SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING POSTURE ALIGNMENT FEEDBACK

Abstract

Provided are embodiments of an abdominal activator for providing posture alignment feedback. One embodiment of the abdominal activator includes an exterior portion constructed of a flexible material, where the exterior portion is shaped to overlay a predetermined section of an abdomen of a subject, and where the exterior portion is divided into a plurality of compartments. Some embodiments include a weighted material with fluid properties that is placed inside the exterior portion in at least one of the plurality of compartments. When the abdominal activator is placed on the abdomen of the subject, the weighted material provides haptic feedback when an improper movement is made by the subject during an exercise.

Claims

1. An abdominal activator for providing posture alignment feedback comprising: an exterior portion constructed of a flexible material, wherein the exterior portion is shaped to overlay a predetermined section of an abdomen of a subject, wherein the exterior portion is divided into a plurality of compartments; and a weighted material with fluid properties that is placed inside the exterior portion in at least one of the plurality of compartments, wherein when the abdominal activator is placed on the abdomen of the subject, the weighted material provides haptic feedback when an improper movement is made by the subject during an exercise.

2. The abdominal activator of claim 1, wherein the weighted material is enclosed in a weighted sack.

3. The abdominal activator of claim 1, wherein the exterior portion includes at least one securable opening for removably receiving the weighted material.

4. The abdominal activator of claim 1, further comprising a device sensor for detecting movement of the abdominal activator.

5. The abdominal activator of claim 4, wherein the device sensor includes at least one of the following: a light, a speaker, a wireless communication device, a memory, a processor, a motion sensor, a camera, a gyroscope, a level sensor, or an accelerometer.

6. The abdominal activator of claim 1, wherein the weighted material includes at least one of the following: a liquid, a fluid, copper beads, lead beads, or steel beads.

7. The abdominal activator of claim 1, wherein the abdominal activator includes a lower portion and an upper portion that may be removably secured together.

8. A method for providing posture alignment feedback comprising: determining, via a computing device, an improper movement for a predetermined exercise; detecting, via an abdominal activator that has been placed on an abdomen of a subject, that the predetermined exercise has begun, wherein the abdominal activator includes an exterior portion constructed of a flexible material, wherein the exterior portion is shaped to overlay a predetermined section of the abdomen of the subject, wherein the exterior portion is divided into a plurality of compartments, and wherein the abdominal activator further includes a weighted material with fluid properties that is placed inside the exterior portion in at least one of the plurality of compartments; detecting, via the abdominal activator, that the subject has performed the improper movement; and in response to detecting that the subject has performed the improper movement, providing feedback, via the abdominal activator, regarding the improper movement.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the weighted material is enclosed in a weighted sack.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the exterior portion includes at least one securable opening for removably receiving the weighted material.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the abdominal activator further includes a device sensor for detecting movement of the abdominal activator, wherein the device sensor includes at least one of the following: a light, a speaker, a wireless communication device, a memory, a processor, a motion sensor, a camera, a level sensor, a gyroscope, or an accelerometer.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the weighted material includes at least one of the following: a liquid, a fluid, copper beads, lead beads, or steel beads.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the abdominal activator includes a lower portion and an upper portion that may be removably secured together.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the feedback includes at least one of the following: haptic feedback, auditory feedback, or visual feedback.

