WO2022003207A1

WO2022003207A1 - Muscle performance measurement apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2022003207A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/068540
Authority: WO
Inventors: Noel Doherty
Original assignee: Noel Doherty
Priority date: 2020-07-03
Filing date: 2021-07-05
Publication date: 2022-01-06
Also published as: GB202010244D0; GB2596598A

Abstract

A muscle performance measurement apparatus (1) is for mounting on a barbell rack (2) or frame having two spaced-apart upright posts (3). Each post (3) has a barbell support hook (4) for supporting a barbell between the posts (3). The apparatus (1) of the invention has an elongate bar (5) for mounting on the hooks (4) on the barbell rack (2), A number of sensors (7) are mounted spaced-apart on the bar (5) for engagement by an athlete to measure muscle performance of the athlete (8). An anchoring device (10) is engagable with the bar (5) to secure the bar (5) in engagement with the hooks (4) on the rack 2. The anchoring device (10) comprises a pair of retaining arms (11) which mount on the bar (5) adjacent outer ends of the bar (5), A laterally extending stop pin (15) is mounted at an inner end of the retaining arm (11). Each stop pin (15) in use engages behind a post (3) of the barbell rack (2). A counterweight mounting rod (17) projects laterally outwardly of the inner end of the retaining arm (11) at the opposite side to the stop pin (15). Standard weight discs (18), of the type readily available in any gymnasium, can be mounted on each counterweight mounting rod (17) to bias the stop pin (15) against the post (3) and secure the bar (5) in engagement with the hooks (4). Three sensors (7) are mounted spaced-apart on a central portion (20) of the bar 5, comprising a fixed central sensor element (26) and peripheral sensor elements (27, 28) mounted at each side of the central sensor element (26) and axially slidable on the bar (5) for adjustment if required.

Description

“Muscle performance measurement apparatus”

Introduction

This invention relates to apparatus for measurement of muscle performance, particularly for athletes.

Background to the Invention

It is known to incorporate sensors in exercise apparatus to provide monitoring and feedback on muscle activity of a person using the exercise apparatus. For example, US 4647038 A discloses an exerciser with strain gauges for measuring forces exerted by hands of a user on a barbell when lifting weights mounted on the barbell. Another device for monitoring the strength of a person using weight lifting apparatus is disclosed in CN 105709399 A. A sensor equipped resistance training grip is disclosed in US 2017/0304679 A1. Connectors for weight lifting apparatus are disclosed in US 2018/0272176 A1 and US 10391377 B1.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for measuring muscle performance during exercising which can be used for monitoring muscle activity in a variety of exercises.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided a muscle performance measurement apparatus for mounting on a barbell rack of the type comprising two spaced-apart upright posts, the muscle performance measurement apparatus including an elongate bar for mounting on the barbell rack between the posts, and at least one sensor mounted on the bar for engagement by an athlete to measure muscle performance of the athlete.

In one embodiment of the invention each sensor is mounted on the bar by a connector having an inner end which attaches to the bar, a support arm extending outwardly from the inner end of the connector, and the sensor being mounted on the support arm spaced-apart from the inner end of the connector.

In another embodiment an anchoring device which is engagable with the bar to retain the bar in engagement with the barbell rack. In another embodiment, the anchoring device is engagable between the bar and the barbell rack to retain the bar in engagement with bar support hooks on the barbell rack. In another embodiment the anchoring device comprises a pair of retaining arms which mount on the bar extending outwardly from the bar, each retaining arm having a laterally extending stop pin for engagement behind a post of the barbell rack and a counterweight holder on the arm for biasing the stop pin against the post. In another embodiment the counterweight holder comprises a weight mounting rod.

In another embodiment each retaining arm is rotatable on the bar with a locking device engagable between the retaining arm and the bar to releasably secure the retaining ami at a desired set position on the bar.

In another embodiment the bar has a central portion upon which the sensors are mounted flanked by side portions which are engagable with the barbell rack.

In another embodiment the bar is of knock-down construction, the side portions being detachably engagable with the central portion.

In another embodiment at least one sensor is a movable sensor which is axially movable on the bar. In another embodiment each movable sensor is slidably mounted on the bar.

