DEVICE, REFLEX LOAD MEANS AND METHOD OF TRAINNG OF A HUMAN OR ANIMAL BODY

Field of the invention The present invention relates to a device for training a human or animal body, comprising engaging means for receiving a part of the human or animal body, which engaging means are arranged for the exertion thereon of a muscular force produced by the body, motion means connected to said engaging means for describing a movement under the influence of the muscular force being exerted, and further comprising counteracting means operatively connected to the motion means for counteracting the movement of the motion means so as to provide a load on the body, wherein the counteracting means comprise base load means for providing a continuous base load, and wherein the counteracting means further comprise reflex load means for providing a reflex load of varying intensity. The invention further relates to reflex load means and to a method for training a human or animal body, comprising the steps of converting a muscular force exerted by the body into a movement of motion means and loading the motion means by counteracting the movement of the motion means, wherein the step of loading the motion means comprises the steps of providing a continuous base load and providing a reflex load of varying intensity.

Background of the invention

Devices and/or methods for training the body by subjecting it to loads are known in the world of sports, they are used for fitness training and for stimulating muscular development, for example. Furthermore, such methods and devices are used for rehabilitation purposes, for example for improving a patient's condition or stimulating the recovery or the development of the muscles and/or other tissues.

An example of a device that is often used for improving people's condition and stimulating muscular development consists of a device wherein weights are to be moved by the muscular force of the arms. Such a device may consist of two handles, for example, which can be held by a user, which handles are operatively connected by means of a cable to weights that are to be pulled upward. The force of gravity that acts on the weights counteracts the movement imposed by

the user, so that a load is applied to the arm muscles. The user can now improve his condition/muscular development, for example by pulling an adjustable number of weights up a number of times in succession in this way.

Another example of such a known device consists of a treadmill provided with a belt which can move over two or more spaced-apart rollers. The rollers are mounted on shafts in a base of the device, in such a manner that the treadmill belt can describe a rotational movement about the rollers under the influence of a sliding force or friction force exerted thereon parallel to the surface of the belt. Furthermore, the rollers on which the belt is moved provide support for a weight placed thereon, for example a user's weight. When the user positions himself on the belt, with his weight being supported by the rollers, and makes a walking movement, the belt will move over the rollers under the influence of friction, so that the user can make a "walk" without his body moving relative to the device. A load can now be applied to the belt movement by counteracting the rotation of the rollers.

Still further devices, which are generally used for the above purposes, consist of home trainers, for example, for carrying out a cycling movement, rowing machines, stepping devices and the like known devices. All these devices have in common the fact that a movement of motion means is generated in the device by the muscular force of the user, which movement is counteracted in the device for the purpose of loading the user's muscles.

A drawback of the use of such devices is the fact that the load applied to the movement cannot be converted into physiological process for stimulating muscular development in a sufficiently efficient manner. Consequently, a prolonged and frequent use of such fitness equipment is required in order to achieve a noticeable and/or satisfactory result as regards stimulation of the muscular development. In the case of rehabilitation or training processes it is desirable, however, that patients return into society as soon as possible. In the world of sports, short training programmes are usually as well preferred over long training programmes.

Another type of fitness/rehabilitation device that has been introduced the past few years is the so-called "vibration plate", which consists of a flat plate that can be set vibrating by suitable means. The user of this device stands on the flat vibration plate, maintaining his balance by means of a handle disposed at

waist level. The user can start the vibration by pushing a button.

The vibration of the vibration plate is transmitted via the user's legs to the rest of the user's body, and research has shown that the transmission of such vibration to the body induces the muscles to make repetitive reflex movements that stimulate the blood circulation in the body as well as the production of hormones that play an important part in the regeneration and recovery processes in the body. Said hormones comprise human growth hormone (HGH), insulin-like growth factor 1

(IGF-1 ) and testosterone, for example. The use of such vibration plates appears to provide several advantages as regards fitness and muscle training. Frequent use of such a plate leads to an increased bone density, it stimulates the production of serotonin and neurotrofin, it helps to reduce pain and enhances the production of colagens, for example. Another effect of the use of such vibration plates is that it helps to prevent the occurrence of cellulitis and to eliminate the effects of stress on the body. The use of vibration plates has further advantages, all of which are not mentioned herein.

A drawback of the aforesaid vibration plate devices is that the vibrations are transmitted to the entire body. The effects of the use of the vibration plate therefore occur in the entire body and this is not in all cases desirable.

