WO2007008165A1

WO2007008165A1 - Feedback training device

Info

Publication number: WO2007008165A1
Application number: PCT/SE2006/050216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olof Skipper
Original assignee: Skipper International Ab
Priority date: 2005-07-08
Filing date: 2006-06-22
Publication date: 2007-01-18
Also published as: EP1904190A1

Abstract

Feedback training device for indicating when a distance in relation to a body is changed, comprising an elongated member (20) with two ends (21, 22) attach- able to the body, thereby defining a distance (L) between two parts of the body, a first sensing means (30) arranged for sensing a change in said distance, and arranged for generating a first signal when a predefined change in distance (M L) is sensed, and a signalling device (40) adapted to generate a first feedback signal (100) when said predefined change in distance (B L) is sensed. The invention is characterized in that the one end (21) of the device (10) is attachable to the body in the vicinity of the lower part of a leg of the body, and the other end (22) is attachable to the body in the vicinity of the upper part of the leg, whereby said signalling device (40) is adapted to generate said first feedback signal (100) when said predefined change in distance (M L) between the lower and upper part of the leg is exceeded.

Description

Feedback training device

The present invention concerns a feedback training device for training certain body movements. The device may be used within a number of different applica- tions, such as sports and rehabilitation, where positions and technique are of great importance. More specifically, the invention concerns a device for training golf movements.

"Bio-feedback" means that a person may observe his/her physiological activity by visual or audible monitoring of the activity. In this way the person becomes aware of and can follow what happens in the body, and can learn to affect bodily functions that generally not are controlled by will or in detail.

Background In many sports such as golf, horseback riding, weight-lifting e.g. it is important to keep a certain position or make a movement to a certain extent. One problem, (especially in sports such as golf where a continuous movement is executed) is to determine when a correct or wrong movement is executed when the coach gives the feedback after the movement is performed. It may even be difficult for a trained and experienced coach to clearly see subtle variations that still may bring serious deteriorations.

Moreover, there is also a need for training precise technique and movements by oneself without a coach. A severe problem when training by oneself, is that it is difficult to see oneself and ones mistakes at the same time as one performs a movement - to determine when a correct or wrong position or movement is achieved and for the body to register exactly this correct or wrong position or movement repeatedly.

A variety of different training devices have been developed for assisting users to improve and perfect particular movements. US 3 985 364 discloses a golf training device to prevent over sway by helping the golf player to start the downswing at a certain position by an audible signal from separating Velcro strips. This device demands a quite strong force to generate the "signal".

US 6 375 581, Bl discloses a garment for training of pivoting movements of the upper part of the body for e.g. golf or baseball, wherein a buzzer is activated when the player pivots his/her torso enough. This device helps to execute the hip rotation before moving the hands.

The golf swing is a somewhat complex composition of movements, with the basis in the same movement performed as when throwing a ball. The most common problem in performing an effective golf swing is that the player rises himself in the back swing. The rear leg is thus stretched and the compression to the ground is lost, whereby the forces in the body to perform "the throwing movement" are lost.

JP 2001-58018, A2 discloses a device for keeping the golf player from stretching his/her knees during the swing. The pivotable device is positioned on the back of the leg using straps and boards. The raising movement is prevented by a strap that stops the stretching at a certain point. One drawback with this device is that it is ungainly to wear and will likely prevent the complete movement. It also activates a brain function in the cells reactive reptile part of the brain called "push-push" effect. If this reaction is activated one will get the opposite reaction from wanted. Straps inhibiting movements, or other devices, will cause a discomfort which in turn decreases the capability of learing.

