WO2007142588A1

WO2007142588A1 - System for exercising human reaction to stimuli, method and computer program therefor and use of the system

Info

Publication number: WO2007142588A1
Application number: PCT/SE2007/000563
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik Veje Rasmussen
Original assignee: Ic Control Media & Sport Ab
Priority date: 2006-06-09
Filing date: 2007-06-08
Publication date: 2007-12-13

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for exercising human reaction to stimuli in connection with sports activities and/or rehabilitation purposes. The system comprises a first means for generating stimuli, and a second means for controlling said stimuli. The invention also relates to a method and computer program for exercising human reaction and the use of said system.

Description

SYSTEM FOR EXERCISING HUMAN REACTION TO STIMULI, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM THEREFOR AND USE OF

THE SYSTEM.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to sports training systems and in particular relates to training, developing or rehabilitating a user's reaction- ary skills.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to training, developing and rehabilitating of a user's speed, endurance, strength, or hand-eye coordination.

Additionally, the invention relates to a system for exercising human re- action to stimuli in connection with sports activities and/or rehabilitation purposes.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for exercising human reaction to stimuli in connection with sports activities and/or rehabilitation purposes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program for exercising human reaction to stimuli in connection with sports activities.

Additionally, the present invention relates to the use of the system according to the invention in connection with sports activities, such as handball, football, ice hockey, basketball, soccer, American football, table tennis, vol- leyball, tennis, badminton, baseball, basketball, floor-ball, etc, and for training a goalkeeper, and for rehabilitating of injured or handicapped persons.

Background Art

The following patents are considered somewhat relevant to the present invention as disclosing concepts related in some respects to the subject training system. However, none of the cited prior art discloses a system with the same versatile attributes training of reactions, speed, endurance, strength or hand-eye coordination.

Philipp Harald WO8805323 (Athletic evaluation and training apparatus) discloses a method and apparatus for reactionary training of football players. The player is to run from a point A straight ahead to a point B, where he is to react to a signal instructing him to run right, left or to throw a ball. The apparatus measures the player's running and reaction time by means of a light beam. The patent is limited in that it only relates to measuring movement over a flat surface and thus not in three-dimensional fields or over vertical or tilted surfaces. Furthermore the apparatus can only measure one reaction at the time, and thus not a sequence of reactions. Onishi Keiji JP9322956 (Practice swing training machine for baseball) is an apparatus for baseball training comprising lights which can be switched on in a randomised sequence. The user is to attempt hitting an area nearby the switched-on light with a baseball. If the baseball hits the switched-on light, the light is reflected off the ball, by which the apparatus can register a correct hit. The apparatus furthermore comprises a speed gauge and a tone generator, which enables a tonal indication of the ball's speed. The patent is limited in that it only relates to training implicating the throwing of a ball towards a designated target.

Singhal Tara Chand US5888179 (Agility Exercise Apparatus) relates to an apparatus for emission of visible light beams. The user is to avoid or achieve contact with said light beams, by which training of movement patterns and reactions can be achieved. The apparatus includes a control device enabling customised sequencing of the light beam emission.

Barra James M US5060941 (Electronic Reaction-time Game Toy) is an apparatus for simulation of various sports activities. The user is to repeat a given action sequence by activating indicator lights. These lights are activated by pushing a set of buttons. The patent is limited in that it does not offer exercise including physical movement. This means that the simulation of the sport does not increase the user's skill in the sport but merely provides entertain- ment.

Innovative Training Products (US)EP0253920 (Sports Technique and Reaction Training System) is an apparatus where a number of lights placed on a fixture are lit in front of the user, to which the user is to react with a given movement pattern. The user's movement are registered a mat with embed- ded movement sensors. The apparatus can be programmed with different lighting sequences. The patent is limited in that it only relates to measuring movement over a flat surface and thus not in three-dimensional fields or over vertical or tilted surfaces. Summary of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide a reaction training system which enables versatile exercises. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for reaction training which enables detailed monitoring and performance measurement by a coach.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for exercising human reaction to stimuli in connection with sports activities and/or reha- bilitation purposes, comprising a first means for generating stimuli, and a second means for controlling said stimuli. Such a system enables a very flexible and versatile creation of stimuli for a user to react to, which enables a wide range of exercising activities within sports and rehabilitation. A key advantage is that the system can replace traditional training equipment and thus takes up less space and in many cases also is a smaller investment.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a third means for registration of human reaction to said stimuli. This third means enables monitoring and recording of the user's reaction to the generated stimuli. The advantage of this is that it enables creating statistics of past re- suits, comparison of users, comparison of a user's improvements versus previous exercises, etc.

