Inspiring Sports Technology
Fitness equipment
Jump-play
Monday, September 6th, 2010
Jacky Wu has developed a method of counting the number of jumps whilst using a skipping rope. Although perhaps not performance enhancing, a neat idea that may be transferred to other kids toys and games, such as keepy ups?
Vital Jacket monitors heart rate and ECG waves
Monday, September 6th, 2010
Developed by BioDevices, the Vital Jacket, is one of the recent innovations in smart textile technology that can measure heart rate and ECG waves. Two versions are available: one that records data onto an SD card and another that allows visualtisation using a smartphone/ PDA. More information can be found at BioDevices.
Lumbar support-belts useless?
Monday, September 6th, 2010
A study published in Cochrane Library, reviewing 15 clinical studies including 15,000 people concluded that current lumbar support designs do little to alleviate back-pain during heavy lifting, and in fact, provide no more support than wearing nothing at all.
Honda walking assist device
Monday, September 6th, 2010
The walking assistant is able to obtain information from hip angle sensors to help keep its wearer upright, with the device’s motors also able to increase the wearer’s natural stride. That, Honda says, should make the device ideal for the elderly or those with weakened leg muscles.
Information and images from Autoblog.
Shirt that promotes good posture
Monday, September 6th, 2010
“Ergoskin” is an orthopedic underwear with ergonomic bio-feedback to promote a positive posture: nano-sized, locational “sensors” and “pistons” are woven into the fabric in order to act either neutral when the posture is ideal as programmed or to release mechanical impulses to the skin when a non-ideal posture is assumed for too long – the feedback is on a time-lapse, as constant movement (tensing and relaxing of muscle groups) is endorsed.
Information and images from PSFK.
