Motor-driven exercise apparatus, computer-implemented method and storage medium

Abstract

Motor-driven training equipment for simulating a plurality of existing training systems for exercise is disclosed. The motor-driven training equipment comprises an interface configured to receive, based on one or more user inputs, a selection of an existing training system from a plurality of existing training systems for exercise and at least one training parameter for the exercise. Each of the plurality of existing training systems for exercise is associated with a corresponding load curve of a plurality of load curves. The motor-driven training equipment is configured to simulate the selected existing training system by controlling one or more motors of the motor-driven training equipment in accordance with the corresponding load curve and the received at least one training parameter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to training equipment. In particular, the present disclosure relates to motorized training equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] Medical training therapy (MTT) is a very important step in the rehabilitation from an injury or surgery related to a joint, core and / or upper or lower extremity to achieve normal joint, core and / or upper or lower extremity function for performing activities of daily living. During MTT therapy, exercise and rehabilitation training equipment can be used to help users or patients perform exercises to restore full range of motion, joint flexibility and strength of the musculoskeletal system.

[0003] Known exercise and rehabilitation training equipment includes pulley, weight plates, elastic bands and hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder training load techniques. While some of these mechanical training equipment can be effective for rehabilitation from certain injuries, these training equipment have been replaced or supplemented by motorized training equipment. These motorized training equipment include isokinetic, isotonic and isometric modes and can produce variable forces that mimic or oppose the variable forces produced by the involved user muscle groups over their full range of motion.

[0004] For example, US 5 244 441 A discloses an active isokinetic exercise rehabilitation system in which an isokinetic speed is maintained in response to the position of a patient coupling unit and the torque applied to the patient coupling unit. However, motorized training equipment that opposes the variable forces produced by the involved muscle groups can not be the optimal training equipment for recovery from certain injuries. For example, for treating femoro-patellar chondral degeneration or chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) instability, or ACL tear, it can be advantageous to exercise on mechanical training equipment based on pulley techniques to rehabilitate due to the training load characteristics and effects of the mechanical training equipment.

[0005] Therefore, it is a problem to be solved to provide improved training equipment that can be used efficiently and effectively for strength training and rehabilitation. Furthermore, it is a problem to be solved to provide training equipment that allows for increased training variability, which provides increased training efficiency. In view of the fact that some exercises or movements can be counterproductive or dangerous for users in an injured or medical condition, it is a problem to be solved to provide improved training equipment that can be operated in a safe manner. SUMMARY

[0006] To solve the problems of the prior art, a new motorized training equipment is disclosed that simulates a plurality of existing training systems.

[0007] In one embodiment, a motor-driven training apparatus for simulating a plurality of existing training systems for exercise includes an interface, such as a graphical user interface (e.g., a touch screen), configured to receive, based on one or more user inputs, a selection of an existing training system from a plurality of existing training systems for exercise and at least one training parameter for the exercise. Each of the plurality of existing training systems for exercise is associated with a corresponding load curve of a plurality of load curves. The motor-driven training apparatus is configured to simulate the selected existing training system by controlling one or more motors of the motor-driven training apparatus in accordance with the corresponding load curve and the received at least one training parameter. The plurality of existing training systems can include one or more of the following systems: a hanging plate training system, a weight plate based training system, a combined synergistic muscle group specific muscle physiology maximum moment (based on muscle length) weight plate based training system adjusted by a scientifically proven flywheel (cam), an elastic band based training system, a hydraulic cylinder based training system, a pneumatic cylinder based training system, and an electric motor based training system. The at least one training parameter can define at least one of a maximum resistance, a maximum velocity, a range of motion, and a maximum moment. Each of the plurality of load curves can be associated with at least one of an isometric mode, an isotonic mode, and an isokinetic mode of the motor-driven training apparatus.

[0008] By simulating the selected existing training system by controlling one or more motors of the motor-driven training apparatus in accordance with the corresponding load curve and the received at least one training parameter, an improved motor-driven training apparatus is provided for efficiently and effectively performing strength training and rehabilitation. The motor-driven training apparatus allows for increased training variability, personalization, prescription of specific optimized training loads, and provides increased training efficiency.

[0009] According to aspects, a motor-driven training device includes a device configured to receive an identification of a user of the motor-driven training device and obtain data including information related to a joint and / or upper or lower limb of the user. The information related to the joint and / or upper or lower limb of the user can include information regarding at least one of an injury related to the joint and / or upper or lower limb of the user, a time related to the injury, a joint-specific aspect, an indication of stability regarding the joint and / or upper or lower limb of the user, a medical condition regarding the joint and / or upper or lower limb of the user, a concentric to eccentric strength ratio of the user, and a flexor to extensor ratio of the user. The processing device can be further configured to determine one or more limits to training parameters of the motor-driven training device for an exercise based at least in part on the information related to the joint and / or upper or lower limb of the user. The processing device can be configured to determine one or more recommended training parameters for the exercise based at least in part on the information related to the joint and / or upper or lower limb of the user, and wherein the interface is configured to display the one or more determined recommended training parameters for selection by the user. The data can further include other user information including at least one of an age of the user, a gender of the user, a height of the user, a weight of the user, and an athletic ability of the user. The motor-driven training device can be configured to determine at least one recommended training parameter for the exercise for selection by the user based at least in part on the other user information.

[0010] In aspects, the motor-driven training device can be configured to indicate at least one alert based on at least one of the selection, the received at least one training parameter, and the information related to the joint and / or upper or lower limb of the user. The at least one alert can include at least one of a reminder regarding the information related to the joint and / or upper or lower limb of the user, a limit regarding one or more of the training parameters, and an exclusion of the exercise or a simulation of an existing training system and / or a suggestion of a different exercise or a different existing training system. The reminder can represent a first level of the at least one alert, the limit can represent a second level of the at least one alert, and the exclusion can represent a third level of the at least one alert. The level of the at least one alert can be determined based on at least one of the selection, the received at least one training parameter, and the information related to the joint and / or upper or lower limb of the user.

[0011] By indicating at least one alert, an improved training device configured to operate in a safe manner is provided. In particular, the motor-driven training device can prevent injuries and / or overloading, and the motor-driven training device allows for better guidance independent of the qualifications of an instructor.

[0012] In aspects, the motor-driven training equipment includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader component configured to automatically identify a tag associated with a user of the motor-driven training equipment. Alternatively, the user of the motor-driven training equipment is identified based on user input.

[0013] According to aspects, the motor-driven training equipment is further configured to automatically adjust at least one movable component of the motor-driven training equipment, e.g., a seat, based on biometric data of the user.

[0014] In aspects, the at least one training parameter can define a range of motion of at least one movable component of the motor-driven training equipment, e.g., a lever arm assembly. The motor-driven training equipment can include at least one of: (i) a plurality of light sources configured to indicate the range of motion of the at least one movable component of the motor-driven training equipment, (ii) a first safety component configured to electronically limit the motion of the user based on the range of motion of the at least one movable component of the motor-driven training equipment, and (iii) a second safety component configured to mechanically limit the motion of the user based on the range of motion of the at least one movable component of the motor-driven training equipment.

[0015] In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes the steps of: receiving an identification of a user of motor-driven training equipment, the motor-driven training equipment for simulating a plurality of existing training systems for exercising by controlling a motor of the motor-driven training equipment according to a load profile; obtaining information about the user based on the identification of the user; receiving a selection of an existing training system from the plurality of existing training systems for exercising and at least one training parameter for exercising based on one or more user inputs; determining at least one of one or more limitations on the training parameter for exercising and exclusions of the exercising based on the information about the user; and determining an alert condition when at least one of the selection and the received at least one training parameter or a portion of the selection and the received at least one training parameter belongs to at least one of the one or more limitations on the training parameter for exercising and the exclusions of the exercising. The information about the user can include information of at least one of: an age of the user, a gender of the user, a height of the user, a weight of the user, a motion of the user, an injury related to a joint and / or an upper or lower limb of the user, a time related to the injury, a joint-specific aspect, an indication of a stability of a joint and / or an upper or lower limb of the user, a medical condition of a joint and / or an upper or lower limb of the user, an eccentric and concentric strength ratio of the user, and a flexor and extensor ratio of the user. Each of the plurality of existing training systems for exercising of the user can be associated with a corresponding load profile of a plurality of load profiles.

[0016] In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method.

[0017] The following detailed description and attached drawings provide a more detailed understanding of the nature and advantages of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of principles of embodiments and no limitations on the present principles are intended by the inclusion of these drawings. The figures are included as part of this disclosure and are in some cases provided to illustrate important machine details that have been discovered through efforts of inventors and researchers. These details are described below in the context of particular embodiments as set forth in the claims. Other embodiments can be utilized and obtained from these related machine details without departing from the scope of the present principles. The drawings illustrate the design and utility of preferred embodiments. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 shows a motor-driven training equipment for emulating a plurality of existing training systems according to at least one embodiment,

[0020] Figure 2 shows a plurality of configurations of a motor-driven training equipment for emulating a plurality of existing training systems according to at least one embodiment,

[0021] Figure 3 shows an overview of important system and corresponding training load characteristics and effects of existing training systems,

[0022] Figure 4 shows different example views displayed on a graphical user interface of a motor-driven training equipment, and

[0023] Figure 5 shows a process flow diagram of an example method for determining an alarm condition associated with an exercise to be performed on a motor-driven training equipment according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Described herein is a motor-driven training equipment for emulating a plurality of existing training systems. For the purpose of explanation, several embodiments and specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. Embodiments as defined by the claims can include only some or all of the features or elements of these embodiments, or can include some or all of the features or elements of these embodiments combined with other features or elements described below, and can also include modifications or equivalents of the features and concepts described herein. The example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements and structures are referred to by like reference numerals. Furthermore, when the embodiments are a method, the steps and elements of the method can be combined in a manner of parallel execution or sequential execution. As long as all the embodiments described below do not contradict each other, they can be combined with each other.

[0025] Figure 1A motor-driven training apparatus 100 for simulating a plurality of existing training systems for an exercise (e.g., a single exercise, such as a leg extension exercise or a leg curl exercise) is shown in accordance with an embodiment.

[0026] The motor-driven training apparatus 100 includes an interface 120, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), configured to receive a selection of an existing training system from the plurality of existing training systems for an exercise and at least one training parameter for the exercise based on one or more user inputs. A user (e.g., a patient, an athlete, a therapist, or a coach) can select the existing training system. Each of the plurality of existing training systems for a single exercise is associated with a corresponding load curve of a plurality of load curves.

[0027] The motor-driven training apparatus 100 is configured to simulate the selected existing training system by controlling one or more motors of the motor-driven training apparatus in accordance with the corresponding load curve and the received at least one training parameter. The simulation can include simulating specific training loads, load characteristics, and / or load effects of the existing training system. For example, the motor-driven training apparatus 100 can simulate one or more of the existing training systems that include one or more of the following training load technologies: weight stack, weight plates, combined synergistic muscle group specific muscle physiology maximum moment of force (based on muscle length) adjusted by scientifically proven eccentric cams (cam wheels), elastic bands, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, and electric motor training load technologies. The existing training systems can include at least one of existing mechanical training systems and existing motor-driven training systems for fitness and rehabilitation.

[0028] The at least one training parameter for the exercise can define an activity range of at least one movable component (e.g., a lever arm assembly 140) of the motor-driven training apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one training parameter for the exercise can define a maximum resistance, a maximum speed, and / or a maximum moment of force.

[0029] The motorized exercise equipment 100 can include a plurality of light sources 130, such as LEDs, configured to indicate a range of motion of at least one movable component of the motorized exercise equipment 100, such as the lever arm assembly 140. For example, each light source location can correspond to a corresponding range of motion, and only the light sources within the range of motion defined by the at least one exercise parameter can be turned on during an exercise. Additionally or alternatively, the motorized exercise equipment 100 can include at least one of a first safety component configured to electronically limit the motion of the user or at least one movable component of the motorized exercise equipment 100, such as the lever arm assembly 140, based on a selected or defined range of motion of the at least one movable component of the motorized exercise equipment 100, and a second safety component configured to mechanically limit the motion of the user based on a range of motion of the at least one movable component of the motorized exercise equipment.

[0030] In an embodiment, the motorized exercise equipment 100 includes an isometric mode, an isotonic mode, and an isokinetic mode in which exercises can be performed. The isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic modes can be used for training and / or testing. For example, the motorized exercise equipment 100 can be configured to process training data obtained from exercises performed on the motorized exercise equipment 100 to determine training progress of a user or to perform behavior diagnostics. The motorized exercise equipment 100 can analyze the data or send the data to a server over a network for further processing.

[0031] Isometric exercises include a low-impact exercise type that involves tightening the muscles of a user of the motorized exercise equipment 100 without moving or bending the joints of the user. Isometric exercises are beneficial for maintaining strength and stability in a person, and are often recommended for people recovering from injuries or people suffering from joint pain, such as arthritis.

[0032] Isotonic exercises involve applying a constant amount of weight or tension on the muscles of a user as the joints of the user move through a full range of motion. One example is a bench press system simulated by the motorized exercise equipment 100 in which the amount of weight remains the same during an exercise, while the joints of the user can be bent and straightened throughout. Isotonic exercises can help strengthen and tone muscles so that an athlete can move more easily through all types of sports.

[0033] Isokinetic exercises include exercise types involving specific motorized training equipment (e.g., motorized training equipment 100) that can be configured to move a user's muscles at a constant speed. This can help athletes like baseball pitchers or javelin throwers learn to use their maximum force at higher speeds. Isokinetic exercises can also be used to assess muscle function of athletes or people with specific injuries.

[0034] The motorized training equipment 100 includes a processing device that can be configured to receive an identification of a user of the motorized training equipment. For example, the motorized training equipment 100 can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader component configured to automatically identify a tag that identifies a user of the motorized training equipment 100 and provide an identification of the user. In aspects, the user of the motorized training equipment 100 can be identified based on user input from the user or other users.

[0035] Additionally, the processing device can be configured to obtain data containing information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs. The information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs can include information regarding at least one of an injury related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs, a time related to an injury of the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs, joint-specific aspects, an indication of stability regarding the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs, a medical condition regarding the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs, the user's concentric to eccentric force ratio, and the user's flexor to extensor ratio. The processing device can be configured to determine one or more restrictions on training parameters of the motorized training equipment for exercise based at least in part on the information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs. Alternatively or additionally, the processing device can be configured to determine at least one recommended training parameter of the motorized training equipment for exercise for selection based at least in part on the information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs. The recommended training parameter can be displayed on the graphical user interface 120 for selection by the user.

[0036] In one implementation, the motorized training equipment is configured to determine at least one recommended training parameter of the motorized training equipment for exercise based on at least one of the information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs and other user information. The other user information can include at least one of an age of the user, a gender of the user, a height of the user, a weight of the user, and an athletic performance of the user.

[0037] In various embodiments, the motorized training equipment 100 comprises artificial intelligence to determine one or more restrictions on training parameters of the motorized training equipment for an exercise based at least in part on information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs, and / or to determine at least one recommended training parameter of the motorized training equipment for an exercise based at least in part on information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs for selection.

[0038] The motorized training equipment 100 can comprise at least one movable component 110 for supporting a user of the motorized training equipment 100. For example, the at least one movable component 110 can form or be part of a support structure such as a seat. The motorized training equipment 100 can automatically adjust the at least one movable component 110 based on biometric information of the user. The biometric information can be contained in data acquired by a processing device of the motorized training equipment 100. For example, the motorized training equipment 100 can acquire biometric information of the user such as height, length of one or more body parts, or weight, and move one or more movable components of the at least one movable component 110 so that an axis related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs corresponds to an axis 150 of the motorized training equipment 100. The axis 150 can be a rotation axis of a lever arm assembly 140 of the motorized training equipment 100. The motorized training equipment 100 can comprise one or more lever arm assemblies 140. The lever arm assembly 140 can be driven by a controller and one or more motors of the motorized training equipment 100. The controller and one or more motors can be configured to adjust a speed of the lever arm assembly or a training load or training resistance of the motorized training equipment 100 based on a selected existing training system and / or at least one selected training parameter for an exercise.

[0039] The motorized training equipment 100 can receive a selection of an existing training system and can receive training parameters, for example through a user graphical interface. The selection and / or received training parameters can be accepted after comparing the selection and / or received training parameters to restrictions and exclusions, which can be determined for an exercise based on information about the user. The motorized training equipment 100 can use the training parameters to control a speed of the lever arm assembly 140 and / or a torque applied to the lever arm assembly 140, or to control a movement resistance of the lever arm assembly 140.

[0040] Figure 2Three different configurations of the motorized exercise equipment are shown. The first configuration 202 of the motorized exercise equipment can be used to perform a first exercise, such as a leg extension exercise. The second configuration 204 of the motorized exercise equipment can be used to perform a second exercise, such as a leg curl exercise, and the third configuration 206 of the motorized exercise equipment can be used to perform a third exercise, such as an abdominal exercise. The motorized exercise equipment can simulate a plurality of different existing exercise systems for each of the first, second, and third exercises. Other configurations of the motorized exercise equipment can be used to perform exercises such as a back stretch exercise, a seated chest press exercise, a seated rowing exercise, a side lateral exercise, a triceps press exercise, a leg raise exercise, a hip stretch exercise, a hip flexion exercise, and a hip adduction exercise, among others.

[0041] For the first and second configurations 202 and 204, the primary axis 150 of the motorized exercise equipment can be aligned with a joint of the user 210, such as a knee joint. The movable component 110 is a movable contact point for the user 210, which can be used to position the user 210, for example, by performing an actuator adjustment 230. The actuator adjustment can also be performed automatically in response to an identification of the user 210, and can be based on biometric information about the user 210. The actuator adjustment can be used to align a joint of the user 210 with the primary axis, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2B. Figure 2 The motorized exercise equipment can also include one or more passive contact points 212 to position the user 210. Other movable contact points 240 and 260 can be used to perform the exercises. For example, the movable contact points 240 and 260 can be part of the lever arm assembly 140. The movable contact point 240 can be moved by the user during the exercise motion, and the movable contact point 260 can be moved according to a passive adjustment.

[0042] Figure 3 An overview of important systems of existing exercise systems and corresponding specific training loads, characteristics, and effects of the existing exercise systems is shown. The motorized exercise equipment 100 according to the various embodiments can be configured to simulate these existing exercise systems or at least the specific training loads, characteristics, and effects of the existing exercise systems. The motorized exercise equipment can be configured to simulate a hanging weight, a weight plate, a weight plate with a joint specific muscle physiological moment of maximum force, an elastic band, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric motor training load technology.

[0043] Existing strength training systems vary in their corresponding load or force curves, and provide different benefits when used for rehabilitation. Each existing technology implementation achieves a training resistance with specific effects and characteristics.

[0044] The maximum muscle force of a user depends on the angle of the joint the muscle corresponds to and the type of muscle contraction (e.g., concentric or eccentric contraction), as can be seen in FIGS. 312, 322, 332, 342, and 352. FIG. 312 shows the maximum force of a user for a concentric contraction of a joint (e.g., a knee joint) of the user moving through a full range of motion. Force curve 316 corresponds to the maximum force of a user performing an eccentric contraction and depends on the angle of the joint. Force curves 314 and 316 depend on the strength of the user and are identical for FIGS. 312, 322, 332, 342, and 352, which are related to different existing training systems but have the same sequence of exercises and joint movements by the user.

[0045] Different strength training systems can apply different forces based on the angle of the joint, as shown in the graphs in Figure 3 For example, the existing mechanical training system 310 based on the clip technology provides a different force or load curve 318 (see FIG. 312) compared to the force or load curve 35 (see FIG. 352) of the existing motor-driven training system 350. Since the load of the existing motor-driven training system 350 can be individually set based on the angle, the load curve 358 can correspond to the eccentric and concentric force curves 314 and 316. Other existing training systems, such as the existing mechanical training system 320 based on the weight plate technology, or the existing mechanical training systems 330 and 340 can each be associated with a different load curve.

[0046] For a particular exercise, existing strength training systems can have positive and / or negative effects on muscles and / or joints. For example, the existing mechanical training system 310 based on the clip technology is more suitable for a user with a specific knee injury compared to the existing training system 330. By simulating a wide variety of existing mechanical training systems, such as the existing mechanical training systems 310 to 350, which can be considered important systems for the design and functionality of strength training equipment, the motor-driven training apparatus according to embodiments enables a high variability of exercises and allows for individualized and injury-specific medical training programs. Different existing mechanical training systems can be simulated for fitness and rehabilitation. In addition, by controlling one or more motors of the motor-driven training apparatus according to the corresponding load curve of an existing training system to simulate the existing training system, a user can experience the same effects and load characteristics of the existing training system and the experience gained on such an existing training system can be used for the motor-driven training apparatus according to embodiments.

[0047] Figure 4Different exemplary views 410-440 that can be displayed on a graphical user interface of a motor-driven training device are shown. The graphical user interface can be configured to display a region for selecting at least one of (i) an exercise, (ii) an existing training system or a load profile associated with an existing training system, (iii) a training mode (e.g., isometric, isotonic, or isokinetic training or testing), and (iv) at least one training parameter (e.g., a number of stages, a number of repetitions, a start position, an end position, a weight for a concentric contraction, and a weight for an eccentric contraction). Additionally, the graphical user interface can be configured to display user information about a user using the motor-driven training device. The user information can include at least one of an age, a height, a weight, an athletic ability, and an injury or medical condition of the user. In embodiments, the exercise can be pre-selected and cannot be selected.

[0048] Additionally, the graphical user interface can be configured to display a button for selection, such as the "start" button shown in exemplary views 410-440. In response to selecting the exercise, the existing training system, and / or the at least one training parameter, a notification can be displayed. For example, as shown in view 410, a consent notification can be displayed to the user to accept the selection. Alternatively, an alert notification can be displayed to the user, as shown in views 420, 430, and 440.

[0049] The motor-driven training apparatus can be configured to indicate at least one alert based on the selection of the existing training system and information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs. For example, the graphical user interface can be configured to display the at least one alert, e.g., by displaying a notification. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one alert can be indicated by a speaker in the form of an acoustic signal or by a light source, e.g., an LED, in the form of a light signal. The at least one alert can include at least one of a reminder regarding the information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs (as shown in view 420), a limitation regarding one or more of the plurality of training parameters (as shown in view 430), and an exclusion of the exercise or an exclusion of the simulation of the existing training system and / or a suggestion of a different exercise (as shown in view 440). The reminder can represent a first level of the at least one alert, the limitation can represent a second level of the at least one alert, and the exclusion can represent a third level of the at least one alert. The level of the at least one alert can be determined based on the selection of the exercise and the information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs. The information related to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs can include at least one of a medical contraindication, a characteristic of an isokinetic force profile, a ratio of concentric to eccentric maximum force, a ratio of extensor to flexor maximum force, and a personalized goal. For example, the level of the at least one alert can be determined as shown in Table 1, where the determination of the alert level is based on an indication of the stability of the user's joints (e.g., a KT1000 value) related to a contraindication (e.g., chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) instability) or a time at which the contraindication (e.g., ACL rupture) occurred. Alternatively, the exercise can be excluded based on the contraindication, as shown for a bone bruise.

[0050]

[0051] As shown in Table 2, the level of the alert can also be based on the gender of the user. Other additional factors that can be considered when determining the alert level can be the age of the user or the sport performed by the user.

[0052]

[0053] Figure 5 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary method 500 for determining alert conditions related to an exercise to be performed on a motor-driven training apparatus. The method 500 includes receiving an identification of a user of the motor-driven training apparatus at step 510. The motor-driven training apparatus can be used to simulate a plurality of existing training systems by controlling a motor of the motor-driven training apparatus according to a load profile, where each of the plurality of existing training systems for an exercise is associated with a corresponding load profile of a plurality of load profiles.

[0054] At step 520, information about the user is obtained based on the identification of the user. The information about the user includes at least one of an age of the user, a gender of the user, a height of the user, a weight of the user, a motion of the user, an injury associated with a joint and / or an upper or lower limb of the user, a time associated with the injury, a joint-specific aspect, an indication of stability about a joint and / or an upper or lower limb of the user, a medical condition about a joint and / or an upper or lower limb of the user, a concentric to eccentric force ratio of the user, and a flexor to extensor ratio of the user.

[0055] At step 530, a selection of an existing training system from a plurality of existing training systems for the exercise and at least one training parameter for the exercise is received based on one or more user inputs.

[0056] At step 540, a restriction and / or exclusion of the exercise is determined based on the information about the user. For example, for a user associated with a medical contraindication (e.g., a particular injury or medical condition), a particular exercise or a particular setting (training parameter) can be excluded. The medical contraindication can be a condition or factor that serves as a reason for exclusion or restriction of an exercise on a motorized training equipment due to the potential for harm to the user or patient.

[0057] At step 550, an alert condition is determined when at least one of the selection and the received at least one training parameter or a portion of the selection and the received at least one training parameter falls within at least one of one or more restrictions of training parameters for the exercise and an exclusion of the exercise. The criteria for the alert and the alert condition can be determined based on at least one of a medical contraindication, a characteristic of an isokinetic force curve, a concentric to eccentric maximum force ratio, an extensor to flexor maximum force ratio, and a personalized goal of the user.

[0058] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the method 500 to determine an alert condition associated with an exercise to be performed on a motorized training equipment.

[0059] In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the method 500 to determine an alert condition associated with an exercise to be performed on a motorized training equipment.

[0060] While certain specific embodiments have been described in detail above, various modifications, alterations, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art and are also intended to be within the scope of the embodiments. Furthermore, it is intended that all such alterations and modifications be included within the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to the specific illustrative embodiments described above, but instead include any and all implementations within the scope of the following claims.

[0061] While some of the above-described embodiments have been described in the context of method steps, they also represent descriptions of corresponding acts that can be performed by a corresponding device or system, or by a corresponding component of a device or system. Some or all of the method steps can be performed by a computer executing computer-executable instructions, or by a processor, microprocessor, electronic circuit, or processing circuit executing such instructions. The embodiments described above can be implemented in hardware or software. The implementation can use non-transitory storage media, such as a computer-readable storage medium, for example a CD or a flash memory. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system.

[0062] Generally, the embodiments can be implemented as a computer program product with a program code or computer-executable instructions, which can be executed by a computer in order to perform any one of the methods described herein. The program code or computer-executable instructions can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. In one embodiment, the storage medium (or data carrier, or computer-readable medium) includes computer program or computer-executable instructions stored thereon for performing any one of the methods described herein when the computer program product is executed by a processor. In another embodiment, the device includes one or more processors and the storage medium described above.

[0063] In another embodiment, a device such as a motor-driven training apparatus or a computer for a motor-driven training apparatus includes means, e.g. processing circuitry, like e.g. a processor in communication with a memory, configured to or adapted for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0064] A new motorized training equipment for simulating multiple existing training systems is disclosed. The motorized training equipment represents a high-end strength training system for medical training therapy, prevention and physical training. The motorized training equipment is configured to help plan training, control training and record training and training effects of users. The motorized training equipment is configured to automatically accurately position users based on their individual physiological structure. The motorized training equipment allows increased training variability (e.g., unilateral / bilateral, concentric / concentric, concentric / eccentric and isokinetic / isotonic / isometric training) which provides increased training efficiency and allows creating optimized individualized and targeted MTT protocols. Further, the motorized training equipment prevents injuries and / or overloading. In addition, the motorized training equipment allows improving guidance independent of the qualifications of a supervising instructor or therapist.

Claims

1. A motor-driven training device for simulating a plurality of existing training systems for an exercise, the motor-driven training device comprising: an interface configured to receive, based on one or more user inputs, a selection of an existing training system from a plurality of existing training systems for an exercise and at least one training parameter for the exercise, wherein each of the plurality of existing training systems for the exercise is associated with a corresponding load curve of a plurality of load curves, wherein the motor-driven training device is configured to simulate the selected existing training system by controlling one or more motors of the motor-driven training device in accordance with the corresponding load curve and the received at least one training parameter, wherein the plurality of existing training systems comprises one or more of the following systems: a hanging plate training system, a weight plate based training system, a training system based on a muscle specific length adjustment of a moment of force during movement, an elastic band based training system, a hydraulic cylinder based training system, a pneumatic cylinder based training system, and an electric motor based training system, wherein each of the plurality of load curves is associated with at least one of an isometric mode, an isotonic mode, and an isokinetic mode.

2. The motor-driven training device of claim 1, further comprising a processing arrangement configured to: receive an identification of a user of the motor-driven training device; and based on the identification, obtain data comprising information related to a joint and / or an upper or lower limb of the user.

3. The motor-driven training device of claim 2, wherein the motor-driven training device is further configured to indicate at least one alert based on at least one of the selection, the received at least one training parameter, and the information related to the joint and / or the upper or lower limb of the user.

4. The motor-driven training device of claim 3, wherein the at least one alert comprises at least one of: a reminder regarding the information related to the joint and / or the upper or lower limb of the user; a limitation regarding one or more of the at least one training parameter; and an exclusion of the simulation of the exercise or of the existing training system and / or a suggestion of a different exercise or a different existing training system.

5. The motor-driven training device of claim 4, wherein the reminder represents a first level of the at least one alert, the limitation represents a second level of the at least one alert, and the exclusion represents a third level of the at least one alert, wherein the level of the at least one alert is determined based on at least one of the selection, the received at least one training parameter, and the information related to the joint and / or the upper or lower limb of the user.

6. The motor-driven training device of claim 2, wherein the processing arrangement is further configured to determine one or more limitations of training parameters of the motor-driven training device for the exercise based at least in part on the information related to the joint and / or the upper or lower limb of the user.

7. The motor-driven training equipment of claim 2, wherein the processing device is further configured to determine one or more recommended training parameters for the exercise based at least in part on the information relating to the user's joints and / or upper or lower limbs, and wherein the interface is configured to display the determined one or more recommended training parameters for the user to select, and / or The motor-driven training equipment is further configured to determine at least one recommended training parameter for the exercise for the user to choose from, at least in part based on other user information, wherein the data further includes the other user information, which includes at least one of personal injury history, the user's age, the user's gender, the user's height, the user's weight, and the user's exercise.

8. The motor-driven training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the motor-driven training apparatus includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader component configured to automatically identify a tag associated with the user of the motor-driven training apparatus, or The user of the motor-driven training equipment is identified based on user input.

9. The motor-driven training equipment of claim 2, wherein the information relating to the user's joint and / or upper or lower limb includes information about at least one of the following: injury relating to the user's joint and / or upper or lower limb, time associated with the injury, joint-specific and / or upper or lower limb-specific aspects, indications of the stability of the user's joint and / or upper or lower limb, medical condition of the user's joint and / or upper or lower limb, the user's concentric to eccentric force ratio, and the user's flexor to extensor ratio.

10. The motor-driven training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the motor-driven training apparatus is further configured to automatically adjust at least one movable part of the motor-driven training apparatus based on the user's biometric data.

11. The motor-driven training apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one training parameter defines at least one of maximum resistance, maximum speed, range of motion, and maximum torque, and / or The at least one training parameter defines the range of motion of at least one movable part of the motor-driven training equipment, and the motor-driven training equipment includes at least one of the following: (i) A plurality of light sources configured to indicate the range of motion of at least one movable component of the motor-driven training equipment. (ii) A first safety component configured to electronically limit the user's movement based on the range of motion of at least one movable part of the motor-driven training equipment, and (iii) A second safety component configured to mechanically restrict the user's movement based on the range of motion of at least one movable component of the motor-driven training equipment.

12. A computer-implemented method, comprising the steps of: receiving an identification of a user of a motor-driven training device for simulating a plurality of existing training systems for exercise by controlling a motor of the motor-driven training device according to a load profile, wherein each of the plurality of existing training systems for exercise is associated with a corresponding load profile of a plurality of load profiles; obtaining information about the user based on the identification of the user, wherein the information about the user comprises at least one of: an age of the user, a gender of the user, a height of the user, a weight of the user, an athletic performance of the user, an injury related to a joint and / or an upper or lower limb of the user, a time related to the injury, a joint-specific and / or upper or lower limb-specific aspect, an indication about a stability of a joint and / or an upper or lower limb of the user, a medical condition about a joint and / or an upper or lower limb of the user, a centripetal versus centrifugal strength ratio of the user, and a flexor versus extensor ratio of the user; receiving a selection of an existing training system from a plurality of existing training systems for exercise and at least one training parameter for the exercise based on one or more user inputs; determining at least one of one or more restrictions on training parameters for the exercise and an exclusion of an exercise based on the information about the user; and determining an alarm condition when at least one of the selection and the received at least one training parameter or a part of the selection and the received at least one training parameter belongs to the at least one of the one or more restrictions on training parameters for the exercise and the exclusion of an exercise, wherein the plurality of existing training systems comprises one or more of the following systems: a hanging plate training system, a weight plate based training system, a training system based on a torque variation during movement with muscle specific length adjustment, an elastic band based training system, a hydraulic cylinder based training system, a pneumatic cylinder based training system, and an electric motor based training system, wherein each of the plurality of load profiles is associated with at least one of an isometric mode, an isotonic mode, and an isokinetic mode.

13. A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method of claim 12.

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