US 5,401,224 A · Method for measuring instantaneous power generated by a leg extending force

Abstract

A method of and apparatus for measuring physical strength by dynamically measuring the instantaneous power of a nonrepetitive muscular force as, for example, the force exerted by a leg extension, on the basis of a power theory and, consequently, the instantaneous power generated by a dynamic, nonrepetitive multi-articular movement such as a vertical jump. Work equivalent to an inertial energy is absorbed by a rotary drive system. This work is then added with an amount of work equivalent to the kinetic energy absorbed by a foot plate, the sum being added to the work done to a powder brake to obtain the maximum speed V.sub.max of the foot plate and its output time T.sub.max. Finally, the power produced by a leg extension is calculated from the maximum speed V.sub.max of the foot plate and its output time T.sub.max.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A method of measuring an instantaneous power generated by a leg extending force, comprising the steps of:

pushing against a foot plate, said pushing causing rotation of a rotary drive system comprising a powder brake, an intermediate shaft and a rope drum shaft;
receiving a first pulse having a frequency which varies with the rotation of said rope drum shaft;
receiving a second pulse having a frequency which varies with the rotation of said powder brake;
calculating a maximum speed, V.sub.max, of said foot plate and an output time, .tau..sub.max, of said maximum speed based on said first and second pulses;
calculating a power produced by said leg extending force based upon an evaluation of kinetic energy imparted to said foot plate and said rotary drive system, a force exerted by said powder brake, said maximum speed V.sub.max of said foot plate and said output time .tau..sub.max ;
and
outputting a result of said calculation of power.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for measuring instantaneous power generated by a leg extending force

Life of this patent

Method for measuring instantaneous power generated by a leg extending force

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8