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Exercising has always been a significant part of my life, and over the past year, I started weightlifting more seriously. Early on, I experienced shoulder pain during pressing exercises and consulted several physiotherapists. This sparked the idea for my project.
Research study and prototype
In this study, I measured muscle activation in the back and rotator cuff during pressing exercises, aiming to identify which muscles weren’t being activated. This could help pinpoint any imbalances causing excessive strain on the shoulder, potentially leading to pain and injury. I conducted tests with 12 participants using 5 EMG sensors attached to their bodies to collect accurate data. Based on the results, I designed a specialized sports vest for the bench press. This vest integrates the sensor cables directly into the textile, enhancing comfort and usability.
The final prototype I developed focuses on measuring the most crucial muscle identified in the study. It works effectively with the sensor box, although the insulation quality could be improved compared to the sleeve material we sourced from Metafas.
Personalized training routines
By understanding muscle engagement during compound exercises like the bench press, athletes and coaches can tailor training routines to address strength and mobility imbalances. This reduces the risk of injury and optimizes long-term training success. Feedback from end-users highlights the importance of gaining further insights into muscle activation, which can help create personalized training routines and minimize shoulder injuries.
