DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PELVIC FLOOR TRAINING

Abstract

A device for training pelvic floor muscles comprises a rigid housing for a user to sit on, comprising a ridge with an opening facing the pelvic floor muscles of the user sitting on it, a beam arranged in the housing, being flush with or protruding from or facing the opening in the ridge, adapted to couple to an activity of the pelvic floor muscles of the user, and a sensor for sensing a movement of and/or a force exerted on the beam. A further aspect of the invention concerns a method for training pelvic floor muscles of a user, in particular being performed using the device.

Claims

1. A device for training pelvic floor muscles, comprising a rigid housing for a user to sit on, comprising a ridge with an opening facing the pelvic floor muscles of the user sitting on it, a beam arranged in the housing, being flush with or protruding from or facing the opening in the ridge, adapted to couple to an activity of the pelvic floor muscles of the user, and a sensor for sensing a movement of and/or a force exerted on the beam.

2. A device according to claim 1, which device is a portable device.

3. A device according to claim 1, comprising communication means adapted to transmit a signal of the sensor to a remote electronic device, in particular wherein the communication means is a Bluetooth transmitter for connecting to a mobile device, and a power supply, in particular a battery, for supplying the sensor and the communication means with power.

4. A device according to claim 1, comprising guiding means to restrict movements of the beam to a direction perpendicular to the opening in the ridge, and an elastic element, in particular a pressure spring, between the housing and the beam, providing a restoring force for movements of the beam.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the guiding means includes at least one guiding pin.

6. A device according to claim 4, wherein the guiding means include a spring arranged for executing a spring force on the beam in a direction perpendicular to the opening, wherein the spring is arranged and shaped for restricting movements of the beam to a direction perpendicular to the opening, preferably wherein the beam comprises one or more shoulders at its bottom end facing the sensor, and wherein the spring acts on the one or more shoulders.

7. A device according to claim 4, wherein the guiding means includes two or more fins, and wherein the beam is arranged between the at least two fins.

8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor sensing a force exerted on the beam comprises at least one load cell, in particular at least one strain gauge, in particular wherein the sensor comprises two or more strain gauges arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration.

9. A device according to claim 1, comprising a cap covering the opening in the ridge, which cap preferably is one or more of: made from a thermoplastic polymer; seals the opening; an integral element with the ridge.

10. A device according to claim 9, wherein one of the cap and the beam includes a notch while the respective other one of the cap and the beam includes a protrusion reaching into the notch, and preferably wherein the protrusion and the notch are arranged in a press fit.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an extension I in longitudinal direction which represents its largest dimension, a width w and a height h including the ridge, in particular wherein I<20 cm, and/or in particular wherein w<8 cm, and/or in particular wherein h<4 cm.

12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the opening is elongated in longitudinal direction and aligned with the ridge, in particular wherein a longitudinal extension of the opening is in the range of 5 cm to 20 cm, preferably 11.7 cm, and its width is in the range of 0.5 cm to 2 cm, preferably 1.1 cm.

13. A kit for training pelvic floor muscles, comprising a device according to claim 1, and a pad for placing the device on, preferably wherein the pad includes a recess for receiving the device, in particular wherein the recess has a height between 0.8 mm and 1 mm, and in particular of 0.9 mm.

14. A kit for training pelvic floor muscles, comprising a device according to claim 1, and a bag for carrying the device.

15. A method for supporting a training of pelvic floor muscles of a user, comprising receiving data indicative of an activity of the pelvic floor muscles, determining calibration values, in particular in response to a maximum contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and an idle stated, processing the received data, and outputting the processed data, in particular in a visual and/or acoustic and/or haptic manner.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the received data is supplied by the device according to claim 1, in particular by the sensor of the device.

17. A method according to claim 15, wherein the step of processing the received data comprises normalising the received data with the calibration values, deriving data indicative of a quantity and/or a dynamics of the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles from the normalised data, and using the derived data in a software representing tasks for the training.

