A scientifically controlled exercise based on a measurement of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). A mechanical apparatus includes a sensor, an actuator, and a processor. The apparatus receives a mechanical exertion from a user while the processor receives signals from the sensor and sends signals to the actuator to control the mechanical apparatus. The processor measures a MVC exerted by a user and determines a protocol for the exercise based on the measured MVC. The protocol includes a specified exertion to be performed by a user, the specified force and velocity profile governing the exertion, and a specified sequence of repetitions of the exertion, spaced by rest periods. The protocol includes real-time feedback to the user related to compliance with the protocol. The methodology and equipment described herein provides users a safe and effective means of improving muscular strength or endurance and ameliorating various neurological or physiological conditions.

The present disclosure is directed to recumbent exercise machines and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a recumbent exercise apparatus can include a seat, two linear guide tracks forward of the seat, and two pedal assemblies movably coupled to corresponding linear guide tracks positioned forward of the seat. The pedal assemblies can be configured to move back and forth along the linear guide tracks. The recumbent exercise apparatus can further include linear actuators operably coupled to each of the linear guide tracks and configured to move the linear guide tracks up and down in a vertical direction. The pedal assemblies can be configured to move in elliptical patterns when the pedal assemblies move back and forth along the linear guide tracks and the linear actuators move the linear guide tracks up and down.

According to various embodiments, there is provided a plank exercise device including a support portion adapted to receive arms or hands of a person and adapted to receive a display device, a destabilizer connected to the support portion, and a stationary base adapted to hold the destabilizer.

In one aspect, an active exercise chair comprising seat support, wherein the seat support is rigidly affixed to a top section of a shaft of the gas spring; a seat, wherein the seat is connected to the seat support; a seatback support, wherein the seatback support is pivotably connected to the seat support about a discrete pivot point; a seatback carriage, wherein the seatback carriage is slidably connected to the seatback support, wherein the seatback carriage is connected to a seatback, and wherein the seatback traverses a translational path defined by the geometry of the seatback carriage and the seatback support.

The mouthpiece includes an enhanced mouthpiece, a data sensor, and a personal data device. The data sensor collects data regarding the bite force, the number of bites and the duration of each bite. The data sensor wirelessly transfers the collected data to a personal data device.

Described herein are methods for determining a target musculoskeletal activity cycle (MSKC) to cardiac cycle (CC) timing relationship. The method may include detecting a signal responsive to a cyclically-varying arterial blood flow at a location on a head of a user; providing a recurrent prompt at a frequency of the heart pump cycle using the signal, such that the signal correlates with a magnitude of blood flow adjacent to the location, and the recurrent prompt is provided to guide the user to time performance of a component of a rhythmic musculoskeletal activity with the recurrent prompt; and guiding the user to adjust a timing of the component of the rhythmic musculoskeletal activity to substantially maximize a magnitude of the signal. In some embodiments, the method further includes generating the recurrent prompt by amplifying the sound generated by the blood flow in or in proximity to an ear of the user.

A foam exercise block in the shape of a wedge having an inclined front face, a vertical rear face, and a bottom face defining forward, upper, and rear edges. A ball socket is formed in the front face, and upper and lower semi-circular grooves running between the front and rear faces at the upper and forward edges of the wedge provide support for an exercise ball and portions of the body. The continuity of the lateral edges at their ends is interrupted by right-angled cutouts to provide corner handholds for various exercises using the wedge as a brace against a flat surface.

A hand strength appliance is provided that may be used in multiple or selected configurations for grip and pinch strength assessment as well as grip and pinch exercises. The appliance includes a frame and a sliding internal handle fitted within and slidable within the frame, and may be positioned for multiple test positions and exercises. The appliance may include and be used with a force sensing device that may transmit information to a computing device.

A method is disclosed for using an artificial intelligence engine to modify resistance of pedals of an exercise device. The method includes generating, by the artificial intelligence engine, a machine learning model trained to receive measurements as input, and outputting, based on the measurements, a control instruction that causes the exercise device to modify, independently from each other, the resistance of the pedals. While a user performs an exercise using the exercise device, the method includes receiving the measurements from sensors associated with the pedals. The method includes determining, based on the measurements, a quantifiable or qualitative modification to the resistance provided by a pedal of the pedals. The resistance provided by another pedal of the pedals is not modified. The method includes transmitting the control instruction to the exercise device to cause the resistance provided by the pedal to be modified.

Provided is an articulating bench configured to support a user, comprising a longitudinally-extending frame structure pivotably supporting back-supporting and independently-pivotable leg supporting portions. Removable arm supporting portions may be provided that pivot about the back supporting portion. In various example embodiments the articulating bench structure may be foldable for compact storage. Various adjustment mechanisms and methods of use are disclosed.