Patent Publication Number: US-10315072-B2

Title: Systems and methods for deliberate stride over-extension

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present patent application is a divisional patent application of U.S. Ser. No. 14/488,845, U.S. Pat. No. 9,950,213, filed on Sep. 17, 2014, which claims priority to provisional patent application identified by U.S. Ser. No. 61/960,392, filed on Sep. 17, 2013, and claims priority thereto under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Performance measures are critical in determining the potential of athletes and efficacy of training programs. Training programs that can improve performance measures are highly sought out within the fitness and athletic industry as an increased emphasis is being placed on physical performance measures as an outcome predictor. A simple performance measure, such as stride length, may be beneficial in the determination of athletic performance. 
     In biomechanics, stride length is the distance between successive points of contact of a foot. For example, stride length is the distance between two successive placements of a single foot, consisting of step lengths. 
     Generally, in regards to stride length, current machines within the art focus on identification or adaptation to a user&#39;s normal stride length. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,062,167, the system described allows for a user to adjust setting of the machine to provide for a user&#39;s stride length. In another example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,775, the system describes a starting block for track running. The starting block includes two pads with exact markings for where a runner should place their feet to start in a track meet. 
     Stride evaluation systems within the industry are also used to evaluate a person&#39;s stride length. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,679, straps and sensors positioned on a user&#39;s body are used to aid in evaluation of a person&#39;s stride length. Other evaluation system examples include those systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,896,784 and 7,785,235. Abnormal conditions of a person&#39;s stride length may also be evaluated such as in the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,527. 
     The stride evaluation systems and methods described and known within the industry are used to evaluate and dissect the stride length of a user so that the user can extend or adjust their stride. Generally, an increased stride length is an end goal of the system and is not an element of the system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Like reference numerals in the figures represent and refer to the same or similar element or function. Implementations of the disclosure may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed pictorial illustrations, schematics, graphs, drawings, and appendices. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an exemplary stride stretch system in accordance with the present disclosure. The stride stretch system includes a mat having multiple stride patterns positioned thereon. 
         FIG. 1B  is a top down view of a section of the stride stretch system illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  is a top down view of another exemplary stride stretch system in accordance with the present disclosure. The stride stretch system includes an oval track surface having stride patterns positioned thereon. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of another exemplary stride stretch system in accordance with the present disclosure. The stride stretch system includes a mat having three different stride patterns positioned thereon. 
         FIG. 3B  is a top down view of a section of the stride stretch system illustrated in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic view of a normal step length as compared to an extended step length. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of an exemplary method for using a stride stretch system in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view of another exemplary stride stretch system in accordance with the present disclosure. The stride stretch system having multiple oval tracks with stride patterns positioned thereon. 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of another exemplary stride stretch system in accordance with the present disclosure. The stride stretch system having a treadmill with a belt, wherein a stride pattern is positioned on the belt. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the belt illustrated in  FIG. 7A  having multiple step patterns of the stride pattern positioned on the belt. 
         FIG. 8A  is a side view of another exemplary stride stretch system in accordance with the present disclosure. The stride stretch system having a treadmill with a projection system for providing an image of a stride pattern on a belt of the treadmill. 
         FIG. 8B  is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary projection system for use in the stride stretch system illustrated in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  is a block diagram of another example of a stride stretch system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  is a partial side-elevational, partial front elevation, and partial perspective view of the stride stretch system depicted in  FIG. 9A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTIVE CONCEPT(S) 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), process(es), methodology(ies), and/or outcome(s) is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), process(es), methodology(ies), and/or outcome(s) disclosed herein may be capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), process(es), methodology(ies), and/or outcome(s) herein in any way. With respect to any reference—patent or otherwise—mentioned herein, such reference should be considered to be incorporated by reference herein in its entirety as if set forth explicitly herein. 