18. A method according to claim 15, wherein the step of outputting the processed data comprises displaying an avatar that moves in response to the processed data, in particular wherein the avatar moves in at least one dimension, in particular wherein the avatar moves in a predefined manner in one dimension, and moves in response to the processed data in a second dimension.

19. A method according to claim 17, comprising offering modes to the user, and in response to a selection of a mode, applying the mode in controlling the software, in particular the modes representing a training of power and/or endurance and/or coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.

20. A method according to claim 15, comprising receiving additional data indicative of an activity of abdominal muscles of the user, processing the received additional data, and outputting the processed additional data.

21. A method according to claim 15, comprising storing one or more of the processed data or the derived data.

22. A method according to claim 15, wherein the steps of the method are performed automatically.

23. A method according to claim 15, wherein one or more of the processed data and the derived data is transmitted to a cloud computer system, wherein one or more of new calibration values, new parameters and modified processed or derived data are received from the cloud computer system, in particular wherein the one or more of the received new calibration values, the received new parameters and the received modified processed or derived data are used in a software representing tasks for the training.

24. A computer program element, comprising computer code means for performing a method according to claim 15 when executed on a processing unit.

25. System A system for training pelvic floor muscles, comprising a portable device for training pelvic floor muscles, comprising a rigid housing for a user to sit on, comprising a ridge with an opening facing the pelvic floor muscles of the user sitting on it, a beam arranged in the housing, being flush with or protruding from or facing the opening in the ridge, adapted to couple to an activity of the pelvic floor muscles of the user, and a sensor for sensing a movement of and/or a force exerted on the beam, and a remote electronic device, comprising a processing unit, and communication means for receiving data from the device including the signal of the sensor, in particular via Bluetooth, wherein the processing unit is configured to execute the computer program element according to claim 24.

26. A system according to claim 25, comprising a third device comprising an additional sensor for sensing an activity of abdominal muscles of a user, and communication means adapted to transmit a signal of the additional sensor to the remote electronic device, in particular via Bluetooth, in particular wherein the remote electronic device is configured to use the transmitted signal for performing a method comprising: receiving data indicative of an activity of the pelvic floor muscles, determining calibration values, in particular in response to a maximum contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and an idle state, processing the received data, and outputting the processed data, in particular in a visual and/or acoustic and/or haptic manner.

27. A system according to claim 25, comprising a cloud computer system the remote electronic device is configured to communicate with, wherein the remote electronic device is configured to transmit one or more of the processed data and the derived data to the cloud computer system, wherein the remote electronic device is configured to receive one or more of new calibration values, new parameters or modified processed or derived data, in particular wherein the remote electronic device is configured to use the one or more of the received new calibration values, the received parameters and the received modified processed or derived data in a software representing tasks for the training.

28. Use of a device according to claim 1 as a controller for an electronic game, preferably wherein the electronic game is represented by a software representing tasks for a training of the pelvic floor muscles, preferably an avatar in the electronic game is controlled by the controller.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] The embodiments defined above and further aspects, features and advantages of the present invention can also be derived from the examples of embodiments to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to the drawings. In the drawings it is illustrated in:

[0058] FIG. 1 a longitudinal cut through a device for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 2 a transversal cut through the device of FIG. 1;

[0060] FIG. 3 a perspective view of a device for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 4 a top view onto the device of FIG. 3;

[0062] FIG. 5 a side view onto a front end of the device of FIG. 3 from the left;

[0063] FIG. 6 a side view onto a front end of the device of FIG. 3 from the right;

[0064] FIG. 7 a transversal cut through a device for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the present invention, placed on a base and with a user sitting on the device;

[0065] FIG. 8 a perspective view of a kit for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a device and a pad;

[0066] FIG. 9 a side view onto a longitudinal side of the kit of FIG. 8;

[0067] FIG. 10 a schematic view of a system for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a device supplying a sensor signal indicative of an activity of the pelvic floor muscles, and a remote electronic device comprising communication means and a processing unit for receiving data from the device, processing and outputting the data;

[0068] FIG. 11 a schematic view of a system for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the invention comprising the system of FIG. 10, and a third device supplying a sensor signal indicative of an activity of the abdominal muscles;

