Systems and Methods for Providing Posture Alignment Feedback

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/631,807, filed Apr. 9, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Embodiments provided herein generally relate to systems and methods for providing posture alignment feedback of a subject in supine, and particularly to at least one weighted abdominal activator device that may be placed over the abdomen of a subject for providing feedback on proper posture alignment.

In the exercise industries, such as sports, weightlifting, running, etc. injuries often occur because the subject unknowingly does not use the correct form. Correct form may refer to different body alignments, depending on the exercise, but often refers to posture of the participant's spine during a particular motion. As an example, during squats, it is important that the subject's spine maintain a flat posture, as opposed to an arched posture or a curved posture. Failure to maintain the desired flat posture may result in injury to the subject during the exercise or, because the subject did not activate the proper muscles during the exercise.

Many exercise philosophies and instructors monitor a subject to help the subject maintain proper alignment during the exercise as well as strengthen neglected muscle groups, such as the transverse abdominal muscles. While this is beneficial, there is often a disconnect because it is difficult for the subject to receive proper tactile feedback to know when posture is correct or incorrect. As such, there is a need in the industry for providing proper posture alignment feedback.

Systems and methods for providing posture alignment feedback are provided. One embodiment of the abdominal activator includes an exterior portion constructed of a flexible material, where the exterior portion is shaped to overlay a predetermined section of an abdomen of a subject, and where the exterior portion is divided into a plurality of compartments. Some embodiments include a weighted material with fluid properties that is placed inside the exterior portion in at least one of the plurality of compartments. When the abdominal activator is placed on the abdomen of the subject, the weighted material provides haptic feedback when an improper movement is made by the subject during an exercise.

One embodiment of a method includes determining, via a computing device, an improper movement for a predetermined exercise and detecting, via an abdominal activator that has been placed on an abdomen of a subject that the predetermined exercise has begun. The abdominal activator may include an exterior portion constructed of a flexible material. The exterior portion may be shaped to overlay a predetermined section of an abdomen of a subject. The exterior portion may be divided into a plurality of compartments. Additionally, the abdominal activator may further include a weighted material with fluid properties that is placed inside the exterior portion in at least one of the plurality of compartments. Some embodiments of the method may include detecting, via the abdominal activator, that the subject has performed the improper movement and in response to detecting that the subject has performed the improper movement, providing feedback, via the abdominal activator, regarding the improper movement.

Embodiments of a system include an abdominal activator that includes an exterior portion constructed of a flexible material, where the exterior portion is shaped to overlay a predetermined section of an abdomen of a subject, and where the exterior portion is divided into a plurality of compartments. The system may further include a weighted material with fluid properties that is placed inside the exterior portion in at least one of the plurality of compartments, where when the abdominal activator is placed on the abdomen of the subject. The system may further include a device sensor that detects an improper movement of the subject and provides feedback when the improper movement is made by the subject during an exercise and a computing device that communicates with the device sensor. The computing device may be configured to determine the improper movement and communicate data regarding the improper movement to the device sensor, where the computing device provides further feedback regarding the improper moment that is made by the subject during the exercise.

Embodiments provided herein include systems and methods for providing proper posture alignment feedback. Some embodiments include one or more weighted sacks that are placed over a predetermined area of the subject's abdomen (or other area of the body). The predetermined area may be the pelvis, abdominal muscles, and/or other area. The weighted sack may be shaped to overlay the predetermined area of the subject's abdomen and may contain a plurality of weighted beads or other material with fluid properties. Some embodiments of the weighted sack may include compartments that prevent or limit movement of the weighted beads into other areas of the weighted sack. In operation, the subject may lie on his/her back and the abdominal activator may be placed on the predetermined area of the subject's abdomen. Through gravity (and/or via manipulation by the subject or instructor), the weighted beads within the abdominal activator may be aligned substantially evenly across the interior of the abdominal activator. The subject may then be asked to perform an exercise with the abdominal activator in place. If the subject is able to perform the exercise with proper posture alignment, the weighted beads within the abdominal activator will maintain their current position (within a tolerance). If the subject is not able to perform the exercise with proper posture alignment, the weighted beads will move through gravity. Due to the predetermined weights and sizes of the weighted beads, movement of the weighted beads will provide both auditory and tactile feedback to the subject (and the instructor) to indicate whether the subject is making an error in the motion. This immediate feedback provides the subject with information to improve.

