Method and apparatus for speed controlled eccentric exercise training

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing speed controlled eccentric exercise which include an exercise apparatus having an engagement member for engaging a user's body where the engagement member is moveable in opposite directions, means for enabling the engagement member to exert a force in a first direction at a predetermined speed, means for detecting change in the predetermined speed or pressure of the force after a user applies a force to the engagement means in a direction opposite the first force, and means for adjusting the apparatus supplied force and user supplied forces to equal one another or to maintain the predetermined speed.

1 . A device for speed controlled eccentric exercise comprising: 
 a frame;    a recumbent seat attached to the frame;    a turning crank attached to the frame such that said turning crank is accessible to a user's feet when seated in said recumbent seat;    a motor coupled to the turning crank such that the motor functions to rotate the turning crank in a counterclockwise direction at a predetermined speed;    means for detecting a change in said predetermined speed; and    means for adjusting output of the motor to maintain said predetermined speed.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said recumbent seat is adjustable.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said recumbent seat is positioned at an angle of about 15 degrees relative to said turning crank.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said frame comprises a plurality of tubular shaped members.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a safety element which prevents full extension of a user's knees during operation of the device.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein said safety element comprises a bar member positioned in front of said recumbent seat for maintaining the user's knees in a bent position.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said turning crank includes a pair of pedals positioned on opposite ends of said turning crank.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  further comprising a strap on each pedal for securing the user's feet to the pedals while the device is in operation.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a support structure for the recumbent seat wherein the recumbent seat is attached to the support structure and the support structure is attached to the frame.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said means for detecting a change in said predetermined speed comprises a magnetic sensor.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said means for adjusting output of the motor to maintain said predetermined speed comprises receiving a signal by a central processing unit from said sensor and sending a signal from said processing unit to a controller for said motor.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a display means for displaying at least one of a deceleration power, a time elapsed, a user's heart rate, and a number of revolutions per minute.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a control panel for starting the device, stopping the device, and setting at least one of a timer, a speed, a performance goal, and a heart rate goal.