[0069] FIG. 12 a flow chart of a method for supporting a training of pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the invention, which method is performed by an app on a remote electronic device;

[0070] FIG. 13 a flow chart of a training cycle of the user performing a method according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0071] FIG. 14 a perspective view of a device for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a cut open front end; and

[0072] FIG. 15 a transversal cut through the device of FIG. 14.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0073] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cut through a device for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 complements FIG. 1 with a transversal cut through the device. The device comprises a housing 1 which exhibits a triangular cross-section with a central ridge 2 along a longitudinal dimension of the device as shown in FIG. 2. The housing 1, and especially the casing representing the outer cover, is preferably made from a rigid material. The housing 1 also comprises or is supported by a permanently fixed bottom plate 3. The housing 1 has a longitudinal extension l which represents its largest dimension, a width w and a height h including the ridge. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal extension l is 18.7 cm, the width w varies between 7.8 cm on the left side of FIG. 1 and 6.8 cm on the right side, and the height h including the ridge 2 varies between 3.7 cm on the left side of FIG. 1 and 2.5 cm on the right side. The variation in height h triggers the user to sit in an upright seating posture, and allows the user to choose a suitable and comfortable seating position along the longitudinal extension of the housing. The housing 1 is rigid, and made of e.g. metal or hard plastic, such that a user sitting on it does not significantly deform the housing 1, see also FIG. 7.

[0074] The housing 1 has an elongated opening 4 along the ridge 2, facing the pelvic floor muscles of the user. The opening 4 preferably has a longitudinal extension of 11.7 cm, and a width of 1.1 cm. An opening that is much wider than 2 cm may make the movements of the beam susceptible to an activity of other muscle groups, such as the gluteal muscles.

[0075] A beam 5 is arranged in the housing 1 and extends into the opening 4. The beam 5 possibly protrudes from the opening 4, e.g. by at max 1 cm, or it is flush with the opening 4, or it ends below the opening 4. In the displayed embodiment, there is a cap 6 over the beam 5, covering and/or closing the opening 4 in the ridge 2. The cap 6 is preferably made from an elastic material, for reasons of usability, convenience and sealing the opening 4, the latter allowing for easy cleaning.

[0076] The beam 5 couples to the pelvic floor muscles of the user sitting on the device either directly or through layers of clothing and/or the cap 6. In this way, the beam 5 follows the movements of the pelvic floor muscles, due to contraction and/or relaxation, which the user can perform in a wilful manner. In an embodiment, the movements of the beam 5 are restricted to one dimension by at least one guiding pin 7 and a linear bearing 8 as guiding means, such that the beam 5 can only move perpendicular to the opening 4 facing the pelvic floor muscles. Between the housing 1, in particular the bottom plate 3, and the beam 5, a spring 9, in particular a pressure spring, on a screw 10 is interposed as an elastic element. The spring 9 provides a restoring force for movements of the beam 5, such that the beam 5 follows closely the movements of the pelvic floor muscles.

[0077] Moreover the beam 5 acts onto a sensor 11 via a pressure pin 12. The sensor 11 in turn is mounted to the housing 1, in particular to the bottom plate 3 of the housing 1. The sensor 11 senses movements and/or force and/or pressure of the beam 5 with respect to the housing 1. In an embodiment, the sensor 11 comprises at least one load cell, i.e. any kind of force sensor, in particular at least one strain gauge, indicating a force exerted on the beam 5. In particular, two load cells are mounted between the two ends of the beam 5 and the bottom plate 3, bearing the beam 5 like a bridge. For measurement purposes, the strain gauges are preferably arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration for a precise determination of changes in electrical resistance, which are indicative of the force exerted on the beam 5.

[0078] The configuration of the housing 1, the beam 5 and the sensor 11 enables the device to supply measurement values that are predominantly caused by an activity of the pelvic floor muscles of a user. The location and the size of the opening 4 are chosen in such a way that the beam 5 is only displaced by movements of the pelvic floor muscles, but not by other muscle groups. Also through its rigidity, the housing 1 does not deform when a user sits on the device, and the measurement values are not or hardly influenced by an activity of other muscle groups, such as the gluteal muscles.

