Inventor(s): Pamela Macfarlane, Mary Visser, Clifford Mirman, Ragu Athinarayanan
Abstract
A team of NIU researchers developed a unique power tester for testing reaction time and muscular power. The ability to exert muscle power is key to the effective performance of many sports related skills requiring the body to change speed and/or direction quickly. The "PowerTool" utilizes the speed of movement in conjunction with the mass being moved to calculate muscle power. The device provides power assessment for both healthy and injured athletes or can be a screening tool measuring the fall risk in patients with low leg power. The "PowerTool" is a portable microprocessor device equipped with photo detectors/receivers as well as a digital display. The device is effective for a wide variety of open and closed chain exercise movements suitable for sport performance enhancement.
Potential commercial uses and users:
Sport performance centers where athletes train to enhance performance requiring speed and strength. Equipment manufacturers who are interested in incorporating measures of power into their resistance equipment.
Advantages:
The "PowerTool" is a portable, relatively low cost device, offering data on a variety of movements. Current power testing equipment is expensive, has minimal or limited portability and may be limited to one movement.
Related Publications:
Brandenburg, J.P. (2005). The Acute Effects of Prior Dynamic Resistance Exercise Using Different Loads on Subsequent Upper-Body Explosive Performance in Resistance-Traned Men. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 19(2): 427-432.
Visser, M. The assessment of power in college-aged athletes and mid-life women. (completed student thesis)
Status: Patent No. 6,672,157
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