The general object of the present invention is to provide an improved self training device for specific movement patterns that gives the user instant feedback, and to provide a device that is easily adjusted for different movements or individuals. Another object is to provide an improved feedback device for training of the fundamental parts of the golf swing, and in particular for preventing the player from raising his/her rear leg in the backswing, and preventing the rear arm from bending too much in the backswing respectively

Summary of the invention

The above mentioned objects are achieved by a feedback training device accord- ing to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

Thus, the present invention relates to a feedback training device for indicating when a distance in relation to a body is changed, comprising an elongated member with two ends attachable to the body, thereby defining a distance between two parts of the body, a first sensing means arranged for sensing a change in said distance and arranged for generating a first signal when a predefined change in distance is sensed, and a signalling device adapted to generate a first feedback signal when said predefined change in distance is sensed. The invention is characterized in that the one end of the device is attachable to the body in the vicinity of the lower part of a leg of the body, and the other end is attachable to the body in the vicinity of the upper part of the leg, whereby said signalling device is adapted to generate said first feedback signal when said predefined change in distance between the lower and upper parts of the leg is ex- ceeded.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the device is further provided with a second sensing means for sensing a predetermined event and generating a second signal when said event occurs, wherein said predetermined event oc- curs when the hands and/ or the arms of the body or the club pass a certain position, and upon passage generates a second signal, and said second signal is applied to said signalling device that is adapted to generate a second feedback signal in response of a set of feedback criteria based upon said first signal and said second signal.

When using a training device according to the invention, the user gets immedi- ate feedback indicating when the movement is correctly or wrongly executed. The invention helps the user train, supervise and improve a movement all by himself.

The invention may advantageously be used at home, indoors or outdoors and without further equipment (e.g. club, racquet, or ball). The fact is, that golf training without a ball has been proved to be more effective. Furthermore, the device is portable and adjustable for different persons and for different movements and does not inhibit the user's movement.

Most preferably, the device gives a positive feedback signal when the correct movement is performed, which stimulates the mind and over time gives the user a trigger to execute the correct movement (biofeedback). In this way, the invention gives the user a double feedback, by showing the imperfection as well as strengthening the self-confidence when the correct movement is executed.

These and other aspects of, and advantages with the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

Short description of drawings In the detailed description of the present invention reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein,

Fig. 1 shows a training device according a first embodiment of the invention carried by a user with straightened legs, Fig. 2 shows a partial view of a training device according a first embodiment, Fig. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of elements contained in a housing according to a first and third embodiment of the invention, Fig 4. shows a schematic block diagram of elements contained in a housing according to a second embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5a and b schematically show the course for good and poor swings respectively, Fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of the training device.

Detailed description of the embodiments of the invention First embodiment

Fig. 1 shows a feedback training device 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention, for indicating when a distance in relation to a body is changed. This first embodiment is preferred for training not to increase a certain distance.

The device 10 comprises an elongated member 20 with two ends 21, 22 attachable to the body, thereby defining a distance between two parts of the body, a first sensing means 30 arranged for sensing a change in said distance and for generating a first signal, preferably being an electric signal, when a predefined change in distance ΔL is sensed. The first signal is applied to a signalling device 40 that is adapted to generate a first feedback signal 100 when said predefined change in distance ΔL is sensed (Fig. 3).

The signalling device 40 preferably generates a first feedback signal 100 that may be vibrating, smelling, luminous or audible, such as a sound or a voice (e.g. saying "Bad shot", "Try again"). The first feedback signal 100 may even be a combination of said alternatives.

Furthermore, the one end 21 of the device 10 is attachable to the body in the vicinity of the lower part of a leg of the body, and the other end 22 is attachable to the body in the vicinity of the upper part of the leg, whereby said signalling device 40 is adapted to generate said first feedback signal 100 when said prede- fined change in distance ΔL between the lower and upper parts of the leg is exceeded.

The elongated member 20 may be provided with length adjusting means 23 for adjusting the length of said elongated member 20 (Fig. 2). The elongated member 20 may thereby be adjusted lengthwise depending on the users bodily constitution, and depending on between which parts of the body the device 10 shall be used by shortening or lengthening of the elongated member 20.