[0079] As power supply, the device comprises a battery 13, in particular AA battery cells supplying 1.5 V each, housed in a battery case 14 with a battery cover 15 situated in the bottom plate 3 of the housing 1. The battery 13 powers the sensor 11 as well as a printed circuit board 17 which is described below. In an embodiment, the device comprises a power button 16 for manually switching the device on and off. In a different embodiment, the device is switched on automatically when an activity is sensed, and/or switched off automatically after an idle time of a predefined duration.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board 17 comprises communication means, such as a Bluetooth transmitter 18 or a WLAN transmitter to supply data of the sensor 11. The sensor data is preferably received by a remote electronic device with an app, which processes and visualises the data. In a different embodiment, the processing of the sensor data or a part of it, e.g. a calibration of the sensor, may be performed by a processor with attached memory on the printed circuit board 17 within the device itself.

[0081] FIG. 3 displays a perspective view of a device for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a top view onto the device of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 a side view onto a front end of the device of FIG. 3 from the left, and FIG. 6 a side view onto a front end of the device of FIG. 3 from the right. Visible in the view from outside in FIGS. 3-6 are: the housing 1 with the ridge 2, the bottom plate 3, the opening 4 which is covered by the cap 6, and the power button 16. The size of the device is chosen for portability and convenience of the user. The width of the device is deliberately chosen small enough such that seating bones of a user sitting on the device touch a sitting area outside of the bottom plate 3 of the device. Hence the longitudinal extension l of the housing 1 is preferably less than 20 cm, the width w is preferably less than 8 cm, and the height h is preferably less than 4 cm. With these dimensions, the device is sufficiently small to be mobile and also discrete when applied by the user. The size and location of the opening 4 are chosen such that the opening 4 faces the pelvic floor muscles, and such that a variation in seating position of the user does not hinder the measurements. The opening 4 preferably has a longitudinal extension in the range of 5 cm to 20 cm, and a width in the range of 0.5 cm to 2 cm. Actual numbers for the displayed embodiment are given above.

[0082] It is to be understood that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-6 is only one possible shape allowing to sense an activity of the pelvic floor muscles decoupled from other muscle groups. The triangular cross-section of the housing 1 with the ridge 2 displayed in FIGS. 5 and 6 makes sitting on the device convenient for the user and simultaneously allows a high degree of decoupling of movements induced by different muscle groups. Also the lozenge-shape of the bottom plate 3 as well as the varying height of the ridge 2 make sitting on the device more convenient for the user. The same effects can, however, be achieved by different shapes of the device. In a different embodiment, the housing 1 is for instance purely triangular in cross-section, where the ridge 2 is formed by the upper corner of the triangle, but not additionally protruding from the triangle. In yet another embodiment, a shape of the housing 1 even deviates from the triangular cross-section.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows a transversal cut through a device for training pelvic floor muscles 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention, placed on a base 19 and with a user sitting on the device. Preferably the base 19 is rigid for a good coupling and transmission of force. The position of the device between buttocks 20 of the user and the base 19 is such that the beam 5 couples via the cap 6 and potentially through one or more layers of clothing to the pelvic floor muscles 21 of the user. From FIG. 7 it can hence be understood how a user moves the beam 5 downwards towards the bottom plate 3 by a wilful activity of the pelvic floor muscles 21.

[0084] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a kit for training pelvic floor muscles according to an aspect of the present invention comprising a device as e.g. the one of FIG. 3, and a pad 22. FIG. 9 displays a side view onto a longitudinal side of the kit of FIG. 8. The pad 22 is preferably made from a rigid material, such as hard plastic or metal, and ensures an even coupling of the device to the underlying base. Moreover, the pad 22 reduces the seat height of the device, and makes sitting on the device more convenient for the user. In a different embodiment, the pad 22 may comprise a recess 221 as indicated by the dashed line for the device to be placed in, such that the device has a predefined position on the pad 22, such that the edges of the bottom plate 3 of the housing 1 are hidden for even more convenience of the user, and such that the height of the device affecting the user to sit on is reduced.

