Pulsatile resistive exerciser

Abstract

A pulsatile resistive exerciser control system. The control system changes the resistance that a muscle feels in the millisecond time frame. The control systems comprising a stationary or elliptical bike having a drive belt secured to an electric alternator that is modified to allow for the modulation of the alternator output thereby allowing for the pulsation of resistance. The device can be set to exert a rapid increase in the resistance on the pedal at a specified point in the rotation of a stationary bike, or the gliding pedal of an elliptical bike, thus exerting a force on a specific muscle.

Claims

1. A pulsating resistance exerciser comprising: a rotatable drive wheel securable to a frame, said drive wheel having a pair of drive pedals secured thereto; a motor coupled to said drive wheel; a control system electrically coupled to said motor having a two dimensional pedal torque/force sensor attached at approximately a 45 degree orientation to said drive pedals, said torque/force sensor providing directional measurement data which is translated to a communications gear providing alternating rates to said motor, said control system adjusts rotation of said drive wheel and said drive pedals at said alternating rates to cause reflex stimulation to the muscles of an individual rotating said drive pedals; and a display coupled to said control system having an input for instructing said control system in millisecond time frames and an output for displaying operational aspects of said control system.

2. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said alternating rates provide a variable resistance to said drive pedals.

3. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system provides alternate resistance between a left drive pedal and a right drive pedal to reduce reflex habituation.

4. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system instructs a resistance to said drive pedals in an amount to recruit reflex stimulation of a muscle.

5. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said alternating rates are timed to stimulate reflex activity in the spinal cord to improve strength and coordination training.

6. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance declines to said drive pedals in an amount calculated to reduce stress on an injured muscle during exercise and training.

7. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance declines to said drive pedals to reduce stress on weak joints and enhance healing.

8. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said drive pedals using timing to induce fast twitch muscles over slow twitch muscles to enhance speed training over strength training.

9. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said drive pedals using timing to induce slow twitch muscles over fast twitch muscles to enhance strength training over speed training.

10. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said drive pedals increases and declines at 10-200 hertz to induce bone growth.

11. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said motor at 0.25 hertz to 10 hertz for muscle strength training.

12. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said motor at 14 hertz to 40 hertz to induce increase perception of foot slippage to reduce fall on slippery surfaces.

13. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said drive pedals in a random pattern to reduce brain habituation or pattern recognition of cyclical motion.

14. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system is constructed and arranged to instruct resistance to said drive pedals in a set pattern of increased and decreased resistance to train for a repetitive task that requires movement at a specific frequency.

15. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said control system is constructed and arranged for use on a stationary bike, an elliptical bike or an upper extremity rotatory exerciser.

16. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said display input includes the steps of selecting: a right or left leg; a base line RPM; a base effort in Watts; a duration of increase effort between 30-330 degrees; and a workout duration period.

17. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said output display indicates the selection of: Right or Left leg; RPM; Watts as a number; increased effort in Watts; and a gauge to display in increments when wattage is increased.

18. The pulsating resistance exerciser according to claim 1 wherein said operational aspects are recorded including: Right or Left leg selection; RPM; Watts as a number; increased effort in Watts; rate of change in Work, and summarized data used to determine strength of specific muscles compared to muscle and nervous system testing equipment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a right-side pictorial view of a stationary bike with the pulsatile resistive system of the instant invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 is front view of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a pictorial left side view of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of the display unit;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram to initiate right side control;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram to initiate left side control;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram to Start to Stop control;

[0027] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the Pedal torque sensor and communication system;

[0028] FIG. 9 depicts a graph of Time vs. Watts Out;

[0029] FIG. 10 depicts a graph of Watts in and Watts out;

[0030] FIG. 11 depicts a graph of Watts out over time;

[0031] FIG. 12 depicts a graph of Watts out over time;

[0032] FIG. 13 depicts a graph of Watts out over time;

[0033] FIG. 14 depicts a graph of Watts out without pulse;

[0034] FIG. 15 depicts a screen display of pedal speed and pulse position;

[0035] FIG. 16 depicts a screen display of the selector between variable control, focus control and screen setup;

[0036] FIG. 17 depicts a screen display of pedal speed, RPM and watts;

[0037] FIG. 18 depicts a screen display of target time vs target RPM;

[0038] FIG. 19 is a chart of Peak Power;

[0039] FIG. 20 is a chart of Activation;

[0040] FIG. 21 is a chart of Relaxation;

[0041] FIG. 22 is data output display of operational characteristics;

[0042] FIG. 23 is a data output display of pedal position, steady and pulse load.

