Bipedal locomotion training and performance evaluation device and method

Abstract

A bipedal locomotion exercise and performance evaluation apparatus including a revolving belt, a harness for securing the position of a subject on the belt, a harness-force measuring means, and a belt volocity monitoring and controlling means. The harness may be secured on various points of a subject and includes push/pull engagement means. An overhead harness may be used to reduce effective body mass. The velocity of the belt may be controlled by a unidirectional or bidirectional motor/brake system. Velocity of the belt may also be controlled by a brake only. A digital processor may be used to control the motor and/or brake as a function of the forces applied allowing multiple operating modes. Recording of velocity and force as functions of time facilitates analysis of exercise performance. The apparatus allows exertions throughout the first quadrant of a force-velocity-duration space, and outside that first quadrant.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.