A therapeutic device, such as an exercise device, includes the principles
of osteogenic repair by incorporating a vibrational loading mechanism
into the exercise device. By doing so, the therapeutic device provides an
increased osteogenic effect, thereby enhancing the benefits of the
therapy. As an example, an exercise device includes a support surface for
supporting all or part of the bodily tissue of an individual using the
device. A linear or rotary vibrational loading mechanism associated with
the frame or a rotational element of the exercise device drives the
support surface at a selected load and frequency, thereby inducing
mechanical loading of bodily tissue adjacent to the support surface
sufficiently to facilitate the growth, development, strengthening, and/or
healing of bone tissue. The vibrational loading mechanism may be
incorporated into any exercise device, including standard exercise
devices such as rowing machines, stair climbing machines, elliptical
trainers, bicycles, cross-country ski trainers, treadmills, or weight
trainers.