Sprinter Leg Muscle Training Device and Method

This invention relates to a device for strengthening and training the leg muscles of a runner. This invention also relates to a method for providing a specific training protocol for sprinters and other athletes involved with sprint running utilizing the present novel device.

Detailed anatomical study and training work with running athletes conducted by the present inventor has indicated that certain identifiable leg muscles, particularly the hip flexor muscle group, require specialized strengthening and training to enable the runner to achieve maximum speed and effectiveness. In the course of this study and work, this inventor has developed an overall training regimen for these muscle groups which is particularly effective for sprinters and other athletes involved with sprint running. Sprint running is often involved in such sports as football, soccer, basketball, and the like, and the leg muscle training device and method of the present invention is particularly effective in improving the strength and overall performance of athletes involved in such sports.

This invention provides a leg muscle training device which comprises an elongated elastomeric and stretchable cord, a set of leg bindings secured to each end of the cord, and a position adjustable attachment means connected to the cord. Each set of leg bindings includes a thigh binding, for providing secure, releasable attachment to the thigh, and a calf binding, for providing secure, releasable attachment to the calf. The attachment means is designed to provide stationary attachment for the device to provide resistance for the runner moving away from the stationary attachment. The thigh binding comprises an adjustable padded band for closely encircling a thigh with means for securely and releasably retaining the band in position during use. The calf binding comprises an adjustable padded band for closely encircling a calf with means for securely and releasably retaining the band in position. The attachment means is preferably a position adjustable loop, and the presently preferred means for providing stationary attachment is to have a person, such as the trainer, position the loop over his forearm and grasp the lengths of the cord firmly while the runner is moving or exerting motion away, as by running on a treadmill or in place.

This invention also provides a method for strengthening and training a runner comprising securing the leg bindings of the device of this invention to both legs of a runner and securing the attachment means of the device to a stationary point of attachment. The runner then provides running exertion away from the point of attachment, as by running in place or on a treadmill. The presently preferred method of providing stationary attachment is to have a person grasp a position adjustable loop provided on the cord.

FIG. 1 is a left side perspective view of the sprinter leg muscle training device of this invention, showing it in position on an athlete for training.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the right leg portion of the present inventive training device.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the structural elements used on the right leg, showing the training device unfastened.

FIG. 1 shows sprint runner 10 running on positive grade treadmill 12 with sprinter leg muscle training device 14 of the present invention in position for training. Training device 14 is shown, in FIGS. 1 and 2, as attached to each leg of runner 10 by means of a set of leg bindings comprising thigh binding 16 and calf binding 18. Thigh binding 16 preferably comprises padded band 19 for adjustably and closely encircling the leg of runner 10. Thigh binding 16 is preferably formed on exterior 20 with a stretch fabric, such as SPANDEX expandable fabric and on interior leg-confronting side 22 with a foam padding. Thigh binding 16 may be secured to the leg of runner 10 by any suitable means. As shown in the illustrations, thigh binding 16 is secured to thigh belt 24, for example by tack stitching 25. Thigh belt 24 may be formed of a sturdy webbing with ring 26 secured at one end. The opposite end of thigh belt 24 may be provided with both hook and wool forms of VELCRO reusable closure 27, so that thigh belt 24 is threaded through ring 26 and secured back upon itself to securely fasten thigh binding 16 in position on runner 10.

Calf binding 18 is formed similarly to thigh binding 16. Calf binding 18 preferably comprises padded band 28 for adjustably and closely encircling the leg of runner 10. Calf band 28 is preferably formed on exterior 30 with a stretch fabric, such as SPANDEX expandable fabric and on interior leg-confronting side 32 with a foam padding. Calf binding 18 may be secured to the leg of runner 10 by any suitable means. As shown in the illustrations, calf band 28 is secured to calf belt 34, for example by tack stitching 35. Calf belt 34 may be formed of a sturdy webbing with ring 36 secured at one end. The opposite end of calf belt 34 may be provided with both hook and wool forms of VELCRO reuseable closure 38, so that calf belt 34 is threaded through ring 36 and secured back upon itself to securely fasten calf binding 18 in position on runner 10.

Calf binding 18 and thigh binding 16 may be attached to each other by any suitable means. As shown in the illustrations, they may be attached to each other by means of connector web 40 of sufficient length to accommodate runners 10 of different heights and leg diameters and to allow for ease of motion in running. Each connector web is attached to either end of an elongated elastomeric and stretchable cord 42. Elastomeric cord 42 should exhibit such desirable physical properties as flexural yield strength, flexural elastic modulus, tensile strength, elongation and elastic recovery. According to the presently preferred embodiment, polyurethane surgical tubing has been found to be suitable under actual extended use conditions.

Cord 42 is also provided with a position adjustable means for providing attachment of training device 14 to a stationary support means. As shown in FIG. 1, the presently preferred position adjustable means is closed loop 44 of a suitable webbing material. Also as shown in FIG. 1, the presently preferred means of providing stationary support for the device of the present invention is to have a person, such as trainer 46, slip loop 44 over his forearm and firmly grasp the extending lengths of cord 42 as runner 10, wearing training device 14, provides running exertion by running in place or on treadmill 12.

According to the present invention, the method of using the inventive device for strengthening and training a runner comprises the following steps. Using training device 14 as just previously described, the set of leg bindings, each comprising thigh binding 16 and calf binding 18, is secured around each leg of runner 10. Closed loop 44, which is adjustably positioned on cord 42 is attached to a stationary point of attachment. As just previously described, the presently preferred method of providing stationary attachment is to have trainer 46 place the loop 44 over his forearm and securely grasp the extending lengths of cord 42 as runner 10 provides running exertion, as by running in place or on a treadmill.

Using the device and the method of the present invention in conjunction with a systematic, extended training program, remarkable and demonstrable increase in strength, speed and overall performance of sprint runners has been achieved. The present invention has demonstrated success in training of normal, healthy athletes, as well as in athletic rehabilitation of injured athletes. It will be apparent to those of skill in this area, that this device and method can be easily adjusted to the needs of the individual athlete by providing different lengths and degrees of resistance in the cord or tether against which the runner exerts running or movement effort.