IDC Develops Unique Pelvic Muscle Trainer With Voice Prompt System

A unique pelvic muscle trainer has just been launched thanks to the design innovation of Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC). Working for medical device manufacturer, XFT, IDC designed a device that uses a combination of an air pressure probe and voice prompts to control pelvic muscle training programmes. The new product is called the XFT-0010.

There are many products available to help women strengthen pelvic floor muscles and IDC spent considerable time researching the most effective devices. Based on the opinion of medical experts specialising in post-natal and elderly incontinence, research indicated that inflatable devices were most effective, and a concept was generated around this idea. The research also showed up potential weak areas of the devices; with feedback about the importance of good display visibility during training. With this in mind, IDC designed a simple hand-held display device which allowed easy set-up and feedback during use. Additionally, IDC came up with the concept of a voice prompted training system which works alongside the visual display to help patients during training programmes.

The XFT-0010 is the first pelvic muscle training device to use voice prompts during the training process. The device works by measuring air pressure in the treatment probe as patients exercise their pelvic floor muscles. The system then uses voice prompts and visual icons to guide patients through a training exercise. Preset training programmes vary exercise intensity and enable patients to progress to different levels as muscle strength develops. The visual display also allows the patient to see just how much pressure they are applying at any time.

XFT was keen to build the latest sensor technology into the device, but wanted to avoid a high-tech product appearance. The look and feel of the product became a key part of the design process and IDC developed a device that took its cue from nature. The inflatable probe was ergonomically designed in a smooth pebble-like form inspired by the shape of a flower bud. This natural and non-threatening design was echoed throughout the device for controls, voice and display.

This is the third medical project that IDC has completed for XFT. Marc Tanner, IDC’s Head of Design explains, “We are delighted to build on the success of our previous projects with XFT. The voice prompt system has been a winning feature in these other products and we are now pleased to bring this feature to the market for pelvic floor training devices.”