Physical training system & method

The physical training system addresses the challenge of inconsistent physiotherapy access by offering a user-friendly, feedback-based system for parents to conduct effective home exercises, improving therapy outcomes and reducing professional workload.

GB2640397BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-14MOTI ME LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
GB · GB
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
MOTI ME LTD
Filing Date
2024-04-15
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Children with disabilities face challenges in accessing consistent professional physiotherapy due to high demand, and parents struggle to manage home-based exercises with limited knowledge and resources, leading to suboptimal therapy outcomes.

Method used

A physical training system comprising a movable device and spatially separate target structures that provide visual, audio, or tactile feedback when interacted with, allowing parents to guide children through structured physiotherapy exercises without professional supervision.

Benefits of technology

The system enhances physiotherapy progress by providing engaging and effective home-based exercises, supporting developmental milestones, and reducing the burden on healthcare professionals by enabling remote monitoring and feedback.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A physical training system for children includes a movable device 105 to be held by a user and two or more target structures 115a-h. The system provides a different respective indication corresponding
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Description

In the UK over 1 million children face disabilities, with approximately 210,000 encountering dexterity or movement challenges. However, consistent access to professional paediatric physiotherapy is often challenging, leaving parents to manage home-based exercises in busy family settings. Many special needs children depend on regular physiotherapy sessions at clinics or hospitals. However, this is not always possible due to high demand. Many parents therefore have the role of practicing physiotherapy exercises at home, which can be challenging due to their limited physiotherapy knowledge, children’s distractions, and limited resources. The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind. SUMMARY According to a first aspect there is provided a physical training system for children. The system may comprise a movable device configured to be held by a user. The system may also comprise a plurality of target structures. The target structures may be configured to be arranged spatially separate from one another in use. The system may be configured to provide a different respective indication to the user corresponding to each of the target structures. The system may also be configured to provide feedback to the user when the movable device is brought into contact with or proximity to a target structure for which an indication has been provided. The physical training system may provide a versatile system for providing physiotherapy to children that is simple and straightforward to implement and use, particularly without a professional present such as at home or at school (in particular, special needs schools). That may provide parents or caregivers with the tools to assist in providing physiotherapy for children and allow children to more easily practice essential exercises in between formal physiotherapy 2 sessions. That may accelerate physiotherapy progress and may provide support in achieving crucial developmental milestones such as sitting, crawling, standing and walking. That may also improve movement whilst simultaneously reducing pressure on healthcare professionals, enabling physiotherapists to allocate more time to patients. The physical training system providing feedback may also provide an engaging physiotherapy experience that keeps children motivated during practice. The system may be configured to provide at least one of a visual, audio or tactile indication corresponding to each of the respective target structures. The system may comprise one or more light sources such as LEDs, or one or more display screens to provide visual indications. The system may comprise one or more speakers to provide audio indications. The system may comprise one or more mechanical elements such as vibrating elements to provide tactile indications. The system may be configured to provide at least one of visual, audio or tactile feedback when the movable device is brought into contact with or proximity to a target structure. The system may comprise one or more light sources such as LEDs, or one or more display screens to provide visual feedback. The system may comprise one or more speakers to provide audio feedback. The system may comprise one or more mechanical elements such as vibrating elements to provide tactile feedback. The movable device and / or the respective target structure may be configured to provide the respective indication corresponding to a target structure. The movable device and / or the respective target structure may be configured to provide the feedback to the user when the movable device is brought into contact with or proximity to a target structure. The system may comprise a plurality of movable devices. Each movable device may be paired with and configured to interact with a specific target structure. The system may further comprise a control system configured to control operation of the system. The control system may be substantially located in a single device of the system, for example a movable device, or may be distributed across multiple devices of the system, for example the plurality of target structures or the movable device and one or more of the target structures. The control system may be located externally of and remote to the movable device and the target structures. In a distributed control system, components of the control system in each device may be in communication with components of the control system in one or more of the other devices. In a remotely located control system, the control system may be in communication with the movable device and / or the target structures. The communication may be wired or wireless communication, for example via Bluetooth ®, infrared communication, Wi-Fi ®. The control system may be configured to determine if the movable device has been brought into contact with or proximity to a target structure. The movable device may comprise a sensor configured to detect that the movable device is in contact with or proximity to a target structure. Each target structure may be configured to be detected by the sensor of the movable device, for example may comprise a corresponding element configured to be detected by the sensor of the movable device. Each target structure may comprise a sensor configured to detect that the movable device is in contact with or proximity to the respective target structure. The movable device may be configured to be detected by the sensor of each target structure, for example comprise a corresponding element configured to be detected by the sensor of a target structure. The sensor of the movable device and / or the target structures may be or comprise any suitable sensor type. The sensor may be or comprise one or more of an RFID reader, a magnetic sensor such as a Hall sensor, a colour sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor such as a scanner (for example a barcode scanner or QR code scanner), a proximity sensor, or rangefinder (for example a laser rangefinder) etc. A corresponding element of the movable device and / or the target structures configured to be detected by the sensor may be or comprise an RFID tag, a colour of at least a part of the movable device and / or the target structures, a magnet, a visual mark or indication such as a barcode or QR code etc. The corresponding elements of the target structures configured to be detected by a sensor of the movable device may be unique to each of the target structures. The movable device may comprise one or more movement sensors configured to detect one or more movement parameters of the movable device when moved by a user. The one or more movement parameters may comprise speed (for example, translational speed and rotational speed) and / or orientation. For example, the movable device may comprise one or more of an accelerometer (for example, a triaxial accelerometer), a gyroscope, a magnetometer etc. The target structures may form part of or be integrated into a single unitary structure. Each target structure may be located at a different spatial position in the structure. For example, the target structures may form part of or be integrated into a planar structure such as a mat or sheet. Each target structure may be located at a different spatial position on the planar structure. The target structures may be removably connectable from one another, or from a base structure on which the target structures may be mounted. The target structures may be connected to one another to form one or more larger structures (for example, having different shapes or sizes) or may be used without be connected to one another. That may increase a flexibility of the system, by making the system scalable and being able to a desired spatial arrangement of the