US 7,588,518 B2
Method and apparatus for torque-controlled eccentric exercise training
Paul LaStayo, Flagstaff, Ariz. (US); Stan Lindstedt, Flagstaff, Ariz. (US); and Hans Hoppeler, Bolligen (Switzerland)
Assigned to Arizona Board of Regents,
Appl. No. 10/203,909
PCT Filed Feb. 28, 2001, PCT No. PCT/US01/06660
§ 371(c)(1), (2), (4) Date Oct. 29, 2002,
PCT Pub. No. WO01/64297, PCT Pub. Date Sep. 07, 2001.
Prior Publication US 2003/0207734 A1, Nov. 06, 2003
Int. Cl. A63B 22/06 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 482—63  [482/6; 482/9] 7 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A device for applying torque-controlled eccentric exercise to a human muscular system comprising:
a) a frame and a drive motor, supported on the frame, for turning a turning crank in a first direction at a constant speed for applying a torque transfer to the human muscular system, wherein the turning crank includes a pedal capable of 360 degree rotation about an axis and the drive motor is an electric motor having a controllable number of revolutions and capable of being switched on and off;
b) means for displaying deceleration power data produced by application of force by the muscular system in a direction opposite that of said first direction in resisting the torque transfer the display means being coupled to the frame;
c) means for sensing and processing said deceleration data for adjusting said torque transfer in real time to the human muscular system the sensing and processing means being coupled to the frame;
d) a controller for the drive motor optionally coupled to the display means, wherein the controller controls operating conditions of the drive motor thereby controlling at least one of a number of revolutions of the turning crank, an amount of the torque transfer, and an emergency stop of the driving-motor at predetermined torque values of the turning-crank; and
e) a computer program in communication with the controller, wherein the computer program is capable of:
i) receiving and processing sensed deceleration power data produced by the human muscular system in resisting the torque transfer;
ii) selecting parameters and parameter levels based upon deceleration power data to achieve a desired outcome; and
iii) controlling, via the controller, in accordance with the sensed deceleration power data and selected parameters and parameter levels a desired constant rpm of the drive motor to maintain the constant speed.