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.

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.

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.

A testing and training apparatus, comprising: an upright frame; an instrumentation support that is supported by the upright frame so as to be adjustable in height; and instrumentation mountable on the instrumentation support. The instrumentation comprises a plurality of force sensors, and is rotatable relative to the upright frame, and the apparatus is controllable to output data signals indicative of force detected by the force sensors.

Disclosed herein is a dynamic pendula stool possessing a foot, a leg secured to the foot, and a seat secured to the top end of the leg. The leg has a telescopic column that includes a lower part secured to a spherical foot with a diameter of 20-cm or less and an upper part with a free end having an articulation. The articulation has three degrees of freedom and is secured to the underside of the seat so that when a user rests against the seat, the leg forms an angle between 30 and 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal, thereby allowing an isometric contraction of the muscle groups of the lower limbs and of the abdominal girdle in the seated position. The stool is further provided with one or more sensors configured to send data signals to a remote electronic device.

There is accordingly provided a flexible sheet assembly for stretching exercises. The assembly has a longitudinal axis. The assembly includes an elongate flexible sheet having a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending sides. The sheet has a pair of spaced-apart ends that extend between the sides. The sheet has a first longitudinal portion extending from a first one of the ends towards a second one of the ends. The sheet has a second longitudinal portion extending from the second one of the ends towards the first one of the ends. At least a first one of the longitudinal portions of the sheet has an aperture extending therethrough. Portions of the first one of the longitudinal portions of the sheet adjacent to the aperture are curved.

A range of motion limiting device, in one example comprising a first armature configured to engage a carriage moving on at least one rail having a first surface and a second surface transversely offset from the first surface of the rail. Also disclosed is an example utilizing a first bumper adjacent the first longitudinal end of the first armature. The first bumper extending transversely from the first transverse side of the first armature, optionally having a distal end with a non-slip surface engaging the first surface of a rail. Also disclosed is a second bumper longitudinally offset from the first bumper on the first armature, the second bumper extending transversely from the second transverse side of the first armature, also optionally having a distal end with a non-slip surface engaging the second surface of the rail.

An exercise device consisting of two or more flexible elements originating from different locations and connected to a common handle capable of being moved in a variety of directions. Each element also connected to a resistance mechanism and a force measuring device whereby a user interface and microcomputer determine force and direction and displays same in a plethora of varieties.

An exercise device consisting of two or more flexible elements originating from different locations and connected to a common handle capable of being moved in a variety of directions. Each element also connected to a resistance mechanism and a force measuring device whereby a user interface and microcomputer determine force and direction and displays same in a plethora of varieties.