Alto is an exercise device for the elderly or those with limited strength in their legs, such as ambulatory wheelchair users. By using a resistance band, Alto can be a cheap alternative to heavy gym equipment and could compliment visits to the therapist.
Prescribing exercise, especially one that incorporates resistance, for older adults can help to significantly improve quality of life. It can also help prevent falls, increase bone density and control the symptoms of chronic disease.(1)
Alto is an in home therapeutic exercise tool, meant to bring the benefits of resistance training to a growing population, looking to better control their sense of autonomy.
After the age of 50, muscle mass decreases approximately 2% every year and after every 10 years there is an approximate 15% decrease in muscle strength after the age of 50. However, resistance training can mitigate the loss of muscle mass and muscle strength.(2)
Sarcopenia in ageing is a progressive decrease in muscle mass, strength and/or physical function.(3) As we age our muscles will atrophy and the loss we experience because of it can slowly creep in without us noticing. As much as exercise is promoted by doctors, access to equipment, therapists, or rehab facilities isn’t always readily available.
Incorporating resistance training into a daily workout routine can greatly improve muscle strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and range of motion. Resistance bands are a cheap, easy to store alternative to other methods of resistance training. There aren’t many ways of incorporating this tool into your leg training routine, especially when balance is an issue for you. The exercises I found that incorporated resistance bands required the assistance of a second person, as shown in the video below.
The solution I came to, incorporates any resistance band into a flexible A shaped frame that contours to the body. Therapists were consulted and user testing was implemented to find this possible solution.
1a, 1b: Clutch mechanism. Allows the theraband to retract much like a roller blind.
2. Rod theraband will roll on.
3. Case with hinge opens and closes when user needs to insert theraband.
4. Pins connecting case to part 5b.
5a, 5b: Acts as internal support for part 6.
6. Overmolding. Made of silicon.
Ideation
Cardboard Mock-Ups
3D Printed Prototype
Citation
Papa, Evan V, et al. “Resistance Training for Activity Limitations in Older Adults with Skeletal Muscle Function Deficits: a Systematic Review.” Clinical Interventions in Aging, Volume 12, 2017, pp. 955–961., doi:10.2147/cia.s104674 (1) (2) (3)