Method and device for gravity like simulation of natural balance movements

A method of providing functional rehabilitation of at least one of strength and balance in a mammalian subject, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a surface capable of supporting a mammalian subject in a plurality of angled positions from greater than 0 degrees to less than ninety degrees to gravity;
• (b) providing a frame operably connected to said surface by at least one air bearing disposed on said frame, the frame structured to be attached to the mammalian subject and the at least one air bearing being adapted to provide a uniform or substantially uniform air pressure exerted on said surface;
• (c) providing an exercise tool operably connected to said surface, said exercise tool positioned along an axis perpendicular to said surface and in operable contact with said subject;
• (d) providing an air compressor for providing air at a predetermined controllable pressure to the plurality of air bearings;
• (e) providing a cable having first and second ends, said first end connected to said frame and said second end threaded through a pulley system and connected to a force actuator for simulating a pseudo-gravitational force on the mammalian subject in one of said plurality of angled positions;
• (f) providing a system of pulleys supporting said cable and operably connected to a linear bearing assembly, said linear bearing assembly operably attached to an edge of said surface, said linear bearing assembly allowing unrestricted mediolateral movement of the cable thereby providing a gravity-like load that maintains a direction perpendicular to the exercise tool on which the mammalian subject is training.