How does the device work?

Consider a garment with conformal electronics weaved into the material that, when activated, stiffens to resist the movement of the wearer. Similar to water aerobics, this targeted resistance garment builds muscular strength, essential to a healthy lifestyle and increased bone density. The garment, constructed from stimuli-responsive spandex composite fabric with piezoelectric and thermal- mechanical properties, can adapt to the user’s unique body type, ensuring that users of different sizes, ages, physical abilities, and fitness levels can find a regimen that is beneficial for their individual needs.

The operation of the garment allows for a variety of interfaces and devices for a streamlined experience. A physical therapy patient receives haptic feedback for confirmation of a specific range of motion goal, whereas a runner can set the resistance level in context of her heart rate. Connectivity helps users meet target goals, configure customized routines, engage with similar users in a game-based workout, or upload their performance data to healthcare providers.

What problem in healthcare does it solve?

This garment can improve the overall wellness for a wide range of users. For elderly individuals, it can be customized to help increase balance and bone density, preventing falls and fractures. For athletes, it can customize workouts to target muscular imbalances and improve performance. It can also aid in physical therapy, allowing for focused workouts on particular areas of the body to improve function. For busy individuals, this garment can even be worn underneath clothing, offering the benefit of resistance training while completing everyday tasks.

Why should the device be commercialized?

The substantial number of potential users and use cases makes this technology a viable solution for promoting wellness and saving money on healthcare-related expenses. By encouraging users to improve their health, the use of the garment may prevent potential illnesses, injury due to falls, or other conditions brought about by poor health.

What inspired you to design this device?

The CDC reports that “one out of three older adults (those aged 65 or older) falls each year,” consequently contributing to “the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries” in the elderly population. A fear in falling causes them to “limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, and in turn increases their actual risk of falling.” Originally inspired to prevent these falls from occurring, we “dared to dream” of a way to combine science and technology to facilitate preventative care, but also discovered a solution that promotes overall wellness.