Abstract: An apparatus for use in assessing strength of at least one knee flexor muscle of a subject, the apparatus including a support, two securing members, each securing member securing a respective lower leg of the subject in a position that in use is substantially fixed relative to the support and at least one sensor, which in use senses a force indicative of the strength of the at least one knee flexor muscle in at least one leg of the subject while the subject performs an eccentric contraction of the at least one knee flexor muscle.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a frame having a vertical post with adjustment holes extending therethrough; a lever arm attached to the vertical post via a carriage, the carriage to adjust up and down via the adjustment holes; the carriage having a brace creating a channel to engage with the post; a pivoting system extending from the brace, the pivoting system having a side to side pivoting connection attached to a second brace, the side to side pivoting connection allowing for the second brace to pivot horizontally; a rotating connection attached to the second brace via a first plate and the lever arm via a second plate, the rotating connection allowing for rotational movement of the lever arm; the carriage allows for the lever arm to be adjusted vertically, from side to side, and in a pivoting direction as needed for attachment of one or more exercise attachments.

Abstract: An exoskeleton system is passively powered and pneumatically operated. The system may be a lower-limb system for walking gait restoration. The system may include a first linear actuator located in front of an upper leg section and a second linear actuator located behind a lower leg section.

Abstract: An exercise device where force is applied by computer-controlled actuators. The programmable nature of the force application allows the device to simulate weight-training devices and other useful exercise devices.

Abstract: A reciprocating dynamometer assesses human physical capacity and muscle composition by: (1) simultaneously working all four limbs of the body through a full range of motion while maximally loading the muscles through a full range of speeds; (2) simultaneously capturing the reciprocating torques and reciprocating angular velocities of all four reciprocating limbs, and (3) adjusting to provide similar ranges of motion for limb joints of human subjects of different body height and limb length. Levers provide synchronized, reciprocating, angular movements for handles and pedals while adjustable brakes oppose reciprocating motion during a 15 second test of maximal exertion. Measurements of elapsed time, torque input to each lever and angular displacement of each lever enable a plot of cyclical moving average of power over cycle frequency for each limb. Peak cyclical power is the maximal rate of work performed, averaged over one movement cycle.

Abstract: A leg press attachment which is configured to be engaged with a squat rack, and thereafter used to perform many different exercises. The leg press attachment is engageable with hooks on the squat rack such that the leg press attachment pivots during use relative to the squat rack yet includes at least one stop for limiting the extent of its pivoting relative to the squat rack. Preferably, the device can be removed from the hooks and engaged directly with the squat rack, during which time the at least one stop secures the device relative to the squat rack. Preferably, the leg press attachment is also configured such that it can be removed from squat rack, and converted to a sled for pushing along the floor.

Abstract: An exercise machine for performing a variety of different exercise routines includes a rotating arm assembly and a swing-away workout station. The workout station may include a bench seat and a stabilizing support, and may be adjusted to provide for a number of different configurations. For example, the bench seat and the stabilizing support may pivot forward and backward, and the stabilizing support may extend upward and downward for supporting the user's body in different positions, while performing different exercise routines.

Abstract: A device for training abductors and/or adductors of the hip joint, having a frame and guided, movable seating. The characterizing feature of the device is that abductors and/or adductors of the hip joint can be trained. To this end, the guiding component of the seating, which is pivotally connected to the frame and can be locked in various positions, has a first rest for at least lateral placement of the knee, at least a lower leg region and/or at least a thigh region of one leg. Furthermore, the guided component of the seating is provided with a seat having a second rest and a third rest for lateral placement of at least the upper region of the pelvis and/or at least a region of the upper body. The second rest and/or the third rest can be adjusted into and locked in its position in order to provide lateral fixing.

Abstract: A chair with a control mechanism with a base structure, a seat bottom structure supported by the base structure, a seat back structure supported by the base structure, a control mechanism supported by the base structure, a power source and means for electrically coupling the power source to the control mechanism and an electrical port, wireless transmitter, or other electrical communicator for producing electrical communication relative to the control mechanism. The power source can be a portable power source that plugs into the connector of the control mechanism. One or more electrical sensors can be retained relative to the seat bottom or seat back structures and memory can be provided for retaining data from the electrical sensor.