The elongated member 20 is essentially non-elastic, although some parts of it may be elastic. The elongated member 20 may be flexible and constituted by a strap or the like. Flexible refers to something pliable or docile, not lengthwise stretchable.

Preferably, the first sensing means 30, arranged for sensing a change in said distance, is arranged at the elongated member 20. The sensing means 30 may be provided by a strain gauge.

The signalling device 40, for generating a first feedback signal when a prede- fined change in distance ΔL is sensed, may be arranged at the elongated member 20 or remote from the elongated member, e.g. in the users pocket or ear.

The device 10 may further be provided with a disengagement means, to temporarily disengage the device 10 when the user does not want to get any feedback or stretch himself out without removing the device 10 from the body, during a break or teeing up a new ball e.g. The disengagement means may for example be constituted like a prolongable watch bracelet. I addition, since the player naturally will stretch the rear leg in the end of the swing, every swinging procedure is preferably initiated by resetting the device 10.

Use of the first embodiment

The invention according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the use for helping a golf player to develop and train the swing movement by preventing the player from raising his/her rear leg in the back- swing (to keep a distance between the hip and the ground). As mentioned above, the bending of the legs is essential for making the most out of the swing movement. Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that the present invention may be used in a wide field of applications.

To help keeping the rear leg bent and thereby creating the essential compression to the ground during the golf swing, a device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention is used. One end 21 is attachable to the body in the vicinity of the lower part of the rear leg e.g. by a loop around the foot. The other end 22 of the device 10 is attachable to the body in the vicinity of the upper part of the leg, e.g. to the trousers or to a belt. The elongated member 20 is adjusted to the required length by way of length adjusting means 23, that is when the golfer's legs are correctly bent. The player activates the device 10 e.g. by means of a switch (not shown in figures), and subsequently starts the back swing.

If a player tends to raise his/her rear leg, the distance between upper and lower part of the leg is increased, as well as the distance between two ends 21, 22 of the elongated member 20.

The sensing means 30 senses a change in distance between the two ends 21, 22, and the signalling device 40 generates a first feedback signal 100 when a predefined change in distance ΔL is exceeded. Thereby, the player immediately receives feedback that the movement was incorrectly performed.

Thus, the invention immediately indicates deviations from the basic movement pattern, which pattern is a requirement for the rest of the body to move correctly.

Second embodiment

A second embodiment of the invention makes it possible to give the user double feedback; to observe him/her to the incorrectly executed movement (as de- scribed in the first embodiment), and in a further step of training to reinforce what is correctly executed.

According to the second embodiment of the invention, the feedback training de- vice 10 according to the first embodiment is further provided with a second sensing means 70 for sensing a predetermined event and generating a second signal when said event occurs. Said event may be when the hands /arms /club pass a certain position during a swing movement, and upon passage generates a second signal (Fig. 4).

The second signal is applied to the signalling device 40 that is adapted to generate a second feedback signal 200 in response of a set of feedback criteria based upon said first signal, an electric signal used by the signalling device 40, and said second signal. The second feedback signal 200 may be vibrating, smelling, luminous or audible, such as a sound or a voice, or may even be a combination of said alternatives.

The set of feedback criteria includes a criterion related to a timing relationship between said first signal and said second signal. Depending on where in relation to the swing movement the second sensing means 70 is positioned, the conditions for generating a second feedback signal 200 will be different.

The following definitions are used in order to define the timing relationship: ΔL a predefined change in distance Ti point of time when a first signal is generated, i.e. when a predefined change in distance ΔL is exceeded

T2 point of time when a second signal is generated

T₂arm point of time when the backwardly moving arms etc generate a second signal T2^bh point of time when the ball hit generates a second signal

ΔT time difference between T2 and Ti

ΔTmin predetermined minimum of ΔT (e.g. ΔTmin < 2 second, preferably

ΔTmin < 1 second). ΔT may be adjustable for different individuals. The second sensing means 70 may be arranged for giving a second signal at the time when the club hits the ball. The second sensing means 70 is preferably provided by a sound sensing means, such as a piezo electric transducer, to be arranged in the vicinity of the ball, that generates a second signal when the club hits the ball, T2^bh (the course is schematically shown in Fig. 5a). Thus, a possible incorrect stretch of the rear leg occurs before the ball is hit (Ti < T2^bh).