15. A system for providing posture alignment feedback comprising: an abdominal activator that includes an exterior portion constructed of a flexible material, wherein the exterior portion is shaped to overlay a predetermined section of an abdomen of a subject, wherein the exterior portion is divided into a plurality of compartments; a weighted material with fluid properties that is placed inside the exterior portion in at least one of the plurality of compartments, wherein when the abdominal activator is placed on the abdomen of the subject; and a device sensor that detects an improper movement of the subject and provides feedback when the improper movement is made by the subject during an exercise; and a computing device that communicates with the device sensor, wherein the computing device determines the improper movement and communicates data regarding the improper movement to the device sensor and wherein the computing device provides further feedback regarding the improper movement that is made by the subject during the exercise.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the computing device includes at least one of the following: a mobile device of the subject, a mobile device of an instructor, a laptop, a server, or a personal computer.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the weighted material is enclosed in a weighted sack and wherein the exterior portion includes at least one securable opening for removably receiving the weighted material.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the device sensor includes at least one of the following: a light, a speaker, a wireless communication device, a memory, a processor, a motion sensor, a camera, a level sensor, a gyroscope, or an accelerometer.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the weighted material includes at least one of the following: a liquid, a fluid, copper beads, lead beads, or steel beads.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the further feedback includes at least one of the following: haptic feedback, auditory feedback, or visual feedback.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0009] FIGS. 1A-1C depict example abdominal muscles of a subject, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts embodiments of an abdominal activator for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts an additional configuration of the abdominal activator for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts another configuration of the abdominal activator for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0013] FIG. 5 depicts yet another configuration of the abdominal activator for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a weighted container for utilizing with the abdominal activator, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0015] FIG. 7 depicts a computing environment for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments show and described herein;

[0016] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments show and described herein; and

[0017] FIG. 9 depicts a computing device for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments show and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Embodiments provided herein include systems and methods for providing proper posture alignment feedback. Some embodiments include one or more weighted sacks that are placed over a predetermined area of the subject's abdomen (or other area of the body). The predetermined area may be the pelvis, abdominal muscles, and/or other area. The weighted sack may be shaped to overlay the predetermined area of the subject's abdomen and may contain a plurality of weighted beads or other material with fluid properties. Some embodiments of the weighted sack may include compartments that prevent or limit movement of the weighted beads into other areas of the weighted sack. In operation, the subject may lie on his/her back and the abdominal activator may be placed on the predetermined area of the subject's abdomen. Through gravity (and/or via manipulation by the subject or instructor), the weighted beads within the abdominal activator may be aligned substantially evenly across the interior of the abdominal activator. The subject may then be asked to perform an exercise with the abdominal activator in place. If the subject is able to perform the exercise with proper posture alignment, the weighted beads within the abdominal activator will maintain their current position (within a tolerance). If the subject is not able to perform the exercise with proper posture alignment, the weighted beads will move through gravity. Due to the predetermined weights and sizes of the weighted beads, movement of the weighted beads will provide both auditory and tactile feedback to the subject (and the instructor) to indicate whether the subject is making an error in the motion. This immediate feedback provides the subject with information to improve.

[0019] Some embodiments may also include one or more electronic sensors, circuitry, and/or software for providing further feedback to the subject and/or instructor. In such embodiments, the sensors might include a weight sensor, a magnet sensor, accelerometer, and/or other sensor that is capable of detecting a change in the orientation of the abdominal activator and/or the positions of the weighted beads. Depending on the embodiment, this sensor output may be sent to a computing device, such as a mobile device and/or remote computing device. An application may then be utilized to analyze the sensor output to track statistics of the current training session, and/or track improvement over time.

[0020] It should also be understood that while embodiments described herein may refer to weighted beads, this is one embodiment. Some embodiments may utilize a liquid instead of and/or in addition to the beads, which may further provide the tactile, auditory, and/or sensor feedback.

[0021] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1C depict example abdominal muscles of a subject, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, a human body 100 may include ribs 102, costal cartilage 104, transverse abdominis 106, ilium 108, pubis 110, and spine 112. The transverse abdominis 106 is a muscle in the abdomen of the human body 100 that extends between the ribs 102 and the pubis 110, wrapping around the trunk of the human body 100. As such, the transverse abdominis 106 provides postural support, as well as helps contain and support the organs located inside the abdomen. Additionally, transverse abdominis 106 and other core muscles align the spine 112 and provide static core functionality as well as dynamic core functionality. Unlike static core functionality, dynamic core functionality of the transverse abdominis 106 occurs when the body is in motion and engages tendons, ligaments, and/or muscles to absorb resistance and adjust itself with relevance to your plane of motions. Other functions of the transverse abdominis 106 include withholding bowel movements, facilitating contractions during labor and pushing during childbirth, and assisting with the Valsalva maneuver where the thorax tightens when someone holds their breath unconsciously when pushing and lifting.

