Provided are a method for strengthening blood vessels with extreme ease and a compression and decompression control system used for performing the method. A compression and decompression control system 1 includes a band adapted to be placed around a particular part of a limb of a user and to apply a compression force to the particular part and a controller for controlling the compression force applied to the particular part with the band. The controller controls the compression force applied with the band in a manner that a compression operation applying a predetermined compression force to the particular part and a decompression operation completely removing the compression force applied to the particular part by the compression operation are alternately repeated. Repetition of the compression operation and the decompression operation allows the vascular endothelial cells of blood vessels of the user to generate a larger amount of nitric oxide, thereby strengthening the blood vessels.

The present disclosure relates to methods for improving healthfulness, e.g., improving cardiovascular health, stimulating weight loss, and/or increasing muscle size/tone in animal subjects, including human subjects. In one aspect, the method comprises applying a core weight to each of the front and/or rear limbs of an animal subject at substantially the same distance from the torso so as to be substantially symmetrically placed, and such that each core weight lies within the distal ⅔ of the limbs; and wearing the core weights continuously for 6-20 hours per day for at least 2 days per week for at least 2 consecutive weeks. In certain embodiments, each of said core weights has substantially the same mass which is 0.2-1.0% of the total body weight of the animal subject, and each of said core weights spans less than ¼ of the total length of the limb to which it is applied.

The present invention relates to muscular exercise equipment. In particular, disclosed is a muscular exercise apparatus comprising: an upper support bar, which has a certain length and on both sides of which connecting rods are disposed; a lower support bar, which has a certain length and on both sides of which connecting rods are disposed, wherein the connecting rods of the upper support bar and the connecting rods of the lower support bar are fastened to each other such that the upper support bar and the lower support bar have a certain angle therebetween; and a central support bar for supporting the bending motion of at least one of the upper support bar and the lower support bar.

A garment/device/support system, system and method for a wheelchair bound person includes one or two sleeves that are worn on the arms. The sleeves are connected by straps to a chassis or vest worn on the torso. The straps are affixed using Velcro or other fasteners that transfer motion of the wearer's arms to the chassis or vest. Motion, energy and stimulation are transferred to muscle groups, viscera, organs, and body parts in other parts of the body through the motion of the arms as the user moves about in the wheelchair. A cape may be affixed to the vest including shoulder straps connected to a center back portion and extending to a lower portion for positioning beneath and/or attaching to the user's hips or legs. A seat cushion and belt may be provided.

A treadmill ergometer for therapeutic applications and/or intense running training is connected to one or more force pull-out units. The force pull-out units can be connected at the free end area thereof to limbs and/or the body of a training person in such a way that a force is applied to the limb(s) or the body when the limb and/or the body moves.

An orthotic support comprises a shoulder section for encapsulating a first shoulder of a wearer, a glove section for conforming to at least a portion of the wearer's hand, and a sleeve section for conforming to the wearer's arm, the sleeve section connecting the shoulder section to the glove section. A resilient reinforcement extends from the glove section to the shoulder section, and at least a portion of the reinforcement extends in a spiral around the sleeve section, so that the reinforcement is configured to apply a rotational force to the wearer's arm, when worn, to urge a portion of the wearer's arm to rotate in a predetermined direction. The orthotic support may be usable to treat or prevent shoulder dislocation or subluxation, arm over-pronation or over-supination, wrist flexion or elbow flexion. An orthotic support may comprise a reinforcement with a first branch extending over an anterior portion of the sleeve section, and a second branch extending over a posterior portion of the sleeve section, so that the reinforcement is configured to urge the wearer's upper arm towards a rest position.

A chest and arm exercise device provides a chest spanning elastic member including a rubber sheet connected to a pair of elastic arm cuffs. A weight lifter's shirt includes a fabric body covering including an elastic chest spanning member and a pair of elastic sleeves or cuffs.

Disclosed is a technical training garment configured for use with modular, interchangeable biomechanics units and or resistance modules. The garment may provide resistance to movement throughout an angular range of motion and or tracks a variety of biomechanical parameters such as stride length, stride rate, angular velocity and power expended by the wearer. The garment may be low profile, and worn by a wearer as a primary garment or beneath or over conventional clothing or athletic uniform. The device may be worn as a supplemental training and or diagnostic tool during conventional training protocols, or as a biomechanics or biometric data capture device during competition.

Disclosed is a muscle specific exercise device. The device may provide passive or active resistance training throughout an angular range of motion. The device may be low profile, and worn by a wearer, such as beneath conventional clothing. Exercise of selective joints or motion of the body may thereby be accomplished throughout the wearer's normal daily activities, without the need for access to conventional exercise equipment. Alternatively, the device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during conventional training techniques.