Abstract: The method and system of this invention provides for core muscle strengthening. The method comprises the step of: providing an apparatus (10) that provides resistance and assistance during core muscle training using dynamic therapeutic movement for chest, back, abdominal and leg musculature to strengthen and condition muscles of the axial skeleton and lower extremities of a performing user. In one embodiment, the method also is for non-invasive physical therapy.

Abstract: A traction apparatus which impresses a desired traction force to a body to be pulled is provided.

Abstract: A traction exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular shaped metal frame including a pair of metal vertical members, a metal horizontal member on a bottom side, and a pair of metal horizontal members on a top side. A first rotating metal shaft and a second rotating metal shaft are located across the pair of metal horizontal members. Further a pair of ankle braces is attached to a snap hook. A cable pulley on each side of the first rotating metal shaft supports a first metal cable attached to the snap hook. A first cable reel on each side of second rotating metal shaft supports the first metal cable. A second cable reel on each side of the second rotating metal shaft supports a second metal cable attached to a hand grab bar. Second rotating metal shaft rotates to transmit a tension to the first metal cable to perform different traction exercises.

Abstract: A wheelchair gym having a support bar releasably connected to the frame of the wheelchair. A vertical post is attached to the support bar and hand grips are slidably mounted on the vertical post. The hand grips are resiliently biased and may be moved conjointly or opposite to one another to provide arm exercise for a patient in the wheelchair. The gym also has leg supports on which resiliently biased foot rests may be moved conjointly or opposite to one another. The leg supports may be moved up and down or may be splayed laterally.

Abstract: A therapy tool designed to assist therapist to manually control and facilitate patient elbow and knee flexion-extension during walking, sit to stand, control in standing, and other functions is provided. The therapy tool includes a first cushion adapted to receive at least a portion of a person's shin or forearm, a second cushion adapted to cushion a person's knee, a elongate handle attached the first and second cushions in a manner such that the second cushion is disposed above the first cushion, and a horizontal extension adapted to provide a support surface for the patient.

Abstract: An abdominal training apparatus provides focused training on the abdominal muscles using a resistance provided by a resistance device. The user may be supported in an elevated position by a seat support. A cable may transfer the resistance from the resistance device to the user. One or more pulleys may guide the resistance such to the user such that a force vector below and away from the user is provided to the user. In use, the user may perform abdominal training by engaging or grasping the cable to engage the resistance. The user may also support or secure one or both legs using a leg support of the apparatus. The force vector of the resistance is highly beneficial in that it allows the resistance to target and strengthen the abdominal muscles.

Abstract: A wheelchair gym having a support bar releasably connected to the frame of the wheelchair. A vertical post is attached to the support bar and hand grips are slidably mounted on the vertical post. The hand grips are resiliently biased and may be moved conjointly or opposite to one another to provide arm exercise for a patient in the wheelchair. The gym also has leg supports on which resiliently biased foot rests may be moved conjointly or opposite to one another. The leg supports may be moved up and down or may be splayed laterally.

