Isometric system, method and apparatus

Abstract

System, method and apparatus for carrying out isometric exercises for either diagnostic purposes or therapeutic purposes. When employed in a diagnostic mode, the instrument is programmed to carry out standardized diagnostic regimens and during such regimens provides both visual and aural cues, carries out mathematical computations of force values and provides recordation of diagnostic data in archival memory. When employed in a therapeutic mode the apparatus may only be programmed within mandated therapeutic parameter limitations. During therapeutic trials, the user is visually and aurally cued throughout the test sequence and the therapeutic data evolved during the regimen is recorded and recoverable from archival memory.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 268,363 filed Oct. 10, 2002, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 330,265 filed Oct. 18, 2001.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] The use of isometric as compared to rhythmic exercise in the general field of athletic strength development, as well as a therapy for strength recovery has been the subject of somewhat controversial discourse over the past decades. In general, such exercise has been considered to promote, for example, coronary risk factors. See generally: [0003] (1) Vecht R J, Graham G W S, Server P S. “Plasma Noradrenaline Concentrations During Isometric Exercise.”Brit Heart J. 1978; 40:1216-20. [0004] (2) Chrysant S G. “Hemodynamic Effects of Isometric Exercise in Normotensive Hypertensive Subjects”: Hypertension. Angiology 1978:29(5):379-85. [0005] However, as such attitudes persisted, some investigators commenced...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0030] In about 1998, the above-noted Wiley protocols as described in connection with publication (12) above were incorporated in a compact, lightweight isometric device. Described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,639 entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for Carrying Out Protocol-Based Isometric Exercise Regimens” by Smyser, et al., the hand-held dynamometer has a hand grip which incorporates a load cell assembly. Extending from the hand grip is a liquid crystal display and two user actuated control switches or switch buttons. The display is mounted in sloping fashion with respect to the grip such that the user can observe important visual cues or prompts while carrying out a controlled exercise regimen specifically structured in terms of force values and timing in accordance with the Wiley protocols. This device is therapeutic as opposed to diagnostic in nature and is microprocessor driven with archival memory. External communication with the battery powered instrument is made available through a communications port such that the device may be configured by programming and, additional data, such as blood pressure values and the like may be inserted into its memory from an external device. Visual and audible cueing not only guides the user through a multi-step protocol but also aids the user in maintaining pre-computed target level grip compression levels.

Problems solved by technology

However, as such attitudes persisted, some investigators commenced to observe contradictions to these generally accepted beliefs.

Such approaches often have incurred somewhat deleterious results as evidenced by the injuries sustained in consequence of improper weightlifting procedures.

Reading and hand recording strength values for such protocols has remained problematic.

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