Some embodiments may also include one or more electronic sensors, circuitry, and/or software for providing further feedback to the subject and/or instructor. In such embodiments, the sensors might include a weight sensor, a magnet sensor, accelerometer, and/or other sensor that is capable of detecting a change in the orientation of the abdominal activator and/or the positions of the weighted beads. Depending on the embodiment, this sensor output may be sent to a computing device, such as a mobile device and/or remote computing device. An application may then be utilized to analyze the sensor output to track statistics of the current training session, and/or track improvement over time.

It should also be understood that while embodiments described herein may refer to weighted beads, this is one embodiment. Some embodiments may utilize a liquid instead of and/or in addition to the beads, which may further provide the tactile, auditory, and/or sensor feedback.

Referring now to the drawings,depict example abdominal muscles of a subject, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated in, a human bodymay include ribs, costal cartilage, transverse abdominis, ilium, pubis, and spine. The transverse abdominisis a muscle in the abdomen of the human bodythat extends between the ribsand the pubis, wrapping around the trunk of the human body. As such, the transverse abdominisprovides postural support, as well as helps contain and support the organs located inside the abdomen. Additionally, transverse abdominisand other core muscles align the spineand provide static core functionality as well as dynamic core functionality. Unlike static core functionality, dynamic core functionality of the transverse abdominisoccurs when the body is in motion and engages tendons, ligaments, and/or muscles to absorb resistance and adjust itself with relevance to your plane of motions. Other functions of the transverse abdominisinclude withholding bowel movements, facilitating contractions during labor and pushing during childbirth, and assisting with the Valsalva maneuver where the thorax tightens when someone holds their breath unconsciously when pushing and lifting.

further illustrates other abdominal muscles, such as the transverse abdominis, the external oblique muscles, the internal oblique muscles, and the rectus abdominis muscles. Specifically, the external oblique muscle is an outer abdominal muscle, extending from the lower half of the ribsto the pelvis. Together, the external oblique musclescover the sides of the abdomen. The internal oblique musclesare underneath the external oblique muscleson each side. The internal oblique musclesare disposed on the lateral side of the abdomen. The internal oblique musclesform a layer of the lateral abdominal wall along with external oblique muscleson the outer side and transverse abdominis. The rectus abdominis musclesare a pair of segmented skeletal muscles separated by a band of dense connective tissue. The rectus abdominis musclesextend from the pubic symphysis, pubic crest and pubic tubercle inferiorly, to the xiphoid process and costal cartilages.

depicts embodiments of an abdominal activatorfor providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Specifically, many exercise routines strive to improve “the core,” which is a generalized term to refer to the external oblique muscles, the internal oblique muscles, the rectus abdominis muscles, and transverse abdominis. While strengthening the overall core is important for athletic pursuits, as well as reduction of back pain, oftentimes, the transverse abdominisare inadvertently neglected in some of those exercises.

Some exercise instructors have learned exercises that specifically engage the transverse abdominis. However, students who do not have much experience in engagement of the transverse abdominisoften struggle with understanding how to perform the exercises properly. As such, the abdominal activatormay be utilized to provide feedback such that the subject may properly engage the transverse abdominis.

Accordingly,depicts various embodiments of the abdominal activator-. The abdominal activatormay be shaped to overlay a predetermined area of a subject's abdomen (such as the pelvis, the core, etc.) and thus includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a center portion. As described in more detail below, each of the upper portion, lower portion, and the center portionmay include a weighted interior. The weighted interior may be constructed of a weighted material with fluid properties, such as a liquid, fluid, copper beads, lead beads, steel beads, etc. The weighted interior may be integral to the abdominal activatorand/or may be surrounded by a weighted container that is removable from the abdominal activator