In another embodiment relative movement between the movable sensor and the bar is limited to axial movement, the movable sensor being mounted on the bar by a linear slide.

In another embodiment each movable sensor attaches to the bar by a movable connector, complementary interengagable formations on the movable connector and on the bar cooperating to limit the movable sensor to axial movement on the bar. In another embodiment the complementary interengagable formations comprise meshing splines on the bar and on the movable connector.

In another embodiment the complementary interengagable formations comprise a two part connector comprising a key and an associated keyway within which the key is slidably engagable, one part being mounted on the bar and the other part being mounted on the movable connector.

In another embodiment the complementary interengagable formations comprise cooperating flat mating surfaces on the bar and on the movable connector which slidably engage.

In another embodiment an inner end of each movable connector comprises a tubular inner sleeve which is slidably engagable with the bar, the support arm extending outwardly from the inner sleeve with the sensor mounted thereon spaced-apart from the bar.

In another embodiment the sensors comprise a central sensor element and peripheral sensor elements mounted at each side of the central sensor element, each sensor element having at least one load sensor.

In another embodiment the load sensor on each peripheral sensor element is pivotally mounted on the support arm.

In another embodiment the sensor element is pivotally movable through 180 degrees.

In another embodiment the support arm for each peripheral sensor is angled outwardly from the bar towards an outer end of the bar.

In another embodiment each sensor communicates with a peripheral device to record and/or display muscle performance measurements generated by the sensor.

In another embodiment each sensor is connected to a radio transmiter for wirelessly transmitting sensor data to the peripheral device.

In another embodiment, the anchoring device comprises a clamp engagable between the bar and the barbell rack.

In a further embodiment, the bar is connected to an associated auxiliary bar which is parallel to the bar by mounting brackets extending therebetween, the auxiliary bar being engagable either in front of or behind the posts of the barbell rack, at least one sensor being mounted on the mounting brackets, and a clamp engagable between either the bar and the barbell rack or between the auxiliary bar and the barbell rack to releasably secure the apparatus on the barbell rack, Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig, 1 is an exploded perspective view of apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is another exploded perspective view of the apparatus of the invention:

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the apparatus in use mounted on a barbell rack;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail rear perspective view of the apparatus mounted on the rack;

Fig, 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus, shown mounted on the rack;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the apparatus mounted on the rack in another position of use, showing rotational adjustment of sensors of the apparatus through 380°;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail view showing the apparatus mounted on the rack, shown in a box setting;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig, 7 showing the apparatus in another position of use, with sensors shown in a maximum width seting; Fig, 9 is another view similar to Fig, 7 showing the apparatus in a further position of use, with sensors shown in a minimum width setting;

Fig 10 is a view similar to Fig, 7 showing the apparatus in another position of use;

Fig, 11 is a view similar to Fig, 7 showing the apparatus in another position of use;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig, 7 showing the apparatus in another position of use;

Fig 13 is a side elevational view showing the apparatus mounted on the rack in use measuring hamstring muscle strength in an athlete;

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig, 7 showing the force applied to the apparatus by the athlete in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 13 showing the apparatus in combination with an aid for enabling the assessment of the hamstring muscles of the athlete;

Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of the apparatus mounted on the rack in another position of use for measuring standing hip flexion in the athlete;

Fig, 17 is a front elevational view of the apparatus as set up in Fig. 16;

Fig, 18 is a side elevational view of the apparatus mounted on the rack for measuring seated groin adduction or hip abduction in the athlete;

Fig, 19 is an elevational view of the apparatus set-up in Fig, 18 being used for groin adduction;

Fig. 20 is a view similar to Fig. 19 showing the apparatus use during hip abduction;

Fig. 21 is a side elevational view of the apparatus mounted on the rack for measuring supine groin adduction or hip abduction in the athlete;

Fig. 22 is an elevational view of the apparatus set-up in Fig. 21 being used for groin adduction; Fig, 23 is a view similar to Fig, 22 showing the apparatus use during hip abduction;

Fig. 24 is a side elevational view of the apparatus mounted on the rack for measuring supine groin adduction or hip abduction in the athlete, in an alternative pose;

