Pumpable Tennis Elbow Strap

April - May 2024

Its Elements

Alleviates pain and reduces strain on the forearm muscles and tendons associated with tennis elbow with customizable elements.

Features an air cushion that can be inflated manually to the desired pressure, providing targeted compression.

An adjustable strap ensuring a secure fit, preventing slipping during use.

Reduces irritation during repetitive movements, aiding tendon healing while preserving functionality.

Strap Loop

Pumped Cushion

Stoppers

Common Tennis Injuries

Mental and physical agility, with repetitive quick directional movements

Overuse injuries in the upper body and acute injuries in the lower body

Side to side movement (lateral), quick stops, fast starts, and changes in direction

  1. Rotator cuff tears

  2. Wrist tendonitis

  3. Ankle sprains

  4. Back stress fractures

  5. Jumper’s knee

  6. Tennis elbow

Sports Recovery Braces

Four Types of Braces:

  1. Prophylactic braces

  2. Functional braces

  3. Rehabilitative braces

  4. Unloader/Offloader Knee Braces

What is Needed:

  1. Stabilization

  2. Load redistribution

  3. Healing and prevention

Active Rehabilitation Phase

Return-to-Sport Phase

There still is a very big risk!!

These braces are useful, but…

  • They cannot heal an injury or replace the strength and stability of natural muscle.

  • Caution is needed, as there is still a serious risk of reinjury or worsening the condition.

They are more than just recovery aids!!

  1. They support a safe return to sports and can enhance performance.

  2. They bridge the gap between injury and full recovery.

  3. They prevent rushed recoveries and further injury.

  4. Athletes, coaches, and medical professionals must collaborate to choose the best brace.

Multiple User Interviews with

Tennis players who have dealt with sports injury

Experienced Injuries:

  • Sprained ankle

  • Sprained back

  • Torn muscle in forearm

Methods of Managing these Injuries:

  • Resting 

  • Playing on different court

  • Elevating and icing it

  • Changing to larger racket head

  • Compression sleeves

Interview with Physical Therapists at

Three Phases After an Injury

Immediate Post-Injury Phase

Aspects Dependent on the Player:

  • Nature and severity of injury

  • Specific sport requirements

  • Level of support needed

  • Comfort and fit

  • Athlete’s activity level

Opinions on Recovery Items

Recovery items are effective for early injury stages, however, they shouldn't be used long-term.

Steps After Injury

  1. Determine if the injury is acute or chronic.

  2. Reduce inflammation with ultrasound, ice massage, and taping/bracing.

  3. Address the cause, often a loss of eccentric control in tissues.

  4. For tennis players, assess and treat shoulder and scapular mechanics.

  5. Use a flexible bar to improve wrist extensor eccentric control.

  6. Evaluate full-body movement patterns to prevent reinjury.

Product Analysis

Purchased existing products and read other’s reviews on them

Insights:

  • Elasticity gives extra security

  • Needs stronger method to ensure the band stays in place

  • Neoprene and nylon material for feel and durability

  • Needs more pressure from the compression pad

Studies of Different Brace Fastenings

Paper Sketch Models

Playing around with different fastening methods

Understanding correct scaling and way things slide in & out

Velcro Sketch Models

Investigations:

  • Velcro sticks too much, hindering smooth sliding through slit fasteners.

  • Needs softer, more comfortable material to reduce skin irritation under tension.

  • Explore alternatives to velcro pieces for placeholders.

Final Materials Used

For Compression:

  • Inflatable seat cushion

  • Neoprene polyester scuba knit spandex

  • Nylon spandex

  • 3D printed buckle

  • Loop of velcro

  • Fabric glue (Tear Mender)

  • Thread and needle

For Band:

  • Polyester mesh jersey fabric

  • Nylon spandex

  • Hook of velcro

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Shell Squeezer