International patent application WO 2004/103484 discloses a similar training device in which a periodic reflex load is applied in addition to a base load during training. Use is made of mechanical oscillation means for applying the reflex load, which oscillation means may for example be incorporated in a weight element that is to be lifted during training.

A drawback of the use of such mechanical oscillation means is that characteristics of the reflex load cannot be easily adapted independently of other characteristics. If the frequency of the oscillation means is adapted, for example, the intensity of the force experienced by the user will automatically change as well.

Another device, as for example disclosed in US patent application

No. US 2005/0 181 918 employs hydraulic damping of the movement that is imposed to a training device by muscular force. Changing the hydraulic pressure leads to a change in the damping constant and the user will experience a load change.

Periodic changing thus leads to a periodic reflex load being applied.

The drawback of the above-described method is that the load experienced by the user depends on the muscular force being applied, as a result of

which the magnitude of the reflex load being applied cannot be changed independently of the movement imposed by the user in this device, either.

Being able to control the intensity or magnitude of the reflex load is important; not only in training muscles for sports purposes, but in particular also for rehabilitation purposes.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device of the above-described kind which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art as described above and which can be used advantageously for goal-oriented training and stimulation of recovery processes in parts of the body and muscle groups to be determined in advance.

The above and further objects are accomplished by the invention in that it provides a device for training a human or animal body, comprising engaging means for receiving a part of the human or animal body, which engaging means are arranged for exertion thereon of a muscular force produced by the body, and motion means connected to said engaging means for describing a movement under the influence of the muscular force being exerted; further comprising counteracting means operatively connected to the motion means for counteracting the movement of the motion means so as to provide a load to the body, wherein the counteracting means comprise base load means for providing a continuous base load, and wherein the counteracting means further comprise reflex load means for providing a reflex load of varying intensity, characterised in that the reflex load means are arranged for providing said reflex load by means of electromagnetic forces and for changing the characteristics of said electromagnetic forces for the purpose of changing the reflex load.

By loading the body with a base load, for example in the form of a continuous, possibly motion-dependent counteraction of the movement, in particular the muscle groups which generate the movement of the motion means of the fitness device are subjected to loads and thus trained. However, by having the reflex load means provide a reflex load of varying intensity, for example during the aforesaid movement, in addition to the base load, the combination of said reflex load and the applied base load ensures that the reflex load will be concentrated on the muscle groups and parts of the body being trained with the aid of the base load. Because

the aforesaid muscle groups generate the movement of the motion means, said muscle groups will sense in particular the reflex load being applied by the reflex load means in addition to the base load. The advantages of the use of such a reflex load, such as an accelerated recovery of (muscle) tissue and stimulation of the muscular development, will thus be concentrated in the muscle groups being trained with the aid of the base load.

The advantage of working with electromagnetic forces for providing the reflex load is that the characteristics of such forces can be directly controlled and adapted, using comparatively simple means. Also the independent alteration of parameters, such as the intensity of the force and/or the frequency thereof or, in the case of a periodic reflex load, the waveform of the time, the bend and reflex load, can be realised in a simple manner with suitable means. As a result, the characteristics of the reflex load as experienced by the user can easily be geared to the user's needs. The above can be used advantageously for strongly improving the existing, conventional training methods for stimulating muscular development and fitness improvement. In addition, the usability of applying a reflex load to the body is strongly improved in that said reflex load can now be concentrated on specific parts of the body, while other parts of the body can be spared. For example, if a patient's leg muscles need to be trained for rehabilitation purposes (to stimulate the recovery of damage to and development of the leg muscles), whilst certain other parts of the body, on the contrary, must be loaded as little as possible (for example to prevent damage to parts of the body that are still weakened), the advantages obtained by applying the reflex load can be concentrated in the patient's legs by means of the present invention for recovering the muscle tissue thereof. The reflex load will hardly be sensed, if at all, in other parts of the body.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in addition to counteracting the movement, use may also be made of counteracting means that can provide a load of the movement, even if no movement is being induced in the device. Said counteracting of the movement is motion-dependent, i.e. when the user of a fitness device, for example, does not induce movement in the device on the basis of counteraction, the user will not experience a load, either. On the other hand, the use of electrostatic loading means, for example, which will be explained in more detail hereinafter, will lead to a load being provided even when the device is "at

rest". Moreover, controlling or changing the characteristics of the reflex load can be realised in a simple manner, without other load characteristics being changed as well, because dynamic factors, such as movements, will not affect electrostatic forces. In this way the amplitude, frequency and waveform of a periodic, time- dependent reflex load, for example, can be directly adjusted independently of each other.

