Abstract: A device and method may be provided including at least one handle and at least one anchor point. The device may be operable to provide a resistance to a user of the device who fixes the device using the anchor point and pulls on the handle. The device may include a casing; a center rod rotatable mounted in the casing; a cable wound around the center rod and coupled to the handle; and a mechanism mounted on the central rod. The mechanism may be responsive with a centrifugal force to movement of the cable to rotate the central rod. The mechanism may include an anchor coupled to the central rod, and at least one weight connected by a wire to a ring that is movable along the central rod against the resistance of a spring.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a cable that is extracted from a housing when the extraction force is sufficient to rotate a drum that is rotatably mounted within the housing. A brake material is sandwiched between the drum and at least one tension band to provide adjustable resistance to rotation of the drum. A knob is rotated to adjust tension in the at least one tension band without affecting tension in the brake material. Indicia associated with rotation of the knob show changes in the resistance level as the knob rotates through more than one complete revolution relative to the housing. In the absence of user applied force, a rewind spring draws the cable back into the housing.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a cable that is pulled from a sheave when the extraction force is sufficient to rotate a drum that is linked to the sheave. A brake material is sandwiched between the drum and at least one tension band to provide adjustable resistance to rotation of the drum. A knob is rotated to adjust tension in the at least one tension band without adversely affecting tension in the brake material. Indicia associated with rotation of the knob show changes in the resistance level as the knob rotates through more than one complete revolution.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided using a variable resistant exercise band having spaced apart eyelets along the length of the band. Each eyelet located at respective ends of the band is secured onto a hook member attached to a rigid bar, or a grip handle which permits the band to be pulled up to different levels, or in different directions. A method is also provided for using the exercise device.

Abstract: A system that activates a muscle to produce a functional movement in a subject through electrical stimulation is described. During operation, the system first obtains a non-isometric model which defines a functional movement associated with the muscle in response to electrical stimulation of the muscle. Next, the system uses the non-isometric model to compute an electrical stimulation which produces a desired functional movement in the subject. The system then applies the computed electrical stimulation to the muscle to produce the desired functional movement in the subject.

Abstract: A microwave-heatable therapeutic exercise putty mass is packaged in a microwaveable container having at least one transparent wall. The putty mass within the container is in heat transfer proximity with transparent wall of the container. A thermochromic heat sensitive semiconductor material (strip, label or coating) is affixed to the transparent wall in intimate heat transfer contact with the putty mass. The thermochromatic material provides a visual first indication through the transparent wall when the putty mass has been microwave heated to a heat exercise therapy acceptable temperature range of about 40 to about 47 degrees C. and a visual second indication through the transparent wall when the putty mass has been microwave heated to a temperature range of about 54 to about 60 degrees C. or above which is non-acceptable for heat exercise therapy.

Abstract: A microwaveable exercise putty includes a borosiloxane or stannosiloxane reaction product. The resulting reaction product is mixed with a second polysiloxane, an internal lubricant such a monounsaturated fatty acid, and a particulate material which creates heating upon subjection to microwave energy. Precipitated silica is a particularly preferred particulate material. The exercise putty may be manipulated by patients, and at the same time is capable of delivering heat to the body part undergoing the manipulation.