[0043] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of the program logic to record a pattern workout specific to an individual;

[0044] FIG. 25 is a flow diagram of the program logic to use a patterned workout specific to an individual;

[0045] FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of the program logic to initiate motor support of movement and choose pattern of support;

[0046] FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of the program logic to display and adjust pedal sensor feedback;

[0047] FIG. 28 is a flow diagram of the program logic to spare a specific ligament by reduction of resistance at a specific location;

[0048] FIG. 29 is a flow diagram of the program logic to initiate an electric stimulus to the same muscle as timed resistance increase;

[0049] FIG. 30 is a figure that indicates the data collection sensors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0050] A detailed embodiment of the instant invention is disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, illustrated is a pulsatile resistive exerciser 10 adapted for use on a conventional stationary bike 12 rotary arm exerciser or elliptical bike. The resistive exerciser 10 changes the resistance that a muscle feels in the millisecond time frame by control of a drive wheel 16 that is rotated by pedals 18 coupled to the drive wheel by a flexible chain 20. The resistive exerciser 10 is mounted to the stationary bike 12 having a drive belt 22 secured to an electric alternator 24, also referred to in the industry as a generator. The alternator 24 that is modified to allow for the modulation of the alternator output thereby allowing for the pulsation of resistance. The resistive exerciser 10 is controlled by a control system 26 which includes a programmable CPU used to collect and display data, and provide feedback during the exercise. The pedal position is determined by a variety of position sensors on the bottom bracket which holds the pedal arms which hold the pedals. One version of rotatory sensor is an optical sensor with light obstruction objects that rotate through the path. The resistive exerciser can be set to exert a rapid increase or decrease in the resistance on the pedal 18 at a specified point in the rotation of the stationary bike drive wheel 16, similar upper extremity bike like drive or to a gliding pedal of an elliptical bike, not shown, thus exerting a force on a specific muscle. While a stationary bike is illustrated, the control system and mechanisms can be adapted to an elliptical bike or an upper extremity rotatory exerciser and considered with the scope of this invention.

[0052] The pulsatile resistive exerciser 10 can be set to the parameters of a specific individuals needs as determined by a physician trainer or physical therapist. Once set the person can rotate the pedals 18 with their feet or arms in the normal operational mode. While pedaling, the control system measures minimum output and if sufficient, increases the resistance felt in a constant manner. The control system then adds or subtracts resistance at a specific point or time in the rotation which results in an increased or decreased force felt by the muscle. The force is also detected by the spinal cord reflex neurons which increased the exercise output of that specific muscle by recruiting the reflex stimulation of the muscle. A display module 30 provides preprogrammed function keys 32, a pulse location indicator 34, an rpm monitor 36 and pulse width indicator 38.

[0053] The control system provides a method and mechanism to suddenly increase resistance during exercise and training. Change in resistance that stimulates reflex activity in the spinal cord as a method of strength and coordination training. The advantage is that training can occur at the muscle stretch receptor, the tendon stretch receptors, the lower motor neurons and the spinal cord ganglion when the brain communication is less than normal such as in patients with spinal cord injury or Parkinsonism. The other advantage is that training can occur differentially for rehabilitation.

[0054] There are several alternative methods to create the sudden changed in resistance during exercise. For instance, magnetic particle resistance clutches, fluid powered resistance, mechanical brake resistance, electro-mechanical, reverse direction electric motor 163 are all considered obvious alternatives to the disclosed control. The apparatus can also be combined with precise timing to be used with muscle stimulation, and or nerve stimulation during training.

[0055] The control system 26 is electrically coupled to the motor to cause rotation of said drive wheel at alternating rates wherein said drive pedals are instructed to cause reflex stimulation to the muscles of the individual coupled to said drive pedals, the alternating rates provide a resistance to said drive pedals at a rate that is measured over millisecond time frames. The resistance is preferably variable and in one embodiment the alternating rates are timed to cause braking during pedal rotation to cause muscle stimulation and or nerve stimulation.

