Abstract: A strength and balance exercise apparatus is provided having a pair of exercise arms pivotally supported from the floor. Each arm has handgrips for grasping and manipulation of the arm by the user. A passive force generating means, in this case, double-acting hydraulic cylinders are connected between the floor and the exercise arms to resist movement of the arms. According to the method, the user grasps the handgrips and manipulates the arms to get slow resistance of the passive force generating means while maintaining balance in a standing position.

Abstract: A strength and balance exercise apparatus is provided having a pair of exercise arms pivotally supported from the floor. Each arm has handgrips for grasping and manipulation of the arm by the user. A passive force generating means, in this case, double-acting hydraulic cylinders are connected between the floor and the exercise arms to resist movement of the arms. According to the method, the user grasps the handgrips and manipulates the arms to get slow resistance of the passive force generating means while maintaining balance in a standing position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying pressure to the lumbar region of a user wherein a lumbar support is secured to the back of a user and positioned and retained such that when the user is seated in a chair the lumbar support applies pressure to prevent realignment of the user's lower spine for maintaining proper posture. The lumbar support remains suspended so that it moves as the user moves, thereby retaining the lumbar support in a predetermined position relative to user's lumbar vertebrae. Weight in the lumbar support applies a moment to the spinal column to counter-balance the moment applied by extended arms or resulting from poor posture.

Abstract: An exercizing device comprising a computer associated with a plurality of actuating arms pivotally mounted on a chair frame, movement of each actuating arm being resisted by a double acting hydraulic cylinder. Position and pressure sensors associated with each of the hydraulic cylinders, and each of the actuating arms deliver signals through the microprocessor of a computer for indicating power or work exerted by the user for moving each actuating arm. A selector valve is connected to each double acting cylinder and is connected to a control valve to permit independent adjustment of the resistance to movement of the piston of a selected cylinder in opposite directions. The cylinders which are not selected on the selector valve are locked to prevent movement of the actuating arm associated therewith.

Abstract: An exercising device comprising a computer associated with a plurality of actuating arms pivotally mounted on a chair frame, movement of each actuating arm being resisted by a double acting hydraulic cylinder. Position and pressure sensors associated with each of the hydraulic cylinders, and each of the actuating arms deliver signals through the microprocessor of a computer for indicating power or work exerted by the user for moving each actuating arm. A selector valve is connected to each double acting cylinder and is connected to a control valve to permit independent adjustment of the resistance to movement of the piston of a selected cylinder in opposite directions. The cylinders which are not selected on the selector valve are locked to prevent movement of the actuating arm associated therewith.

Abstract: An exercising device comprising a computer associated with an actuating arm pivotally mounted on a frame, movement of the actuating arm being resisted by a double acting hydraulic cylinder. Position and pressure sensors associated with the hydraulic cylinder and the actuating arm deliver signals through the microprocessor to the computer for indicating power or work exerted by a user for moving the actuating arm. The double acting cylinder has a control valve to permit independent adjustment of resistance to movement of the piston in opposite directions.

Abstract: An exercising device comprising a frame, actuating means, and a double acting hydraulic cylinder used therewith. The hydraulic cylinder includes a container having first and second chambers and passageways for placing the chambers in fluid communication with one another. A piston is slideably mounted within the first chamber and valve means are mounted with the container for preventing fluid communication into the first chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction and for preventing fluid communication around the piston when the piston is moved in a second direction. A piston rod extends into the container for moving the piston in response to movement of the actuating means. A control means governs the fluid flow through a selected passageway from the first to the second chamber to regulate the amount of force necessary to move the actuating means during exercise of a portion of the body.