     In the following detailed description of embodiments of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), process(es), methodology(ies), and/or outcome(s), numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), process(es), methodology(ies), and/or outcome(s). However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), process(es), methodology(ies), and/or outcome(s) within the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, by skipping one or more of these specific details, or by modifying or transforming one or more of these specific details in a manner that would be apparent to one or ordinary skill in the art given the present disclosure and teachings. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure and teachings and the following specification should be construed as including all relevant and/or known details or teachings that would be within the skill and knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), process(es), methodology(ies), and/or outcome(s) disclosed herein are generally directed to a stride stretch system for deliberate over-extension. For example, such concepts may include deliberate over-extension of leg-muscles, tendons and/or ligaments during motion, such as walking, with an extended distance between a first footfall and a subsequent footfall as compared to a normal step length. In some embodiments, the stride stretch system may provide deliberate walking to an extended step length of a user&#39;s normal step length. In one example, the system may include one or more mats having markings representing step lengths for indication of foot placement when walking to increase step length. In another example, the system may include a treadmill device wherein an image may be projected onto the tread designating placement of footfall. Alternatively, a projection bar may be added to a standard treadmill with the projection bar providing the image projected onto the tread designating placement of footfall. In another example, the system may include a signaling device configured to alert a user as to footfall placement. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” includes,” including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed. 
     As used herein the notation “a-n” appended to a reference numeral is intended as merely convenient shorthand to reference one, or more than one, and up to infinity, of the elements or features identified by the respective reference numeral (e.g.,  134   a - n ). Similarly, a letter following a reference numeral is intended to reference an embodiment of the features of an element that may be similar, but not necessarily identical, to a previously described element or feature bearing the same reference numeral (e.g.,  148 ,  148   a ,  148   b , etc.). Such shorthand notations are used for purposes of clarity and convenience only, and should not be construed to limit the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), process(es), methodology(ies), and/or outcome(s) in any way, unless expressly stated to the contrary. 
     Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive “or” and not to an exclusive “or.” For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
     In addition, use of the term “a” or “an” are employed herein to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), process(es), methodology(ies), and/or outcome(s). This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is readily apparent to one or ordinary skill in the art that it is meant otherwise. 
     Finally, as used herein, any reference to “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), process(es), methodology(ies), and/or outcome(s). The appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” and “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment unless it would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that it is meant otherwise. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate, by way of example only, a stride stretch system  10  for deliberate over-extension of leg-muscles, tendons and/or ligaments during walking with an extended distance between a first footfall and a subsequent footfall as compared to a normal step length. 
     Generally, the stride stretch system  10  may comprise one or more mats  12 . Each mat  12  may be formed of resilient material for walking thereon. The resilient material may be formed of materials including, but not limited to, 
     In some embodiments, the mat  12  may be a temporary fixture positioned upon a surface. Alternatively, the mat  12  may be a permanent fixture positioned on the ground. For example,  FIG. 2  illustrates a mat  12   a  as permanent surfacing for a quarter-mile track. For simplicity in description, the mat  12  will be described in relation to a rectangular mat  12 , however one skilled in the art will understand the mat  12  may be in any shape including circular, oval, square, or follow any fanciful shape. 
     Each mat  12  may have a first end  14  and a second end  16  with a length L spanning from the first end  14  to the second end  16 . Additionally, each mat  12  may have a first side  18  and a second side  20  with a width spanning from the first side  18  to the second side  20 . Dimensions of each mat  12  may be based on use. For example, in some embodiments, the mat  12  may have dimensions of suitable for use in short distances (e.g., 40 inches by 600 inches). Alternatively, the mat  12  may include a length L and a width suitable for longer distances (e.g., the length L of a quarter-mile track). 
