Die Biomechanik des Fußes als Vorbild für eine anatomisch-funktionelle Krafttrainingsmaschine : Ein kritischer Rückblick auf eine erfolgreiche Patentverwertung
In diesem Beitrag berichtet Marco Hagen über seine Erfindung, eine Krafttrainingsmaschine für den Fuß, blickt auf die Chronologie der Ereignisse zurück und bezieht aus der Perspektive des Nachwuchswissenschaftlers kritisch zum Patentwesen Stellung.
The present paper reviews the
process of the development of a
strength-training machine for the
foot muscles, the scientific background
and the exploitation of the
patents. The prototype was manufactured
by the mechanical department
of the University of Duisburg-
Essen and tested by biomechanical
experiments in the Institute of Sport
and Movement Sciences. In 2009 the
machine was patented and in 2011
it was launched on to the health
market. Meanwhile, it is used in
strength-training facilities in several
European countries.
The invention is based on the anatomy
of the subtalar joint which
is located under the ankle joint.
The subtalar joint axis has a unique
orientation within the human body
which is deviated from the longitudinal
foot axis to medial and dorsal.
A subsequent intervention study
revealed the bio-positive effects
of functional anatomic subtalar
strength-training of the pronators
and supinators on foot stability.
Subtalar-specific strength increase
is especially recommended for the
prevention and rehabilitation of
exercise-related injuries. Furthermore,
subtalar muscle strength is found
to determine the postural control
during several standing positions.
Therefore, pronator and supinator
strengthening should be integrated
into training programs to prevent
falls in elderly people. The subtalar
strength-training machine is one
example of how the anatomical and
biomechanical function of the human
body is implemented in sports
technology.