[0085] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a system for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a device 23 supplying a sensor signal indicative of an activity of the pelvic floor muscles, and a remote electronic device 24 comprising a processing unit and communication means 25 for receiving data from the device 23, in particular via Bluetooth. The processing unit is configured to execute a computer program element, e.g. an app, comprising computer code means for performing a method for training the pelvic floor muscles of the user such as the one according to FIG. 11. The sensor of device 23 senses movement and/or force of the pelvic floor muscles and the device 23 transmits the sensed data via communication means, such as a Bluetooth transmitter. The device 23 may preferably be a device according to one or more of FIGS. 1-9. The remote electronic device 24 may be a mobile device, such as a smartphone, or in another embodiment, it may be a computer with a computer program implemented on it. The remote electronic device 24 receives the sensed data via communication means, such as a Bluetooth receiver, and passes the data to the app executed on the processing unit of the remote electronic device 24.

[0086] The remote electronic device in the system of FIG. 10 may also comprise an interface to a cloud computer system (not shown) for exporting and/or importing data from and/or tasks for the user. The interface is particularly used for communication with diagnostic and consulting purposes, e.g. between the user and a third party, such as a medical doctor. The third party gets the data of the sensor, analyses it, and proposes further suitable training to the user.

[0087] FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a system for training pelvic floor muscles according to an embodiment of the invention comprising the system of FIG. 10, and a third device 28 supplying a sensor signal indicative of an activity of the abdominal muscles. The third device 28 is connected to the remote electronic device 24 via communications means 30, in particular via Bluetooth or WLAN. The third device 28 comprises an additional sensor 29 for sensing an activity of abdominal muscles of the user, where activity means contraction and relaxation. The data sensed by the additional sensor 29 allows to discriminate, whether a signal of the sensor for sensing a movement of and/or a force exerted on the beam is due to an activity of the pelvic floor muscles, which is the desired measurement quantity, or whether it is a spurious signal induced by an activity of the abdominal muscles.

[0088] FIG. 12 depicts a flow chart of a method for supporting a training of pelvic floor muscles of a user according to an embodiment of the invention. The method may be performed by an app executed on the processing unit of a remote electronic device. The app provides the user with a training comprising tasks, e.g. special exercises, guiding and motivating the user throughout the training. The app may also provide a help function and/or a support line, e.g. for support concerning the correct application of the device.

[0089] The first step S1 of the method of FIG. 12 comprises receiving data indicative of an activity of the pelvic floor muscles. The received data may have been measured by the sensor of a device according to FIG. 1-9. Step S2 comprises determining calibration values in response to a maximum contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and an idle state, i.e. when the user sits on the device without contracting the pelvic floor muscles. For this purpose, the app on the remote electronic device would prompt the user to contract the pelvic floor muscles as much as possible, and subsequently to only sit on the device without contracting. Then it would take the maximum and minimum sensed value of the data as the calibration values.

[0090] Steps S3-S5 of the method concern processing the received data. Step S3 comprises normalising the received data with the calibration values. This is done to account for a variation in the anatomy between different users and for a variation in the position of the device relative to the user. A recommendation of suitable tasks by the app as described later is only possible on the basis of normalised data. Step S4 comprises deriving data indicative of a quantity and/or a dynamics of the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles from the normalised data. The quantity of the contraction describes the static behaviour of the pelvic floor muscles, whereas the dynamics of the contraction describes the changes with time, e.g. the speed. Step S4 may comprise signal processing, such as linearising a response function of the sensor, and/or translating the electrical signal of the sensor into physical quantities, e.g. speed or force, and/or taking time derivatives, and/or taking time values, and/or taking force values, and/or others. The derived data may be used to assess the performance of the pelvic floor muscles according to different aspects, such as power and/or endurance and/or coordination, and to evaluate the development of the performance over time. Step S5 comprises using the derived data in a software representing tasks for the training. The tasks may e.g. consist of reaching a certain level of contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, or holding a certain level of contraction over a certain time interval, or continuously or stepwise increasing or decreasing the level of contraction, or rapidly switching between a certain level of contraction and relaxation, or others. The tasks present a goal to the user, and through the direct assessment of achievement, the user is motivated for the training.