Another advantage of the present invention is the fact that the application of the reflex load and the gaining of advantages as regards muscular development can take place in a more efficient manner because the reflex load is concentrated in exactly that part of the body where it is wanted. For example, if the bone tissue in a patient's arm has been damaged as a result of an accident, and in addition the arm muscles of said patient have significantly weakened during the first stages of recovery (when the arm was in a cast) because said muscles were not used temporarily, the present invention can be used advantageously for effecting an accelerated recovery both of bone tissue and of muscle tissue in the arm after removal of the cast. In the present case, for example, use may be made of a fitness device in which the user grips a handle with the hand of the arm that is to be recovered and must must induce a movement in the fitness advice by moving the handle in a specific direction. The imposed movement can be counteracted, for example, by counteracting means which provide a base load and a reflex load simultaneously, which loads are transmitted to the muscle group to be trained via the handle of the device and the user's hand. The aforementioned advantages of the reflex load, such as the accelerated production of HGH, IGF-1 and testosterone, will occur in particular at places where the reflex load is applied. The positive effects from the reflex load will therefore be noticeable in particular in this part of the user's arm, so that an accelerated recovery of the arm is effected without any noticeable effects in other parts of the body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the reflex load means are arranged for applying a reflex load with a periodically varying intensity. According to another embodiment, said periodically varying intensity may comprise a time dependency selected from a group comprising sinusoid, block wave or sawtooth wave. Other regular vibration forms are also possible, of course.

The device may be arranged for varying the frequency and/or the amplitude of the varying intensity of the reflex load during the movement, for

example. To that end the device may comprise control means for controlling the degree to which the body is loaded. Said control means may act on the reflex load means in that case for controlling the amplitude and/or the frequency of the reflex load. The control means may be arranged for changing the characteristics of the electromagnetic forces, for example, for the purpose of changing the reflex load.

The control means may in particular be arranged for compensating a change of a second characteristic of said characteristics in dependence on the variation of a first characteristic. For example, when use is made of electrodynamic forces, wherein the speed of the movement has an effect on the reflex load experienced by the user, said variation of the intensity of the reflex load can be compensated in dependence on the speed, for example on the basis of the varying speed, so that it will remain constant. In this way other interdependencies between characteristics and parameters can be compensated as well.

Embodiments of the present invention in which the amplitude or the frequency of the varying intensity of the reflex load are controlled in this manner may be very advantageous. It should in particular be considered that the muscle groups of a user of the fitness device, for example, need not be loaded to the same extent during the execution of a movement by the user. The muscles will be subjected to a peak load, for example, at the moment the device is set moving. When a periodic movement is carried out, for example when a number of weights are pushed forward in a regular fashion, which weights are returned to the starting position, for example by means of a spring system, at the end of every movement stroke, the load will be highest at the start of every periodic movement stroke, after which the muscle load will decrease and remain substantially constant for some time, whilst it will decrease even further towards the end of the movement stroke and will eventually reach a value of zero at the end of the movement stroke. The intensity of the reflex load can be adapted thereto. At the start of the movement stroke, the muscle group is loaded differently than at the end of the movement stroke, and the effect of the application of a reflex load will be different as well. For example, it may be decided to concentrate the application of the reflex load in particular on the part of the movement stroke during which the load on the muscles is practically constant.

At the beginning of the movement stroke different muscles of the muscle group may be used than that the end of the movement stroke, so that the application of the reflex load at the beginning of the movement stroke is

concentrated on other muscles than that of the end of the movement stroke. This aspect can be used advantageously as well.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the motion means are therefore arranged for carrying out a periodic movement, and the control means are arranged for varying an amplitude of the periodically varying intensity of the reflex load during at least one period of said movement. According to another embodiment of the invention, the control means may be operatively connected to the base load means, wherein the control means are arranged for varying the magnitude of the base load of the movement. In the light of the above-described muscle load during a movement stroke it will be appreciated that varying the magnitude of the base load during the movement is also advantageous in this embodiment of the present invention. It is noted in this connection that the concentration of the reflex load can take place more efficiently if the muscle group to be trained is loaded more heavily. On the other hand, the muscles must not be overloaded, of course, so that as a rule there will be an optimum load for all the muscle groups of the user of a device according to the present invention. For example, if specific muscles are to be trained in particular or the development thereof is to be stimulated, the base load may be varied in such a manner during the movement that in particular these muscles to be trained are activated thereby. Thus, the reflex load can be concentrated in particular on these muscles.