Advantageously, the first means comprises at least one signal- receiving device in order to enable control of the stimuli generation.

In another embodiment of the invention, the first means comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes, in order to enable generation of stimuli in the form of light. The advantage of using light beams as the stimuli for the user to react to is that it lies close to the hand-eye and body-eye coordination which is essential in many sports.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first means com- prises a means for sound emission, in order to enable generation of stimuli in the form of sound. The advantage of using sound as the stimuli for the user to react to is that it lies close to the hand-ear and body-ear coordination which is essential in many sports. Also, the sound emission enables seeing-impaired users to use the system as well. Furthermore, combining stimuli in the-form of light and stimuli in the form of sound provides further versatility in the exercises the system can be applied in. Preferably, the first means comprises means for mechanical attachment to external objects or surfaces. This is to enable flexible positioning of the source of stimuli for the user to react to, and is thus advantageous in that it makes the system versatile and easy to implement. In another embodiment of the invention, the first means comprises a casing made of acrylic glass so that it gives the first means an appearance related to a white sphere. This has the advantage that the appearance of the first means becomes comparable to that of a ball, and thus the training of reaction in sports involving balls gets a more realistic feel for the user. Advantageously, the first means comprises a power supply, in order to supply power to the components of the first means, for example the light- emitting diodes or the means for sound emission.

Preferably, the third means comprises at least one movement sensor. The movement sensor makes it possible to register the user's reaction to the generated stimuli.

In another embodiment, the third means comprises means for transmitting a signal, which enables communication to the control means of the registered reaction of the user to the generated stimuli.

Advantageously, the third means comprises at least a first light- emitting element for marking the activation and/or missing activation of said movement sensor. The purpose of this is to make it immediately evident to the user whether his/her reaction was successful or not.

Preferably, any of the first, second and third means are arranged to communicate wirelessly with each other. This is an advantage, since it de- creases the amount of cables in the system, making it easier to implement and re-arrange. Also, it removes the potential safety hazard of having cables lying around on the floor when doing sports activities.

In another embodiment, the second means comprises at least one means for transmitting a signal, in order to make it possible for the second means to control the first means.

Advantageously, the second means comprises at least one signal- receiving device. This is to make it possible for the second means to receive a signal from the first means about whether the user's reaction was successful or not. Preferably, the second means comprises at least one central processing unit, in order to enable processing, storing and communicating of the registered user reactions to stimuli. In another embodiment, the second means comprises at least one display means. This is to make the registered user reactions visible to for example a coach or the user himself/herself.

Advantageously, the second means comprises means for receiving user-input, in order to enable for example a coach to control the generation of stimuli.

Preferably, the second means comprises at least one storage media, which enables storing of a user's reaction to generated stimuli. Also, it enables storage of customised series of stimuli generation. In another embodiment the second means is arranged for providing randomised stimuli generation. This is to be able to provide a varied series of stimuli for a user to react to. For example, the randomness can be set at a level equal to the randomness of the sport being trained with the system.

Advantageously, the second means is arranged for programming se- quences of stimuli generation. This is to enable a coach to customise the training of a user, and to reuse the customisation at a later stage.

Preferably, the second means comprises means for interactive generation of said stimuli generation, in order to enable a coach to interactively control the stimuli generation and thus enable an intense training session. In another embodiment, the system further comprises a presentation board, which enables a larger visibility of the user's reactions to stimuli, for example to an audience or to the user himself/herself. The latter could act as a motivation factor for the user.

Advantageously, the system further comprises a PC, in order to enable more sophisticated processing, storing and communication of a user's results. Also, the PC enables control and supervision of the system via the internet.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for exercising human reaction to stimuli in connection with sports activities and/or rehabilitation purposes, the method comprising the steps of generating a stimuli for a user to react to via a first means, and registration of the reaction by said user via a second means. Such a method enables a very flexible and versatile creation of stimuli for a user to react to, which enables a wide range of exercising activities within sports and rehabilitation. A key advantage is that the system can replace traditional training equipment and thus takes up less space and in many cases also is a smaller investment.

In another embodiment, the method includes any of the steps selecting a training programme via the second means, communicating the reaction to the second means by a third means, presenting the reaction via a visual display integral in the second means, and/or storing the reaction via the second means.

A third objective of the invention, is to provide a computer program for exercising human reaction to stimuli in connection with sports activities, wherein said computer program is adapted to performing any of the steps generating a stimuli for a user to react to via a first means, registration of the reaction by said user via a second means, selecting a training programme via the second means, communicating the reaction to the second means by a third means, presenting the reaction via a visual display integral in the second means, and/or storing the reaction via the second means. The advantage of this computer program is that it enables more sophisticated processing, storing and communication of a user's results. Also, the PC enables control and supervision via the internet of the system according to the invention. Preferably, the computer program enables randomisation of the stimuli generated by said first means. This is to be able to provide a varied series of stimuli for a user to react to. For example, the randomness can be set at a level equal to the randomness of the sport being trained with the system.

In another embodiment, the computer program enables programming of the stimuli generated by said first means. This is to enable a coach to customise the training of a user, and to reuse the customisation at a later stage.

Advantageously, the computer program enables control of the system via the internet. This is to enable control and supervision of the system from a remote location. Preferably, the computer program enables storage and retrieval of user reaction results, in order to enable a coach or a user to evaluate or communicate results at a later stage.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide the use of the system according to the invention in connection with sports activities, such as handball, football, ice hockey, basketball, soccer, American football, table tennis, volleyball, tennis, badminton, baseball, basketball, floor ball, etc.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide the use of the system according to the invention for training a goalkeeper.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide the use of the system according to the invention for rehabilitating of injured or handicapped persons. The above objects, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the independent claims.

Embodiments according to the invention are presented in the ap- pended sub-claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which

Fig. 1 shows schematically a system according to the present invention,

Fig. 2 shows a means for stimuli generation in the form of light,

Fig. 3 shows a means for reaction registration, here integrated in the means for stimuli generation,

Fig. 4 shows the means for controlling the system,

Fig. 5 shows a fixture with a plurality of stimuli generating means attached, and

Fig. 6 shows two alternative preferred embodiments of the system ac- cording to the invention.

All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 shows the system 100 for reaction training according to the invention. The system comprises a means for stimuli generation 200 which is mounted on a fixture 900. The means for stimuli generation 200 may, for example, be a light-emitting glass sphere. The fixture 900 may for example be a metal rack, a wall or a post.

The means for stimuli generation 200 may be activated by a control means 400. The control means 400 may be a simple on-off button, but it may also within the inventive idea be a unit with more advanced control features. A connection between the means for stimuli generation 200 and the control means 400 may be made with a cable (not shown), but also with a wireless connection means (not shown). When stimuli is generated by 200, the user 500 can react by making a movement. If said stimuli for example is in the form of light, the user's 500 reaction can be moving an arm or a leg into the beam of light (not shown). The user's 500 reaction can be registered by a means for reaction registration 300. If the user's reaction is a movement, the reaction registration means 300 may be a movement sensor, but if the user's 500 reaction is in another form the reaction registration means 300 can have another form. A connection between the means for reaction registration 300 and the control means 400 may be made with a cable (not shown), but also with a wireless connection means (not shown).

The control means 400 may be operated by a coach 600, but also by the user 500. The control means can include options for the user or coach to choose randomised stimuli generation or pre-programmed sequences of stimuli. It can also give enable the coach to enter a customised sequence of stim- uli generation. Furthermore, the control means 400 may enable a coach to activate the stimuli generation during the reaction training in order to enable an interactive reaction training session.

The control means 400 may be connected to a PC 800 or other processing devices for more advanced control options via a computer program. The computer program may facilitate the selection of randomised, preprogrammed and customised stimuli sequence. The PC 800 may also facilitate the storage and statistical processing of results of the reaction series. Additionally, the PC 800 enables control of the system 100 via the internet.

Furthermore, the control means 400 and/or the PC 800, enables de- tailed and exact comparison of the results of a training series performed applying the system 100. This enables a coach 600 to brush off the details of a user's abilities and to target the training at a user's specific weaknesses or strengths. Also, it enables a detailed and exact comparison of two competing users, which aids the coach in team selection and in bringing in a competitive element in the training.

Furthermore, the control means 400 may be connected to a presentation board 700 for visual presentation of the result of reaction training to a user, a coach or an audience.

Fig. 2 shows the means for stimuli generation 200 according to the in- vention. The means 200 comprises one or more light emitting elements 202, here exemplified by a circular arrangement of diodes. The light emitting elements can also be other light sources such as light bulbs. The primary advan- tage of using diodes is that such can be switched on and off in a quick sequence without significant wear, which enables quick sequences of stimuli generation, which in turn enable quick sequences of reactions by the user.

The light emitting elements 202 are turned on or off by a signal receiv- ing device 201 , which is connected to the control means 400, as described above.

The means 200 may also comprise a device for sound emission 203 which can be a loudspeaker or another type of sound-emitting device. The device for sound emission is to be activated simultaneously with the light- emitting elements 202, which will bring along the advantage that it gives the user an immediate confirmation of a successful or failed reaction, which makes for a more intense training experience.

Furthermore, the means 200 may comprise means 204 for mechanical attachment to external objects or surfaces. The attachment means 204 can also be supplemented or replaced by a means for magnetic attachment. An advantage of having both means 204 and 205 is that those in combination enable quick and versatile attachment of the means for stimuli generation 200, which makes it easy to arrange the system 100 for different types of training in connection with sports activities. A casing 206 for the means 200 can be made of acrylic glass and an aluminium pipe, and it can be shaped as sphere or a disc. It can also be made of other materials and in other shapes. An advantage of a sphere- shape made of acrylic glass and aluminium is that it makes the means 200 like a ball which can make the exercise feel closer to the real sport activity. A further advantage of a casing 206 is that it protects the means 200 from the environment the system is to operate in.

The means 200 can further include a power supply 207, which can be a standard battery or any other power source which can supply power to the elements comprised by the means 200. The advantage of a power supply 207 is that it eliminates the need for an electrical cord, which makes it easy to arrange the system 100 for different types of training in connection with sports activities.

Fig. 3 shows a means 300 for registration of the reaction of the user 500 as described in the above. Here the means 300 for registration of the user's reaction is shown as embedded in the means 200 for stimuli generation, but it can also be placed separate from the means 200. An advantage of embedding the means 300 in the means 200 can be that it decreases the complexity of the system 100. Another advantage may be that the means for reaction registration can be arranged alongside the stimuli generation, which can make the registration of the reaction more precise, as the registration then can happen along the same line as the stimuli travels. This advantage is especially strong if the stimuli in shape of a light beam and the registration means 300 uses a light beam for reaction registration.

The means 300 comprises at least one movement sensor 301. This sensor may be emitting a light beam which the user is to interrupt with a successful reaction, and this interruption is what triggers the movement sensor 301 to send a signal to the control means 400 via a means 302 for transmitting a signal. The movement sensor 301 can also use other principles for registering the user's 500 reaction. The means 302 for transmitting a signal can be connected to the control means by a signal cable, but can also be connected wirelessly. Furthermore, the means 300 may comprise light emitting elements 303 and 304 for marking the activation or missing activation of said movement sensor 301. The light emitting elements 303 and 304 may be made distinctive by having different colours, for example red and green. An advantage of adding light-emitting elements 303 and 304 are that they make the success- ful/failed reaction by the user's is immediately visible, which provides motivation for the user and easy result monitoring for a coach.

Fig. 4 shows a control means 400, which comprises at least one means 401 for transmitting a signal and at least one means 402 for receiving a signal. The means 401 may transmit signal to a means 200 for stimuli gen- eration, which enables a coach 600 to activate the stimuli generation towards the user 500 via the control means 400. The means 402 may receive a signal from a means 300 for reaction registration, which enables a coach 600 to monitor the reactions of a user 500 via the control means 400. The means 400 may further comprise a display means 403, which eases the coach's monitoring of the user's reactions.

The means 400 may also comprise a central processing unit 409 which may process the registered reactions in order to create result statistics and further to enable presentation of the results on for example the display means 403. Furthermore, the central processing unit 409 may enable storage and retrieval of training programmes and reaction results in a storage media 405.

Additionally, the central processing unit 409 may facilitate random generation of stimuli by means 200. Also, the central processing unit 409 may facilitate communication between the control means 400 and external means such as a presentation board 700 and a PC 800 shown in Fig.1.

A means 404 for receiving user-input may also be included in the con- trol means 400. This can be a board with a number of buttons, each with a specific function. It may for example be with one button for randomised stimuli generation, one button for selection of stored training programmes, one button for manual activation of the means 200 for stimuli generation. An advantage of having a central processing unit 409 and a means for user-input 404 is that it enables a coach 600 to choose from a great variety of reaction training methods. A further advantage is that 409 and 404 enable a coach 600 to process and review the training results.

Fig. 5 shows a fixture 900 on which a number of means 200 for stimuli generation may be mounted. The fixture 900 may be a frame of metal bars, but it may also be a net, a number of posts, a plate, a textile or any other shape that enables a set-up of stimuli generating means 200 to best represent the desired reaction training of the user 500. Within the inventive idea the fixture may have a vertical or horizontal direction.

Advantageously, the system may be used in connection with sport ac- tivities, such as handball, football, ice hockey, basketball, soccer, American football, table tennis, volleyball, tennis, badminton, baseball, basketball, floor ball, ice hockey, etc. or it may be used for rehabilitating of injured or handicapped persons.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 can be arranged to application for rehabilitation training of persons who for example have been physically injured doing sports, in traffic accidents, etc. If the injured person suffers from constrained movement by for example being in a wheelchair, it may be advantageous to arrange the system 100 in a smaller format, so that it can be placed on a table in front of the injured per- son, thus enabling the injured person to perform training without help. Also, the system 100 can be arranged for other types of rehabilitation training depending on the condition of the injured person and which part or parts of the injured persons body of which rehabilitation training is desired. The flexibility in the placement of the first means for stimuli generation 200 and the flexibility of the placement of the third means for registration of human reaction, enables this arrangement of the system for aforementioned different rehabilitation purposes. Figure 6a shows yet another embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 is arranged to create a three-dimensional environment for training. This can for example be carried out by mounting a number of means for generating stimuli 200 and also means for registration of human reaction 300 (not shown) on footed poles 601 of different length, much similar to music stands. This enables positioning the means for generating stimuli 200 in any height relative to the floor and in any angle and distance relative to the user 500. Thus, a coach 600 of for instance handball would be able set up a series of shots, a series of passes, a pattern of movement, etc. in order to customise the training for the user 500. This will furthermore enable customised training of the user's technique in respect of jumping, timing, footwork, sideways moves, shot stopping, etc. The system 100 can also be applied to train muscular strength and muscular speed by fitting the user 500 with ankle weights, wrist weights, weight belts or a weight west while performing exercises with the system 100. Additionally, the exercises can be performed barefooted on different surfaces such as a sand bed or a soft training mat to enable full benefit of the exercise.

A further advantage of the system 100 is that it can be arranged to substitute a team player, an opposing player, a goalkeeper, etc. in training situations. This enables a coach 600 to increase the versatility of training sessions. For example, in the case of handball training, the coach does not have to tie down a number of field players to train a goalkeeper in shot stopping, and if the coach's training facilities only includes two goals, the system 100 can be arranged to work as a third or even a fourth goal, so all goalkeepers of the team can receive training.