[0056] The control system 26 is constructed and arrange to instruct resistance declines to reduce stress on an injured muscle during exercise and training to reduce injury; to instruct resistance declines to reduce stress on weak joints during exercise and training to reduce injury; to instruct resistance declines to reduce stress on an injured tendon or ligament during exercise and training to reduce injury and enhance healing; to instruct resistance to alternate from left to right is controlled pedals to reduce reflex habituation; to instruct resistance using timing to induce fast twitch muscles over slow twitch muscles to enhance speed training over strength training; to instruct resistance using timing to induce slow twitch muscles over fast twitch muscles to enhance strength training over speed training; to instruct resistance increases and declines at 10-200 hertz to induce bone growth; to instruct resistance is applied at 0.25 hertz to 10 hertz for muscle strength training; to instruct resistance is applied at 14 hertz to 40 hertz to induce increase perception of foot slippage to reduce fall on slippery surfaces; to instruct resistance is controlled in a set or random pattern to reduce brain habituation or pattern recognition of cyclical motion; to instruct resistance is controlled in a set pattern of increase and decrease resistance to train for a repetitive task that requires movement at a specific frequency; to instruct resistance is controlled in a set pattern to train muscle system that are weakened in jobs that have repetitive task; to instruct resistance is controlled in a set pattern to train for a repetitive task that requires movement at a specific frequency; and to instruct resistance developed by driving the pedals alternately with added resistance and controlled in a set pattern to train for a repetitive task that requires movement at a specific frequency like walking.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 8, a drawing of the Two-Dimensional Pedal Torque/Force Sensor and Communication system 200 with the pedal Two direction Force Torque sensors 230 attached to the Pedal Body 220, which attaches to the bike pedal arm via the pedal screw 210. A single spherical stress/force/torque sensor 230 is mounted at a 45-degree angle on a pedal body 220 via a connecting rod 231 and held in place via connecting rod screw 232. A platform that moves in the z dimension in relation to the pedal and attached via a spring pads the Pedal Z Slide allows minimal movement when deflected by downward force of pedaling by user. The force of the downward movement is measured by the torque sensor 230. Attached to the Z slide by springs is the Y Slide 250 that moves in the y direction forward and backwards in relation to the pedal. Movement in this slide is detected by the Torque sensor 230 also. The unique dual 45-degree orientation of the 2axis sensor allow for two directional force measurements. The data from the Torque sensor 230 is translated to the communications gear 270. The communication gear transmits the data to the bike Control system 26. The pedal Torque sensor 230 detects foot pressure on the pedal and forward strain on the pedal. The data collected by the Two-Dimensional Pedal torque sensor is used to give feedback on a display to the user and to adjust parameters in the programming of the variable resistance bike control system 26. Slide Z 240 detects forces in one direction, Slide Y 250 detects forces in another position. The pedal platform is depicted as numeral 260.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, a flow diagram is provided regarding the operation of the pulsatile resistive exerciser control system. In operation, the Exerciser Specifications Process Flow consists of the following steps: [0059] 1. Patient gets on exerciser and pushers program exercise [0060] 2. Select R side [0061] 3. Input your weight [0062] 4. Choose one of 5 exercises, Lift Leg, Push Forward, Push Down or Pull Back, Equal. As a leg movement. [0063] 5. Choose resistance, 0-9 [0064] 5.1. Zero is actually assisted in all rotations and balances the counter weight [0065] 5.2. 1 is less assistance [0066] 5.3. 2 is assistance based on counter weight [0067] 5.4. 3-9 are progressive resistance from 25-150 watts [0068] 6. Choose Speed 1.1-5.9 MPH [0069] 7. Finish R leg, select L leg [0070] 8. Choose one of 5 exercises, Lift Leg, Push Forward, Push Down or Pull Back, Equal. As a leg movement.
9. Choose resistance, 0-9 [0071] 9.1. Zero is actually assisted in all rotations and balances the counter weight [0072] 9.2. 1 is less assistance [0073] 9.3. 2 is assistance based on counter weight [0074] 9.4. 3-9 are progressive resistance from 25-150 watts [0075] 10. Choose Speed 1.1-5.9 MPH [0076] 11. START [0077] 11.1. Assume bottom dead center is zero degrees [0078] 11.2. Physically place index of encoders at 10 degrees past bottom dead center so it is detected immediately after starting motor. [0079] 11.3. Energize R motor in clockwise direction (as it appears from R side) for 160 degrees at 1.1 MPH [0080] 11.4. Energize L motor at 1.1 MPH [0081] 11.5. Detect R and L index encoders and encoder [0082] 12. Slowly increase motors to the chosen speed. [0083] 13. Keep motors in 180 degrees out of sync+/10 degrees [0084] 13.1. If powering motors, reduce power input to faster motor [0085] 13.2. If resisting, increasing resistance to faster motor. [0086] 13.3. Assume slowing if out of sync. [0087] 14. SLOW [0088] 15. STOP