The above embodiments may also be used advantageously by adapting the reflex load to the base load, for example, in such a manner that the reflex load is applied precisely to the muscle groups towards the end of the movement stroke, for example, so that the blood circulation and the occurrence of several recovery process therein will be stimulated towards the end of the movement stroke. As a result, the concentration of substances and the effect of tissue- recovering processes will be great precisely during the temporary moments of rest of the muscles between two respective strokes (reciprocating movement), for example.

With regard to the above embodiments it is noted that both the base load and the reflex load can be switched off, so that the device will operate as a conventional device for providing either a base load or a reflex load.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the device

comprises means for determining at least one body condition parameter. Said means may for example be arranged for providing an output signal that is indicative of the magnitude of said at least one body condition parameter. Such means may for example include means that belong to a group comprising heartbeat sensors, respiration sensors, thermometers, means for measuring the muscular force being exerted, means for measuring body perspiration, such as moisture sensors, means for measuring the oxygen intake of the body, blood pressure sensors, biosensors such as blood sugar sensors, means for measuring a moisture content in the blood, and other means of this kind, of course. The provision of such determination means in the device enables the user to monitor his body functions while using the device and to adapt the exercises he is carrying out in dependence thereon, if necessary.

According to another embodiment, the control means are arranged for controlling the load being imposed on the body in dependence on said at least one body condition parameter. For example, the device is capable of advantageously controlling the magnitude of the load in dependence on the user's pulse rate or other condition parameters as measured. Thus, the intensity both of the base load and of the reflex load on the body can be constantly adapted to the current condition of the user's body during use of the device. All this can for example be achieved with the embodiment in which the control means are arranged for receiving the output signal from the means for determining said at least one body condition parameter.

The device may furthermore comprise analysing means connected to the means for determining said at least one body condition parameter for analysing said at least one condition parameter. Said analysing means may also be connected to the control means for analysing the condition of the body in dependence on the base load and/or reflex load being applied. The influence of this load can thus be measured and monitored advantageously while the device is being used. The aforesaid analysing means may for example comprise memory means in which measured values of the condition parameters or measured load values of the body can be stored.

According to another embodiment, the device comprises display means for displaying said at least one condition parameter. Said display means may for example be configured for presenting said condition parameter to the user as a

value or possibly in the form of a diagram, for example as a function of time.

Although the base load means may have been selected from a group comprising electromagnetic loading means, weights for providing the load under the influence of the force of gravity, friction means for counteracting the movement of the motion means through friction, hydraulic loading means, spring means for exerting a spring force, and similar loading means, it is preferable to configure the base load means on the basis of electromagnetic forces, just like the reflex load means. The two functions can be easily integrated in the device in that case, without separate means being required for providing both load types. The use of electromagnetic loading means moreover has this advantage that the base load being applied during the movement of the device that is to be carried out can be adjusted very precisely during movement. Thus, a device according to the invention, in which the base load means are provided by the electromagnetic loading means, which are combined with the reflex load means as described above, is particularly advantageous as the applied reflex load can be selectively concentrated in specific muscle groups in dependence on the imposed movement and the magnitude of the base load when using this embodiment of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the engaging means may have been selected from a group comprising handles, footrests, seats, straps for receiving one or more body parts, such as arm straps, benches for supporting a body in reclined position, shoulder supports, etc. By now several types of fitness devices in which the invention could be advantageously implemented are known in the art. These devices can be adapted to make this possible, if desired. According to another embodiment, the counteracting means of the device according to the invention are arranged for loading a multitude of muscle groups in the body. The positive effects of the hybrid load (base load and reflex load) can be obtained simultaneously in several muscle groups therewith.

