Module 3 Activity Research

Weekly Activity Template

Olivia Weiss

Project 3

Module 3

For our third module, we focused on the development of our prototype. This project focused on further research and exploration with resistance bands. Through some extra research and two activites we were able to ideate and create a functioning prototype.

Activity 1: My Research

For this image I created a mock up drawing of what I wanted the prototype to look like. I wanted to see if making airbags with pipes in between then to connect them would work for the final prototype for the resistance band.

These are the tubes that I made to go in between the airbags to connect them. I used paper and tape to create them.

Here is a picture of the airbags that I created using ziplock bags. I cut small holes in the bags to insert the tubes to connect them.

This is the prototype that I made filled with air after I pumped it. I used a hand pump to fill the airbags with air.

Here is the image of me testing the prototype by pumping air into it. The bags held the air well and the tubes kept the bags connected.

Activity 2: My Research

For this activity Julie and I created a prototype building off of the one I made in activity 1. We used a water wing to create the airbags and connected them with platsic tubing.

We cut the water wing into sections to create the airbags. This image shows what the water wing looked like when we first cut it.

We bought PVC glue to connect the plastic tubing to the water wings. We also had to make some cuts in the water wings so we used the glue to seal them together.

In this image you can see where we put the air pressure sensor in the air bag. Once we put the sensor in we sealed it with glue to make sure no air could escape.

After we finished gluing all the pieces together we placed rocks on top to help the glue dry and create a strong seal.

Additional Research or Workshops

What Strength Means in Physiotherapy. Physiotherapists define strength as a muscles ability to produce force. To do this safely in rehab they use a mix of both direct and indirect measures:

Primary Strength Measures:
Repetition Maximum,
One rep max or percentage of it,
Maximal Voluntary Contraction. Why physios rarely test actual one rep max in early rehab

May be unsafe
Instead of this they use estimated one rep max formulas
Patient rated exertion, reps in reserve
Pain free sub maximal testing
Functional strength tests (isometrics, band resistance)
This allows the physio to assess force capacity without further damage.

How Physiotherapists Define Resistance Intensity Ranges.
% of one rep max
Light/Activation: 30% of 1RM
(early rehab)
Moderate: 30-60% 1RM
(Strength endurance, rebuilding basic strength)
High: 70% 1RM
(Restoring full strength, late rehab stage)
Very High: 85%-100% 1RM
Used primary for athletes returning to sports. By Repetition Maximum
Power: 1-5RM
Max Strength: 1-6RM
Hypertrophy: 6-12RM
Endurance: 12-15+RM
Rehab Standard early-mid: 8-12RM
This allows physios to choose resistance that is challenging but still safe.

How Physios Progress Resistance. Regardless of load type (bands, cables, weights) physios use structured progressive overload: Progression Rules:
If a patient completes 2+ reps beyond their RM target, increase load 2-10%
Re-assess strength every 2-4 weeks
One increase when movement is controlled, pain is minimal, no swelling

How Resistance Bands Fit Into Clinical Strength Ranges.
Elastic bands are used extensively in rehab as they
Limit joint load
Allow controlled movement
Target isolated muscle groups
Provide resistance without heavy equipment

Typical band training intensity
Light - moderate load
High rep endurance (12-20+ reps)
Ideal for: early stage strengthening, motor control, post surgical recovery

How physios adjust band intensity
Band strength
Number of reps/sets
RPE or RIR gauge
Pain free completion of sets

Band programs are validated by clinical studies for improving
Endurance, strength, mobility, pain reduction

Project 2

Project 3 Final Prototype

For our final prototype we created a resistance band made out of a bike inner tube and then put an air pressure sensor in it to meaure the pressure that is being applied to the band. The outter coat of the band is made from an old pair of leggings that I cut up and sewed together to create a sleeve for the inner tube. The air pressure sensor is then connected to an arduino which reads the data and sends it to a computer where we can see the pressure readings in real time. This prototype allows us to measure the resistance being applied to the band and adjust our exercises accordingly.

Project 3 extends the research, testing, and conceptual groundwork created in Projects 1 and 2 by advancing both our physical prototype and the interactive app. Building on our inflatable resistance band concept where air pressure dynamically alters resistance levels our intent for this phase was to refine the band’s construction and approach an airtight system capable of reliable performance.

Throughout this stage, we experimented with sensor placement, looked at different band materials, and iterated ways to improve air retention and usability. We developed our ProtoPie interface, designed to communicate real time pressure feedback through a user-friendly high/medium/low indicator system.

This development phase showed exploration: material trials, sensor behaviour testing, interface refinement, and iterative problem solving. While the prototype is not fully finalized, our process allowed us to move towards a more clear solution, deepen our understanding of key challenges, and identify a clearer direction for future development.