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Introduction Categories
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IntroductionThe Ariel Computerized
Exercise System (CES), developed by Dr. Gideon Ariel, a renowned authority in
biomechanics, represents the state-of-the-art in technology for medical
diagnostics, physical therapy and rehabilitation, sports medicine evaluation and
treatment, fitness training and research. The CES system automatically monitors,
controls and modifies resistance and velocity, in �real-time� as the
exercise is being performed. It does so safely and efficiently, constantly
adjusting itself to each person�s individual capabilities and limitations, and
may be used isotonically, isokinetically, and isometrically. It is uniquely
interactive and the only exercise system available with so many capabilities. The CES also records
accurate measurements of movement, strength and endurance with the capacity for
storage and subsequent comparison of the individual�s performance. Rest assured that the CES
is not difficult to use. It has been designed to remove much of the burden of
exerciser program selection for the inexperienced user, while at the same time
providing advanced training and diagnostic tools to the coach, trainer or
clinician. Regardless of your level
of experience, prior knowledge of computers or data processing is not necessary.
Performing a personalized training or rehabilitation program is accomplished by
following simple directions on the monitor and entering proper selections
provided by the menu driven system. Even the most advanced features of the CES
can be mastered in a few practice sessions. Please take some time now
to familiarize yourself with this manual, and with the various components that
make up the Ariel CES. This manual describes these components and the functions
performed by each one. Step-by-step instructions are provided through a sample
exercise session as well as descriptions of more of the advanced features of the
CES. Take your time!
Experiment! Enjoy yourself! You have just entered a new dimension of human
performance... What's new in CES 1.0A few of the new features
you will see in Ariel CES version 1.0 1.
Windows Operating System.
Operation has been implemented for CES operation from the Microsoft Windows
(98SE/2000) operating system. 2. Audio Instructions. User recordable audio (*.wav) files are used for instructions. System overviewThe ARIEL CES consists of
a number of components that work together to perform the functions of resistive
training and rehabilitation, data measurement and display, and system control.
Each of these components has been designed to perform its associated task
reliably and efficiently with a minimum of set-up or adjustment required by the
user. A description of each component, as well as a brief explanation of the
function or use follows. EXERCISE STATIONSThere are typically two
exercise stations that make up the ARIEL CES; the Multi-Function Exerciser and
the Arm/Leg Exerciser. Each of the ARIEL exercisers has been designed to train
many different muscle groups. Functional flexibility has been achieved through
the use of a computer controlled passive hydraulic resistance mechanism. This
mechanism can apply a resistance of any desired magnitude to the bar of the
exercise station. Resistance can be applied in both the �up� and �down�
directions over the full range of the bar motion. This design permits many
different exercises to be performed on each station, and adapts to subjects of
differing physical size and strength levels with no user adjustment or set-up of
the resistance mechanism. There are a number of
different exercises that are commonly performed on the Multi-Function Exerciser.
Notice that the Bench Press/Pull, the Sitting Press/Pull, and the Curl/Triceps
are bi-directional exercises - that is, resistance can be applied on the down
stroke as well as the up stroke so that more than one muscle group can be
trained by a single exercise. Numerous exercises can also be performed on the
Arm/Leg Exerciser. These are also bi-directional. The programmable
hydraulic resistance mechanism offers certain advantages over traditional weight
training equipment. Weights have inertia. In other words, it takes more effort
to get them moving than to keep them moving. In weight training, subjects often
use a large initial effort to start the weights moving, and then �coast� to
the end of the stroke. The ARIEL CES has very low inertia. The hydraulic
resistance requires continuous muscular effort throughout the range of motion,
resulting in more effective training. Also, the ARIEL exerciser offers
exceptional safety and quietness of operation. Since resistance is achieved
through passive hydraulics, the bar will immediately stop when released. There
are no weight stacks to fall back to their resting position with a resulting
rapid and dangerous movement of the bar. When training in a rehabilitation
environment, a subject may immediately cease exercising if pain occurs without
having to lower heavy weights. The hydraulic mechanism is inherently quiet as
well. There is no �clang� as when weights hit the stack at the end of each
repetition. SYSTEM CONTROL COMPUTERThe System Control
Computer contains the �brains� of the ARIEL CES. It also contains a CD-ROM
and diskette drive for program and data storage, and specialized electronics
that allow it to monitor and control the functions of the exercise station. The
computer connects to the exercise station with an intermediate junction box. The
junction box provides power to the stepper motor and also allows for
simultaneous data collection from analog data sources such as EMG electrodes.
The computer has a switchable power supply that can be set for either 120 or
240-volt power. Although the computer
console may at first appear complex, it is actually quite simple to operate. A
user with a pre-programmed exercise sequence merely has to select the desired
program and proceed with the exercise sequence. For the balance of the exercise
session the computer will automatically select and set up each exercise and
inform the user what function to perform next. When the exercise session has
been completed, the user simply logs out until the next scheduled exercise
session. For experienced users,
coaches, clinicians, and health club personnel, many advanced features of the
ARIEL CES are available through the system computer. These include programming
individual exercise sequences, calibrating the exercise station, performing
system utilities, and running diagnostics in the event of a malfunction. These
powerful features are selected and run through a series of �menus� that are
displayed on the computer monitor. This menu approach allows simple and rapid
access to all of the capabilities of the ARIEL CES without requiring a knowledge
of computers or data processing equipment. Subsequent sections will discuss
these various advanced functions in detail. A typical CES computer
system consists of 500 MHz computer, CD-ROM (or optional CD-RW), 1.44 MB floppy
disk drive, 20 GB hard disk drive, 64 MB RAM, an AGP graphic card and color
monitor. Microsoft Windows is used for the operating system. COMPUTER MONITORThe computer monitor is a
standard high resolution color monitor that is used to display information from
the system computer. During the exercise, it continuously reports the user
performance both graphically and numerically. The monitor also displays the
user�s cumulative performance at the end of each exercise, and optionally
compares it to previous performance levels. The monitor is normally placed next
to the system computer, though it may be relocated in any manner desired. Most
current monitors use �auto-sensing� power supplies and support voltages from
100 to 240 volt AC power. COLOR PRINTERThe color graphic printer
is an option to the basic ARIEL CES. The printer is used to produce copies of
exercise results and reports. Any Microsoft Windows compatible printer can be
used with the ARIEL CES. See also
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