According to another embodiment thereof, the counteracting means are arranged for loading said multitude of muscle groups asymmetrically. In particular the asymmetric loading of each of the multitude of muscle groups that are loaded by the counteracting means is to be considered in this regard. As a result, the device according to the invention can be used in particular in the field of specific geriatric treatment methods, for example, such as coordination training of different

limbs. It has become apparent that by loading the muscle groups in different limbs asymmetrically, for example loading a user's legs asymmetrically, the muscles can be trained in such a manner that the user will have a better and symmetric control over his limbs. The above embodiment can also be improved, for example, by arranging the counteracting means in such a manner that each muscle group of the multitude of muscle groups can be adjustably loaded.

According to a second aspect, the invention therefore provides reflex load means for a device for training a human or animal body, the device for training the body comprising engaging means for receiving a part of the human or animal body, which engaging means are arranged for exertion thereon of a muscular force produced by the body, motion means connected to said engaging means for describing a movement under the influence of the muscular force being exerted, and counteracting means operatively connected to the motion means for counteracting the movement of the motion means so as to provide a load on the body, wherein the counteracting means comprise base load means for providing a continuous base load, wherein the reflex load means are arranged for operatively connecting the reflex load means with the counteracting means of the device for training the body, and wherein the reflex load means are arranged for providing a reflex load of varying intensity, characterised in that the reflex load means are further arranged for providing the reflex load by means of electromagnetic forces and for changing the characteristics of the electromagnetic forces for the purpose of changing the reflex load.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided for training a human or animal body, comprising the steps of converting a force exerted by the body into a movement of motion means and loading the motion means by counteracting the movement of the motion means, wherein the step of loading the motion means comprises the steps of providing a continuous base load and providing a reflex load of varying intensity, wherein the reflex load is provided by means of electromagnetic forces, and wherein the characteristics of the electromagnetic forces are changed during said movement for the purpose of changing the reflex load.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be illustrated in more detail hereinafter by means

of a description of a few specific embodiment thereof, in which reference is made to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the counteracting means for providing a load to be applied to the body, which means can be used in an embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the fitness device according to the present invention;

Figure 3 schematically shows a method according to the present invention; and Figures 4a and 4b are schematic views of further counteracting means which can be used in the invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

Figure 1 schematically shows counteracting means which may be used in, for example, a fitness device or a rehabilitation device according to the present invention. The counteracting means are arranged for counteracting a movement started in a fitness device, for example, using electromagnetic forces, for thus applying a load to muscles or muscle groups in the body of the user of the device. Said counteracting of the movement takes place on the basis of an eddy- current brake system 1.

To that end the counteracting means comprise a disc 2 of an electrically conductive material. The disc 2 is operatively connected to the motion means of the device by means of a shaft 3 and for example a gear (not shown). When a movement is started in the device, said movement will be transmitted to the electrically conductive disc 2 via the shaft 3. The movement started in the device is counteracted by braking the electrically conductive disc 2. To that end the counteracting means comprise a solenoid 4, which is wound round a core 5. The conductive core 5 is configured in such a manner that when the solenoid 4 provides a magnetic field as a result of being energized, the field lines of said magnetic field are directed at the surface of the disc 2 by means of the core 5, in such a manner that said field lines will extend substantially transversely to the surface. When the fitness device is in use, and the disc 2 makes a rotational movement, therefore, the free electrons present in the disc 2 may be regarded as an electron flow with respect to the core 5, and a Lorentz force will be exerted between the shoes of the core 5 on

the disc 2 by the magnetic field lines as a result the solenoid 4 being energised, which Lorentz force causes the disc 2 to be slowed down.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the solenoid 4 is energized by control means 8. The control means 8 are connected both to a controllable direct current (DC) source 10 and to a controllable alternating current (AC) source 11. The direct current produced by the controllable DC source 10 is delivered to the control means 8 via connections 13 and 14. The direct current and alternating current received may be summed in the control means 8 and be controlled as regards magnitude and (for the alternating current) frequency, such that a desired counteracting force can be exerted on the moving disc 2.

The disc 2 is braked in a desired manner by transferring the electrical signal (consisting of a DC component and a superposed AC component provided by means of the control means 8 to the solenoid 4 via connections 27 and 28. The magnitude of the Lorentz force exerted on the disc 2 depends on the magnetic field generated by the solenoid 4. Said magnetic field depends on the present current intensity. The DC component thus provides the base load, whilst the AC component produces a reflex load.

