated after use by the valve 112. Two supports elements are attached on the tube 108, one support element 106 can be configured for resting the chin region and another support element 104 can be configured for occipital rest. Each support element can be made from a flexible light weight plastic material such as polyethylene and any combination thereof.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, when the user performs neck flexion, the chin region of the user can be placed on first support element 106, this position strengthens the deep cervical flexors and the force can be measured by the pressure gauge 110. Similarly, when the user wants to perform cervical extension, occipital region of the user can be placed in the second support element, this position strengthens the deep cervical extensors and the force can be measured by the pressure gauge 110. After performing the exercise, the pressure valve 112 can be opened to release the air from inflatable tube 108. Thus, the apparatus can be cost-effective and can be easily worn and removed from the neck of the user without causing any harm.
[0037] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate exemplary schematic view of the apparatus to perform flexion of neck region of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 2A, the apparatus 100 can perform flexion of neck region of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first support element 106 can be coupled to the frame 102, the first support element 106 adapted to support the first part of a head of the user, the first part of the user may include the chin region of the user. The user 202 can perform deep cervical flexor muscle strengthening by placing the chin region of the user in the first support element 106 of the tube 108 to perform flexion of atlanto-occipital joint.
[0039] When user bends e.g., flexion of the head, there can be compression on the tube 108, which may cause resistance to the movement. Due to compression in the inflatable tube 108, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, there can be a deflection at the pressure gauge 110 which may measure the pressure of the tube. While the user performs flexion of the neck portion, the inflatable tube 108 can be compressed, the compressed tube 108 can generate deflection in the pressure gauge 110 coupled to the tube 108.The deflection of the exerted force can be measured by the pressure gauge 110 to determine the strength of the muscles.
[0040] For instance, the user/patient can rest his/her chin portion to perform flexion onto the first support portion 106 of the tube 108.The first support element 106 can be used while the second support element 104 is at rest. As a further example, the two support elements can be moved at different rates. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the two support elements may be advantageously interconnected to move as a unit when the ability to exercise independently is not needed. While the user performs flexion of the neck portion, the inflatable tube 108 can be compressed. The compressed frame can generate deflection in the pressure gauge 110 that is coupled to the tube.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, when the tube is inflated, and pressure can be applied by the first part of the head of the user, pressure on the first support element 106 may cause the inflated tube 108 to be compressed, and the pressure gauge 110 can be configured to indicate pressure inside the tube 108, the pressure inside the tube indicative of force of compression applied on the tube 108 at the first support element 106 by the user 202.Thus, the apparatus of the present disclosure can strengthen the deep neck flexor muscles and also determine the strength of the deep neck flexor.
[0042] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate exemplary schematic view of the apparatus to perform extension of neck region of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3A, the apparatus 100 can be configured to perform extension of neck region of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the user wants to perform deep cervical extensor muscle strengthening, the occipital region of the user can be placed in the second support element 104 and the user can perform extension of atlanto-occipital joint.
[0044] When the user performs extension of head, there can be compression on the inflatable tube 108 as illustrated in FIG. 3B, which cause resistance to the movement. Due to compression in the tube 108, there can be deflection at the pressure gauge 110, which can measure the pressure of the tube 108. While the user performs extension of the neck portion, the inflatable tube 108 can be compressed, the compressed tube 108 can generate deflection in the pressure gauge 110 coupled to the tube 108.The deflection of the exerted force can be measured by the pressure gauge 110 to determine the strength of the muscles. Thus, the pressure gauge 110 can measure the strength of deep cervical extensors effectively.
[0045] For instance, the user/patient can rest his/her occipital region of neck on the second support element 104. The second support element 104 can be used while the first support element 106 is at rest. As a further example, the two support elements can be moved at different rates. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the two support elements may be advantageously interconnected to move as a unit when the ability to exercise independently is not needed. While the user performs extension of the neck portion, the inflatable frame can be compressed. The compressed frame can generate deflection in the pressure gauge 110 that can be coupled to the tube.
[0046] In an embodiment, when the tube is inflated, and pressure can be applied by the second part of the head of the user, pressure on the second support element 104 may cause the inflated tube 108 to be compressed, and the pressure gauge 110 can be configured to indicate pressure inside the tube 108, the pressure inside the tube indicative of force of compression applied on the tube 108 at the second support element 104 by the user 202.Thus, the apparatus of the present disclosure can strengthen the deep neck extensors and also determine the strength of the deep neck extensors
[0047] Thus, the apparatus of the present disclosure can strengthen the deep neck flexors and deep neck extensors muscles effectively. It can also measure the strength of deep neck flexors and deep neck extensors with the help of barometer while strengthening these muscles. The apparatus can be used easily by the user. It is easy to wear and easy to remove from the neck without causing any harm.
[0048] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0049] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can strengthen the deep neck flexors and deep neck extensors muscles.
[0050] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can accurately measure the strength of deep neck flexors and deep neck extensors with the help of barometer while strengthening these muscles.

[0051] The present disclosure provides cost-effective apparatus.
[0052] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be easily worn and easily removed from the neck without causing any harm.

Claims:1. An apparatus (100) for monitoring the strength of muscles, the apparatus comprising:
a frame (102) adapted to be worn by a user around a neck of the user, the frame adapted to circle the neck;
an inflatable tube (108) provided in the frame, the inflatable tube adapted to circle the neck when the frame is worn by the user;
an air pump (114) coupled to the tube, the air pump adapted to fill air into the tube to inflate the tube;
a valve (112) provided on the tube operable to selectively allow passage of air into and from the tube;
a pressure gauge (110) coupled to the tube, and configured to measure inside the tube;
a first support element (106) coupled to the frame, the first support element adapted to support a first part of a head of the user; and
a second support element (104) coupled to the frame, the second support element adapted to support a second part of a head of the user,
wherein, when the tube (108) is inflated, and pressure is applied by the user on any of the first support element (106) and the second support element (104), the pressure being applied by muscles of the user, the inflated tube is accordingly compressed, and
wherein, the pressure gauge (110) is configured to indicate an increased pressure inside the tube (108), the increased pressure being proportional to force applied by the user on the tube at any of the first support element (106) and second support element (104) respectively, the force applied being indicative of strength of the muscles of the user.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first support element (106) and the second support element (104) are separate and independent from one another.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first part comprises chin region of the user to be supported by the first support element (106).
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second part comprises occipital region of the user to be supported by the second support element (104).
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the force of compression applied on the tube configured to generate deflections in the pressure gauge (110).
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure gauge (110) configured to measure the strength of deep cervical flexors, deep cervical extensors and any combination thereof.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure gauge (110) is a barometer.