Precisely Controlled Load-Based Chest and Abdomen Restriction
This chest and abdomen restriction device provides controlled static and dynamic loading of the torso to study and train respiratory function. Restrictions on chest walls originate from physiological factors affecting thoracic compliance and muscle function or environmental factors, such as the impact of g-forces during high acceleration and water compression in deep diving. These restrictions can impair breathing and cognition. Due to their complex nature, studying these conditions is challenging.
Current chest wall clamps and chest wall strapping approaches cannot set a known load or measure how much the chest and abdomen move with each breath. This limits their value for both research and performance training. Additionally, respiratory training is vital in athletes, military personnel, and others who must have adequate lung capacity to perform intense physical actions. The respiratory training market is a large one, valued at roughly $519.79 million in 2023 and expected to grow to $971.89 million by 2032.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a load-based chest and abdomen restriction device, Chest Wall Restriction (CWR), that applies precisely controlled static or constant loads to the chest and abdomen while integrated sensors measure pressure and displacement. It provides a controlled, sensor-equipped platform, enabling research and load-specific respiratory training for clinical, commercial, and governmental use. This device can function as an athletic and military training tool, especially for divers, who are working to train and measure their lung capacity.
Application
A load-controlled device for restricting the chest wall and abdominal motion to quantify respiratory mechanics and behavioral responses for research, clinical and training purposes
Advantages
- Independently applies static or constant dynamic loads to the chest wall and abdomen, allowing for an evaluation of the compartment-specific effects on respiratory function
- Uses displacement and pressure sensors to measure chest and abdominal motion and load in real time, enabling repeatable studies and training protocols
- Adjustable strap width and backrest slots allow the device to conform to different bodies while maintaining even load distribution across the torso
Technology
This device provides a load-based restriction system that uses a padded backrest, adjustable torso straps, and an integrated loading mechanism to control how much the chest and abdomen can expand during breathing. A non-stretch, body-conforming strap wraps around the chest or abdomen and passes through slots in the backrest, so applied loads are transmitted directly to the torso and can be measured with built-in pressure sensors. Behind the backrest, a guided carriage moves smoothly toward or away from the subject, allowing the system either to hold the strap in a fixed position for static loading or to apply a constant pulling force for dynamic loading using a spring-based mechanism. A displacement sensor tracks how far the chest or abdomen moves under these loads, enabling precise quantification of respiratory mechanics. Separate, independently operated chest and abdomen assemblies let users set and measure loads on each compartment, supporting protocol-driven research, training, and evaluation across a wide range of users and use cases.
Brochure