     Each mat  12  may include one or more stride patterns  22 . For example,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate the stride patterns  22   a - 22   j . Each stride pattern  22  may include two or more step patterns  24  with an interval  26  positioned therebetween. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the stride pattern  22   a  includes at least step patterns  24   a  and  24   b . Each step pattern  24  within the stride pattern  22  may be formed as any shape, color or size. For example, in some embodiments, each step pattern  24  within the stride pattern  22  may be a rectangle having the same pattern as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . In some embodiments, the step pattern  24  may be in the shape of a foot (e.g., left foot, right foot). In some embodiments, different stride patterns  22  may be distinguished using different patterns, colors, or other distinguishing features, such as, for example, in mats  12  having multiple stride patterns  22 . For example, in  FIG. 1A , different stride patterns  22  are distinguished using different patterns for each step patterns  24 . 
     Distance between each successive step pattern  24  within a stride pattern  22  includes an interval  26  positioned therebetween. Generally, the length of each interval  26  is measured from the center of each step patterns  24 . For example, the interval  26   a  of stride pattern  22   a  extends from the center C 1  of the step pattern  24   a  to the center C 2  of the step pattern  24   b.    
     In some embodiments, each interval  26  may be substantially uniform within each stride pattern  22 ; however, intervals  26  may vary as compared to other stride patterns  22  on the mat  12 . For example, each interval  26   a  within stride pattern  22   a  may be substantially uniform between step patterns  24  of the stride pattern  22   a  (e.g., the interval  26  between stride patterns  22   a  and  22   b  may be substantially similar or the same in length to the interval  26  between stride patterns  22   b  and  22   c  as shown in  FIG. 1A ). The interval  26 , however, may be different in length as compared to other intervals  26  of additional stride patterns  22  on the mat  12 . For example, the length of the interval  26   a  used in the stride pattern  22   a  may be smaller than the length of an interval  26   j  used in the stride pattern  22   j.    
     Providing different lengths for intervals  26  of different stride patterns  22  may allow for two or more users having different strides to use the mat  12 . Alternatively, providing for different lengths for intervals  26  in different stride patterns  22  may allow for a single user to progressively increase or decrease the user&#39;s stride moving from the first stride pattern  22  to successive increasing or decreasing stride patterns  22 . For example,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate the mat  12   b  having three stride patterns  22   k - 22   m  having three distinct intervals  26   k - 26   m . A user may use the mat  12   b  to gradually increase their stride by specific intervals  26  (e.g., by 120%, 140% and 160%). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 1B and 4 , in some embodiments, the length of each interval  26  may be determined using a step ratio. The step ratio may be based on a normal step length and an extended step length as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Generally, normal step length is a distance D 1  between a contact point P 1  of one foot and a contact point P 2  of an opposite foot. The contact points P 1  and P 2  are provided at the center of each foot in  FIG. 4 , however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the contact points P 1  and P 2  may be positioned at any point along the foot to determine normal step length of a user. The normal step length generally is the natural step length of the user. If one or more normal step lengths are measured, an average may be determined to provide an average normal step length. The average normal step length may then be used in the determination of the step ratio. 
     The distance D 2  of the extended step length may then be determined by increasing the normal step length by a step ratio (e.g., a pre-determined percentage). For example, the distance D 2  of the extended step length may be determined by increasing by approximately 120%-160% the distance D 1  of the normal step length, and as such, increasing the distance between contact points P 1  and P 2 . Intervals  26  for each stride pattern  22  of the mat  12  may be based on the distance D 2  of the extended step length. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a flow chart  28  of exemplary method for using the stretch stride system  10  of  FIGS. 1-4 . Generally, a user may exercise lower-body parts including, but not limited to, legs, hip flexors, gluteus maximus, calves, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and/or joints, using one or more stride patterns  22  on the mat  12  of stride stretch system  10 . By using the one or more stride patterns  22  on the mat  12 , the natural step length of the user may stretch, loosen, and/or strengthen lower-body parts including, but not limited to, legs, hip flexors, gluteus maximus, calves, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and/or joints, for example. 
     In a step  30 , a user may determine the distance D 1  of a natural step length. The distance D 1  of the natural step length may be determined using methods known within the industry. For example, the distance D 1  of the natural step length may be determined by providing a starting point, having a user take a set number of steps (e.g., ten steps), having the user stop, and then measuring the total distance traveled by all steps of the user. An average natural step length may be determined using the total distance traveled and the set number of steps taken. The average natural step length may be used as the distance D 1  of the natural step length for subsequent steps. 