Abstract: A user repeats a right and left swaying motion while holding a movable body in which a resistance force is generated by tension of an elastic member, hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or the like, between his/her two legs, thereby efficiently strengthening, particularly, abdominal muscles, such as rectus muscles of an abdomen, external abdominal oblique muscles, and transverse abdominal muscles, erector muscles of a spine, or iliopsoas muscles, and strengthening various kinds of abdominal and lumbar muscles with an easy motion without laying burden on a waist, unlike the motion of making a user's upper body stand or lie down, which is conventionally seen. A machine trains various kinds of abdominal and lumbar muscles, by a movable body being held between the user's two legs and is swingably journalled to a base plate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an exercising apparatus comprising a coupling mechanism and a synchronizing mechanism. The coupling mechanism is a rack assembly that includes two elongated bars extending longitudinally within the deck of the apparatus. The elongated bars receive a vertical arm of a platform when inserted through longitudinal slots of the deck. Each end of the elongated bar terminate with a wheel for rolling on a respective trough. The elongated bars further including vertical teeth disposed on the inner surface of each elongated bar for engaging the synchronizing mechanism. A pinion assembly includes a central wheel that rotates about a vertical axis. The external teeth of the central wheel are thereafter meshed with the vertical teeth of the elongated bars to provide synchronous movement as the elongated bars reciprocate.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an exercising apparatus comprising a coupling mechanism and a synchronizing mechanism. The coupling mechanism is a rack assembly that includes two elongated bars extending longitudinally within the deck of the apparatus. The elongated bars receive a vertical arm of a platform when inserted through longitudinal slots of the deck. Each end of the elongated bar terminate with a wheel for rolling on a respective trough. The elongated bars further including vertical teeth disposed on the inner surface of each elongated bar for engaging the synchronizing mechanism. A pinion assembly includes a central wheel that rotates about a vertical axis. The external teeth of the central wheel are thereafter meshed with the vertical teeth of the elongated bars to provide synchronous movement as the elongated bars reciprocate.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for guided exercise movement includes a primary arm pivotally mounted to a frame for pivotal movement about a fixed pivot relative to the frame, a movement arm pivotally mounted to the primary arm for pivotal movement relative to the primary arm about a floating pivot relative to the frame, a stationary cam fixed on the frame, and a follower on the movement arm engaging the stationary cam and guided thereby to control the path of movement of the movement arm about the floating pivot during movement of the primary arm about the fixed pivot. The cam has a cam track surface controlling compound movement of the movement arm.

Abstract: A backbone correction exercise apparatus is provided, in which a user lies on a bed and wears a pelvis belt, adjusts distance from an exercise unit depending on a user's physical condition, and then perform recursive exercises, to thereby slack and restore the cervical vertebra portion and the lumbar vertebra portion of the human body repeatedly and to thus strengthen spinal peripheral support muscles in order to provide a spinal curative effect as well as a spinal exercise effect. The backbone correction exercise unit includes an exercise unit which enables a user to lie on a bed and take an exercise using the user's feet, and a pelvis belt which is fixed to the bed on which the user lies and a portion corresponding to the waist of the user who lies on the bed, and which holds the user's waist to then be fixed to the bed.

Abstract: A method and device for treatment of a varicose vein is provided which includes the step of applying to the skin of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated a device including: (a) an element for securing the device to the leg of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated such as a carrier tape; and (b) a one-way valve element such as a cantilever element biased by a spring for applying a selected amount of pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced; and applying sufficient pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising muscles in the back of an exerciser, includes: a frame; a seat assembly attached to the frame; a movement arm pivotally attached to the frame and movable along a stroke path between an upper forward position and a lower rearward position; a resistance-imparting unit operatively connected with the movement arm to provide resistance to the movement arm as it moves from the forward position to the rearward position; a pair of handles to be grasped by the exerciser; and a pair of extension members, each of which is attached to a respective handle such that each handle is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the extension member. The extension members are attached to the movement arm such that each extension member is free to at least partially rotate relative to the movement arm about vertical, longitudinal and transverse axes.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a frame, and at least one elongated sheet of flexible material has a first end coupled to the frame and has a second free end positioned frontwardly relative to the frame. The sheet of flexible material has an upwardly facing support surface, and the sheet of flexible material has a predetermined stiffness for supporting substantially the entire weight of an exerciser of the apparatus. At least one support assembly is mounted to the frame and generally overhangs the support surface of the sheet of flexible material for further supporting the exerciser upon pushing downwardly against the sheet of flexible material and thereby moving the free end of the sheet of flexible material downwardly, and for supporting the exerciser upon pulling upwardly to release the downward force against the sheet of material and thereby permitting the free end of the sheet of flexible material to move upwardly.

Abstract: A shaped body (1) of plastic material with rounded outer contours is used for carrying out a method of active motion therapy by filling bulk material (11) of shaped bodies (1) into a container (12). The limbs (13) to be trained are immersed into the bulk material (11) and exercises are carried out. The shaped body (1) is symmetrical relative to a first plane defined by a first substantially oval outer periphery (U1) of the shaped body (1), asymmetrical relative to a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane and defined by a second substantially oval outer periphery (U2) of the shaped body (1), and asymmetrical relative to a third plane defined by a third outer periphery (U3) of the shaped body (1), which is substantially perpendicular to both the first and second planes. The shaped body effects a resistance to motion which is nearly independent of the exercising direction.