Fig. 25 is an elevational view of the apparatus set-up in Fig. 24 being used for groin adduction; Fig. 26 is a view similar to Fig. 25 showing the apparatus use during hip abduction;

Fig. 27 is a side elevational view of the apparatus mounted on the rack for measuring hip adduction in the athlete, in an alternative pose; Fig. 28 is an elevational view of the apparatus set-up in Fig. 27 showing force applied by the athlete to the apparatus;

Fig. 29 is a side elevational view of the apparatus mounted on the rack for measuring hip adduction in the athlete, in an alternative pose;

Fig. 30 is an elevational view of the apparatus set-up in Fig. 29 showing force applied by the athlete to the apparatus;

Fig. 31 is a side elevational view of the apparatus mounted on the rack together with an associated eye bolt attachment for use in eccentric quad assessment for an athlete;

Fig. 32 is a side elevational view of the apparatus mounted on the rack together with an associated hook attachment for use in hamstring hip flexion assessment for an athlete; Fig. 33 is a side elevational view of the apparatus mounted on the rack together with an associated hook atachment for use in hamstring hip flexion assessment for an athlete;

Fig. 34 is an exploded perspective view, similar to Fig. 1, showing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 35 is a partially exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 34, showing the apparatus in use with a barbell rack;

Fig. 36 is a detail rear perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 34 shown mounted on the barbell rack;

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention, shown mounted on a barbell rack in use;

Fig. 38 is an enlarged detail partially exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 37;

Fig. 39 is an enlarged detail perspective view showing portion of the apparatus of Fig. 37;

Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 37 shown mounted on the barbell rack in an alternative position of use;

Fig. 41 is an enlarged detail partially exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 37, illustrating mounting of the apparatus on the barbell rack;

Fig. 42 is an enlarged detail perspective view showing portion of the apparatus of Fig. 37 mounted on the barbell rack;

Fig. 43 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig, 1 , shown mounted on an alternative type of barbell rack;

Fig. 44 is another perspective view of the apparatus and barbell rack shown in Fig. 43;

Fig. 45 is a detail perspective view of portion of another apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 46 is a detail end elevational view of the apparatus portion shown in Fig. 45; and

Fig. 47 is a detail view similar to Fig. 46 showing an alternative construction of apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Fig. 1 to Fig. 12 thereof, there is illustrated apparatus according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The apparatus 1 is for mounting on a barbell rack 2 or frame (Fig. 3) having two spaced- apart upright posts 3. Each post 3 has a barbell support hook 4 for supporting a barbell between the posts 3. The apparatus 1 of the invention has an elongate bar 5 for mounting on the hooks 4 on the barbell rack 2. A number of sensors, indicated generally by the reference numeral 7, are mounted spaced-apart on the bar 5 and have sensor elements 26, 27, 28 spaced-apart from the bar 5 for engagement by an athlete 8 (Fig. 13) to measure muscle performance of the athlete 8.

An anchoring device 10 is engagable with the bar 5 to secure the bar 5 in engagement with the hooks 4 on the rack 2. The anchoring device 10 comprises a pair of retaining arms 11 which mount on the bar 5 adjacent outer ends of the bar 5. Each retaining arm

11 has a cylindrical mounting collar 12 at an outer end of the retaining arm 11 , the collar

12 having a bore 13 which is slidably engagable with the bar 5. The collar 12 incorporates a locking clamp 14 which is operable to releasably lock the collar 12 on the bar 5.

A laterally extending stop pin 15 is mounted at an inner end 16 of the retaining arm 11. Each stop pin 15 in use engages behind a post 3 of the barbell rack 2 as shown in Fig. 4. A counterweight mounting rod 17 projects laterally outwardly of the inner end 16 of the retaining arm 11 at the opposite side to the stop pin 15. Standard weight discs 18, as are readily available in any gymnasium, can be mounted on each counterweight mounting rod 17 to bias the stop pin 15 against the post 3 and secure the bar 5 in engagement with the hooks 4.

