INERTIAL EXERCISE APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

An inertial training apparatus (2) and method utilized for strength training and rehabilitation strength training muscles. The inertial training apparatu s and method allows for generation of rotational inertial forces by accelerati ng a mass by a concentric contraction of a muscle and converting the rotational inertial forces of the mass into a substantially equivalent eccentric action of the muscle used to decelerate the mass. A tether (42) is coupled between the mass and a body part to transfer the tension forces provided by the body part to accelerate the mass and, in turn, those provided by the body part to decelerate the mass. A swing arm (18) and a mass on the swing arm are rotatably mounted to a frame to preferably allow for low-friction rotation about a substantially vertical axis. A primary tether guide (48) is preferab ly coupled to the frame and can be positioned near an intermediate rotational position.