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Abstract

An apparatus for the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal performance of a human body, comprising a handle and a set of three cylinders capable of longitudinal extension and retraction, the cylinders extending at angle with respect to each other and each having one end rotatably connected to the handle and another end rotatably connected to a rigid surface, the ends of the three cylinders opposite the handle being spaced apart from each other. By adjustably and independently controlling the longitudinal extension and retraction of each of the cylinders, it becomes possible to simulate objects being lifted or moved on the job at various heights and in any particular angle and plane and thus use the apparatus for rehabilitation purpose. The apparatus may also comprise strain gauges preferably located between the end of each cylinder attached to the rigid surface and the corresponding rigid surface in order to measure the strain applied by the human body to the handle, this measured strain being indicative of the musculoskeletal performance. Thus, it becomes possible to use the apparatus for diagnostic purpose, such as, for example to make isometric and isokinetic measurements of the musculoskeletal performance of the human body, by locking the cylinders and allowing the same to extend or retract, respectively.

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