The Lorentz force exerted on the disc 2 also depends on the speed of movement of the disc 2. The control means 8 may be so arranged that when the rotational speed of the disc increases or decreases, for example, this will be compensated by an increase or a decrease of the DC current intensity in the control means 8. This can for example be achieved by operatively connecting a rotational speed sensor (not shown) to the disc 2 and transferring the electrical signal provided by the rotational speed sensor (not shown) to the control means 8. Controlling the DC component provided by the DC source 10 may take place by means of a feedback connection 19 between the control means 8 and the DC source 10, for example. Controlling the AC component produced by the AC source 1 1 may take place by providing a feedback signal between the control means 8 and the AC source 1 1 via the feedback connection 20. As described above, controlling the DC and/or the AC component may take place on the basis of the rotational speed of the disc, but it may also take place on the basis of other parameters, for example, such as parameters that indicate the body condition of the user of the device. The control means 8 are to that end connected to body sensors 23 and 24 arranged for currently determining such

parameters. The sensors 23 and 24 may for example be heartbeat sensors, respiration sensors, thermometers, means for measuring the muscular force being exerted, means for measuring body perspiration, such as moisture sensors, means for measuring the oxygen intake of the body, blood pressure sensors, biosensors such as blood sugar sensors, means for measuring a moisture content in the blood, etc.

The DC and/or AC component provided to the solenoid 4 by the control means 8 may also be controlled on the basis of requirements input by the user, for example, such as a counteracting profile, which is communicated to the control means 8 via input means 25, for example.

Information relating to the body condition parameters as measured, the counteracting profile provided (in particular the magnitude of the time-dependent base load provided by means of the DC component and the time-depended reflex load provided by means of the AC component), the requirements as regards the load profile communicated by the user, information concerning the movement being carried out, etc, may be communicated to the user during use of the device by display means 29 connected to the control means 8, for example.

Figure 2 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention. The fitness device may consist of a steel frame 30 with a seat 31 provided with a back 32 for the user mounted thereon. Positioned opposite the seat 31 and the back 32 are motion means 34 which are operatively connected to the steel frame 30, which motion means consist of a toothed beam 36 in the illustrated embodiment, at one end of which handles are provided in the form of a cross beam (not numbered). The movement that can be carried out by the motion means 34 is limited by the operative connection to the frame 30, which is schematically indicated by the cross beam 38. The manner in which the motion means 34 may be connected to the steel frame 30 so as to enable a desired, limited movement (for example a reciprocating movement) will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Disposed opposite the teeth of the toothed beam 36 is a gear 37, which is operatively connected to the toothed beam 36 for converting a reciprocating movement of the toothed beam 36 into rotational movements of the gear 37.

A shaft 40 extends through the centre of the gear 37, which shaft is also connected to the centre of the electrically conductive disc 42. Rotation of the electrically conductive disc 42 imposed by rotation of the gear 37 can be braked by

means of an eddy current brake as already discussed in the description of figure 1. Figure 2 also shows a core 43 and a solenoid 44 by means of which the required magnetic field can be generated and be directed with respect to the electrically conductive disc 42 (as described with reference to figure 1 ). The solenoid 44 is energised by means of an electric signal comprising a DC component and an AC component, which is transferred by control means 47. The control means 47 comprise a DC source 49 and an AC source 50. The electrical current components provided by the AC source 49 and the DC source 50 can be controlled as regards magnitude and (for the AC component) frequency and waveform, using switching means 53 of the control means 47. The switching means 52 are connected to a microprocessor unit 53. The microprocessor unit 53 processes input received from signal processing means 55 and input means 60 that are operatively connected to the microprocessor unit 53. The signal processing means 55 may for example be connected to sensors 57 for measuring body parameters, schematically represented in the present example by the sphygmometer 58, which can also be used for monitoring the user's pulse rate, for example, in cooperation with the processing means 57. On the basis of the measured body parameters the microprocessor 53 can adapt the imposed base load and reflex load via the switching means 52 by changing the DC component or the AC component, respectively. This may also take place at a user's initiative. In a special embodiment, this DC component may even be eliminated in its entirety, so that the device will only impose a reflex load. On the other hand it is also possible to eliminate the AC component so as to obtain only a base load. The device according to the invention may be used as a conventional device for imposing a base load or a reflex load in that case.

