Developed as a solution to the drawbacks of physiotherapy for older patients, Vigour is a knitted wool cardigan that uses sensory feedback to encourage wearers to move.
The cardigan is equipped with with four sensors; one under each arm, and two in the lower back region. The senors act as monitors that record information about the wearer's movements, either while they're performing exercises or throughout the day. Vigour also corresponds to a iPad app that visually informs both the wearer and their physiotherapist on the progress being made.
Vigour's aesthetic form was a conscious decision, designed to appeal to an older demographic. The cardigan was specially made with bespoke merino fabric that thermally bonded to the circuits and sensors. Most importantly, however, is the potential Vigour has disrupt the way at-home care is administered, through better integration into daily life.
Therapeutic Cardigan Devices
Vigour is a Cardigan That Doubles as a Physical Therapist
Trend Themes
1. At-home Physiotherapy - Vigour's integration into daily life offers an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the at-home physiotherapy industry.
2. Sensory Feedback Clothing - The development of Vigour as a sensory feedback cardigan creates a trend in the clothing industry, with opportunities for disruptive innovation in smart clothing technology.
3. Elderly Care Technology - Vigour's development as a solution for the drawbacks of physiotherapy for older patients highlights the trend of developing technology specifically for elderly care, with opportunities for further disruptive innovation.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - Vigour's potential to disrupt the way at-home care is administered offers opportunities for innovation in the healthcare industry.
2. Textile - The development of Vigour's bespoke merino fabric that thermally bonds with technology highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in the textile industry, particularly in the production of smart clothing.
3. Physical Therapy - Vigour's unique integration of sensory feedback into a cardigan offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the physical therapy industry.