[0022] FIG. 1C further illustrates other abdominal muscles, such as the transverse abdominis 106, the external oblique muscles 120, the internal oblique muscles 122, and the rectus abdominis muscles 124. Specifically, the external oblique muscle is an outer abdominal muscle, extending from the lower half of the ribs 102 to the pelvis. Together, the external oblique muscles 120 cover the sides of the abdomen. The internal oblique muscles 122 are underneath the external oblique muscles 120 on each side. The internal oblique muscles 122 are disposed on the lateral side of the abdomen. The internal oblique muscles 122 form a layer of the lateral abdominal wall along with external oblique muscles 120 on the outer side and transverse abdominis 106. The rectus abdominis muscles 124 are a pair of segmented skeletal muscles separated by a band of dense connective tissue. The rectus abdominis muscles 124 extend from the pubic symphysis, pubic crest and pubic tubercle inferiorly, to the xiphoid process and costal cartilages.

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts embodiments of an abdominal activator 200 for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Specifically, many exercise routines strive to improve the core, which is a generalized term to refer to the external oblique muscles 120, the internal oblique muscles 122, the rectus abdominis muscles 124, and transverse abdominis 106. While strengthening the overall core is important for athletic pursuits, as well as reduction of back pain, oftentimes, the transverse abdominis 106 are inadvertently neglected in some of those exercises.

[0024] Some exercise instructors have learned exercises that specifically engage the transverse abdominis 106. However, students who do not have much experience in engagement of the transverse abdominis 106 often struggle with understanding how to perform the exercises properly. As such, the abdominal activator 200 may be utilized to provide feedback such that the subject may properly engage the transverse abdominis 106.

[0025] Accordingly, FIG. 2 depicts various embodiments of the abdominal activator 200a-200g. The abdominal activator 200a may be shaped to overlay a predetermined area of a subject's abdomen (such as the pelvis, the core, etc.) and thus includes an upper portion 202a, a lower portion 202b, and a center portion 204. As described in more detail below, each of the upper portion 202a, lower portion 202b, and the center portion 204 may include a weighted interior. The weighted interior may be constructed of a weighted material with fluid properties, such as a liquid, fluid, copper beads, lead beads, steel beads, etc. The weighted interior may be integral to the abdominal activator 200 and/or may be surrounded by a weighted container that is removable from the abdominal activator 200a.

[0026] As such, some embodiments of the abdominal activator 200a may include pockets for receiving and/or securing the weighted interior. The securing mechanism may be Velcro, snaps, buttons, magnets, etc. Similarly, depending on the embodiment, the portions 202-204 of the abdominal activator 200a may be integral or separable from the abdominal activator 200a, such that less than the full abdominal activator 200a may be used for a particular subject and/or exercise. These features may apply to any of the embodiments of the abdominal activator 200a-200g.

[0027] In operation, the abdominal activator 200a may be placed on the abdomen of the subject, with the upper portion 202a laying on the upper abdominal area of the subject and the lower portion 202b laying on the lower pelvic area of the subject. Thus, when the subject performs exercises (such as breathing exercises, resistance training exercises, etc.), and is instructed to control breathing or other movements such that the abdomen remains in the correct position, auditory and/or tactile feedback may be provided by the abdominal activator 200a because the weighted interior (a) provides resistance to moving the abdomen; and (b) if undesirable movement of the abdomen does occur, the weight distribution of the weighted interior will change, causing a change in the tactile feedback and noise from the movement of the weighted material.

[0028] Similarly, the abdominal activator 200b includes an upper portion 206a, a lower portion 206b, an upper center portion 208a, and a lower center portion 208b. The abdominal activator 200b also includes a first upper lateral portion 210a, a first lower lateral portion 210b, a second upper lateral portion 212a, and a second lower lateral portion 212b. As will be understood, the abdominal activator 200b may be configured to provide more granular feedback, as smaller areas of the abdomen are covered by each portion of the abdominal activator 200b.