     In a step  32 , the distance D 2  of the extended step length may be determined using a step ratio based on the distance D 1  of the natural step length. The step ratio may be an increase between approximately 120% and 160% of the distance D 1  of the natural step length. The distance D 2  of the extended step length may correlate to one or more intervals  26  of the mat  12 . 
     In a step  34 , the mat  12  may be provided having one or more stride patterns  22 . Each stride patterns  22  may include two or more step patterns  24  positioned at one or more intervals  26  based on the distance D 2  of the extended step length of step  32 . 
     In a step  36 , the user may position each foot on corresponding step patterns  24  of at least one stride pattern  22  and walk (e.g., using decisive steps) following at least a portion of or the entire stride pattern  22  of the mat  12 . In some embodiments, the user may repeat the stride pattern  22  on the mat  12 . In some embodiments, the user may continue this motion for one or more timed sessions. For example, the user may continue this motion for a thirty minute session to a two hundred and forty minute session, or any amount in-between, shorter and/or greater. In some embodiments, the user may continue this motion for a pre-determined distance. 
     Use of the mat  12  having stride patterns  22  with intervals  26  at the extended step length may exercise the lower-body including legs, hip flexors, gluteus maximus, calves, tendons, ligaments, fascia, joints, and/or the like, for example, through the step patterns  24  that extend distance D 1  of the natural step length of the user. Such extension may stretch, loosen, and/or strengthen lower-body parts. In some embodiments, measured improvements may be determined for the user after immediate, short term, and/or long term use of the mat  12 . For example, measured improvements may be determined for height of a vertical jump, distance of a horizontal jump, speed of a sprint, speed and/or endurance of a distance run, and/or other athletic and/or rehabilitative body improvements. Additional time and/or sessions may increase rate and/or amount of measured improvements. For example, multiple sessions over the course of days, weeks, months and/or years may increase the rate and/or amount of measured improvements. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a stride stretch system  10   c  having multiple mats  12   c  and  12   d  for different types of physical activity (e.g., walking). In some embodiments, the mats  12   c  and  12   d  may be surfacing on a track or other prepared source or circuit for athletes.  FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary oval track layout, however, it should be noted that other prepared sources or circuits for athletes may be used including straight-away tracks, meandering tracks having one or more curves, and/or the like, for example. The first mat  12   c  may be positioned on or included in the surfacing of an inner track and used for a first physical activity, person, or team. The second mat  12   d  may be positioned on or included in the surfacing of an outer track and used for a second physical activity, person, or team as illustrated in  FIG. 6   
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a stride stretch system  10   d . Generally, the stride stretch system  10   d  may include a treadmill  40  outfitted with a belt  42  (e.g., moveable belt) having one or more stride patterns  22  positioned thereon. Any commercially available treadmill  40  may be used. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 7A , the stride patterns  22  may be permanently or temporarily positioned on the belt  42 . For example, in some embodiments, the step patterns  24  of the stride pattern  22  may include an adhesive backing configured to be attached to the belt  42  and subsequently removed. Temporary positioning of the stride patterns  22  may allow for a user to gradually increase the distance D 2  of the extended step length by increasing the interval  26  of the stride pattern  22  for multiple sessions. Alternatively, one or more step patterns  24  may be permanently attached and/or displayed on the belt  42 . For example, in some embodiments, the first step pattern  24  may be permanently positioned on the belt  42  (e.g., painted thereon, attached thereto). Subsequent step patterns  24  of the stride pattern  22  may be temporarily positioned on the belt  42 . Alternatively, all step patterns  24  of the stride pattern  22  may be permanently positioned on the belt  42 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a stride stretch system  10   e  using the treadmill  40 . Generally, the stride stretch system  10   e  may include a projector system  44 . The projector system  44  may be configured to project one or more images  46  on the belt  42  of the treadmill  40 . The one or more images  46  projected on the belt  42  may include the stride pattern  22  having one or more step patterns  24  positioned at one or more intervals  26  as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the projector system  44  may be configured to project one or more rays of light forming the image  46  of the stride pattern  22 . The projector system  44  may include a housing  48  with one or more mounting legs  50 . The mounting legs  50  may be configured to provide temporary or permanent positioning of the housing  48  on the treadmill  40 . 