The condition for generating a positive second feedback signal 200 is that

The condition for generating a negative second feedback signal 200 is that

T_l < T₂bh.

In addition, time intervals may be used with the above conditions.

Alternatively, the second sensing means 70 may be arranged for giving a second signal when the swing is started, e.g. the arms /hands /club begin to move backwards. The second sensing means 70 is preferably adjustable in direction, and is preferably provided by an optical sensing means, e.g. based upon laser technology. The second sensing means may alternatively be provided by ultra sonic equipment. The second sensing means 70 generates a second signal when the hands /arms /club pass close to the sensing means, T₂^¹¹¹ (the course is schematically shown in Fig. 5b). Furthermore, a beeping sound may be generated to indicate, for calibration purposes, that arms and hands are correctly moved in relation to the sensing means 70.

The conditions for generating a positive second feedback signal 200 are that

Ti > T₂a^rm (Ti occurs after T₂""¹), and ΔT > ΔTmin.

Conditions for generating a negative second feedback signal 200 are that Ti > T₂*"¹¹, and that ΔT < ΔTmin, or that

Ti < T_2*"¹¹. The second feedback signal 200 may be vibrating, smelling, luminous or audible, such as a sound or a voice for instance. The second feedback signal 200 may even be a combination of said alternatives. The second feedback signal 200 may be a recorded voice giving positive or negative feedback, e.g. saying "Good shot" or "Bad shot"/ Try again".

Use of the second embodiment of the invention

A device according to the second embodiment of the invention is used for double feedback. The player puts on the device 10 as described above in connection with the first embodiment.

In case of the second sensing means 70 being a sound sensing means, the player puts the sound sensing means 70 in place in the vicinity of the ball, and subsequently starts the back swing. When the sound sensing means 70 senses the sound from the club hitting the ball, the sound sensing means 70 generates a second signal, i.e. at T2^bh.

If the player has kept the rear leg bent (no exceeding of ΔL), the signalling device 40 will not have generated a first signal before the second signal was generated by the ball hit. Thus, the signalling device 40 will then generate a positive second feedback signal 200. Preferably, the second feedback signal 200 is a recorded voice saying something positive like "Good shot", thereby reinforcing the correctly executed movement.

On the other hand, if the player has stretched the rear leg (exceeding of ΔL), the signalling device 40 will generate a negative second feedback signal 200, like "Try again", "Bad shot" etc.

In case of the second sensing means 70 being an optical sensing means, the player adjusts the direction of the optical sensing means 70, and subsequently starts the back swing. When the optical sensing means 70 senses the passage of hands /arms /club shaft, the optical sensing means 70 generates a second signal, i.e. at Υ₂ ^aτm. If the player keeps the rear leg bent (no exceeding of ΔL) within ΔTmin from the signalling device 40 will not generate a first signal. Then, the signalling device 40 will generate a positive second feedback signal 200; "Good shot".

On the other hand, if the player stretches the rear leg (exceeding of ΔL) within ΔTmin from Ta*¹"¹¹, or even before the optical second sensing means 70 senses the passage of hands /arms /club shaft, the signalling device 40 will generate a negative second feedback signal 200; "Try again".

Third embodiment of the invention

Fig. 6 shows a feedback training device 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention, for indicating when a distance in relation to a body is changed. This third embodiment is preferred for training not to decrease a certain distance.

The device 10 comprises an elongated member 20 with two ends 21, 22, a first sensing means 30, arranged for sensing a change in said distance, and a signal- ling device 40 adapted to generate a first feedback signal 100 when a predefined change in distance ΔL is sensed (Fig. 3).