Figure 6b shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which the means for generating stimuli 200 are arranged for training of goalkeepers in for example handball. By positing the stimuli generating means in various heights and distances to the goalkeeper, training of the goalkeeper's periphery sight, speed of reaction etc. is possible. By applying the footed poles 601 to generate stimuli in various heights from the floor the goalkeeper's ability to do shot stopping with his/her legs can be trained. Furthermore, the flexibility of the position of the means for generating stimuli enable setting up the system 100 for training users of different size and ability, i.e. the system 100 accommodates training of little-leaguers as well as highly skilled professional athletes. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is that the means for generating stimuli 200 may be arranged to present e.g. numbers, geometrical figures or graphics. If e.g. a certain number is presented on the means for generating stimuli 200 the person using the system should react in a certain way. This could be mathematical calculations by means of presented numbers, certain reactions for certain geometrical figures etc. Numbers and geometrical figures may be formed by light-emitting diodes, light bulbs or similar. Graphics may be presented on e.g. LCD-screens.

Although the invention above has been described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system (100) for exercising human reaction to stimuli in connection with sports activities and/or rehabilitation purposes comprising a first means (200) for generating stimuli, and a second means (400) for controlling said stimuli.

2. A system (100) according to claim 1 , further comprising a third means (300) for registration of human reaction to said stimuli.

3. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said first means (200) comprises at least one signal-receiving device (201 ).

4. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said first means (200) comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (202).

5. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said first means (200) comprises a device (203) for sound emission.

6. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said first means (200) comprises means (204) for mechanical attachment to external objects or surfaces.

7. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said first means (200) comprises means (205) for magnetic attachment to external objects or sur- faces.

8. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said first means (200) comprises a casing (206) made of acrylic glass so that it gives said first means an appearance related to a white sphere.

9. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said first means (200) comprises a power supply (207).

10. A system (100) according to claim 2, wherein said third means (300) comprises at least one movement sensor (301).

11. A system (100) according to claim 2, wherein said third means (300) comprises means for transmitting a signal (302).

12. A system (100) according to claim 10, wherein said third means

(300) comprises at least a first light-emitting element (303) for marking the activation and/or missing activation of said movement sensor (301).

13. A system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein any of said first, second and third means are arranged to communicate wire- less with each other.

14. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said second means (400) comprises at least one means for transmitting a signal (401).

15. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said second means (400) comprises at least one signal-receiving device (402).

16. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said second means (400) comprises at least one central processing unit (409).

17. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said second means

(400) comprises at least one display means (403).

18. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said second means (400) comprises means for receiving user-input (404).

19. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said second means (400) comprises at least one storage media (405).

20. A system (100) according to claim 1, wherein said second means (400) is arranged for providing randomised stimuli generation.

21. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said second means (400) is arranged for programming sequences of stimuli generation 22. A system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said second means

(400) comprises means (408) for interactive generation of said stimuli generation.

23. A system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 22 further comprising a presentation board (700).

24. The system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 22 further comprising a PC (800).

25. A method for exercising human reaction to stimuli in connection with sports activities and/or rehabilitation purposes, said method comprising the steps of: generating a stimuli for a user to react to via a first means, and registration of said reaction by said user via a second means.

26. A method according to claim 25 including any of the following steps: selecting a training programme via said second means, communicating said reaction to said second means by a third means, presenting said reaction via a visual display integral in said second means, and/or storing said reaction via said second means.

27. A computer program for exercising human reaction to stimuli in connection with sports activities, wherein said computer program is adapted to performing any of the steps in claims 25-26.

28. A computer program according to claim 27 which enables randomisation of the stimuli generated by said first means.

29. A computer program according to claim 27 which enables programming of the stimuli generated by said first means.

30. A computer program according to claim 27 which enables control of the system (100) via the internet.

31. A computer program according to claim 27 which enables storage and retrieval of user reaction results.

32. Use of a system according to claims 1 to 24 for exercising human reaction to stimuli in connection with sports activities, such as handball, football, ice hockey, basketball, soccer, American football, table tennis, volleyball, tennis, badminton, baseball, basketball, floor ball, ice hockey, etc.

33. Use of a system according to claims 1 to 24 for training a goalkeeper.

34. Use of a system according to claims 1 to 24 for rehabilitating of injured or handicapped persons.