VLIS: equipamento vibracional de baixa inércia para musculação

Abstract

Currently the practice of resistance training aiming to improve athletic performance, aesthetic or thepary goals have been making an important and common practice in society. In general, the practice of these exercises, called weight training, using conventional equipment which, normally, have resistance devices with wires and stacks of weights. One of the drawbacks of these systems is the limitation of training at higher speeds due to the inertia of the equipment. In this case, the specific training of rapid fibers is impractical. At the same time, other types of training have been incorporated into the conventional equipments using systems with mechanical vibration. Despite still not being fully clarified the biomechanical phenomena related to the use of vibratory exercises, it is known that the mechanical vibrations have direct action on biological systems and can be used to improve the efficiency of physical rehabilitation and training even in the prevention and treatment of some degenerative diseases. The aim of this work was to design, fabricate and validate a prototype equipment for training of elbow flexors, using a new system of resistance associated with mechanical vibration. To solve the problem of inertia, a cam-type device spring-follower has been optimized and coupled as resistance system on the structure of the prototype. The cam curve was obtained through a mathematical model that considers the effects of torque depending on modification of biomechanics and movement speed. The increased load is done continuously changing the preload. On the structure of the arm was coupled vibration system for unbalanced mass rotation. The dynamic behavior of the prototype was simulated virtually on the Inventor® and validated experimentally using a group of 22 volunteers. The results in training showed the feasibility of innovative prototype, showing greater strength gains to the volunteers when compared to traditional methods. Preliminary tests have shown that it is possible the application of vibration in the direction of the muscle shortening during training and indicated increases in muscle activation with application of mechanical vibration with frequency of 30 Hz and amplitude of oscillation of 1 mm at the handle of the volunteer.