The bar 5 is of knock-down construction, having a central portion 20, upon which the sensors 7 are mounted, flanked at each end by side portions 21, 22 which are engagable with the hooks 4 of the barbell rack 2. Couplings 24 are provided for releasable attachment of each side portion 21 , 22 to the central portion 20 to form the composite bar 5. The sensors 7 comprise three sensor elements mounted spaced-apart on the central portion 20 of the bar 5, comprising a central sensor element 26 and peripheral sensor elements 27, 28 mounted at each side of the central sensor element 26, The sensors 7 locate between the posts 3 of the rack 2 in use when the bar 5 is mounted on the rack 2

Each sensor element 26, 27, 28 ataches to the bar 5 by means of a connector 30 which comprises an inner tubular connector sleeve 31 which is slidably engagable with the bar 5. Splines 32 extending along the central portion 20 mesh with complementary splines within the inner sleeve 31 of each connector 30 so that each sensor element 26, 27, 28 can axially slide along the bar 5 but cannot rotate on the bar 5. The central sensor element 26 will generally be fixed at a centre of the bar 5 and the peripheral sensor elements 27, 28 are movable sensors which are slidable axially on the bar 5 at either side of the fixed central sensor element 26. The mounting collar 12 has an anti-rotation key that ensures the bars, the coupling 24 and splines 32 move together.

A support arm 33, 34, 35 extends outwardly from each inner connector sleeve 31, with the sensor elements 26, 27, 28 mounted at outer ends of the support arms 33, 34, 35 spaced-apart from the inner sleeve 31 and hence spaced-apart from the bar 5,

It will be noted that the central support arm 33 extends radially outwardly from the bar 5. Each of the peripheral support arms 34, 35 is angled outwardly from the bar 5 towards an outer end of the bar 5 to provide for a greater maximum width between the peripheral sensors 27, 28,

It will also be noted that each peripheral sensor element 27, 28 is pivotally mounted on the associated support arm 34, 35 to provide a range of movement of up to 180 degrees as shown in Fig, 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. A mounting bracket 38, 39 on each peripheral sensor element 27, 28 pivotally engages the associated support arm 34, 35 by a pivot pin 40, 41. Locking pins 42 (Fig, 9 - Fig. 12) releasably secure the mounting brackets 38, 39 in each position of use. The locking pins 42 engage associated Socking holes 43 in the support arms 34, 35 and mounting brackets 38, 39,

The central sensor element 26 has a cylindrical body with load sensors 44, 45 at each end, The axis of these load sensors 44, 45 is parallel to the bar 5 axis. Each peripheral sensor element 27, 28 has a cylindrical body with an inner load sensor 46 at one end of the body and an outer load sensor 47 at an opposite outer end of the body. The outer load sensors 47 have a curved engagement face. Each sensor element 26, 27, 28 communicates with a peripheral device 48 (Fig. 1) either directly or more preferably via wireless communication (WiFi/Bluetooth) to record and/or display muscle performance measurements generated by the sensing elements 26, 27, 28. A transmitter 49 is provided in each of the sensing elements 26, 27, 28 for wirelessly transmitting sensor data to the peripheral device 48.

Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show axial adjustment of the sensor elements 26, 27, 28 on the bar 5. The height of the bar 5 can be adjusted by vertical positioning of the hooks 4 on the posts 3, Spacing between the sensor elements 26, 27, 28 can be adjusted by sliding the sensor elements together and apart on the bar 5, as shown in Fig. 7 to Fig, 9. The sensor elements 28, 27, 28 can be moved forward and back between the posts 3 by swivelling the bar 5 relative to the anchoring device 10. Three operating positions for the peripheral sensor elements 27, 28 obtained by swivelling the peripheral sensor elements 27, 28 on their support arms 34, 35 are shown in Fig. 10, Fig, 11 and Fig, 12. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 show the apparatus 1 set up for eccentric bilateral hamstring assessment for an athlete 8. It will be noted that the curved face of the outer load sensors 47 snugly receive a lower end 50 of the leg of the athlete 8, Fig. 15 illustrates a similar set-up to Fig. 13 for hamstring assessment with the addition of an aid 52, such as a Hamstring Solo device (European Community Design No. 004132777).

Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 show the apparatus in use for measuring standing hip flexion for the athlete 8, a lower thigh of each leg of the athlete engaging each peripheral sensor 27, 28 in turn. Fig. 18, shows the apparatus 1 set up to measure seated bilateral groin adduction (Fig. 19) or hip abduction (Fig. 20) with the athlete seated on a stool 55 in front of the apparatus Iwith 90 degree hip and 90 degree knee. Fig. 19 shows the athlete’s lower thighs 56 squeezing the load sensors 44, 45 of the central sensor element 26 for groin adduction and Fig. 20 shows the athlete’s lower thighs 56 pushing outwardly against the inner load sensors 46 of the peripheral sensing elements 27, 28 during hip abduction.

Fig. 21 , shows the apparatus 1 set up to measure supine bilateral groin adduction (Fig. 22) or hip abduction (Fig. 23) with the athlete 8 lying on the floor beneath the apparatus 1 with 90 degree hip and 90 degree knee. Fig, 22 shows the athlete’s tower thighs 56 squeezing the load sensors 44, 45 of the central sensor element 26 for groin adduction and Fig. 23 shows the athlete’s lower thighs pushing outwardly against the inner load sensors 46 of the peripheral sensing elements 27, 28 during hip abduction. Fig, 24, shows the apparatus 1 set up to measure supine bilateral groin adduction (Fig. 25) or hip abduction (Fig, 26) with the athlete 8 lying on the floor beneath the apparatus 1 with full knee and hip rotation assessment capability including 45/60/90 degree hip and 45/60/90 degree knee. Fig. 25 shows the athlete's lower thighs 56 squeezing the load sensors 44, 45 of the central sensor element 27 for groin adduction and Fig. 26 shows the athlete’s lower thighs 56 pushing outwardly against the inner load sensors 46 of the peripheral sensing elements 27, 28 during hip abduction.

Fig. 27 and Fig, 28 shows the apparatus 1 set up to measure hip adduction in a first method and Fig, 29 and Fig, 30 show hip adduction measurement by a second method.

Fig, 31 shows an arrangement for eccentric quad assessment using an eye bolt attachment 60 to apply tension to the peripheral sensing elements 27, 28 and with aids 61 , 62 for the athlete 8. Fig. 32 shows an arrangement for measuring hip flexion using a hook attachment 65 and Fig. 33 illustrates hamstring assessment using the hook attachment 65.

In use, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 1 is readily portable when disassembled and it can be readily easily and quickly assembled and mounted on a barbell rack 2 as shown in the drawings. Various muscle groups can be tested, as shown by way of non- exhaustive examples in Fig. 13 to Fig, 33, by adjusting the positioning of the bar 5 on the rack 2 and the position and orientation of the sensors 7 on the bar 5. It will be appreciated that a wide range of assessments can be carried out using the apparatus 1 of the invention. Referring now to Fig, 34 to Fig. 36, there is illustrated apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70. This is largely similar to the apparatus 1 described previously and like parts are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case, the anchoring device 10 has V-shaped arms 11 which mount on the bar 5 adjacent outer ends of the bar 5. It will be noted that the mounting rod 17 for supporting the weight discs 18 is supported in a higher position. This is particularly convenient when the bar 5 is on a relatively low position on the rack 2 to prevent the weights 18 falling against the ground on which the rack 2 stands.

Referring now to Figs. 37 to 42, there is shown another apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case, the bar 5 is connected to an associated auxiliary bar 85 which is parallel to the bar 5 by mounting brackets 86 extending therebetween. The mounting brackets 86 of at least the peripheral sensors 27, 28 slidably engage both the bar 5 and the auxiliary bar 85 by slide collars 87 so that the sensors 27, 28 can slide axially on the bars 5, 85 for positioning. A clamp 88 is engagable between the bar 5 and the auxiliary bar 85, as shown in Fig. 37 to Fig. 39, to secure the bar 5 in engagement with the hooks 4 of the barbell rack 2. A U-shaped attachment bracket 89 has an inner plate 90 with outwardly extending sleeves 91 which slidably engage the bar 5 and auxiliary bar 85. A locking bracket 93 slidably engages with the sleeves 91 to cooperate with the plate 90 to clamp the bar 5 and auxiliary bar 85 on the post 3 of the rack 2.

In Fig. 37 to Fig. 39, the sensors 7 are shown supported in a vertical position. Fig. 40 to Fig, 42 show the sensors 7 supported in a horizontal position. In this case, the clamp 88 engages with the auxiliary bar 85 and clamps the auxiliary bar 85 on the post 3 of the rack 2, as shown in Fig. 40 to Fig, 42.

Referring now to Fig. 43 and Fig. 44, the apparatus 1 described previously is shown mounted on an alternative barbell rack 95 having a ground engaging face 96 with a pair of spaced-apart upright posts 97, each of which carries a vertical rail 98, An associated carriage 99 is vertically slidable along the rail 98, A positioning arm 100 extends rearwardly from the carriage 99 to engage one of a number of vertically spaced-apart pegs 101 on an inside face of each post 97 to position the carriage 99 at any desired height on the rail 98. The bar 5 of the apparatus 1 of the invention extends through an associaled through hole 102 in a mounting bracket 103 on the carriage 99, This arrangement of barbell rack 95 allows for quick and easy height adjustment of the bar 5 on the rack 95.

It will be noted that the bar 5, in any embodiments of the invention, may be provided with any suitable linear slide for the sensors 7, the linear slide not being limited to the splined shaft previously described, The bar 5 may be provided with a flat surface for part of its circumference, a key and keyway connector may interconnect the sensors and the bar 5, the bar could be of rectangular section, etc, for example. Examples of some alternative linear slide arrangements according to other embodiments of the invention are shown in Fig. 45 to Fig. 47 and described below.

Referring now to Fig. 45 and Fig. 46, there is shown portion of another apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 110. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case a cylindrical bar 5 is provided. Each connector 30 for at least the peripheral sensor elements 27, 28 is again linearly slidable along the bar 5. Each inner tubular sleeve 31 of the connectors 30 has annular end plates 112 at each end of the sleeve 31. An annular bushing 114 is centrally mounted on each end plate 112. Each bushing 114 has an inner bore 115 for complementary sliding engagement with a cylindrical outer surface of the bar 5. An elongate radial key 116 is mounted at the outer surface of the bar 5, running parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bar 5, and slidably engages within a complementary keyway 117 in the bushing 114, the keyway 117 extending radially outwardly from an inner surface of the bore 115. Thus, each inner tubular sleeve 31 can slide axially along the bar 5 but cannot rotate on the bar 5, A locking pin 120 on the inner sleeve 31 is is engagable with associated spaced-apart locking holes 121 on the bar 5 for axial adjustment of each inner sleeve 31 of at least the peripheral sensor elements 27, 28 on the bar 5.

Referring now to Fig, 47, there is shown portion of another apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 130. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. This shows another alternative linear slide connector 30 between the bar 5 and each tubular sleeve 31. In this case the bar 5 has a flat face 131 which extends along one side of the bar 5, at least along that portion of the bar 5 along which the tubular sleeve 31 can slide. A complementary flat face 132 in the bore 115 of the bushing 114 engages the flat face 131 on the bar 5 to prevent rotation of the bar in the bushing 114, only allowing linear movement of the sleeve 31 along the bar 5. In this specification the terms “comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising” or any variation thereof and the terms “include, includes, included and including” or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation. The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A muscle performance measurement apparatus (1) for mounting on a barbell rack (2) of the type comprising two spaced-apart upright posts (3), the muscle performance measurement apparatus (1) including an elongate bar (5) for mounting on the barbell rack (2) between the posts (3), and at least one sensor (26, 27, 28) mounted on the bar (5) for engagement by an athlete to measure muscle performance of the athlete, characterised in that each sensor (26, 27, 28) is mounted on the bar (5) by a connector (30) having an inner end (31) which attaches to the bar (5), a support arm (33, 34, 35) extending outwardly from the inner end (31) of the connector (30), and the sensor (26, 27, 28) being mounted on the support arm (33, 34, 35) spaced-apart from the inner end (31) of the connector (30), 2. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (1) includes an anchoring device (10) which is engagable with the bar (5) to retain the bar (5) in engagement with the barbell rack (2),

3, The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the anchoring device (10) is engagable between the bar (5) and the barbell rack (2) to retain the bar (5) in engagement with bar support hooks (4) on the barbell rack (2).