The input means 60 are schematically represented by a keyboard, by means of which the user (or a doctor, for example) can input requirements as regards the counteracting profile being provided to the solenoid 44 by the control means 47. In the present example, the input means also comprise a display screen 61 , on which not only information about the DC or the AC component may be displayed, but also current values of body parameters such as the blood pressure or the pulse rate. Information about the counteracting profile being provided may also be displayed on display means 62, which are likewise connected to the microprocessor unit 53. Said display means 62 may also display information

regarding the body parameters and the user's requirements, as well as information regarding the operation of the fitness device that is accessible to the microprocessor unit 53.

Figure 3 schematically shows a method according to the present invention, in which numeral 65 shows the step of controlling the base load and/or the reflex load provided by the fitness device. The controlling of said load parameters may take place on the basis of input data 66 of, for example, the user, but it may also take place in a different manner, as will be explained below. The required characteristics of the counteracting profile to be provided are converted in step 68, for example by an electrical signal delivered to an actuator, into actual counteraction of a movement generated in the fitness device. By counteracting the movement produced in the fitness device, specific muscle groups in the user's body will be loaded. The effects of the additional reflex load are concentrated in the muscle groups being loaded. The user's body may react in various ways (as indicated in step 69) to the load that is applied thereto. The body may start to perspire and the user's pulse rate will increase. Furthermore it is conceivable that the user's blood pressure will rise. Those skilled in the art will realise that the movement being carried out and the load being provided may produce several physiological reactions in the body. Said physiological processes may for example be monitored by measuring specific body parameters, as is indicated in step 70. These measured body condition parameters may be converted in step 72 into, for example, an adjustment of the base load and/or the reflex load provided by the fitness device (step 72). Adjustment of the load takes place in step 65 again, as described above. In step 74 various data of the method described herein may be displayed, for example to the user. In particular, the user's requirements as input (illustrated by the dotted arrow 77), the counteraction profile provided (dotted arrow 76) and/or the measured body parameters (dotted arrow 75) may be displayed.

Figures 4A and 4B schematically show counteracting means which may also be used in combination with the present invention, wherein the reflex load means are arranged for providing the reflex load on the basis of electrostatic forces. In figure 4A an embodiment of such counteracting means is shown in side elevation. In said figure, a primary coil 80 is wound round a core 81. The core 81 is so configured that the poles thereof point towards each other at the ends so as to

ensure that the magnetic field lines between the poles of the core 81 obtained by energising the primary coil 80 will be rectilinear as much as possible. A further core 84 is furthermore present between the poles of the core 81 , around which further core a secondary coil 83 is wound. The further core 84 is connected to a rotary shaft 85, so that the secondary coil 83 can rotate between the poles of the core 81. The secondary coil 83 can thus rotate in the magnetic field between the poles of the core 81 as provided by the primary coil 80.

The secondary coil 83 is fed from a pair of sliding contacts 88 and 89, which maintain a continuous contact with at least one of the ring parts 90 or 91 (note that the ring part 91 is not shown in figure 4A but only in figure 4B, which is a schematic view along the line l-l). The ring parts 90 and 91 are connected to connecting points 95 and 96 for the secondary coil 83 by means of tab parts 93 and 94. The primary coil 80 is also connected to connecting points 98 and 99 for energising the primary coil 80. Figure 4B schematically shows a sectional view along the line l-l in figure 4A of the sliding contacts of the device that is shown therein. The ring parts 90 and 91 are shown in said figure, whilst the figure furthermore shows that the sliding contacts 88 and 89 make contact with at least one of the ring parts 90/91. Furthermore, the rotary shaft 85 is shown in sectional view. In figure 4A, the primary coil 80 is connected to the control unit 100 via connecting points 98 and 99 in order to enable energisation thereof. The control unit 100 may for example be connected to a DC power source 101 as well as to an AC power source 102 (schematically shown). Furthermore, the load provided by the counteracting means, both the base load and the reflex load, may be adjusted with the aid of input means 105. Information concerning the load being provided may be displayed to the user of the device.

According to this embodiment, the primary coil 80 is energised with a DC component for the purpose of providing a base load (which may or may not be invariant). Primary coil 80 is energised with an adjustable AC current that is superimposed over the DC current, which AC current is provided by the AC source 102 and transferred (whether or not in modified form) to the primary coil 80 via the control means 100. The AC component provides a vibrating reflex load, which may be used in accordance with the invention.

