MotionVibe: Haptische Wearable met Bewegingsanalyse

Despite the recognized benefits of running for promoting overall health, its widespread adoption faces a significant challenge due to high injury rates. In 2022, runners reported 660,000 injuries, constituting 13% of the total 5.1 million sports-related injuries in the Netherlands. This translates to a disturbing average of 5.5 injuries per 1,000 hours of running, significantly higher than other sports such as fitness (1.5 injuries per 1,000 hours). Moreover, running serves as the foundation of locomotion in various sports. This emphasizes the need for targeted injury prevention strategies and rehabilitation measures. Recognizing this social issue, wearable technologies have the potential to improve motor learning, reduce injury risks, and optimize overall running performance​. However, unlocking their full potential requires a nuanced understanding of the information conveyed to runners​.
To address this, a collaborative project merges Movella’s motion capture technology with Saxion’s expertise in e-textiles and user-centered design. The result is the development of a smart garment with accurate motion capture technology and personalized haptic feedback. By integrating both sensor and actuator technology, feedback can be provided to communicate effective risks and intuitive directional information from a user-centered perspective, leaving visual and auditory cues available for other tasks. This exploratory project aims to prioritize wearability by focusing on robust sensor and actuator fixation, a suitable vibration intensity and responsiveness of the system. The developed prototype is used to identify appropriate body locations for vibrotactile stimulation, refine running styles and to design effective vibration patterns with the overarching objective to promote motor learning and reduce the risk of injuries. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to drive innovation in sports and health technology across different athletic disciplines and rehabilitation settings.

Eindrapportage

Running is one of the most accessible and popular forms of exercise, but it also comes with a high risk of injury. Many injuries are caused by overlead and improper running techniques. In collaboration with Movella, this project explores how wearable technology can help runners improve their movement patterns and reduce injury risk through real-time feedback.

The project resulted in a working prototype presenting a smart garment that integrates motion sensors with vibrotactile stimulation. By integrating sensing and actuation directly into the garment, runners receive real-time haptic feedback about their running motion . As the system is fully integrated into the textile, no external visual or auditory devices are needed. User tests were conducted with beginner and experienced runners to evaluate the motion analysis, vibration patterns and aspects such as securely placing the electronic components on the body while staying in place during running.

An innovative knitting process was used to create a fully integrated and comfortable running garment in which vibration motor components can be flexibly positioned. This makes the garment adaptable to different users and use cases. Due to the flexibility of the vibration motors, and how they can be placed anywhere on the garment, the technology is not only useful for runners but could also be applied in rehabilitation or other sports settings. The demonstrator highlights the potential of this smart garment for improving movement, supporting motor learning and reducing the risk of injuries.