     In some embodiments, the projector system  44  may include one or more input devices  52 , one or more control units  54  and one or more output devices  56 . The input device  52 , control unit  54  and the output devices  56  may be housed in a single device (e.g., housing  48 ) or may be housed in separate devices. For example, in  FIG. 8B  the input device  52 , control unit  54  and the output devices  56  are within the housing  48 . Alternatively, the input device  52 , control unit  54  and/or output devices  56  may be positioned on or near handlebars  58  of the treadmill  40 . Additionally, although the projector system  44  is shown positioned along the belt  42  of the treadmill  40 , it should be apparent that the image  46  may be projected on the belt  42  from another location, such as the handlebars  58 , and as such, the projector system  44  may be mounted on the handlebars  58 . Generally, the projector system  44  may be mounted in any suitable position about the treadmill  40  to project the image  46  on the belt  42  without hindering movement of a user. 
     The one or more input devices  52  may be configured to receive information input from a user and/or processor(s), and transmitting such information to the control unit  54 . The input device  52  may include, but is not limited to, implementation as a touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, trackball, microphone, fingerprint reader, infrared port, slide-out keyboard, flip-out keyboard, cell phone, PDA, video game controller, remote control, fax machine, network interface, combinations thereof, and the like, for example. In some embodiments, the input device  52  may be a touchscreen positioned on the display screen  60  of the treadmill, for example. In some embodiments, the input device  52  may be a cell phone configured to transmit communications to the control unit  54  of the projector system  44 , for example. In some embodiments, the input device  52  may be a touchscreen positioned on the housing  48  of the projector system  44  as illustrated in  FIG. 8B . 
     The control unit  54  may be a system or systems that are able to embody and/or execute the logic of the processes described herein. The control unit  54  may include one or more processors and processor executable code. As will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the control unit  54  may include one or more non-transient memory comprising processor executable code and/or software application, for example. In some embodiments, the control unit  54  may be configured to interface with a network to communicate information and/or data between the input device  52  and/or the output devices  56 . 
     In some embodiments, the output device  56  may be any lens system capable of optomechanically projecting the image  46  on the belt  42  of the treadmill  40 . Generally, the input device  52  may receive information on the extended step length and transmit the information and/or data to the control unit  54 . The control unit  54  may analyze and determine the interval  26  for the step pattern  24  and project, using the output devices  56  the stride pattern  22  on the belt  42  of the treadmill  40 . 
     In some embodiments, the output device  56  may include virtual reality glasses, goggles, headset, and/or any other type of wearable device configured to project the image  46  on the best  42  of the treadmill  40 . For example, the output device  56  may project the image  46  in a virtual reality environment and/or physically on the ground. In some embodiments, the projection system  44  may be used separate from the treadmill  40 . For example, the projection system having virtual reality glasses as the output device  56  may be capable of projecting the image  46  as the user walks on the ground (i.e., without the use of the treadmill  40 ). 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a stride stretch system  10   f  having one or more tracking devices  60  housed within one or more lower body wearable devices  62  (e.g., shoe(s), ankle bracelet(s)). Generally, the tracking device(s)  60  may communicate with a processor  64  and provide information, directly or indirectly, in the form of one or more signals to a user indicative of a real-time location of a user&#39;s feet as the feet contact a training surface, such as a ground, track or treadmill, for example. The signals may alert a user to positioning of feet in relation to a stride pattern  22 , time intervals for one or more sessions, distance parameters for one or more sessions as described in detail in relation to  FIGS. 1-8 . The tracking device(s)  60  may be used with the embodiments described in relation to  FIGS. 1-8 , or the tracking device(s)  60  may be used as a stand-alone device. 