[0091] In an embodiment, the method offers different modes from which the user selects one, or uses the default mode. By selecting a mode, the software is controlled, in particular to support different trainings, such as a training of power and/or endurance and/or coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. Depending on the selected mode, the software adapts the tasks for training.

[0092] Step S6 of the method comprises outputting the processed data, in particular in a visual and/or acoustic and/or haptic manner. Many ways of outputting the processed data are possible. In a simple way of visual feedback, the app displays a curve indicating the level of contraction/relaxation to be reached by the pelvic floor muscles of the user over time, and additionally it shows the processed data actually reached. As an acoustic output, the level of contraction/relaxation may be translated into a tone pitch, or a sound may be played when the contraction/relaxation reaches a predefined level. For haptic feedback, the level of contraction/relaxation may be translated into a vibration of the remote electronic device in a similar way.

[0093] In an embodiment, step S6 also comprises displaying an avatar that moves in response to the processed data. The avatar is a visual representation of the pelvic floor muscle, or it may be a cartoon person as insinuated in reference 26 of FIG. 10, and it moves in at least one dimension. Preferably the avatar moves in a predefined manner, e.g. with a constant speed, in one dimension, while moving in response to the processed data in a second dimension. In this way, the app performing the method resembles a game, in which the user controls the movements of the avatar by contraction/relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. Due to this gamification or exergaming (exercise plus gaming), the user is motivated for the training.

[0094] In step S6 different tasks or games are displayed in connection with the avatar depending on the selected training mode. For the training of power of the pelvic floor muscles, the avatar moves with a constant speed in one direction, while there are intermittent bars above it. Through a contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, the avatar jumps from the virtual ground up into the gaps between the bars and in particular collects points or symbols for a score. For the training of endurance of the pelvic floor muscles, the avatar needs to collect symbols or objects, e.g. apples, which are positioned on a certain height above the virtual ground, see references 26 and 27 in FIG. 10. This is achieved by maintaining the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles on a certain level for a predefined time interval or for as long as possible. Similarly, for the training of coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, the avatar needs to collect symbols or objects, e.g. balloons, which are positioned along a curve above the virtual ground. This is achieved by following the curve with the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles.

[0095] The output of the processed data in step S6 of the method may in an embodiment be configurable by the user through the selection of themes. The different themes correspond to different types of training suitable for different personalities or moods of the users. Preferably three themes are available: Story comprises training games for everybody, Scientific gives training goals and achievements in numbers and graphs for rational people, and Meditative provides exercises comprising simple geometrical shapes to relax stressed people. One of the themes is preset as a default theme, which may be changed during the course of the training.

[0096] FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of a training cycle of the user performing a method according to an embodiment of the invention. In the beginning, the user creates a user account with a user profile which is stored on the remote electronic device and preferably also in a remote database. The user profile may comprise personal data, and in particular medical indications and training goals. Next, the user executes a performance test, which is repeated weekly. The performance test starts with a calibration of the sensor according to the method described above. Then several tasks are posed to the user for assessing different aspects of the performance of the pelvic floor muscles. The aspects may e.g. be power and/or endurance and/or coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. According to the performance, the user is assigned a level for the training, which level may be different for the different aspects. Next, the user performs a daily training/gaming, which also starts by the calibration. The user may then choose an aspect for the training. It is recommended that the user trains each aspect twice a day. Every new week, the user is prompted to repeat the performance test, in particular in order to reach a new level for the training. Data relating to the performance of the user concerning the different aspects over time may be evaluated, in particular by a third party, such as a medical doctor.

[0097] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a device for training pelvic floor muscles according to another embodiment of the present invention, including a cut open front end. FIG. 15 illustrates a transversal cut through the device of FIG. 14.