target structures or control or select a desired distance between target structures (for example, to provide for a greater range of motion of the user). For example, each target structure may be or comprise a planar structure such as a mat or a tile. The planar structures may be connectable to one another to form a larger mat or sheet comprising a plurality of mats or tiles. The system, for example the control system, may be configured to determine if the movable device has been brought into contact with or proximity to a target structure in accordance with a pre-determined sequence of target structures before providing feedback to the user. The predetermined sequence may comprise a sequence including some or all of the target structures. The pre-determined sequence may comprise any single target structure more than once. The system may be configured to sequentially provide respective indications corresponding to some or all of the target structures. That may enable the system to automatically provide specific, targeted movements or movement sequences for physiotherapy purposes without a professional present, enabling parents or caregivers to effectively support their child’s therapy goals. The system may be configured to provide a first indication corresponding to one of the target structures. The system may be configured to determine the movable device has been brought into contact with or proximity to the respective one of the target structures before providing a second indication corresponding to another of the target structures. The system may be configured to provide respective indications corresponding to some or all of the respective target structures according to a pre-determined sequence. The system may be configured to sequentially provide the respective indications according to the pre-determined sequence. The system, for example the control system, may be configured to generate the predetermined sequence, for example a substantially random sequence. Alternatively, the control system may comprise a memory in which one or more pre-determined sequences are stored. The system may be configured to select, for example randomly select, the pre-determined sequence from the one or more stored pre-determined sequences. The system may be configured to provide, on completion of a first pre-determined sequence, a second pre-determined sequence of indications different to the first pre-determined sequence. The system, for example the control system, may be configured to receive instructions from a user regarding one or more pre-determined sequences of target structures. The system may be reconfigurable in response to instructions from a user to provide a plurality of pre-determined sequences of indications corresponding to some or all of the target structures. The instructions from a user may be configured to cause the system, for example the control system, to add and / or delete (for example, to and / or from the memory of the control system) one or more pre-determined sequences of target structures that may be provided by the system. The system may comprise a user interface via which the instructions may be provided, for example a touch screen or one or more buttons. Alternatively, the system may be configured to receive instructions from a user via an external user device. For example, the system may be configured to be in wired or wireless communication with an external computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer (for example, using an application on the external computing device). Additionally or alternatively, the system may comprise a plurality of user-selectable structures (such as a card, token or fob) each comprising a unique element detectable by the sensor of the movable device, the unique elements each associated with a different set of instructions such as a different pre-determined sequence of target structures. That may allow the same underlying system to be easily and quickly reconfigured or updated to provide sequences of different length, difficulty and / or complexity as appropriate for different users . The system, for example the control system, may be configured to store data relating to use of the system. For example, the data may relate to the completion of one or more sequences by a user, and / or to movement parameters of the movable device(s) when moved by a user. The data may relate to a number of steps in a sequence that have been completed, a speed of each completed step etc. The memory of the control system may be configured to store the data. That may allow a user’s progress to be easily tracked in order to assess the efficacy of the physiotherapy provided. The system, for example the control system, may be configured to provide data to the user. The system may be configured to provide visual and / or audio data to the user, for example via a display screen and / or one or more speakers. Alternatively, the system, for example the control system, may be configured to transmit data to an external device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer, for example via wired or wireless communication. The data may be 6 or comprise data relating to the completion of one or more sequences by a user, and / or to movement parameters of the movable device when moved by a user. The system, for example the control system, may comprise a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive and transmit instructions and / or data, for example to an external device. That may allow the system to provide data relating to use of the system to an external user, such as a healthcare professional or physiotherapist. Maintaining seamless communication with a physiotherapist may improve progress monitoring and enhance the efficiency of physiotherapy sessions. That may also enable a physiotherapist or other healthcare professional to monitor or lead a physiotherapy session remotely. The sequence of target structures may correspond to a desired movement of the user’s body or a part of the user’s body (such as a leg movement, arm movement, core movement etc.). The target structures may be configured to be spatially arranged relative to one another in use such that a desired movement of the user’s body or a part of the user’s body can be performed by moving the movable device to the target structures according to the sequence. The movable device may comprise a housing having a modular construction. The modular housing construction may comprise one or more components that are configured to be interchangeable with one or more alternative components having a different configuration (for example, a different size, shape or texture). The modular housing construction may improve flexibility of the movable device to be used with a wide variety of users having different needs (for example, physiotherapy needs), abilities or preferences. The housing may comprise one or more removably connectable components. The removably connectable components may be or comprise a part of the housing and / or a structure such as a handle provided on or extending from the housing. That may allow parts of the housing and / or structures such as handles provided on the housing to be interchanged with alternative housing parts and / or structures such as handles having a different configuration (for example, a size, shape or texture). According to a second aspect, there is provided a physical training system for children. The system may comprise a movable device configured to be held by a user. The system may also comprise a plurality of target structures. The target structures may be configured to be arranged spatially separate from one another in use. The movable device may be configured to provide a first indication corresponding to one of the target structures. The system may be configured to provide feedback to the user when the movable device is brought into contact with or proximity to the respective one of the target structures. The movable device may be configured to subsequently provide a second indication corresponding to another one of the target structures. The second indication may be different from the first indication. The movable device and / or each target structure may also be configured to determine the movable device has been brought into contact with or proximity to the respective one of the target structures. The physical training system of the second aspect may comprise one or more features of the physical training system of the first aspect, and vice versa. According to a third aspect, there is provided a physical training system for children. The system may comprise a movable device configured to be held by a user. The system may also comprise a plurality of target structures configured to be arranged spatially separate from one another in use. The system may be configured to provide respective indications corresponding to some or all of the target structures according to a pre-determined sequence. The system may also be configured to provide feedback to the user each time the movable device is brought into contact with or proximity to a respective target structure according to the pre-determined sequence. The system may be reconfigurable to provide a plurality of different pre-determined sequences of indications corresponding to some or all of the target structure in response to user instructions. The system may be configured to sequentially provide respective indications corresponding to some or all of the target structures. The system may be configured to provide feedback confirming the movable device has been brought into contact with or proximity to a respective target structure according to the pre-determined sequence before providing a next indication in the pre-determined sequence. The physical training system of the third aspect may comprise one or more features of the physical training system of the first aspect or the second aspect, and vice versa. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a physical training method. The method may comprise providing an indication corresponding to one of a plurality of target structures to a user. The plurality of target structures may be arranged spatially separate from one another. The method may comprise moving a movable device, configured to be held by the user, to be in contact with or proximity to the one of the target structures. The method may further comprise 8 providing feedback to the user when the movable device is brought into contact with or proximity to the one of the target structures. The method may comprise providing a sequence of indications corresponding to a plurality of the target structures. The respective indications corresponding to each of the plurality of target structures may be different from one another. The method may comprise sequentially moving the movable device to each of the target structures according to the sequence of indications provided. The method may further comprise providing feedback to the user each time the movable device is brought into contact with or proximity to one of the target structures according to the sequence of indications provided. The method may comprise providing a first indication in the sequence of indications. The method may comprise moving the movable device to the respective one of the target structures corresponding to the first indication. The method may comprise providing feedback to the user when the movable device is brought into contact with or proximity to the respective one of the target structures. The method may comprise subsequently providing a second indication in the sequence of indications. The method may be carried out using the physical training system of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect. The physical training method of the fourth aspect may comprise one or more corresponding features of the physical training system of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect, and vice versa. According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a kit of parts. The kit of parts may comprise a physical training system. The physical training system may be the physical training system of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third. The kit of parts may also comprise instructions for using the physical training system. The instructions may be or comprise instructions for using the physical training system according to the method of the fourth aspect. Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a physical training system for children according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIGs. 2A and 2B respectively show a movable device and a target structure of the physical training system shown in FIG. 1 in more detail; FIGs. 3 and 4 respectively show physical training methods of using the physical training system shown in FIGs. 1, 2A and 2B; FIG. 5 shows another movable device for use in the physical training system shown in FIG. 1; and FIG. 6 shows another physical training system for children according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the target structures are separate structures. Like reference numerals in different Figures may represent like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a physical training system 100 for children according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 comprises a movable device 105 configured to be held by a user. The system 100 also comprises a plurality of target structures 115a-115h. In the embodiment shown, eight target structures 115a-115h are provided, although it will be appreciated any suitable number of target structures 115 may be provided. The system 100 is configured to provide a different respective indication to the user corresponding to each of the target structures 115a-115h. The system 100 is also configured to provide feedback to the user when the movable device 105 is brought into contact with or proximity to a target structure 11 Sall 5h for which an indication has been provided. In the embodiment shown, the movable device 105 is configured to provide the indications corresponding to each of the target structures 115a-115h. In the embodiment shown, the target structures 115 are integrated into a single unitary structure 125. The single unitary structure 125 is a substantially planar structure such as a mat or sheet. The target structures 115 are formed by regions of the mat 125 which are spatially separate from one another, and are identifiable or delineated using coloured areas on the surface of the mat 125 as shown in Figure 1. The target structures 115 each comprise a substantially circular area in the embodiment shown, although that is not essential. It will also be appreciated the target structures 115 on the mat 125 may alternatively be represented or identifiable by other indicia such as numbers, letters, words, images, raised areas of the mat 125 etc. The mat 125 comprises a soft structure and a waterproof and wipeable outer surface, although that is not essential. The soft structure may be or comprise a foam, surrounded or enclosed by a layer of plastic material to provide the waterproof and wipeable outer surface. The outer surface of the mat 125 may also comprise graphical elements or designs in addition to the target structures 115, for example to improve aesthetics of the mat 125 and / or to aid learning of the user. The movable device 105 is configured to provide a different indication corresponding to or associated with each respective target structure 115. The movable device 105 comprises a light source 108 (shown in Figure 2A) and is configured to selectively emit light of different colours corresponding to each respective target structure 115. For example, in order to provide an indication corresponding to the target structure 115a which is delineated using a purple circle on the mat 125, the movable device 105 is configured to emit a purple coloured light. However, it will be appreciated the movable device 105 may additionally or alternatively provide an indication in a different form, for example a visual indication on a display screen of the movable device 105, an audio indication (such as via a speaker or buzzer of the movable device 105) or a tactile indication (such as a vibrating or pulsing movement provided by a mechanical element of the movable device 105). The indication provided by each movable device 105 may represent an instruction for a user to move the movable device 105 to bring it into contact with or proximity to the respective target structure 115 which the indication corresponds to. Upon being brought into contact with or proximity to the respective target structure 115, the movable device 105 is configured to provide feedback to the user. In the embodiment shown, each movable device 105 is configured to provide a visual indication by changing an output state of the light source 108. In the embodiment shown, the light source 108 of the movable device 105 is configured to emit light in a blink or pulse (for example, one, two, or more times) and then sequentially emit light in a plurality of different colours (for example, in the order of colours of a rainbow). However, that is not essential, and it will be appreciated each movable device 105 may additionally or alternatively provide feedback in a different form, for example, a visual indication on a display screen of the movable device 105, an audio indication (such as via a speaker or buzzer of the movable device 105) or a tactile indication (such as a vibrating or pulsing movement provided by a mechanical element of the movable device 105). Figures 2A and 2B respectively schematically show a movable device 105 and a target structure 115 of the mat 125 in more detail. The movable device 105 comprises a controller 106, a sensor 107, the light source 108 and a power source 109. The power source 109 is configured to provide power to each of the controller 106, the sensor 107 and the light source 108. The controller 106 is in communication with the sensor 107 and the light source 108. The controller 106 controls the light source 108 to provide an indication corresponding to the desired target structure 115. The sensor 107 is configured to detect that the movable device 105 is in contact with or proximity to the target structure 115 for which the indication has been provided. The sensor 107 is configured to detect an element 116 of the target structure 115. In the embodiment shown, the sensor 107 comprises an RFID reader and the element 116 comprises an RFID tag embedded into the mat 125 at a desired location (such as under a coloured area of the mat 125). The RFID tag 116 is a passive RFID tag that is powered by interaction with the RFID reader 107, although that is not