TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to systems and methods for assistance in physical training or rehabilitation. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to swim training.

BACKGROUND

In the sport of competitive swimming, athletes often seek ways to increase their strength conditioning while training in the water. One such approach is to swim against a resistance, which requires more effort than free swimming. Some examples of existing systems include water bucket or weight pulley systems, and motorized systems.

Each of these systems has drawbacks. For example, water bucket and metal weight systems are typically arranged in a rack and move upward as a swimmer moves away from the device, similar to conventional land-based weight training machines. These systems can be a bulky size that makes repositioning or storage difficult, as well as interfering with movement around the pool deck and limiting the number of swimmers per lane. Additionally, the length of available travel can be limited based on factors such as ceiling height or line length. Moreover, weight-bases systems are susceptible to corrosion in the pool environment. Motorized systems, which are typically smaller and provide training data, can also be complex to maintain and operate, and in some cases can be cost-prohibitive. Thus, there is an ongoing need for a swimming resistance system that is smaller, simpler to operate, and less expensive than conventional systems.

SUMMARY

Provided in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter is a portable resistance system. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed system comprises a power system and a line reel system, where the line reel system is connected to the power system by a power transfer device. A tension line is attached to a line reel and to a subject. A resistance indicator is disposed on an outer surface of the system, and a force required to deploy the tension line is controlled by the resistance controller. The power transfer device automatically retracts the tension line when tension is released from the tension line.

In some embodiments, the resistance controller is operated by a subject in a swimming pool, without exiting the swimming pool, and the resistance indicator is disposed on a side of the system facing the swimming pool.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a mounting bracket, which is configured for releasably attaching the system to an existing fixture, such as a dive platform.

In some embodiments, the systems are configured such that two or more systems can be mounted in several adjacent swim lanes.

In some embodiments, the line reel is configured to deploy the tension line in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement by the subject.

In some embodiments, the power source is a battery enclosed in a housing of the system. In some embodiments, the power transfer device is a motor, and an output shaft of the motor is connected to an input shaft of the line reel system by a pulley system.

In some embodiments, the power transfer device is operated by a switch, which is connected to the power transfer device and to the tension line.

Accordingly, it is an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide resistance systems and methods of providing resistance to a subject. This and other objects are achieved in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter.

An object of the presently disclosed subject matter having been stated above, other objects and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after a study of the following description of the presently disclosed subject matter and non-limiting Figures and Examples.