Abstract: A training apparatus designed to improve the physical readiness level of the low back and pelvic girdle of an individual includes a frame, a seat, a pivot mechanism mounted on the frame and providing a pivot point, an exercise arm rotatable about the pivot point, and a resistance assembly rotatable about the pivot point. An interlocking mechanism interlocks the exercise arm and the resistance assembly such that they rotate as a single unit about the pivot point of the pivot mechanism. The angle between the exercise arm and the resistance assembly is selectable. The resistance assembly includes at least a first resistance lever arm and, preferably, a second resistance lever arm. The first resistance lever arm includes a counterweight. The second resistance lever arm has a weight attachment mechanism for attaching a stress weight thereto, and the second resistance lever arm is angularly offset from the first resistance lever arm by an angle about the pivot point of the pivot mechanism.

Abstract: A back pain reliever has a linear alignment support with at least two bi-pad supports mounted thereon. The linear alignment support runs along the spine of a person with least two bi-pad supports mounted thereon, so each of the two pads of the bi-pad support are on opposite sides of the spine of a person.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various systems that enable users with appreciably limited muscular, body and coordination control to assume ergonomic postures for task seating, standing, ambulation and physical exercise. Particularly, the embodiments of the invention provide secure support and positioning systems to safely aid the user through an entire process involving transfer from a wheel chair to the assemblies. The systems also assist the user to assume a desired posture and provide ergonomic and integral support after the user is situated in the desired posture. More particularly, the use of the present invention does not require the help of a therapist or additional muscle control on the part of the user.

Abstract: An exercise machine having a frame that readily receives a wheel chair and provides left and right exercise stations that are readily vertically adjustable and pivotable to provide a wide variety of exercises for the arms and legs.

Abstract: An exercise system for persons with physical disabilities consisting of an upholstered chair having a table top mounted on the two arms, a support step having a pedal assembly mounted in a slots, a “T” support inserted into the table top mounting bracket, elastic straps affixed to the back of the chair, and a plurality of exercisers attached to the chair.

Abstract: An exercise machine having a frame structure, a seat member supported by the frame structure, and a resistance device. A leg member is operatively connected to the resistance device and pivotally connected to the frame structure for engagement by a user's legs when positioned within the seat member. A knee alignment support is positioned adjacent to the seat support and under the user's legs when positioned within the seat member. The knee alignment support being selectively positionable between a first in position for performing a first exercise and a second out position for performing a second exercise.

Abstract: A lumbar exercise machine having an adjustable pad assembly for engaging the legs above and below the knees while the legs extend generally forward with the feet against a foot rest and the knees bent so that the thighs and calves form an obtuse angle. A lock mechanism is provided to secure the pad assembly in the aforementioned position with the femurs restrained against movement so that the hips, buttocks and thighs cannot move during the exercise. The exerciser then moves his back against a movement arm in opposition to a resistance mechanism connected to the movement arm. The machine is adjustable to properly position a particular user for the exercise. One machine for home use utilizes dead weights plus the user's weight as the resistance mechanism while another machine for commercial use utilizes a compound weight stack as the resistance mechanism.

Abstract: A training apparatus designed to improve the physical readiness level of the low back and pelvic girdle of an individual includes a frame, a seat, a pivot mechanism mounted on the frame and providing a pivot point, an exercise arm rotatable about the pivot point, and a resistance assembly rotatable about the pivot point. An interlocking mechanism interlocks the exercise arm and the resistance assembly such that they rotate as a single unit about the pivot point of the pivot mechanism. The angle between the exercise arm and the resistance assembly is selectable. The resistance assembly includes at least a first resistance lever arm and, preferably, a second resistance lever arm. The first resistance lever arm includes a counterweight. The second resistance lever arm has a weight attachment mechanism for attaching a stress weight thereto, and the second resistance lever arm is angularly offset from the first resistance lever arm by an angle about the pivot point of the pivot mechanism.

