Training system and method

1. A training system comprising:

a frame;

a user support portion coupled to the frame and arranged to support a user;

a user engagement portion coupled to the frame and arranged to be engaged by at least one body part of the user;

a force sensor in communication with the user engagement portion for sensing a user-applied force;

at least one position sensor operably connected to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for sensing a relative position therebetween;

a motor coupled to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for driving a position thereof with respect to the frame over a range of motion at a preprogrammed velocity;

a controller in communication with the motor, the force sensor, and the at least one position sensor; and

a knee position mechanism movably coupled to the frame and extending generally vertically upward therefrom between the user support portion and the user engagement portion, the knee position mechanism including a sensor in communication with the controller for tracking a horizontal position of a knee of the user over the range of motion.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the controller moves the knee position mechanism at a different velocity than at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion.

3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the controller automatically adjusts an elevation of the knee position mechanism with respect to the user support portion to accommodate for users of different heights.

4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the knee position mechanism includes a power switch in communication with the controller for severing power to the motor if the knee position mechanism is not properly deployed.

5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the knee position mechanism includes a contact switch in communication with the controller for sensing contact with the knee and thereby determining a limit of the range of motion.

6. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one body part includes at least one foot, the user engagement portion includes a footplate, and the user support portion includes a seat.

7. The system according to claim 1 , wherein one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion is movable and a position of the other of the user support portion and the user engagement portion is fixed.

8. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a drive mechanism in communication with the motor and the controller, the drive mechanism operably connected to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion, the drive mechanism including an electric brake for engaging and arresting movement of at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion.

9. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising end limit switches in communication with the controller for indicating end limits for movement of at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion, wherein activation of at least one end limit switch ceases power to the motor.

10. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising an emergency stop switch for ceasing power to the motor.

11. The system according to claim 1 , wherein movement of the motor is initiated upon the force sensor detecting the user-applied force exceeding a preset activation threshold.

12. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one contact switch monitored by the controller for sensing that the body part is in proper contact with the user engagement portion.

13. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one contact switch monitored by the controller for sensing that the user is in proper contact with the user support portion.