[0089] The control system 26 can be programmed to:

[0090] 1) increase and decrease at a specific location, e.g. 45 degrees and 120 degrees on a 360-degree basis;

[0091] 2) increase level, wattage up and wattage down;

[0092] 3) base wattage and added wattage;

[0093] 4) pattern of increase wattage;

[0094] 5) Rotational speed RPM;

[0095] 6) Wattage change by rotational speed;

[0096] 7) Select a specific muscle group;

[0097] 8) Select a specific pattern from an inventory of patterns

[0098] 9) Select a specific patient with a preset workout;

[0099] 10) Amount of workout in time;

[0100] 11) To collect data and is obvious;

[0101] This allows the control system with data collection from a variety of sensors to determine strength of specific muscles by suddenly adding or subtracting effort and determining the rate of slowdown or speedup of the muscle to specific pattern of exhaustion.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 9-14, set forth is an operational example. FIG. 9 depicts a graph of Time vs. Watts Out while holding constant at 70 RPM, with a steady load set at 0% and increased in increments of 25% every 30 seconds until 30 times had been cycled at 100% steady load. FIG. 10 depicts a graph of Watts in and Watts out over a revolution.

[0103] FIG. 11 depicts a graph of Watts out over time while holding a steady load constant at 25% for the duration of the study, RPM was held constant at 70 RPM, pulse was set to 0% and then increased by increments of 25% every 30 seconds until 100 pulse was recorded for 30 seconds.

[0104] FIG. 12 depicts a graph of Watts out over time while holding a steady load constant at 0% and increased in increments of 25% every 30 seconds. No pulse was recorded.

[0105] FIG. 13 depicts a graph of Watts out over time while holding a steady load constant at 0% and 55 RPM and increased in increments of 25% every 30 seconds until fatiguing at 75% steady load prior to completing 30 seconds. No pulse was recorded.

[0106] FIG. 14 depicts a graph of Watts out without pulse.

Exerciser Data Display

Input

[0107] 1. On/Off Manual switch, may be on for one person or all day. [0108] 2. Start? Stop? (optional) [0109] 3. Choose R or Left leg. [0110] 4. Choose the base line RPM [0111] 5. Choose the base effort in Watts [0112] 6. Choose where in the rotation to increase effort, if a pott issued for input then 0-full should be 0-360 degrees. This will be based on 36 point input or every 10 degrees. This is based on looking from the outside at the person. [0113] 7. Choose duration of increase effort 30-330 degrees [0114] 8. Choose duration of workout [0115] 9. Choose display of information (Watts, Calories . . . ) [0116] 10. In the future we can choose effort assist.

Output

[0117] 1. Display R or Left with a word or symbol [0118] 2. Display RPM as a number with units [0119] 3. Display Watts output as a number (average the base effort not total, not during effort, update per revolution, or every 3 seconds) [0120] 4. Display the increased effort in Watts, like a bar graph bouncing up and down, (rapid response) [0121] 5. Display a circle as a gauge and display when in 10 degree increments the wattage is increased. It may be a blue circle and a quadrant becomes green for the duration of the increased effort for the most recent cycle. [0122] 6. Display duration of continuous effort, if they stop peddling, clock stops. Record total time from start to end, until they push Stop or 10 minutes of no effort. [0123] 7. Data a portion of which is displayed in FIG. 19-23

[0124] FIGS. 24-29 are flow diagrams of pattern workouts that can be made specific to an individual operating the device. The pattern is inputted through the control system, the display indicating the operational aspects of the control system.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 30, a drawing of the pulsatile resistive exerciser 10 that depicts the position of the data collector sensors such as photo in-coders 160, watt meter 161, voltage meter 162, and strain gauge 163.

[0126] The use of the word a or an when used in conjunction with the term comprising in the claims and/or the specification may mean one, but it is also consistent with the meaning of one or more or at least one. The terms comprise (and any form of comprise, such as comprises and comprising), have (and any form of have, such as has and having), include (and any form of include, such as includes and including) and contain (and any form of contain, such as contains and containing) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that comprises, has, includes or contains one or more steps or elements, possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that comprises, has, includes or contains one or more features, possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0127] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

[0128] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims.