Method of optimizing isometric exercise

• US 6,296,595 B1
• Filed: 08/30/1995
• Issued: 10/02/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Rogers, Brynn D, Lund, Richard G., Nelson, Cecil H., Stark, John G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu, Mickey
• Assistant Examiner(s): Koo, Benjamin K.
• Application Number:
  US08/520,802
• Time in Patent Office: 2,225 Days
• Field of Search: 601/23, 601/33, 601/34, 128/774, 128/782, 733/790.1, 733/290.4, 733/790.6, 482/91, 482/8
• US Class Current: 482/91
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1071 measuring angles, e.g. using goniometers A61B5/1123 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4528 Joints A61B5/4533, A61B5/4538 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6812 Orthopaedic devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6828 Leg
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/702 Posture restraints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/01 Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0023 for isometric exercising, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0056 using electromagnetically-controlled friction, e.g. magnetic particle brakes
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0057 using electromagnetic clutches
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4025 Resistance devices worn on the user's body A63B21/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/16 Angular positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/54 Torque
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/30 Maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0494 primarily by articulating the knee joints A63B23/0405, A63B23/0476 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/902 Employing specific graphic or video display

Abstract

An instrumented orthopedic restraining device is provided. The device includes an ambulatory housing, including first and second distal end portions, and restraining means for restraining movement of the first and second distal end portions relative to one another. The restraining device preferably includes an elongated restraining bar equipped with a stress sensing mechanism for sensing stress on the restraining bar. A control unit is provided for indicating sensed stress based upon outputs from the stress sensing mechanism. Preferred embodiments include a plurality of strain gauges attached to the elongated restraining bar and interconnected with the control unit which preferably includes a recording mechanism and a microprocessor mechanism. The elongated restraining bar alternately includes an adjustable hinge interconnecting distal end sections of the elongated restraining bar, wherein the angle between the respective distal end sections can be adjusted relative to one another. The adjustable hinge is preferably an electromechanical hinge which can be at least partially controlled by software read by the microprocessor mechanism. Methods of using embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method of optimizing isometric exercises comprising:

(a) engaging first and second flexibly connected body portions of the individual in an orthopedic restraining device having at least one strain gauge;

(b) designing a target exercise routine based on the physical condition of the patient;

(c) monitoring the exercise activities of the individual from the reading of the strain gauge; and

(d) determining the deviation of the actual exercise routine from the target routine.