As such, some embodiments of the abdominal activatormay include pockets for receiving and/or securing the weighted interior. The securing mechanism may be Velcro™, snaps, buttons, magnets, etc. Similarly, depending on the embodiment, the portions-of the abdominal activatormay be integral or separable from the abdominal activator, such that less than the full abdominal activatormay be used for a particular subject and/or exercise. These features may apply to any of the embodiments of the abdominal activator-

In operation, the abdominal activatormay be placed on the abdomen of the subject, with the upper portionlaying on the upper abdominal area of the subject and the lower portionlaying on the lower pelvic area of the subject. Thus, when the subject performs exercises (such as breathing exercises, resistance training exercises, etc.), and is instructed to control breathing or other movements such that the abdomen remains in the correct position, auditory and/or tactile feedback may be provided by the abdominal activatorbecause the weighted interior (a) provides resistance to moving the abdomen; and (b) if undesirable movement of the abdomen does occur, the weight distribution of the weighted interior will change, causing a change in the tactile feedback and noise from the movement of the weighted material.

Similarly, the abdominal activatorincludes an upper portion, a lower portion, an upper center portion, and a lower center portion. The abdominal activatoralso includes a first upper lateral portion, a first lower lateral portion, a second upper lateral portion, and a second lower lateral portion. As will be understood, the abdominal activatormay be configured to provide more granular feedback, as smaller areas of the abdomen are covered by each portion of the abdominal activator

Similarly, the abdominal activatorincludes an upper center portion, a lower center portion, an upper center portion, a lower center portion, a first upper lateral portion, a first lower lateral portion, a second upper lateral portion, a second lower lateral portion, a third upper lateral portion, a third lower lateral portion, a fourth upper lateral portion, and a fourth upper lateral portion

The abdominal activatorincludes a first central portion, a second central portion, a third central portion, and a fourth central portion. The abdominal activatormay additionally include a first upper lateral portion, a first lower lateral portion, a second upper lateral portion, and a second lower lateral portion

The abdominal activatorincludes a first center portion, a second center portion, a third center portion, a fourth center portion, a fifth center portion, a sixth center portion, a seventh center portion, and an eighth center portion. The abdominal activatormay additionally include a first upper lateral portion, a first lower lateral portion, a second upper lateral portion, and a second lower lateral portion

The abdominal activatorincludes a first center portion, a second center portion, a third center portion, and a fourth center portion. As discussed above, one or more of the portions-may be configured to receive a first weighted interior, a second weighted interior, a third weighted interior, and a fourth weighted interior. The abdominal activatormay additionally include a first upper lateral portion, a first lower lateral portion, a second upper lateral portion, and a second lower lateral portion

The abdominal activatorincludes a first center portion, a second center portion, a third center portion, and a fourth center portion. In this embodiment, the abdominal activatormay receive one or more weighted interiors,across adjacent center portions. The abdominal activatormay additionally include a first upper lateral portion, a first lower lateral portion, a second upper lateral portion, and a second lower lateral portion

As will be understood, the embodiments ofand other examples provided herein illustrate exemplary shapes for the abdominal activator. These shapes are merely examples, as other shapes may be utilized, depending on the particular exercise, subject, and/or instructor.

depicts an additional configuration of the abdominal activatorfor providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated, the abdominal activatorincludes an upper portionand lower portion. The abdominal activatormay be configured with at least one securable opening, such as securable openings,. The securable openingsmay be securable via a zipper, Velcro™, a snap, a button, etc. Additionally, the upper portionmay be secured to lower portionvia zip, Velcro™, snaps, buttons, etc.

depicts another configuration of the abdominal activatorfor providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated, the abdominal activatorincludes an upper portionand a lower portion, which may receive one or more weighted interiors. As illustrated, the upper portionmay provide a single compartment for the weighted interior, while the lower portionmay include dividers to segregate where the weighted interior may travel. Additionally, some embodiments may provide a removable securing mechanism such as a zipper, Velcro™, snaps, buttons, etc. for removing the weighted interior. Some embodiments may be provide without access to the interior of the abdominal activator(or other embodiment).