Abstract: Exercisers are disclosed which include a flexible stretchable loop which is configured to receive both a hand or foot of the person exercising, and which is covered with a stretchable textile which is stretchable therewith. The stretchable loop closely conforms to and grips either the hand or foot of the person when the person is exercising, and is attached to extension spring which has a spring force which permits it to be stretched by the muscle force of a person when the hand or foot of the person is received in the loop so as to extend to a length which exceeds at least 100% of its length at rest, and preferably 200-300% of its length at rest. A variety of exercise routines are made possible by the exercisers of the invention and are disclosed for exercising the thigh, hip joint, groin, arms, stomach, back and/or gluteal muscles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the muscle strength of a subject wherein both static and dynamic strength tests are conducted on the subject during which forces exerted by the muscles are measured by devices which are connected to a computer and a display screen for displaying the strength of the muscles at different positions of a subject's body part. In the dynamic strength test, the subject moves a movement arm by exerting the muscles to be tested. The movement arm is connected to a resistance weight to oppose movement by the subject. In the static strength test, the movement arm is fixed in position and the subject exerts a body part against the movement arm upon exertion of the muscles to be tested. Force and angle measuring devices are connected to the movement arm and the computer for enabling the muscle strength to be displayed in terms of torque at various angular positions of the body part.

Abstract: Machines for treating neuromuscular pain conditions and injuries by slow patient-controlled stretching of a muscle or group of muscles when they and surrounding muscles are in a relaxed state (i.e., with little or no extrafusal muscle fiber contractions). The machines include a fixed support such as seat. An adjustable support, such as a back or side rest is adjusted for the particular patient. A controllable support moved in an alternating motion, under the patient's control, allows the injured or painful muscle to be slowly stretched by gravity, while the muscles are relaxed. The controllable support is preferably moved by a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a physical training machine with attitude adjustment, of the type comprising at least a posture portion and an implement portion; the posture portion is provided with means able to allow a user to be positioned in an exercise configuration wherein the user him/herself is set to perform a physical training exercise; the implement portion is provided with action means, accessible to the user when he/she is positioned in exercise configuration and employable by him/her for the application of a force able to contrast, for the execution of the exercise, a resistance offered by the physical training machine; the physical training machine comprises means for adjusting the relative position between the posture portion and the implement portion acting on one thereof and connecting means, positioned and acting between the posture and the implement portions able to modify the position of one of the portions as derived by the change in position of the other one of said portions.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the track members between said head and foot ends against one or more springs connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. The carriage has a generally flat upper surface for supporting a user's body. The upper surfaces has a pair of spaced shoulder stops and a head rest extending from the carriage toward the head end. The head end has a cutout portion to permit the head support to extend through the head end so that the carriage can be fully extended to the head end against spring tension. The foot end includes an elastic member, anchor bar and carriage stop assembly to adjustably position the carriage and elastic members on the tracks to accommodate a wide range of user heights.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for toning the mid-section and lower portion of the body, especially helpful for handicapped individuals who have marginal or only functional use of their lower extremities on an involuntary basis whereby a physically able person or a physically challenged person manipulates a pendulum bar, freely suspended from a semi-flexible member in a quarter circular oblique movement, while strapped to the apparatus in a seated position, and whereas the flexibility of the flexible member is predetermined by design or controlled hydraulically by the user.

Abstract: A lumbar exercise machine having an adjustable pad assembly for engaging the legs above and below the knees while the legs extend generally forward with the feet against a foot rest and the knees bent so that the thighs and calves form an obtuse angle. A lock mechanism is provided to secure the pad assembly in the aforementioned position with the femurs restrained against movement so that the hips, buttocks and thighs cannot move during the exercise. The exerciser then moves his back against a movement arm in opposition to a resistance mechanism connected to the movement arm. The machine is adjustable to properly position a particular user for the exercise. One machine for home use utilizes dead weights plus the user's weight as the resistance mechanism while another machine for commercial use utilizes a compound weight stack as the resistance mechanism.

Abstract: In a weight lifting exercise apparatus, a leg exercise station is provided. A leg exercise arm carrying leg engaging roller pads is pivotally mounted on a frame member of the support frame of the apparatus, and is linked to an exercise resistance such as a weight stack. An upper roller pad assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame member adjacent the leg exercise arm, and is freely movable between a down position engaging behind a user's knees for performing leg extension exercises, and a raised position resting on top of the user's thighs when performing leg curls or pull down exercises.