essential and the target structure 115 may comprise a power source to provide power to the element 116 (for example, an active RFID tag). Each RFID tag 116 has a unique identifier allowing the RFID tag 116 to be associated with a specific target structure 115, although that is not essential. When data provided to the controller 106 from the sensor 107 indicates the sensor 107 has detected the element 116 of the associated target structure 115, the controller 106 controls the light source 108 to provide feedback indicating the movable device 105 has been brought into contact with or proximity to the target structure 115 as described above. It will be appreciated the sensor 107 may be any suitable sensor configured to detect whether the movable device 105 is in contact with or proximity to the target structure 115. For example, the sensor 107 may be or comprise a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall sensor), a colour sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor such as a scanner (such as a barcode scanner or QR code scanner), a proximity sensor, or rangefinder (such as a laser rangefinder). The element 116 may be any suitable element configured to be detected by the sensor 107, for example a magnet, a visual mark or indication on the target structure 115 (such as a barcode or QR code), or a colour of at least a part of the or each primary device. The elements 116 of the target structures 115 being unique to each of the target structures 115 may allow detection of whether the movable device 105 has been brought into contact with or proximity to one or more of the target structures 115 in accordance with a desired sequence of target structures 115 (discussed further below). However, each element 116 having a unique identifier or characteristic is not essential, for example if bringing the movable device 105 into contact with or proximity to the target structures 115 in accordance with a desired sequence of target structures 115 is not required. The movable device 105 also comprises a movement sensor 110. The power source 109 is configured to provide power to the movement sensor 110. The movement sensor 110 is configured to detection one or more movement parameters of the movable device 105 when the movable device 105 is moved by a user, for example a translation and / or rotational speed of the movable device 105 and / or an orientation of the movable device 105. In the embodiment shown, the movement sensor 110 comprises a triaxial accelerometer, although it will be appreciated any suitable movement sensor may additionally or alternatively used such as a uniaxial accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer etc. However, a movement sensor is not essential. The system 100 is also configured to determine if the movable device 105 has been brought into contact with or proximity to the target structures 115 in accordance with a desired sequence of target structures 115, although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, the controller 106 comprises a memory 106a in which the desired sequence is stored. The desired sequence is a pre-determined sequence of target structures 115 provided by a user, although it will be appreciated the desired sequence may also be a random or substantially random sequence generated by system 100, for example by the controller 106. The desired sequence may comprise some or all of the target structures 115 and may comprise any individual target structure 115 more than once. The movable device 105 provides an indication corresponding to a specific target structure 115 as described above. As the movable device 105 is brought into contact with or proximity to a target structure 115, the controller 106 of the movable device 105 determines if the sensor 107 has detected the element 116 of the specific target structure 115. If the controller 106 determines that the sensor 107 has detected the element 116 of the specific target structure 115, the controller 106 then determines whether the movable device 105 was brought into contact with or proximity to the specific target structure 115 in accordance with the desired sequence of target structures 115 stored in the memory 106a. If the controller 106 determines the movable device 105 was brought into contact with or proximity to the specific target structure 115 in accordance with the desired sequence, the controller 106 controls the light source 108 to provide feedback as described above (for example, by changing an output state of the light source 108). If the controller 106 determines the movable device 105 was brought into contact with or proximity to the specific target structure 115 but not in accordance with the desired sequence, the controller 106 does not control the light source 108 to provide feedback. That indicates to the user that the movable device 105 must be brought into contact with or proximity to a different target structure 115, in accordance with the desired sequence, before the movable device 105 will provide feedback. Alternatively, the system 100 may comprise an additional or external controller (not shown) which acts to determine whether the controller 106 of the movable device 105 has detected the element 116 of the specific target structure 115 and whether the movable device 105 was brought into contact with or proximity to the specific target structure 115 in accordance with the desired sequence of target structures 115. The controller 106 may be in wired or wireless communication with the external controller, for example via Bluetooth®, infra-red communication or Wi-Fi®. The external controller may be or be part of an external user device such as a smartphone or other computing device (such as a tablet, laptop or desktop computer). The controller 106 may comprise a transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving information or communication to and / or from an external controller. The controller 106 of the movable device 105 may not comprise a memory 106a if the controller 106 is in communication with an external controller via which determinations are made based on information received from the controller 106. The system 100 is also configured to provide indications corresponding to the target structures 115 in the desired sequence, although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, the system 100 is configured to sequentially provide the indications. Initially, the movable device 105 provides an indication corresponding to the first target structure 115 in the sequence. As the movable device 105 is brought into contact with or proximity to the first target structure 115 in the sequence, the controller 106 of the movable device 105 determines the sensor 107 has detected the element 116 of the first target structure 115 in the sequence as described above. The controller 106 then determines the movable device 105 has been brought into contact with or proximity to the first target structure 115 in accordance with the desired sequence, and controls the light source 108 to provide feedback as described above. The controller 106 then controls the light source 108 to provide an indication corresponding to the second target structure 115 in the sequence, and so on until the desired sequence is completed. Alternatively, the system 100 may be configured to provide indications corresponding to all target structures 115 in the sequence at the initiation of the sequence, and may provide feedback as the movable device 105 is brought into contact with or proximity to the corresponding target structures 115 in accordance with the desired sequence. For example, the system 100 may comprise a separate display showing indications corresponding to the sequence, either sequentially or in full at the initiation of the sequence. The display may be separate from the movable device 105 and the mat 125, or may be integral with the movable device 105 or the mat 125. The display may provide feedback as each step of the sequence is completed by bringing the movable devices 105 into contact with or proximity with the target structures 115, for example by greying out or ending display of an indication corresponding to a target structure 115 in the sequence which has already been completed. Each pre-determined sequence may correspond to a desired movement of the user’s body or a part of the user’s body (such as a leg movement, arm movement, core movement etc.). The target structures 115 are spatially arranged on the mat 125 relative to one another such that a desired movement of the user’s body or a part of the user’s body can be performed by moving the movable devices 105 to the corresponding target structures 115 according to the sequence. That may allow the physical training system to be used for specific exercises or movements for physical training or physiotherapy purposes. However, that is not essential. The controller 106 is configured to receive instructions from a user regarding one or more desired or pre-determined sequences of target structures 115. The controller 106 is in communication (for example, wired or wireless communication as described above) with an external user device running an application via which the instructions are provided. The instructions provided may cause the controller 106 to add and / or delete one or more pre-determined sequences of target structures 115 to the memory 106a, which can then also be selected either manually by a user (via the external user device) or automatically by the controller 106 in order for the system 100 to operate according to the sequence. Alternatively, the instructions provided may simply be communicated to the controller 106 from the external user device without being stored on the memory 106a (instead being stored locally on the external user device), to cause the system 100 to operate according to a desired or selected sequence. Alternatively, the system 100 itself may comprises a dedicated user interface via which the user instructions can be provided. For example, the movable device 105 may comprise such a user interface. The user interface may comprise a touch screen or one or more buttons to allow user input to be received by the system 100. Alternatively, the controller 106 may be configured to receive user instructions via a different mechanism. For example, the system 100 may further comprise a plurality of user-selectable devices such as cards, tokens or fobs each comprising an RFID tag. The examples below refer to cards, although it will be appreciated any suitable device comprising an RFID tag may alternatively be used. The RFID tag in each respective card comprises instructions corresponding to a different pre-determined sequence of target structures 115. The RFID tag in each card is detectable by the sensor 107 of the movable device 105. A desired sequence of target structures 115 may be selected by a user by bringing one of the cards into contact with or proximity to the movable device 105 such that the system 100 operates according to the desired sequence. The 15 pre-determined sequence of target structures 115 may be stored on the RFID tag of the card and wirelessly transmitted to the controller 106 of the movable device 105 when the sensor 107 detects the RFID tag of the card. Alternatively, the RFID tag of each card may comprise a unique identifier associated with a specific pre-determined sequence of target structures 115 which is already stored in the memory 106a of the controller 106 of the movable device 105, wherein the controller 106 selects a desired sequence of target structures 115 from the memory 106a when the sensor 107 detects the RFID tag of the respective card. It will also be appreciated a similar approach may be used to select a pre-determined sequence of target structures 115 which is already stored in the memory 106a of the controller 106 of the movable device 105, by providing cards each comprising a unique element or identifier which can be associated with a particular pre-determined sequence of target structures 115 and which can be detected by the sensor 107 of the movable device 105. The element on the card may be or comprise a visual mark or indication (such as a barcode or QR code), a colour, a magnet (for example, magnets having different magnetic field strengths which can be detected by a magnetic sensor such as a Hall sensor). In the embodiment shown, the memory 106a of the controller 106 is configured to store data relating to the use of the system 100. The data may include both successful and unsuccessful attempts to bring the movable device 105 into contact with or proximity to a specific target structure 115, a number of sequences completed, a number of steps in a sequence that have been completed, proportion of actions completed in accordance with a sequence, a speed of each step in a sequence, a type of movement performed by the user, a time spent using the system 100 and so on. The data may be derived from operation of the controller 106 (for example, the detection of a target structure 115 by the sensor 107 of the movable device 105) and / or data from the movement sensor 110 of the movable device 105. The data may be provided to the user via an external user device (such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer) to which the data is transmitted from the controller 106 for later review, or may be provided directly by the system 100, for example using audio or visual feedback (such as the visual, audio or tactile indication elements of each movable device 105, or via a display screen and / or one or more speakers which may be incorporated into the movable device 105 or into a separate user device of the system 100 such as the user input device described above). Alternatively, the controller 106 of the movable device 105 may not comprise a memory 106a if the controller 106 is in communication with an external controller to which the data is provided or by which the data is determined based on communication with the controller 106. Alternatively, a plurality of movable devices 105 may be provided. The movable devices 105 may be substantially identical to the movable device 105 described above. Each movable device 105 may operate substantially independently from the other movable devices 105, or the movable devices 105 may cooperate with one another. For example, each movable device 105 may be paired to a specific target structure 115 and configured to provide an indication corresponding to that specific target structure 115, such that a sequence of indications can be provided using a plurality of different movable devices 105. The controllers 106 of each movable device 105 may be in communication (for example, wireless communication) with each other and / or with an external controller in order to coordinate operation of the movable devices 105, for example as part of a desired sequence of target structures 115. It will also be appreciated the indications and / or the feedback may be provided by different parts of the system 100, for example by the target structures 115 themselves or by a combination of the target structures 115 and the movable device(s) 105. Each target structure 115 and / or movable device 105 may comprise a respective controller and a visual, audio or tactile element as necessary to provide the desired indication and feedback to a user. The controllers of each target structure 115 and / or each movable device 105 may be in communication (for example, wireless communication) with each other and / or with an external controller in order to coordinate operation of the system 100, for example as part of a desired sequence of target structures 115. Figure 3 shows a physical training method 200 carried out using the system 100 described with respect to Figures 1, 2A and 2B. Step 205 of the method 200 comprises providing an indication corresponding to at least one of a plurality of target structures 115 to a user. In the embodiment shown, the indication (s) is(are) provided using the movable device 105 as described above, although that is not essential. Optionally step 205 comprises providing a sequence of indications corresponding to a plurality of the target structures 115, either simultaneously or sequentially, as described above. The indication or sequence of indications to be provided may be selected by a user, for example via an external user device in communication with the controller 106 of the movable device 105. Step 210 of the method 200 comprises moving the movable device 105 to be in contact with or proximity to the target structure 115. Optionally step 210 comprises sequentially moving the movable device 105 to each target structure 115, for example according to a pre-determined sequence, as described above. Step 215 of the method 200 comprises providing feedback to the user when the movable device 105 is brought into contact with or proximity to a target structure 115. Optionally step 215 comprises providing feedback to the user each time the movable device 105 is brought into 17 contact with or proximity to a target structure 115 in accordance with a pre -determined sequence, as described above. Figure 4 shows another physical training method 300 carried out using the system 100 described with respect to Figures 1, 2A and 2B. Step 305 of the method 300 comprises arranging the plurality of target structures 115 in a desired spatial relationship relative to one another. For the mat 125 described above, the spatial relationship between the target structures 115 is substantially fixed on the mat 125. Step 305 may therefore comprise placing the mat 125 on a suitable surface. For embodiments in which the target structures 115 are separate structures and / or removably connectable to one another, the spatial relationship of the target structures 115 may be selected as desired. Step 310 of the method 300 comprises placing the movable device 105 (for example, the controller 106 of the movable device 105) in communication with an external user device such as a smartphone or other computing device (such as a tablet, laptop or desktop computer). The external user device runs an application via which instructions are provided to the system 100. The communication may be wired or wireless communication. In an embodiment, the movable device 105 is in wireless communication with the external user device via Bluetooth®, although that is not essential. Step 315 of the method 300 comprises selecting a pre-determined sequence of target structures 115 via the external user device. The selected pre-determined sequence of target structures 115 is communicated to the movable device 105 (for example, the controller 106 of the movable device 105) to cause the system 100 to operate according to the pre-determined sequence of target structures 115. Step 320 of the method 300 comprises providing indications corresponding to the target structures 115 in the sequence, as described above with respect to the system 100. For example, the movable device 105 provides a first indication corresponding to a first target structure 115 in the sequence. When the movable device 105 is brought into contact with or proximity to the first target structure 115 in accordance with the sequence, the movable device 105 provides feedback to the user as described above. The movable device 105 then provides a second indication corresponding to the next target structure 115 in the sequence, and so on. Step 325 of the method 300 comprises storing or recording data relating to use of the system 100, as described above with respect to the system 100. For example, data may be communicated from the movable device 105 to the external user device for later review. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a movable device 405 which can be used in the system 100 described with respect to Figures 1, 2A and 2B and in the methods 200, 300 described with respect to Figures 3 and 4. The movable device 405 comprises a housing 430 in or on which a controller such as the controller 106, a sensor such as the sensor 107, a light source such as the light source 108 (and / or other mechanism for providing an indication to a user, such as a speaker or buzzer configured to provide an audio indication, or mechanical element configured to provide a tactile indication), a power source such as the power source 109 and a movement sensor such as the movement sensor 110 are disposed. The movable device 405 may also comprise a wireless charging mechanism disposed within the housing, for example a charging coil, configured to wirelessly receive power from an external charging device and provide power to the power source (which may be or comprise a rechargeable battery). Alternatively, the movable device 405 may comprise a charging port for receiving a wire to provide wired charging. The movable device 405 comprises an on / off switch to control delivery of power from the power source to the other electronic components within the housing 430, although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, the housing 430 comprises a plurality of housing portions 430a, 430b, 430c. The plurality of housing portions 430a, 430b, 430c comprise a first housing portion or base 430a, a second housing portion or top 430b, and a connecting housing portion or connector 430c configured to secure the base 430a to the top 430b. In the embodiment shown, the connector 430c comprises screw threads 435a configured to engage with complementary screw threads 435b on the base 430a. The base 430a and the top 430b are configured to be brought into contact with one another to form the enclosed structure of the housing 430, before screwing the connector 430c onto the base 430a. As the screw threads 435a, 435b engage, the connector 430c clamps against the top 430b, securing the base 430a to the top 430b. In the embodiment shown, the housing 430 is substantially ovoid or egg-shaped, and the connector 430c comprises a substantially annular or ring-shape structure that varies in diameter along a longitudinal axis of the ring shape of the connector 430c (that is perpendicular to a radial direction of the ring shape). As the screw threads 435a, 435b engage, the narrowing width or diameter of the ring-shaped connector 430c causes the connector 430c to clamp against the top 430b. However, it will be appreciated any suitable connector 430c may alternatively be provided to secure the base 430a to the top 430b using a releasable attachment mechanism (for example, a resilient clip or a dimple pop-in mechanism). It will also be appreciated the base 430a and the top 430b may be removably connectable from one another directly, for example via complementary screw threads provided on the base 430a and the top 430b, or via another releasable attachment mechanism such as one or more resilient clips provided on one or both of the base 430a and the top 430b, or a dimple pop-in mechanism. In another alternative, the housing 430 may comprise a single structure without separable parts, or separate parts of the housing 430 may be permanently connected to one another, for example using an adhesive or a welded connection. The top 430b is substantially translucent to allow light emitted by the light source 108 within the housing 430 to be seen by a user. However, that is not essential. For example, the top 430a or another portion of the housing 430 may comprise one or more apertures through which light emitted by the light source 108 can pass to be seen by a user, or the light source 108 may be mounted in a surface of the housing 430 so that light emitted by the light source 108 is emitted externally of the housing 430. A plurality of structures 440, 445 are provided on the housing 430. In the embodiment shown, the structures 445 each provide a handle on the movable device 405, and the structures 440, 445 together provide the movable device 405 with desired visual characteristics. For example, in the embodiment shown, the structures 440 resemble eyes and the structures 445 resemble ears. The exact shape and appearance of the structures 440, 445 may be chosen to resemble the eyes and ears of a person or an animal (and / or other features such as a limb or other body part, for example a trunk of an elephant, a neck of a giraffe etc.), although that is not essential. The structures 440, 445 are releasably connectable to the housing 430 to allow different structures 440, 445 to be interchangeably used with the same housing 430, although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, each structure 440, 445 comprises a resilient clip 450 configured to engage with or be received by a corresponding structure (for example, an aperture) on the housing 430. However, that is not essential, and the structures 440, 445 may be releasably connectable to the housing 430 in any suitable manner, for example via an interference or friction fit, or via complementary screw threads etc. It will also be appreciated the structures 440 and / or the structures 445 may be permanently connected to or integral with the housing 430, and the top 430b of the housing 430 may be removed and replaced with an alternative top 430b having different structures 440, 445. That may allow the structures 440, 445 to be altered for aesthetic purposes (for example, to provide a different “character”) or for functional reasons (for example, to provide handles having a different shape, size or texture to accommodate different dexterities and abilities). The housing 430 and / or the structures 440, 445 may also comprise a textured outer surface to provide grip and sensory interaction for a user. For example, in the embodiment shown, the connector 430c comprises a plurality of substantially hemispherical projections of different sizes on its outer surface. However, that is not essential, and it will be appreciated any (or no) surface texture may be provided on the housing 430 and / or the structures 440, 445. Returning to Figure 1, the target structures 115 are integrated into the mat 125 such that the spatial arrangement of the target structures 115 relative to one another is fixed. Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a system 100’, in which each target structure 115’ comprises a separate individual structure which may allow the spatial arrangement of the target structures 115’ relative to one another to be altered by a user as desired, for example by placing each target structure 115’ in a desired location. Each target structure 115’ comprise a substantially flat circular spot, mat or a tile, akin to the part of the mat 125 forming each target structure in the mat 125 in Figure 1, although the flat structure may have any suitable shape or configuration. The mat or tile of each target structure 115’ may be removably connectable to the mat or tile of the other target structures 115’, which may enable the mats or tiles to form a larger structure (for example, a larger mat or sheet) having a desired shape or configuration (for example, square, rectangular, L-shaped or any other shape) depending on how the target structures 115’ are connected to one another. The mat or tile of each target structure 115’ may comprise complementary engagement features (for example, tabs and recesses in an edge of the mat or tile, tongue and groove connectors, or other male and female connectors) such as those used in temporary flooring to allow the target structures 115 ’ to be releasably connected to one another in a conventional manner. Alternatively, each target structure 115’ may have any suitable shape or configuration, for example a 3D shape such as a box, from which a large 3D shape may be constructed using multiple target structures 115’. From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of physical training systems, in particular physical training systems for children, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein. Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in 5 combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. 10 For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, the term “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