In order to be able to transfer the load to the motion means of the

device, the ring parts 90 and 91 , which are made of an electrically conductive material, are energised with a DC component. The secondary coil 83 is energised via the sliding contacts 88 and 89, and the magnetic field provided by the secondary coil 83 will tend to align itself with the magnetic field that is provided by the primary coil 80. Consequently, a force will be exerted on the core 84 of the second the recoil. The load consisting of the force being exerted on the core 84 can be transferred to the motion means via the rotary shaft 85, which is connected to the motion means of, for example, the fitness device, and said load will be experienced by the user. When the secondary coil 83 is fully aligned with the magnetic field between the poles of the core 81 during the movement, the sliding contacts 88 and 89 will have rotated exactly so far that they make contact with the other one of the two ring parts 90 and 91 , such that the direction of flow of the current in the secondary coil 83 is reversed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when the sliding contacts shown in figure 4B are rotated further, the sliding contact 88 will make contact the ring part 90 after some time and the sliding contact 89 will make contact with the ring part 91 after some time. Since the direction of the current in the secondary coil 83 is now reversed, the magnetic field is reversed as well, and said magnetic field will again tend to align itself with the magnetic field between the poles of the core 81 . Thus, a base load will be exerted on the rotary shaft 85 again. The AC component in the primary coil 80 effects a periodic variation in the strength of the magnetic field between the poles of the core 81 , and consequently the force exerted on the core 84 of the secondary coil 83 will also vary harmonically. This makes it possible to provide of the reflex load to the shaft 85.

Those skilled in the art will realise that in the present case the force exerted on the core 84 of the secondary coil 83 as a result of the DC component will depend on the position of the secondary coil 83 with respect to the poles of the core 81. This is not desirable in the situation in which an invariant base load is to be provided, and the intensity of the current through the primary coil 80 will have to be adjusted in dependence on the position of the secondary coil 83 with respect to the core 81. This can be achieved by providing the counteracting means as shown in figure 4A with feedback means (not shown), by means of which the position of the secondary coil 83 relative to the poles of the core 81 can be communicated to the control unit 100. The intensity of the current through the primary coil 80 can be adjusted by the control unit 100 in dependence on the position of the secondary coil

in that case. Thus, it is possible not only to obtain an invariant base load, but in addition the magnitude of the base load as a function of the movement may have any desired form. In a special embodiment, this DC component may even be disabled in its entirety, so that the device will only impose a reflex load. Similarly, the AC component may be disabled, so that only a base load will be obtained. The device according to the invention may be used as a conventional device for imposing a base load or a reflex load in that case.

Another embodiment (not shown) consists of a magnetic dipole capable of rotation between the poles of a core. A magnetic field is provided between the poles again in that case by a primary coil that is wound around the core, for example in a similar manner as shown in figure 4A for the secondary coil 83. A rotary shaft extending through the magnetic dipole may be connected to the motion means of a device according to the invention in such a manner that the load is transferred to the motion means by means of the rotary shaft that extends through the dipole.

A large number of applications can be realised with the device according to the invention, only a limited number of which can be enumerated in the present description. A special embodiment of the invention provides a device which may be suitable for home use, or which can be easily moved by a user, for example. Such a portable embodiment of the invention may be fed by means of a battery, for example, or be connected to the mains voltage by suitable means (a plug connection).

Another special embodiment of the invention may for example consist of a chair provided with two armrests, wherein the loading means are operatively connected to the armrests in such a manner that it is possible to apply an identical load or an asymmetric load to each of the arms. The armrests may for example be provided with handles or armbands for the user's hands or arms. The advantage of such an embodiment is that it is very suitable for use by elderly persons, who can experience the advantages of the present invention without much physical effort being required.

As already described in the foregoing, specific muscle groups of the body will be addressed in particular by applying a base load to the body. By adding a reflex load to the base load, said reflex load can also be aimed at the muscle groups being addressed, in such a manner that the advantages of providing a reflex load to

the body can be used in particular with specific, desired muscle groups, whilst on the other hand other muscle groups can be spared, for example. All this enhances the effect of the reflex load in the muscle groups being addressed, so that the provision of the reflex load can be used more efficiently for rehabilitation and training programmes aimed at rehabilitating or training specific parts and muscles of the body.

The embodiments as shown in the figures are only meant to illustrate the device and the method according to the invention as described in the present application. The scope of the invention described herein is limited only by the appended claims. It will be understood that the embodiments as shown and described herein are not intended as being limitative to the invention, therefore.