Pulsatile resistive exerciser

Abstract

A pulsatile resistive exerciser control system. The control system changes the resistance that a muscle feels in the millisecond time frame. The control systems comprising a stationary or elliptical bike having a drive belt secured to an electric alternator that is modified to allow for the modulation of the alternator output thereby allowing for the pulsation of resistance. The device can be set to exert a rapid increase in the resistance on the pedal at a specified point in the rotation of a stationary bike, or the gliding pedal of an elliptical bike, thus exerting a force on a specific muscle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pulsating resistance exerciser comprising:
 a rotatable drive wheel securable to a frame, said drive wheel having a pair of drive pedals secured thereto;   a motor coupled to said drive wheel;   a control system electrically coupled to said motor having a two dimensional pedal torque/force sensor attached at approximately a 45 degree orientation to said drive pedals, said torque/force sensor providing directional measurement data which is translated to a communications gear providing alternating rates to said motor, said control system adjusts rotation of said drive wheel and said drive pedals at said alternating rates to cause reflex stimulation to the muscles of an individual rotating said drive pedals; and   a display coupled to said control system having an input for instructing said control system in millisecond time frames and an output for displaying operational aspects of said control system.   
     
     
         2 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said alternating rates provide a variable resistance to said drive pedals. 
     
     
         3 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system provides alternate resistance between a left drive pedal and a right drive pedal to reduce reflex habituation. 
     
     
         4 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system instructs a resistance to said drive pedals in an amount to recruit reflex stimulation of a muscle. 
     
     
         5 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said alternating rates are timed to stimulate reflex activity in the spinal cord to improve strength and coordination training. 
     
     
         6 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance declines to said drive pedals in an amount calculated to reduce stress on an injured muscle during exercise and training. 
     
     
         7 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance declines to said drive pedals to reduce stress on weak joints and enhance healing. 
     
     
         8 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said drive pedals using timing to induce fast twitch muscles over slow twitch muscles to enhance speed training over strength training. 
     
     
         9 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said drive pedals using timing to induce slow twitch muscles over fast twitch muscles to enhance strength training over speed training. 
     
     
         10 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said drive pedals increases and declines at 10-200 hertz to induce bone growth. 
     
     
         11 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said motor at 0.25 hertz to 10 hertz for muscle strength training. 
     
     
         12 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said motor at 14 hertz to 40 hertz to induce increase perception of foot slippage to reduce fall on slippery surfaces. 
     
     
         13 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said drive pedals in a random pattern to reduce brain habituation or pattern recognition of cyclical motion. 
     
     
         14 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said drive pedals in a set pattern of increased and decreased resistance to train for a repetitive task that requires movement at a specific frequency. 
     
     
         15 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said control system is constructed and arranged for use on a stationary bike, an elliptical bike or an upper extremity rotatory exerciser. 
     
     
         16 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said display input includes the steps of selecting: a right or left leg; a base line RPM; a base effort in Watts; a duration of increase effort between 30-330 degrees; and a workout duration period. 
     
     
         17 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said output display indicates the selection of: Right or Left leg; RPM; Watts as a number; increased effort in Watts; and a gauge to display in increments when wattage is increased. 
     
     
         18 . The pulsating resistance exerciser according to  claim 1  wherein said operational aspects are recorded including: Right or Left leg selection; RPM; Watts as a number; increased effort in Watts; rate of change in Work, and summarized data used to determine strength of specific muscles compared to muscle and nervous system testing equipment.