The method involves a step of measurement of a bearing force (Fp.sub.n) on a pedal (1) of the pedal set (4), different from the useful effort, exerted by the individual during a pedalling cycle, a step of determination of a maximum (max(Fp.sub.n)) of the bearing force measured during the pedalling cycle (CF.sub.j), and a step of estimation of a mean useful effort exerted by the individual during said pedalling cycle from the maximum of the bearing force determined and with the aid of a predetermined correlation function between a maximum bearing force during a pedalling cycle and a mean useful effort in said cycle.

Hand orthotics are provided for protecting and/or supporting phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of the hand providing thin, lightweight, moldable devices that form to the digits of and to the hand to provide shock absorption and limited range of motion in flexion and extension movements of the digits of the hand, but mitigate or prevent hyperextension. Each orthotic has several plates of thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like that are generally, if not entirely, inflexible and interlinked through limited range of motion hinges, overlapping, and/or abutting plates that accommodate stability and protection. The plates are contained within, on top, underneath, or permutations of these, a form fitting material (e.g. neoprene or vinyl) to maintain a tight fit to the hand, digits and wrist. A thumb plate is hinged to an upper or lower hand plate of the device and includes a loop for receiving the thumb.

Hand orthotics are provided for protecting and/or supporting phalanges, metacarpals and/or ligaments of the hand providing thin, lightweight, moldable devices that form to the digits of and to the hand to provide shock absorption and limited range of motion in flexion and extension movements of the digits of the hand, but mitigate or prevent hyperextension. Each orthotic has several plates of thermal plastic, pre-molded carbon fiber or the like that are generally, if not entirely, inflexible and interlinked through limited range of motion hinges, overlapping, and/or abutting plates that accommodate stability and protection. The plates are contained within, on top, underneath, or permutations of these, a form fitting material (e.g. neoprene or vinyl) to maintain a tight fit to the hand, digits and wrist. A thumb plate is hinged to an upper or lower hand plate of the device and includes a loop for receiving the thumb.

The method involves a step of measurement of a bearing force (Fp.sub.n) on a pedal (1) of the pedal set (4), different from the useful effort, exerted by the individual during a pedalling cycle, a step of determination of a maximum (max(Fp.sub.n)) of the bearing force measured during the pedalling cycle (CP.sub.j), and a step of estimation of a mean useful effort exerted by the individual during said pedalling cycle from the maximum of the bearing force determined and with the aid of a predetermined correlation function between a maximum bearing force during a pedalling cycle and a mean useful effort in said cycle.

Disclosed is a grip that includes a protective material having a wrist end, a finger end, and sides that extend from the wrist end to the finger end. A wrist strap is attached to a leg of the wrist end of the protective material. The wrist end the protective material has a concave shape that (i) is between the sides of the protective material and (ii) defines at least two legs on opposite sides of an apex of the concave shape.

The present invention is a device and system for a new type of sport ball or gadget ball that turns various basketballs or other athletic balls into smart products. The ball will have internal mechanisms that are digital in nature and will help translate information about the ball and/or its position in space to referees or officials. The current invention is a ball that can be used in team play and multiple game modes for recording play by play actions between players and teams.

The baton stand is a training device that is configured for use with a baton that is used in the relay race events of a track and field competition. The baton stand is a container within which a baton can be placed or removed as a runner passes by the baton stand. The baton stand is adjustable such that the baton stand will simulate the angle and height the baton should be in during the acceptance or hand off of the baton. To use the baton stand, a runner runs past the baton stand and, depending on the objective of the training exercise, will place the baton into or remove the baton from the baton stand. The baton stand comprises a telescopic stanchion, a stand, a basket, and a locking hinge. The stand attaches to the telescopic stanchion. The locking hinge attaches the basket to the telescopic stanchion.

An apparatus includes a communication interface for receiving reference activity data items, current activity data, and current environmental data; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to maintain a reference activity data item relating to a previous activity, which reference activity data item includes reference activity data associated with reference environmental data; receive current activity data and current environmental data relating to a current activity; determine the reference activity data associated with the reference environmental data corresponding to the current environmental data; compare the current activity data with the reference activity data; and provide feedback for a user of the apparatus in response to the comparison.

An apparatus includes a communication interface for receiving reference activity data items, current activity data, and current environmental data; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to maintain a reference activity data item relating to a previous activity, which reference activity data item includes reference activity data associated with reference environmental data; receive current activity data and current environmental data relating to a current activity; determine the reference activity data associated with the reference environmental data corresponding to the current environmental data; compare the current activity data with the reference activity data; and provide feedback for a user of the apparatus in response to the comparison.