Company Info

Dr MacMillan (Myonics LLC) & MyoZone Advisor
Dr. MacMillan (Retired Orthopedic Spine Surgeon) became aware of eccentrics through his work with the Nautilus company in Ocala Fl in the 1980’s where he developed an understanding of the principles of muscle strengthening and machine design. In his orthopedic studies at the University of Florida, the concept of mechanical force as a stimulus for growth and development of the musculoskeletal system became apparent and the unique properties of eccentric muscle overload were pre-eminent. He also was aware that despite all the potential benefits of eccentric exercise there was no technology available to safely and effectively deliver this stimulus.
In 1988 he patented a mechanical assistance mechanism to provide eccentric forces in conventional Nautilus-style weightlifting machines. This eventuated in 1996 creation of a unit called Negator that was offered for sale for hamstring injury prevention and rehabilitation. Despite local sales and use at the University of Florida, the large assistance mechanism and the need for an operator prevented widespread sales.

Michael Draper MyoZone & Myonics Member

Michael Draper has been involved with eccentric training through his work with Quadmill, developed by Terry Jacobs. In 2012, Draper was introduced to a small, advanced motor controlled precise motion system with a computer interface. This new hybrid servo/stepper motor could completely replicate the functions of the mechanical assistance used in the outdated Max out but within a small, bread-box sized module. Realizing that this technology eliminated all of the practical problems created by the large mechanical mechanism, a new company, Xcentric Technologies was formed to develop this system. The product developed under Xcentric Technologies was designed specifically for the prevention offrailty, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis in the aging population. To reduce the overall cost and space requirements of the machine, three stations were combined, requiring only a single weight stack to provide a complete treatment cycle. The ExMed BMD was designed based on this principal is a single weight stack three station unit which focuses on lumbo-pelvic stability. It includes a squat lift, leg press and lumbar station specific to resistance treatments for osteoporosis intended to be marketed directly to both the medical community and the general public. Essential strength became the focus once beta testing was completed.