Furthermore, the one end 21 of the device 10 is attachable to an upper arm of the body, and the other end 22 is adapted to be in contact with (touch) the fore arm, thereby defining a distance between the upper arm and the fore arm, whereby said signalling device 40 is adapted to generate said first feedback signal 100 when the predefined change in distance ΔL between the upper arm and fore arm is exceeded. It is of course possible to attach the device 10 inversely to the arm.

The elongated member 20 may be telescopic, constituted like a telescopic antenna or the like. The elongated member 20 is thereby adjustable in length by shortening or lengthening of the elongated member 20, for adapting it to the user's bodily constitution and to the distance between which parts of the body the device 10 shall be used.

The signalling device 40, for generating a first feedback signal 100 when a predefined change in distance ΔL is sensed, may be arranged at the elongated member 20 or remote from the elongated member e.g. in the users pocket or ear.

The first feedback signal 100 may be vibrating, smelling, luminous or audible, such as a sound or a voice (e.g. saying "Good shot", "Bad shot"). The first feed- back signal may even be a combination of said alternatives.

Use of the third embodiment of the invention

With reference now to Figure 6, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The invention according to a third embodiment may be used for preventing the rear arm from bending to much in the backswing (to keep a distance between the fore arm and the upper arm). Again, it should be kept in mind that the present invention may be used in a wide field of applications.

Preferably, one end 21 of the device 10 is attachable to the rear upper arm. The elongated member 20 is adjusted to the required length - that is when the fore arm and the upper arm are correctly bent - so that the other end 22 is in contact with (touches) the fore arm. The player activates the device 10 e.g. by means of a switch (not shown in figures), and subsequently starts the back swing.

If he/she tends to bend his/her rear arm too much, the distance between the upper arm and fore arm is decreased. The fore arm gives the end 21 a push, whereby the elongated member 20 affects the sensing means 30. The sensing means 30 senses a change in distance between the two ends 21, 22, generates a first signal to the signalling device 40, which in turn generates a first feedback signal 100 (e.g. "Try again") when a predefined change in distance ΔL is exceeded. Thereby, the player immediately receives feedback that the movement was incorrectly performed.

Further embodiments of the invention

The device 10 is attachable to the body (directly or via the clothing) by any suit- able fastener such as a belt, loop, clip, hook, Velcro, or button. The device may be attached to other parts of the body than mentioned above.

The elongated element 20 may be provided with marks (Fig. 2) along its length for assisting in adjusting the length of the same. According to a further refϊne- ment, the elongated member may be excluded, whereby the first sensing means may provided with e.g. a distance sensing means of laser type, ultrasonic type or some other kind of sensing means that wirelessly can determine a distance.

The device may be arranged with a further sensing means provided by a pres- sure-sensitive means, preferably arranged under a foot of the body, most preferably being the fore foot, for indicating when the fore foot is lifted "too much" from the ground. The sensing means is arranged for generating a signal when a predetermined difference in pressure is changed, and the signal is applied to said signalling device 40.

The signalling device 40 may be arranged together with/in an earphone, a headset, a telephone or a cell phone or any other suitable device.

The signalling device 40, the sensing means 30, 70, as well as a power source 50 that may be turned on/ off by a switch, may be arranged within a housing 60 (Figures 3, 4). The feedback signals 100, 200 (influencing one or several of the five senses) may be of positive or negative character, depending on whether the change in distance is to be favoured or avoided. Most preferably, the device 10 may generate a positive feedback signal when the correct movement is performed, which stimulates the mind and over time gives the user a trigger to execute the correct movement. In this way, the invention may give the user feedback both by indicating the imperfection as well as strengthening the self-confidence.

The device 10 may be further equipped with memory means for storing histori- cal data, and means for providing said data to a computer for registration and follow-up of the training results.