[0098] The device again comprises a housing 1 which exhibits a more or less triangular cross-section with a central ridge 2 along a longitudinal dimension of the device. The housing 1, and specifically its casing, also comprises or is supported by a permanently fixed bottom plate 3. Again, the housing 1 has an elongated opening 4 along the ridge 2, facing the pelvic floor muscles of the user. A beam 5 is arranged in the housing 1 and extends into the opening 4. The beam 5 possibly protrudes from the opening 4, e.g. by at max 1 cm, or it is flush with the opening 4, or it ends below the opening 4. A cap 6 is provided to cover the beam 5, thereby also covering and/or closing the opening 4 in the ridge 2. A sensor 11 is mounted to the bottom plate 3 of the housing 1. The sensor 11 senses movements and/or force and/or pressure of the beam 5 with respect to the housing 1. The beam 5 couples to the pelvic floor muscles of the user sitting on the device either directly or through layers of clothing and/or the cap 6. In this way, the beam 5 follows the movements of the pelvic floor muscles, due to contraction and/or relaxation, which the user can perform in a wilful manner.

[0099] In an embodiment, the movements of the beam 5 are restricted to one dimension, i.e. the z-direction. Preferably, there are means different from the guiding pin 7 and the linear bearing 8 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 for restricting movements of the beam 5 to the z-direction. Presently, the cap 6 is manufactured as one piece together with the ridge 2 of the device. In addition, a top end of the beam 5 may include a notch 51 into which a bar 61 of the cap 6 may reach. In a preferred embodiment, the cap 6 and the beam 5, and specifically the bar 61 of the cap 6 and the notch 52 of the beam 5 are arranged in a press fit.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the beam 5 comprises one or more shoulders 52 at its bottom end. The bottom end of the beam 5 faces the sensor 11, and in particular rests on the sensor 11, and in particular acts onto a sensor 11 via a pressure pin 12. Presently, a shoulder 52 is arranged at each side of the bottom portion of the beam 5. A spring 20 such as a leaf spring may rest on each shoulder 52 while the spring may be mounted with its other end to the bottom plate 3. Preferably, the spring 20 is shaped and dimensioned such that it prevents a lateral displacement of the beam 5. In the present embodiment, for example, the beam includes a bottom portion that is embraced by the spring 20. While the spring 20 is mounted to the bottom plate 3 and only provides elasticity in z-direction, it also supports fixing the beam 5 in a defined lateral position. The spring 20 may exert a defined force acting on the beam 5.

[0101] Preferably, the bottom plate 3 comprises two barrel shaped set-ups 31, on each of which a fin 32 is arranged. Accordingly, the beam 5 is arranged between the two fins 32. Given that the fins 32 preferably are made from the same rigid material as the bottom plate 3, e.g. aluminium, the fins 32 preferably act as protection elements for the beam 5, in particular protecting the beam 5 from a lateral displacement in response to a lateral impact. Such lateral impact may in one example be evoked by a user sitting on the device. In a preferred embodiment, the fins 32 are arranged with respect to an inner wall of the ridge 2 of the housing 1 such that lateral force on the ridge 2 may be absorbed by the fins 32.

[0102] As to the material the various elements of the device are made from, e.g. the housing 1, the bottom plate 3, the beam 5 and/or the cap 6, it is referred to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3. The same materials preferably are applied in the present embodiment.

[0103] As to the dimensions of various elements of the device and the device itself it is referred to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3. The same dimensions preferably are applied to the present embodiment.

[0104] As to the sensor 11, its set-up, its arrangement/s, and the corresponding electrical circuitry, it is referred to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0105] Summarizing, in the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15 the beam 5 is supported in the housing 1 to allow for vertical deflections only such that the force exerted on the sensor 11 is assured to stem from vertical components of forces only acting on the cap/beam 6/5 combination. In addition, the beam 5 is protected from the impact of lateral forces. This ensures a reliable measurement of forces evoked by the pelvic floor muscles only.