Kaluba Mulemba

Final Project

FLEX CHECK

For my FYDP project, I set out to enhance the experience of progress assessment for athletes during ACL rehabilitation after reconstruction surgery.

Movement is Medicine

According to a publication by the UK’s Ministry of Defence the knee is the most commonly damaged joint in sports injuries. Ligament injuries account for about 40% of knee injuries, and the anterior cruciate ligament is most frequently injured as making up 49% of all knee ligament complications.

Adequate movement is an essential part of ACL injury post-operative rehabilitation to prevent stiff joints and further complications such as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – this product aids in improving movement for more efficient recovery.

Prototyping

Testing and development has been implemented throughout the duration of the project to assess feasibility and application to real life.

Image 1 demonstrates live incline testing with an accelerometer and gyroscope. Image 2 was electronic testing for feedback on the leg.

Applications of the device include range assessment and guides the user during flexion and extension exercises such as horizontal leg press, quadriceps extensions and variations of bodyweight exercises such as quarter squats and lunges.

Product Scenario

The user would receive a regime, goals and exercises as advised by the physiotherapist and catered to the client’s needs. When evaluating weekly progress, they would choose their objective through the app, set the orientation to “standing” and then zero the module to start squatting. Upon reaching (or exceeding) the target, the module will flash green and stop buzzing. The app allows users to view historical and live feed results, which mirrors the client’s stage in their recovery process.