An exercise apparatus for exercising muscles of a user comprising a main body, an abdominal crunch exercise member pivotally attached to the main body, the abdominal crunch member configured to engage an upper body area of a user, an abdominal contact member attached to the main body, the abdominal contact member configured to engage an abdominal area of user; and an electronic vibration unit capable of causing a portion of the apparatus to vibrate.

Gymnastic equipment includes a first element, which is fixed or movable, adapted to interact exclusively with a first portion of the user's body, a second element, which is fixed or movable, adapted to interact exclusively with a second portion of the user's body, the first portion and the second portion being arranged on opposite sides with respect to the sagittal plane of the user's body. The equipment further includes a first vibration generator associated to the first element, a second vibration generator associated to said second element, and a control unit to which the first vibration generator and the second vibration generator are operatively connected. The control unit of the gymnastic equipment includes an independent actuator of the first vibration generator and of the second vibration generator adapted for actuating the first and second vibration generators in respective first and second time periods alternating with each other in sequence and not overlapping.

Disclosed is an exercise machine of the type which have pedals or foot plates through which a person can, in use, transfer kinetic energy to the machine, which machine comprises a feature for vibrating the pedals or foot plates during exercise.

A core muscle training apparatus and method is described. The apparatus comprises a harness that is worn by the user, to which a pair of resistance leads are connected at opposing sides of the user's waist approximately above the hips. A resistance force is applied through the resistance leads against an effort force exerted by the user in order to stimulate recruitment and activation of the targeted muscles. By adjusting the direction and the amount of resistance force applied to the resistance leads, the demand on the muscles being targeted can be controlled. The core muscle training apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure further offers versatility in the environment in which it can be used. The apparatus can be used, for example, when the user is in a static position or can be used during dynamic functional movements.

A method of providing airway clearance therapy to a patient includes receiving an expiratory airstream from the patient in a chamber, causing a back pressure to be created in the chamber (10) in response to receiving the expiratory airstream, causing a one-way valve, such as a magnetic duckbill valve (26), located downstream of the chamber to open only in response to the back pressure being at least equal to a certain predetermined level, causing a vibratory effect to be generated downstream of the one-way valve, for example using a vibratory ball check valve (32), when the one-way valve is open and in response to the expiratory air-stream passing therethrough, and delivering a percussive sensation to the patient through the chamber responsive to the vibratory effect.

A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber, and an exhalation flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the exhalation flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the exhalation flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path.

Systems and methods for dynamic resistance training are provided that include the use of a dynamic force module. The dynamic force module includes an actuator and controller adapted to control the actuator according to a force profile that specifies the relationship between an operational parameter of the actuator and a measured parameter associated with a user performing an exercise. The dynamic force module is also capable of communicating with a broader network system to facilitate storing and distribution of force profiles and user profile information. The network system further includes features for, among other things, generating and managing force profiles, uploading multimedia content, and tracking user progress.

The present invention relates to a device for training of oral motor musculature comprising a mouthpiece being assembled on a handle, said mouthpiece comprising at least one opening; each opening being surrounded by a closed frame structure. The mouthpiece might have different shapes. Further, the present invention relates to the use of a device for training of oral musculature.

An exercise apparatus comprising: a foot support, a user interface that includes a visual display, the foot support being movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to a selection device that enables the user to select any one of the plurality of arc segments, one or more detectors adapted to detect one or more of force, energy or power exerted by the user over time on the foot support or distance or velocity of travel of the foot support or resistance assembly during the course of the user's performance of all or a portion of an exercise cycle, the visual display displaying a visually recognizable format of one or more of the force, energy, power, distance, time or velocity.

The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for exercising the facial muscles. Specifically, the present invention relates to a series of apparatuses that may be placed against or behind a user's lips, on a user's face, under a user's chin, and/or against a user's neck. As a user performs exercises with the present invention, the corresponding facial muscles become more strengthened and toned. Toning the muscles in one's face helps to reduce wrinkles, sagging, and expression marks that have developed over time. In addition, exercising of the neck region helps strengthen the soft palate that may be useful for snore prevention or singing. The apparatuses and methods described herein may be utilized for rehabilitation for stroke victims, individuals with speech impediments and other speech pathology, may increase collagen production in the lips, and may be utilized to increase blood flow to the neck, throat and face.