A method of performing an isometric exercise utilizing a system that serves as a peripheral to facilitate user interaction with a host computer, said system including at least one effector, at least one sensor coupled at a selected location on said effector, and a processor, the method comprising:
- (a) measuring at least one force applied by a user to said at least one effector with said at least one sensor, wherein said at least one effector provides an isometric exercise for said user and said applied force effects a measurable strain on said at least one effector;
- (b) processing data corresponding to applied force information measured by said at least one sensor;
- and
- (c) transferring said processed data to said host computer in a format resembling data output from a host computer peripheral to facilitate user interaction with said host computer in response to manipulation of said at least one effector by said user.