depicts yet another configuration of the abdominal activatorfor providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated, the abdominal activatormay include an upper portionand a lower portion. Additionally depicted are a plurality of weighted interiors,,. The weighted interiors may include respective weight containers that may removably receive weighted materials. As such, the weight containers may include a zipper, Velcro™, a snap, a button, etc. for providing access inside the weight containers.

depicts a weighted containerfor utilizing with the abdominal activator, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated, the weighted containermay be made of neoprene, mesh, polyester, etc. As discussed above, the weighted containermay receive a weighted material with fluid properties, such as a liquid, fluid, copper beads, lead beads, steel beads, etc. The weighted containermay be inserted into an abdominal activator (e.g., abdominal activatorfrom) and removed, as desired. This allows different weights to be utilized for different subjects and/or applications. Some embodiments, the weighted material may be permanently introduced into the abdominal activator without the use of the weighted container.

depicts a computing environment for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments show and described herein. As illustrated, the computing environment may include a networkcoupled to a device sensorof an abdominal activator, a remote computing deviceand a user computing device.

The abdominal activatorrepresents any embodiment of the abdominal activator described herein, but may be coupled with the device sensorfor detecting a proper or improper movement on an exercise with a subject and providing feedback regarding the improper (or proper) motion. As an example, one such exercise may include the subject laying on his/her back and being required to raise his/her leg off the ground. Proper execution of this movement would require that the abdominal muscles not brace, but instead that the transverse abdominals be engaged. This means that the proper motion would include the subject's abdomen will not move or would move downward toward the ground in a proper motion. If the subject engages in an improper motion, the subject's abdomen would move upward away from the ground. By placing the abdominal activatoron the abdomen of the subject, the weight of the abdominal activator is such that the subject receives haptic feedback regarding motion of the subject's abdomen. Additionally, because the weighted interior is fluid and will likely change position if the subject's abdomen moves, the abdominal activator may provide additional haptic and auditory feedback, should the subject make an improper move. Similarly, if an exercise is proper breathing, embodiments provided herein detect whether the subject is performing the improper “belly breathing,” thus further training the transverse abdominis. Some embodiments may be configured for use when a subject is moving, standing, and/or performing other exercises.

As such, the abdominal activator may still include a weighted interior to move with the motion of the subject, however, the device sensormay provide additional visual, audible, and/or tactile output. As an example, the subject may not be able to distinguish an improper movement, but the sensor may include a light, speaker, wireless communication device, memory, processor, motion sensor, camera, gyroscope, accelerometer, level sensor, and/or other hardware or software for detecting improper movement and outputting additional feedback regarding the improper movement.

It will be understood that some embodiments may be configured to provide different output, based on the motion detected. As an example, proper motion may cause a first output, while improper movement may cause a second input. As another example, a moderately improper movement may result in a third output, while an extremely improper movement may result in a fourth output. Other variations are also contemplated.

It will also be noted that whiledepicts the device sensoras being disposed on one side of the abdominal activator, this is merely an example, as one or more sensors may be disposed at any of a plurality of locations, based on the activity being monitored and the type of motion being detected. It will also be understood that while the device sensoris labeled as a sensor, this is merely a label, as the device sensormay include the hardware, software, and firmware for detecting motion, communicating feedback, and communicating with other components of.

Also included inis the remote computing device. The remote computing devicemay be configured as a personal computer, laptop, server, tablet, mobile device, and/or other computing device that includes the hardware and provides the functionality described herein. It should also be noted that some embodiments may be configured such that at least a portion of the computing architecture described with reference to the remote computing deviceis embodied in the device sensorand/or the user computing device.

Regardless, the remote computing devicemay include a plurality of components (described in more detail with reference to), such as a memory component. The memory componentmay be configured as read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), registers, etc. The memory componentmay be configured to store logic or other computer-readable instructions, such as data collection logicand feedback logic. The data collection logicmay include instructions for collecting and storing data regarding proper and/or improper movements, as well as collecting data related to motions of this particular subject. The feedback logicmay include instructions for causing the abdominal activatorand/or other device for determining when a motion occurs that triggers an output, as well as where the output will be provided. In some embodiments, the output may be provided via the device sensor. However, some embodiments may be configured to provide output via the user computing device, which (as described below) may be embodied as a mobile device of the subject or instructor. Other embodiments are also contemplated.

