A motion control system includes an actuator having an actuation member, the actuation member having a proximal end attached to the actuator on a first side of a joint and a distal end attached to an anchor element attachment point on a second side of the joint. A first sensor is configured to output signals defining a gait cycle and a second sensor is configured to output signals representing a tensile force in the at least one actuation member. A controller receives the output signals from the sensors and actuates the actuator, during a first portion of the gait cycle, to apply a force greater than a predetermined threshold tensile force to the anchor element attachment point via the actuation member to generate a beneficial moment about the joint and to automatically actuate the actuator.

A remotely operated blood flow occlusion or restriction cuff for use as a muscle building device or a compact medical emergency reperfusion tourniquet. A module on the cuff housing an air pump, a controller operating the air pump and power supply. The inflation and deflation of the cuff controlled using a smart device in communication with the controller. In the preferred embodiment this is via a Smartphone app and Bluetooth protocol. The tourniquet operating in conjunction with a Doppler ultrasound and/or pulse oximeter to monitor arterial inflow.

Various improvements are provided to breathing training, monitoring and/or assistance devices. A portable device is provided which optionally includes a gas canister, a feedback system for implementing pressure control, and a visual output for indicating adherence to a breathing exercise to the user. The pressure control may provide regulation of different pressures for inhalation and exhalation.

A passive-type treadmill is disclosed which includes a closed-loop belt rolling around two spaced apart rollers for providing a running platform, a first and a second handrail parallel to each other and extended upward angling to a surface of the closed-loop belt at larger than 45 degrees, and a towel rack having at least a first and a second clip for stretching a towel between the first and the second handrail.

An inflatable belt 100 for use in a BFR system with an outer belt material 102 hermetically sealed to an inner belt material 101 along a perimeter, thereby forming at least one inflatable chamber 103, the inflatable chamber having an input port 104 for accepting a gas into the chamber, the inflatable belt further comprising a first fastening means 110 in communication with the outer belt material, for attaching to a second fastening means 111 in communication with the outer belt material, thereby locking a circumference of the inflatable belt, when wrapped around a user's limb, efficacy feedback means 200 for gathering efficacy feedback data 205, for use in prescribing, monitoring and adjusting one or more training parameters of a BFR training session and/or program based on evaluation of the efficacy feedback data.

A weight training apparatus using hydraulics or pneumatics for applying positive and negative resistance closer to a user's maximum capacity throughout a lift is provided. The apparatus allows for weight training without weights. The apparatus may provide a more effective and safer mechanism for training than conventional techniques. An aerobic apparatus using hydraulics or pneumatics for a more realistic feel is also provided. Methods of using the devices are also provided.

A method of determining a more suitable appropriate pressure for use in muscle strength enhancement methods involving the restriction of blood flow. The pressure of air in a gas bladder of a compression band is temporarily increased to a pressure higher than a presumed appropriate pressure and then gradually reduced. During this process, a pulse wave amplitude is measured, and a maximum pulse wave pressure, which is the pressure of the air in the gas bladder at a time when the pulse wave amplitude that is temporarily increased and then reduced has its maximum value is specified by a maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E. The unit 12E sends maximum pulse wave pressure data representing a maximum pulse wave pressure to an appropriate pressure calculating unit 12F. The unit 12F multiplies the maximum pulse wave pressure by a coefficient to obtain an appropriate pressure.

A method of determining a more suitable appropriate pressure for use in muscle strength enhancement methods involving the restriction of blood flow. The pressure of air in a gas bladder of a compression band is temporarily increased to a pressure higher than a presumed appropriate pressure and then gradually reduced. During this process, a pulse wave amplitude is measured, and a maximum pulse wave pressure, which is the pressure of the air in the gas bladder at a time when the pulse wave amplitude that is temporarily increased and then reduced has its maximum value is specified by a maximum pulse wave pressure specifying unit 12E. The unit 12E sends maximum pulse wave pressure data representing a maximum pulse wave pressure to an appropriate pressure calculating unit 12F. The unit 12F multiplies the maximum pulse wave pressure by a coefficient to obtain an appropriate pressure.

This invention is embodied by a controlled, variable tension line, payout reel machine. A system of sensors detect line tension and line distance paid out, location, and transmit through wired and unwired communication to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is co-located with the reel structure, which in turn applies, via a brake feature, resistance to the reel which is paying out the line being pulled by the user. This invention pertains to all applications where it is desirable to control the tension in a line paid out from a reel or reel. As stated, the payout motive force is supplied by the person, animal or apparatus attached to the end of the line, opposite the reel. The invention applies to the field of precise and measured control of line tension for sport, sport training, performance testing.

An improved fitness/exercise apparatus using a full or half tire that rotates 360 degrees about a fixed axle. A user lifts/pushes the tire, thus rotating the tire end over end, while the apparatus creates resistance to the rotation via a variety of means, such as a magnetic brake, a viscous brake, a pad and disk brake, or a motor-controlled brake system.