Apparatus and method for multi-axial spinal testing and rehabilitation

An exercise apparatus, comprising:

• a rotation arm including a first end region, a second end region, and a middle section;
• a support unit pivotably connected to the rotation arm, to permit rotation of the rotation arm about a vertical rotation axis extending through the middle section;
• a perch to position a patient's spine substantially co-axially with the rotation axis;
• a flexion-extension arm including third and fourth end regions pivotably fastened to the first and second end regions to permit rotation of the flexion-extension arm about a horizontal flexion-extension axis extending through said first, second, third, and fourth end regions, and further extending perpendicularly through the rotation axis;
• a lateral bending support segment including a fifth end region pivotably fastened to the flexion-extension arm to permit rotation of the lateral bending support segment about a horizontal lateral bending axis extending through said fifth end region and perpendicularly through both the rotation and flexion-extension axes, wherein the rotation arm, flexion-extension arm, and lateral bending support segment are simultaneously rotatable about their respective axes;
• and
• an arm support assembly connected to the lateral bending support segment, to limit movement of the patent's upper body with respect to the lateral bending support segment.