The user computing devicemay be configured as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, mobile device (of the subject, instructor, etc.), server, etc. In some embodiments, the user computing devicemay be configured to provide administrative viewing and controls of the remote computing device. Specifically, some embodiments are configured such that device sensormay communicate data to the remote computing device, which may then be viewed by the user computing device. Some embodiments may be configured that the device sensormay communicate directly to the user computing devicevia the network, such as a local network and/or a peer-to-peer communications protocol.

depicts a flowchart for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments show and described herein. As illustrated in block, placement of the abdominal activator may be detected on a subject and/or start of an exercise may be detected. In block, motion on the subject may be detected from the exercise. In block, an improper movement may be determined for the exercise. In block, a detection may be made regarding whether the subject made the improper movement. In block, feedback may be provided to the subject and/or instructor regarding the improper movement.

depicts a computing device for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments show and described herein. As illustrated, the remote computing deviceincludes a processor, input/output hardware, a network interface hardware, a data storage component(which stores ergonomic data, historical data, and/or other data), and a memory component. The memory componentmay be configured as volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flash memory, secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD) (whether local or cloud-based), and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable medium. Depending on the particular embodiment, these non-transitory computer-readable mediums may reside within the remote computing deviceand/or external to the remote computing device.

The memory componentmay store operating logic, the data collection logicand the feedback logic. Each of these logic components may include a plurality of different pieces of logic, each of which may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/or hardware, as an example. A local interfaceis also included inand may be implemented as a bus or other communication interface to facilitate communication among the components of the remote computing device.

The processormay include any processing component operable to receive and execute instructions (such as from a data storage componentand/or the memory component). As described above, the input/output hardwaremay include and/or be configured to interface with speakers, microphones, and/or other input/output components.

The network interface hardwaremay include and/or be configured for communicating with any wired or wireless networking hardware, including an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, WiMAX card, mobile communications hardware, transceiver, and/or other hardware for communicating with other networks and/or devices. From this connection, communication may be facilitated between the remote computing deviceand other computing devices.

The operating logicmay include an operating system and/or other software for managing components of the remote computing device. As discussed above, the data collection logicmay be configured to cause the processorto collect motion data from the subject, as well as collect proper and improper movement data generally, as described herein. The feedback logicmay be configured to cause the processorto analyze motion data received, determine the appropriate output, and send a signal for providing the output.

It should be understood that while the components inare illustrated as residing within the remote computing device, this is merely an example. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may reside external to the remote computing deviceor within other devices, such as the device sensorand/or the user computing device(). It should also be understood that, while the remote computing deviceis illustrated as a single device, this is also merely an example. In some embodiments, the data collection logicand/or the feedback logicmay reside on different computing devices.

As an example, one or more of the functionalities and/or components described herein may be provided by the remote computing device, the device sensor, and/or the user computing device. Depending on the particular embodiment, any of these devices may have similar components as those depicted in. To this end, any of these devices may include logic for performing the functionality described herein.

Additionally, while the remote computing deviceis illustrated with the data collection logicand the feedback logicas separate logical components, this is also an example. In some embodiments, a single piece of logic may provide the described functionality. It should also be understood that while the data collection logicand the feedback logicare described herein as the logical components, this is also an example. Other components may also be included, depending on the embodiment.

While particular embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, although various aspects have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. Accordingly, it is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the embodiments shown and described herein.

It should be understood that some embodiments may additionally provide course work to guide instructors and/or subjects through exercises that the subject can participate with the abdominal activator. Additionally, some embodiments may be configured with one or more sensors that are coupled to a computing device. The sensors may include a gyroscope, accelerometer, level sensor, etc. and may detect motion of the abdomen of the subject during various exercises. The computing device may receive this sensor data and provide audible output so the subject receives additional feedback. In some embodiments, the computing device may be configured to determine when and where the subject struggles to meet the desired results and provide feedback regarding additional exercises to improve that performance. Such feedback may include video tutorials, articles, live instructor training, and/or other feedback.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.