4, The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the anchoring device (10) comprises a pair of retaining arms (11) which mount on the bar (5) extending outwardly from the bar (5), each retaining arm (11) having a laterally extending stop pin (15) for engagement behind a post (3) of the barbell rack (2) and a counterweight holder (17) on the retaining arm (11) for biasing the stop pin (15) against the post (3).

5, The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the counterweight holder comprises a weight mounting rod (17), 6. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein each retaining arm

(11) is rotatable on the bar (5) with a locking device (14) engagable between the retaining arm (11) and the bar (5) to releasably secure the retaining arm (11) at a desired set position on the bar (5),

7, The apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bar (5) has a central portion (20) upon which the sensors (26, 27, 28) are mounted flanked by side portions (21 , 22) which are engagable with the barbell rack (2),

8, The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bar (5) is of knock-down construction, the side portions (21, 22) being detachably engagable with the central portion (20),

9, The apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sensor (27, 28) is a movable sensor (27, 28) which is axially movable on the bar (5),

10. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein each movable sensor (27, 28) is slidably mounted on the bar (5),

11. The apparatus (1 ) as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein relative movement between the movable sensor (27, 28) arid the bar (5) is limited to axial movement, the movable sensor (27, 28) being mounted on the bar (5) by a linear slide.

12. The apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each movable sensor (27, 28) attaches to the bar (5) by a movable connector (30), complementary interengagable formations on the movable connector (30) and on the bar (5) cooperating to limit the movable sensor (27, 28) to axial movement on the bar (5).

13. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the complementary interengagable formations comprise meshing splines (32) on the bar (5) and on the movable connector (30).

14. The apparatus (110) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the complementary interengagable formations comprise a two part connector comprising a key (116) and an associated keyway (117) within which the key (116) is slidably engagable, one part (116, 117) being mounted on the bar (5) and the other part

(116, 117) being mounted on the movable connector (30).

15. The apparatus (130) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the complementary interengagable formations comprise cooperating flat mating surfaces (131 , 132) on the bar (5) and on the movable connector (30) which slidably engage.

16. The apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of claims 12 tot 5, wherein the inner end of each movable connector (30) comprises a tubular sleeve (31) which is slidably engagable with the bar (5), the support arm (33, 34, 35) extending outwardly from the sleeve (31) with the sensor (26, 27, 28) mounted thereon spaced-apart from the bar (5).

17. The apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensors comprise a central sensor element (26) and peripheral sensor elements

(27, 28) mounted at each side of the central sensor element (26), each sensor element (26, 27, 28) having at least one load sensor. 18. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the load sensor on each peripheral sensor element (27, 28) is pivotally mounted on the support arm (34, 35).

19. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the sensor element (27, 28) is pivotally movable through 180 degrees.

20. The apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the support arm (34, 35) for each peripheral sensor (27, 28) is angled outwardly from the bar (5) towards art outer end of the bar (5).

21. The apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each sensor (26, 27, 28) communicates with a peripheral device (48) to record and/or display muscle performance measurements generated by the sensor (26, 27, 28).

22. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 21, wherein each sensor (26, 27, 28) is connected to a radio transmitter (49) for wirelessly transmiting sensor data to the peripheral device (48).

23. The apparatus (80) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the anchoring device comprises a clamp (88) engagable between the bar (5) and the barbell rack (2).

24. The apparatus (80) as claimed in claim 23, wherein the bar (5) is connected to an associated auxiliary bar (85) which is parallel to the bar (5) by mounting brackets (86) extending therebetween, the auxiliary bar (85) being engagable either in front of or behind the posts (3) of the barbell rack (2), at least one sensor (26, 27, 28) being mounted on the mounting brackets (86), and a clamp (88) engagable between either the bar (5) and the barbell rack (2) or between the auxiliary bar (85) and the barbell rack (2) to releasably secure the apparatus

(80) on the barbell rack (2).