Soleus pump

A "soleus pump" (foot pump) applies an oscillatory movement to the sole of the foot so as to exercise the calf muscle and thereby prevent development of deep venous thrombosis. In one embodiment, the apparatus is placed under the lower leg of the patient, holding the leg in an optimal position without the necessity of strapping the apparatus to the patient or to the bed or table. The foot motion is applied through a foot pedal incorporating a safety feature which keeps the apparatus from jamming the patient's foot. In another operating mode, the motor drive may be withdrawn, so that the patient may drive the plate by voluntarily flexing the leg muscles, as a form of exercise. In another embodiment, two monopedal embodiments may be joined together to create a bipedal version of the invention, permitting both legs to be exercised at the same time. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted for use by a patient sitting upright, for example, in a chair or airline seat.