The device 10 according to the present invention may be useful in many sports such as golf, horseback riding, weight-lifting where it is important to keep or exceed a certain position or distance or make a movement to a certain extent. By way of example, the device may be used for helping a golf player stretching the front leg enough in the end of the swing. The device is then preferably attached at the front leg

The device 10 may also be used for medical rehabilitation, where specific movements or positions need to be trained after an injury or the like

The embodiments shown in the drawings and put forward in the description should not be considered restricting, only as exemplifying.

Claims

1. Feedback training device (10) for indicating when a distance in relation to a body is changed, comprising - an elongated member (20) with two ends (21 , 22) attachable to the body, thereby defining a distance between two parts of the body, a first sensing means (30) arranged for sensing a change in said distance, and arranged for generating a first signal when a predefined change in distance (B L) is sensed, and - a signalling device (40) adapted to generate a first feedback signal (100) when said predefined change in distance (3 L) is sensed, characterized in that the one end (21) of the device (10) is attachable to the body in the vicinity of the lower part of a leg of the body, and the other end (22) is attachable to the body in the vicinity of the upper part of the leg, whereby said signalling device (40) is adapted to generate said first feedback signal (100) when said predefined change in distance (a L) between the lower and upper parts of the leg is exceeded.

2. Feedback training device according to claim 1, characterized in that said elongated member (20) is provided with length adjusting means (23) for adjusting the length of said elongated member (20).

3. Feedback training device according to any of the preceding claims, char- acterized in that said sensing means (30) is a strain gauge.

4. Feedback training device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said signalling device (40) generates an audible and/ or vibrant first feedback signal (100).

5. Feedback training device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) is further provided with a second sensing means (70) for sensing a predetermined event and generating a second signal when said event occurs, wherein said predetermined event occurs when the hands and/ or the arms of the body or the club pass a certain position, and upon passage generates a second signal, and said second signal is applied to said signalling device (40) that is adapted to generate a second feedback signal (200) in response of a set of feedback criteria based upon said first signal and said second signal.

6. Feedback training device according claim 5, characterized in that said set of feedback criteria includes a criterion related to a timing relationship between said first signal and said second signal.

7. Feedback training device according to any of claims 5-6, characterized in that the second sensing means (70) is a sound sensing means.

S. Feedback training device according to any of claims 5-6, characterized in that the second sensing means (70) is an optical sensing means.

9. Feedback training device according to any of claims 5-8, characterized in that the second feedback signal (200) is a recorded voice giving positive feedback.

10. Feedback training device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) is arranged with a further sensing means provided by a pressure-sensitive means, preferably arranged under a foot of the body, said sensing means is arranged for generating a signal when a predetermined difference in pressure is changed, and that the signal is applied to said signalling device (40).

11. Feedback training device for indicating when a distance in relation to a body . is changed, comprising an elongated member (20) with two ends (21, 22), a first sensing means (30) arranged for sensing a change in said distance, and a signalling device (40) adapted to generate a first feedback signal (100) when a predefined change in (a L) distance is sensed, characterized in that the one end (21) of the device (10) is attachable to an upper arm of the body, and the other end (22) is adapted to be in contact with the fore arm, thereby defining a distance between the upper arm and the fore arm, whereby said signalling deyice (40) is adapted to generate said first feedback signal

(100) when said predefined change in distance (3 L) between the upper arm and fore arm is exceeded.

12. Feedback training device according to claim 11, characterized in that said elongated member (20) is telescopic.

13. Feedback training device according to any of claims 11-12, charac- terized in that said sensing means (30) is a strain gauge.

14. Feedback training device according to any of claims 11-13, characterized in that said signalling device (40) generates an audible and/ or vibrant first feedback signal (100).

15. Use of feedback device (10) according to any of the preceding claims for training golf movements.

16. Use of feedback device (10) according to any of the preceding claims for medical rehabilitation.