20 03 251. A physical training system for providing physiotherapy to children comprising: a movable device configured to be held by a user; and5 a plurality of target structures;wherein the system is configured to:provide a different respective indication to the user corresponding to each of the target structures; andprovide feedback to the user when the movable device is brought into contact with 10 or proximity to a target structure for which an indication has been provided;wherein the movable device comprises a housing having a modular construction; andthe housing comprises a handle, wherein the handle or a housing part including the handle is removably connectable to the housing such that the handle is interchangeable with an alternative handle having a different configuration including at15 least one of a different size, shape or texture.

2. The physical training system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to:a) provide at least one of a visual, audio or tactile indication corresponding to each of the target structures; and / or20 b) provide at least one of visual, audio or tactile feedback when the movable device isbrought into contact with or proximity to a target structure for which an indication has been provided.

3. The physical training system of claim 1 or of claim 2, wherein:25 a) the movable device and / or the respective target structure is configured to provide therespective indication corresponding to a target structure; and / orb) the movable device and / or the respective target structure is configured to provide the feedback to the user when the movable device is brought into contact with or proximity to a target structure for which an indication has been provided.

304. The physical training system of any preceding claim, further comprising a control system to control operation of the system.

5. The physical training system of any preceding claim, wherein:35 a) the movable device comprises a sensor configured to detect that the movable device isin contact with or proximity to a target structure, and optionally wherein each target structure comprises a corresponding element configured to be detected by the sensor of the movable device; or20 03 25b) each target structure comprises a sensor configured to detect that the movable device is in contact with or proximity to the respective target structure, and optionally wherein the movable device comprises a corresponding element configured to be detected by the sensor of a target structure.

