Development and design of an adjustable elastic support system for ensuring safety while learning physical skills

Abstract

In many sports, when learning a new move or technique, there can be a mental barrier that keeps the learner from succeeding in the move. In this study, a system is developed and designed for helping someone to learn new motions while ensuring safety. Heavy-duty springs enclosed in a high strength fabric wrap are secured to an anchor point on a wall or other rigid body. A rope connects these springs to a harness on the user via a pulley located above the user. In testing the system, a variety of ground and jumping skills were attempted on a snowboard. The system maintains an upward force on the user, which helps support the user on the ground, provides some lift during the takeoff, cushions the landing of a jump, and prevents the user from falling while attempting to learn new moves. This, in turn, increases the user's confidence and spatial awareness. Multiple applications for this system are discussed and future research directions and design iterations are suggested. These include various placement options for the existing system as well as ideas for making the support system mobile.