CPC A61H 9/0078 (2013.01) [A47C 9/002 (2013.01); A61H 1/001 (2013.01); A61H 1/008 (2013.01); A61H 3/00 (2013.01); A61H 7/007 (2013.01); A61H 23/006 (2013.01); A61H 23/02 (2013.01); A61M 21/02 (2013.01); A63B 21/00181 (2013.01); A63B 69/0064 (2013.01); A61H 2003/043 (2013.01); A61H 2015/0064 (2013.01); A61H 2023/045 (2013.01); A61H 2201/0103 (2013.01); A61H 2201/0142 (2013.01); A61H 2201/0149 (2013.01); A61H 2201/0207 (2013.01); A61H 2201/0214 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1207 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1215 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1246 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1253 (2013.01); A61H 2201/164 (2013.01); A61H 2201/165 (2013.01); A61H 2201/168 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1621 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1635 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1642 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1645 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1654 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1695 (2013.01); A61H 2201/1697 (2013.01); A61H 2201/5007 (2013.01); A61H 2201/5061 (2013.01); A61H 2201/5064 (2013.01); A61H 2201/5071 (2013.01); A61H 2201/5082 (2013.01); A61H 2201/5084 (2013.01); A61H 2203/0406 (2013.01); A61H 2203/0431 (2013.01); A61H 2203/0456 (2013.01); A61H 2205/12 (2013.01); A61H 2209/00 (2013.01); A61H 2230/045 (2013.01); A61H 2230/105 (2013.01); A61H 2230/405 (2013.01); A61H 2230/805 (2013.01); A61M 2021/0022 (2013.01); A63B 21/0442 (2013.01); A63B 21/4005 (2015.10); A63B 21/4007 (2015.10); A63B 22/02 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A method comprising:
providing a frame defining a space configured for supporting a body part of a user;
providing a plurality of surface contacting units projecting into the space, wherein the plurality of surface contacting units are configured to exert a variable force on the body part in the space, wherein the plurality of surface contacting units are configured to minimize shear forces on a surfaces of the body part;
positioning the body part in the space; and
exerting the variable force on the body part by the plurality of surface contacting units, wherein the plurality of surface contacting units apply the variable force on the body part as a gradient force; and
wherein the method is configured to exert the gradient force on the body part of the user.
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