6. The physical training system of claim 5, wherein the sensor(s) comprise one or more of an RFID sensor, a magnetic sensor, a colour sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor or a rangefinder.

7. The physical training system of any preceding claim, wherein the movable device further comprises one or more sensors configured to detect one or more movement parameters of the movable device when moved by a user, and optionally wherein the movable device comprises one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer.

8. The physical training system of any preceding claim, wherein the target structures form part of or are integrated into a single unitary structure, and optionally form part of or are integrated into a planar structure.

9. The physical training system of claim 8, wherein each target structure is located at a different spatial position in the structure.

10. The physical training system of any of claims 1 to 7. wherein the target structures are removably connectable from one another.

11. The physical training system of claim 10, wherein each target structure comprises a planar structure.

12. The physical training system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to determine if the movable device has been brought into contact with or proximity to a target structure for which an indication has been provided in accordance with a pre-determined sequence of target structures before providing feedback to a user.

13. The physical training system of claim 12, wherein the pre-determined sequence comprises some or all of the target structures.

14. The physical training system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to sequentially provide respective indications corresponding to some or all of the target structures.20 03 2515. The physical training system of claim 14, wherein the system is configured to: provide a first indication corresponding to one of the target structures;determine the movable device has been brought into contact with or proximity to the 5 respective target structure;provide a second indication corresponding to another of the target structures.

16. The physical training system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to provide respective indications corresponding to some or all of the target structures according 10 to a pre-determined sequence.

17. The physical training system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to receive instructions from a user regarding one or more pre-determined sequences of target structures.1518. The physical training system of claim 17, wherein the instructions are configured to cause the system to add and / or delete one or more pre-determined sequences of target structures.

19. The physical training system of claim 17 or of claim 18, wherein:20 i) the system is configured to receive instructions from a user via an external user device,and optionally is configured to receive instructions from a user wirelessly; and / orii) the system comprises a plurality of user-selectable structures each comprising a unique element detectable by the sensor of the movable device, the unique elements each associated with a different pre-determined sequence of target structures.2520. The physical training system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to store data relating to use of the system.

21. The physical training system of claim 20, wherein the system is configured to provide 30 data to the user, and optionally configured to transmit data to an external user device.

22. The physical training system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to sequentially provide indications corresponding to some or all of the target structures such that the sequence corresponds to a desired movement of the user’s body or a part of the user’s body 35 when the user moves the movable device to be in contact with or proximity to each of the some or all target structures according to the sequence of indications.

23. The physical training system of claim 22, wherein the target structures are configured to be spatially arranged relative to one another in use such that a desired movement of the user’s body or a part of the user’s body is performed by moving the movable device to be in contact with or proximity to the target structures according to the sequence of indications.20 03 25

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