Abstract: An exercise machine of light weight and portable construction adapted for storage in a highly compact configuration. The device can be deployed quickly and easily for use in performing a variety of different exercises routinely.

Abstract: An exercise machine for simulating running comprises a frame having a rear portion and a forward portion, a shoulder harness supported by the forward portion of the frame for supporting the upper body in a fixed position, a pair of hand grips juxtaposed near the shoulder harness, a pair of lever arms each having an upper end and a lower end with the upper ends pivotally connected to the rear portion of the frame, a pair of foot assemblies extending outwardly from the lower ends of the lever arms and rotatable through an arc of not more than 180 degrees, and a pair of resistance means attached to the lever arms.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a seat assembly mounted on a frame, an overhead exercise station is located above the seat assembly, a leg exercise station is located forward of the seat assembly. The frame includes a base portion below the seat assembly and a hollow tubular strut extending upwardly form a forward end of the base portion and spaced forwardly of the seat assembly. A roller pad is adjustably mounted in an open upper end of the hollow strut so as to be positionable behind the knees of a seated user when performing leg exercises and above the user's legs when performing overhead exercises.

Abstract: A machine for exercising and/or testing the lumbar muscles including a movement arm mounted for rotational movement about a generally horizontal axis against a resistance provided by a weight stack. Movement of the movement arm is transmitted to the weight stack by means of a transmission including a cam fixed to the movement arm, a pulley belt fixed to the periphery of the cam and trained about one or more pulleys mounted with respect to the stationary frame of the machine. The pulley belt is connected to an actuating lever connected to the weight stack pin to drive the same. One of the pulleys is mounted for movement towards and away from the pulley belt to increase or decrease tension in the pulley belt to thus control the drive between the movement arm and the weight stack.

Abstract: A portable stretching device includes a seat portion on which the athlete sits so that an upright axle frame of the stretching device extends in an upwardly vertical direction from the area between the athlete's thighs. The athlete then grips a handle which is located at the end of a "swing" arm of the stretching device, which extends outwardly from the upright axle frame, away from the athlete, at approximately chest-level. The stretching device also includes thigh supports on the seat portion, which enable an athlete user to stabilize the device while performing stretching exercises. The athlete user then grips the handle, and then allows a retracting force applied to the swing arm to twist his/her torso to either side while the seat portion of the device remains stationary, thus simulating a full shoulder turn required for an optimal swing for golf, hockey, tennis (and other racquet sports) and baseball and softball.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a body supporting carriage that moves relative to a frame in a direction having a vertical component. Levers are movably mounted on the carriage and connected to the frame in such a manner that movement of the levers relative to the carriage is linked to movement of the carriage relative to the frame.

Abstract: A weight lifting exercise machine has an adjustable seat supporting arm assembly to permit the machine to be used by handicapped users in a wheelchair as well as non-handicapped users. In a first condition, an extendible support arm is secured in a seat-supporting position projecting forwardly from an upright frame member carrying a back rest so as to support a seat pad in an appropriate position relative to the back rest for use by a seated, non-handicapped user. In a second condition, the seat pad is removed from the arm and the arm is retracted rearwardly to provide a space for positioning a wheelchair adjacent the upright member with a user in an equivalent position to a non-handicapped user for access to the exercise equipment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the muscle strength of a subject wherein both static and dynamic strength tests are conducted on the subject during which forces exerted by the muscles are measured by devices which are connected to a computer and a display screen for displaying the strength of the muscles at different positions of a subject's body part. In the dynamic strength test, the subject moves a movement arm by exerting the muscles to be tested. The movement arm is connected to a resistance weight to oppose movement by the subject. In the static strength test, the movement arm is fixed in position and the subject exerts a body part against the movement arm upon exertion of the muscles to be tested. Force and angle measuring devices are connected to the movement arm and the computer for enabling the muscle strength to be displayed in terms of torque at various angular positions of the body part.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a chest press exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include a post attached to the arm for mounting weight plates. A second handle, arm, and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.