Elastic Training Brace for Neuromuscular Proprioception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current braces and neuromuscular training methods fail to effectively address the loss of proprioception and muscle imbalance issues, particularly in joints like the knee, which can lead to injuries such as ACL tears and patellofemoral pain syndrome, by not providing adequate progressive resistance and directional training.
Innovation Solution
A training brace assembly with an elastic training strap that provides progressive resistance by varying tension forces across different ranges of motion, configured to influence limb movement and muscle activation patterns, thereby enhancing neuromuscular training and proprioception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional braces are used to support joints, then joint stability is improved, but proprioceptive training and neuromuscular control are not effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic training portion provides real-time tactile feedback to the wearer's limb through variable resistance forces. As the limb moves through different ranges of motion, the elastic material generates proportional resistance that the proprioceptors detect, creating a feedback loop that trains the nervous system to recognize and correct improper alignment and movement patterns, thereby addressing the proprioceptive training deficiency of traditional braces.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace incorporates a dynamic elastic training portion that transitions from a static support structure to an active training device. The elastic material's resistance force dynamically changes with limb position and movement velocity, providing progressive resistance that adapts to the wearer's movements throughout the range of motion, enabling neuromuscular retraining while maintaining joint stability.
2Device complexity
If uniform resistance is applied throughout the range of motion, then simplicity is maintained, but progressive resistance training for neuromuscular retraining is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic training portion utilizes the inherent physical properties of elastic materials to generate variable resistance forces that change with elongation. As the limb moves through the range of motion and stretches the elastic material, the resistance force increases proportionally, providing progressive resistance training without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thus achieving effective neuromuscular retraining while maintaining relative simplicity.
3Reliability
If the brace restricts movement to protect the joint, then injury prevention is improved, but muscle activation and proprioceptive stimulation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brace transitions from a static restrictive structure to a dynamic training device that actively engages muscles through elastic resistance. The elastic training portion allows controlled movement while providing progressive resistance forces that stimulate muscle activation and proprioceptive receptors throughout the range of motion, enabling injury prevention through active neuromuscular control rather than passive restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic resistance provides continuous tactile feedback to the wearer's proprioceptors during movement, enabling the nervous system to detect and correct improper movement patterns in real-time. This feedback mechanism promotes active muscle engagement and proprioceptive awareness, preventing injury through enhanced neuromuscular control while maintaining full range of motion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The brace assembly effectively trains proper limb movement and strengthens muscles, reducing the risk of re-injury by improving proprioception and neuromuscular control, allowing for better joint stability and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic training portion coupled to the upper mounting portion and the lower mounting portion and the elastic training portion adapted to provide a progressive resistance force on the upper mounting portion and the lower mounting portion when one of the mounting portions is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the other mounting portion
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the training brace assembly utilize an elastic training portion about a body portion to provide a resistance force to the limbs about the body portions. The elastic training portion may be positioned from attachment points on upper and lower mounting portions to provide the resistance force that influences the movement of the mounting portions and the body portion. In embodiments for a hip joint as the body portion, the training brace assembly provides a progressive resistance force that may assist in neuromuscular training of the hip joint.