A modular and dynamic force apparatus for adjusting standard and dynamic torque-to-linear forces during physical activity in real-time, the apparatus including a force module, a user device and an apparatus tracking processing unit. The force module includes an open hub attachment point, wherein the open hub attaches the apparatus to an external source, one or more sensors measuring data for physical activity efficiency, an internal processor, wireless radio and force sensor module, a variable length cable, a force generating component, and motor controls. The internal processor, wireless radio and force sensor module includes an apparatus tracking measurement unit (“ATMU”) adapted to measure data, a first electronic communications channel for transmitting the measured data to an apparatus tracking processing unit (“ATPU”), and a second electronic communications channel for transmitting one or more apparatus conditions data to adjust dynamic forces. The user device receives one or more apparatus conditions data over the second electronic communications channel for real-time notification and/or adjustments to the user. The user interface includes a display that provides feedback and an apparatus tracking processing unit (“ATPU”). The ATPU includes the first electronic communications channel for receiving the measured data from the ATMU, a microprocessor, a memory storage area, a database stored in the memory storage area, and a tracking processing module located in the memory storage are. The database stores a first set of evaluation rules and a second set of evaluation rules, the first set of evaluation rules corresponding to one or more tracking parameters, and the second set of evaluation rules corresponding to the one or more apparatus conditions. The tracking processing includes program instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor, causes the microprocessor to determine the one or more tracking parameters using the measured data and the first set of evaluation rules, and determine the one or more apparatus conditions data using the one or more tracking parameters and the second set of evaluation rules.

An exercise apparatus comprises a platform having a front roller, a rear roller and an endless belt mounted around the front roller and the rear roller for allowing a user to perform a first exercise type of a relatively lower resistance or a second exercise type of a relatively higher resistance. A front frame is mounted at a front side of the platform and has at least one holding portion adapted to be grasped by the user. A first control interface controls the first exercise type. The first exercise type is selected from a group consisting of walking, jogging, and running. A second control interface that controls the second exercise type. The second exercise type includes the user pushing the endless belt backwards against resistance while grasping the holding portion.

The invention is a training device that operates to make runners run faster. More particularly, the training device uses increased loading as an athlete moves it from one point to another either by running or by walking.

An adjustable resistance apparatus including a universal mounting bracket assembly, the universal mounting bracket assembly secures the adjustable resistance apparatus to a treadmill, an electric winch, an upper cross-member, wherein the upper cross-member provides structural support to the adjustable resistance apparatus, a lower cross-member, wherein the lower cross-member holds the electric winch, an elastomeric band, wherein the elastomeric band is secured on one end to the electric winch and on an opposite end to a waist attachment point; and a control box, wherein the control box further includes a frame, a microcontroller and receiver/transmitter couple utilizing a personal area network (WPAN) or even a wireless personal area network (WPAN) such as a IrDA, Wireless USB, Bluetooth® and ZigBee® receiver and transmitter, a 12-volt power supply; and a winch relay.

To improve the dynamic response, a method is described for managing a physical exercise device (10) comprising an endless belt (16) to create a track on which a user (U) can walk or run, and an electric motor (30) to slide the belt.

The method has the steps of controlling the driving torque applied by the electric motor (30) to the belt (16) so that the driving torque is proportional to the force component (F), or to the torque, which the user imparts on the belt (16) to advance on the belt (16).

A walking training system and walking training machine capable of remarkably enhancing the effect of improving an independent walking function are proposed. When a subject having a lower limb functional disorder performs walking training, the degree of dependency on upper limbs can be evaluated by enabling the subject to recognize transitional reductions of a load on a holding part(s) by feeding back the transitional reductions of the load as a sense to feel them.

A strength and endurance training system. The system includes a first assist-resist system, which includes a first motor that is activated and deactivated by a first motor controller, a first drum coupled to the first motor, a first connecting member provided between the first drum and a coupling device which is attachable to an object/individual, and a computer system configured to use as input one or more of i) a measurement of distance of the coupling device form the first assist-resist system, ii) a predetermined strength value, and iii) a measurement of external force applied to the coupling device by the individual and thus operate the first assist-resist system in one of i) a resistive mode, wherein a resistive force is applied to the coupling device when the coupling device moves away from the first assist-resist system, ii) an assistive mode, wherein an assistive force is applied to the coupling device when the coupling device moves towards the first assist-resist system, and iii) a bypass mode, wherein a negligible force (between about 0 N-about 5 N) is applied to the coupling device.

A virtual reality (VR) system includes a VR display and a VR movement apparatus that includes hand user interfaces (UIs) and foot UIs that can support the hands, feet, and total weight of a user. The VR movement apparatus allow the user's hands and feet to move in 3-dimensional space that include vertical, lateral, and fore-aft direction movements. A computer running VR software coordinate and synchronizes the VR movement apparatus and the VR display to provide system users with simulated activities in a VR environment.

An exercise machine support system for providing increased versatility including inclination or declination of an exercise surface, a reduction in the overall length and width of the exercise machine, and an enhanced user interface which reduces the risk of injury. The exercise machine support system generally includes a cantilevered exercise machine which is adapted to have a variable angle of incline or decline with respect to a horizontal ground surface. The exercise machine will generally include a base and a support which extends between the base and the exercise machine. The upper end of the support is connected to the exercise machine by a first pivot such that the exercise machine pivots about the support. An adjustment device may be utilized to pivot the exercise machine and thus adjust its angle of incline. Various types of adjustment devices are disclosed, including an actuator, ratchet-and-pawl, gears, and cam.

An exercise apparatus is disclosed, comprising a first frame, a second frame aligned about parallel to the first frame, and at least three crossbars extending about orthogonally between inward faces of the frames. Each of the first frame and the second frame includes at least three vertices, at least three sides extending between the at least three vertices, at least three attachment struts disposed inward from the at least three vertices, and at least three load posts extending from an outward face of the frames. The at least three sides of each frame are formed of at least three frame struts. The at least three crossbars attach to one of the at least three attachment struts of the first frame and one of the at least three attachment struts of the second frame. The load posts are arranged and disposed to receive and releasably retain a plurality of weights.