Wearable Core Muscle Activation Device with Multi-Modal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective methods to improve core muscle awareness and activation, particularly of the transverse abdominis, due to inadequate posture awareness and sedentary lifestyles, leading to increased predisposition for injuries like low back pain and abdominal protrusion.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with modules and alerting mechanisms, such as vibrations or sensory stimulation, that attach to the body to remind users to activate their core muscles correctly through various postures, using a controller and smart devices for instruction and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If typical exercises are used to improve core muscle activation, then some muscle strength may be increased, but muscle awareness and automatic activation remain insufficient due to lack of repeated practice in daily activities
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device provides real-time feedback to users through vibrations, visual cues, and audible signals when their core muscles are not activated during sedentary periods, creating a feedback loop that reinforces muscle activation behavior and increases awareness without requiring additional exercise time
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors user posture and muscle activation status through sensors, eliminating the need for manual checking or conscious effort from the user to track their own muscle state, thereby improving awareness efficiency
2Extent of automation
If significant repetition practice is provided to retrain core abdominal muscles, then muscle awareness and automaticity improve, but the time required for retraining is excessive and not achievable through typical daily activity
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides continuous monitoring and reminders throughout the day, integrating muscle activation training into every sedentary period rather than requiring dedicated training blocks, thereby achieving repeated practice without additional time investment
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic reminders at predetermined intervals during sedentary activities, creating repeated activation opportunities without requiring continuous user attention or extended training periods
3Reliability
If multiple alerting mechanisms are used to remind users to activate core muscles, then muscle activation awareness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device integrates multiple alerting mechanisms (vibration motors, visual displays, audible signals) into a single multi-functional unit that can communicate with smartphones and other devices, providing diverse reminder methods without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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 device enhances muscle awareness and activation by providing continuous reminders and feedback, improving subconscious muscle engagement and reducing the risk of injuries associated with weak core muscles.
Implementation Method 1
a first alerting mechanism of the one or more alerting mechanisms comprises a vibration motor
Implementation Method 2
a second alerting mechanism of the one or more alerting mechanisms comprises an LED indicator
Implementation Method 3
a third alerting mechanism of the one or more alerting mechanisms comprises a speaker
Data Source
AI summary
A device designed to improve the activation and awareness of at least one region of the body (e.g., the core abdominal muscles with emphasis on the transverse abdominis, and one or more other regions of the body) in appropriate postures. In particular, this disclosure relates to a device worn by the user that provides a means to alert the user to activate at least one region of the body (e.g., to activate the core abdominal muscles with emphasis on the transverse abdominis) in appropriate postures.