Patent ID: 6764429
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
A system for training athletes that separates running into vertical and horizontal components, comprising:a horizontal component training device having a mid-torso pad and an upper torso pad to retain the athlete in an upright isolate at least hip flexor and hip extensor muscles of each leg, the upper torso pad located at least as high as a thorax of the athelete, an actuator arm and leg pad positioned to operatively engage with the leg of the athlete during movement through a sports specific motion, an acceleration training resistance mechanism releasably connected to the actuator arm, and a stretch-shortening cycle resistance mechanism releasably connected to the actuator arm; and a vertical component training device comprising a treadmill, a stabilizing frame attachable to the athlete, to isolate at least quadriceps and calf muscles of each leg, and a vertical load on the athlete during supramaximally training of at least the quadriceps and calf muscles adapted to be applied onto treadmill using a sports specific motion to decrease ground contact time.