     The tracking device  60  may include one or more sensors  64  capable of receiving information regarding placement and/or positioning of one or more lower body wearable devices  62  (e.g., shoes) of a user. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors  64  may include a 3-axis accelerometer, GPS system, and/or the like that obtains and generates a series of data points that are indicative of and provide a real-time position of one or more lower body wearable devices  62  of a user. The tracking device  60  may be configured to provide information and/or data related to frequency, duration, intensity, pattern of movement, and location of the lower body wearable device(s)  62 , which can then be correlated with a real-time location of the user&#39;s feet. For example, if the lower body wearable device  62  is located on the user&#39;s shoe, then the real-time location of the user&#39;s feet would be the location of the lower body wearable device(s)  62 . When the lower body wearable device(s)  62  is in the form of an anklet, then the real-time location of the user&#39;s feet would be a pre-selected distance in front of the lower body wearable device(s)  62 . In some embodiments, the stride stretch system  10   f  includes two of the lower body wearable device(s) with each of the lower body wearable devices  62  configured to be attached to either an ankle of a shoe of the user. For example, the lower body wearable device  62  can have a housing with an opening to receive a shoe lace of the user&#39;s shoe. 
     The tracking device  60  may be permanently housed within the lower body wearable device(s)  62  or temporarily attached to the device  62 . In some embodiments, the tracking device  60  may be positioned within a sole of the shoe, for example. It should be noted that the tracking device  60  may be positioned on any part of the lower body wearable device  62  and calibrated for positioning therefrom as will be understood by one skilled in the art. Alternatively, the tracking device may be positioned about one or more ankles of a user (e.g., ankle bracelet). 
     In some embodiments, the tracking device  60  may transmit information and/or data to one or more user devices  66  via communication link  68 . In some embodiments, the communication link  68  may be a network. As used herein, the terms “network” and “cloud”, and any variations thereof, are intended to include the provision of configurable computational resources on demand via interfacing with a processor, with software and/or data at least partially located on the processor. 
     The one or more user devices  66  may include, but are not limited to implementation as a cellular telephone, personal computer, a smart phone, network-capable television set, a television set-top box, a tablet, an e-book reader, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a network-capable handheld device, a video game console, a server, a digital video recorder, a DVD-player, a Blu-Ray Player, and/or the like. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, the one or more user devices  66  may include virtual reality glasses, goggles, headset, and/or any other type of wearable device capable of projecting an image  70  in a virtual reality environment or physically on the ground. The image  70  may include the stride pattern  22  as described in further detail herein showing a real-time location of the user&#39;s feet as determined by the information generated by the tracking device  60 , as well as an expected position for placing the feet of the user as determined by the user device  66  so that the user can see the location of their feet relative to the expected position for assisting in extending the stride of the user. 
     The user device  66  may include one or more processors capable of interfacing with the communication link  68 , processor executable code, one or more application capable of communicating information and/or data over the communication link  68 , and/or the like. As will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the user device  66  may include one or more non-transient memory comprising processor executable code and/or software applications, for example. 
     In some embodiments, the user device  66  may be configured to provide one or more alert signals (e.g., vibration, auditory, visual) to the user. For example, the user device  66  may be configured to provide a vibration alert signal to the user when correct positioning of the user&#39;s feet according to a pre-determined stride pattern  22  is achieved. In another example, the user device  66  may be configured to provide an auditory signal to the user when completion of a pre-determined distance of the stride pattern  22  has been achieved. In another example, the user device  66  may be configured to provide a visual signal to the user when completion of a pre-determined timed session of the stride pattern  22  has been achieved. 
     From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein are well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein, as well as those inherent in the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein. While the embodiments of the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made and readily suggested to those skilled in the art which are accomplished within the scope and spirit of the inventive concept(s) disclosed herein.