Abstract:
An exercise treadmill is provided for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, which includes, among other features, an eddy-current, variable speed drive to obtain a belt speed range from zero to maximum speed, and a differential drive through a slip clutch to the two rollers imparting motion to the belt. Safety of the subject is enhanced by an electrically non-conductive coating on the handrails to eliminate any possibility of grounding electricity through the patient''s body. Incorporation of a chair as an integral part of the assembly assures a rest place in appropriate proximity to the walking surface. The treadmill walking surface is positioned and maintained at the desired inclination with minimum apparatus load by virtue of locating the fulcrum at approximately the center-of-gravity. The inclination is displayed on a remote control panel which also provides the capability of controlling all functions of the unit. Regardless of what inclination the treadmill walking surface is positioned at, the chair positioned proximate thereto is, in one embodiment thereof, maintained level with the floor on which the treadmill is supported.