[0029] Similarly, the abdominal activator 200c includes an upper center portion 214a, a lower center portion 214b, an upper center portion 216a, a lower center portion 216b, a first upper lateral portion 218a, a first lower lateral portion 218b, a second upper lateral portion 220a, a second lower lateral portion 220b, a third upper lateral portion 222a, a third lower lateral portion 222b, a fourth upper lateral portion 224a, and a fourth upper lateral portion 224b.

[0030] The abdominal activator 200d includes a first central portion 225a, a second central portion 225b, a third central portion 225c, and a fourth central portion 225d. The abdominal activator 200d may additionally include a first upper lateral portion 228a, a first lower lateral portion 228b, a second upper lateral portion 230a, and a second lower lateral portion 230b.

[0031] The abdominal activator 200e includes a first center portion 232a, a second center portion 232b, a third center portion 232c, a fourth center portion 232d, a fifth center portion 232e, a sixth center portion 232f, a seventh center portion 232g, and an eighth center portion 232h. The abdominal activator 200e may additionally include a first upper lateral portion 236a, a first lower lateral portion 236b, a second upper lateral portion 238a, and a second lower lateral portion 238b.

[0032] The abdominal activator 200f includes a first center portion 240a, a second center portion 240b, a third center portion 240c, and a fourth center portion 240d. As discussed above, one or more of the portions 240a-240d may be configured to receive a first weighted interior 242a, a second weighted interior 242b, a third weighted interior 242c, and a fourth weighted interior 242d. The abdominal activator 200f may additionally include a first upper lateral portion 244a, a first lower lateral portion 244b, a second upper lateral portion 246a, and a second lower lateral portion 246b.

[0033] The abdominal activator 200g includes a first center portion 248a, a second center portion 248b, a third center portion 248c, and a fourth center portion 248d. In this embodiment, the abdominal activator 200g may receive one or more weighted interiors 250a, 250b across adjacent center portions 248. The abdominal activator 200g may additionally include a first upper lateral portion 252a, a first lower lateral portion 252b, a second upper lateral portion 254a, and a second lower lateral portion 254b.

[0034] As will be understood, the embodiments of FIG. 2 and other examples provided herein illustrate exemplary shapes for the abdominal activator. These shapes are merely examples, as other shapes may be utilized, depending on the particular exercise, subject, and/or instructor.

[0035] FIG. 3 depicts an additional configuration of the abdominal activator 300 for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated, the abdominal activator 300 includes an upper portion 302a and lower portion 302b. The abdominal activator 300 may be configured with at least one securable opening, such as securable openings 304a, 304b. The securable openings 304a may be securable via a zipper, Velcro, a snap, a button, etc. Additionally, the upper portion 302a may be secured to lower portion 302b via zip, Velcro, snaps, buttons, etc.

[0036] FIG. 4 depicts another configuration of the abdominal activator 400 for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated, the abdominal activator 400 includes an upper portion 402a and a lower portion 402b, which may receive one or more weighted interiors. As illustrated, the upper portion 402a may provide a single compartment for the weighted interior, while the lower portion 402b may include dividers to segregate where the weighted interior may travel. Additionally, some embodiments may provide a removable securing mechanism such as a zipper, Velcro, snaps, buttons, etc. for removing the weighted interior. Some embodiments may be provide without access to the interior of the abdominal activator 400 (or other embodiment).

[0037] FIG. 5 depicts yet another configuration of the abdominal activator 500 for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated, the abdominal activator 500 may include an upper portion 502a and a lower portion 502b. Additionally depicted are a plurality of weighted interiors 504a, 504b, 504c. The weighted interiors may include respective weight containers that may removably receive weighted materials. As such, the weight containers may include a zipper, Velcro, a snap, a button, etc. for providing access inside the weight containers.

[0038] FIG. 6 depicts a weighted container 600 for utilizing with the abdominal activator 200, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. As illustrated, the weighted container 600 may be made of neoprene, mesh, polyester, etc. As discussed above, the weighted container 600 may receive a weighted material with fluid properties, such as a liquid, fluid, copper beads, lead beads, steel beads, etc. The weighted container 600 may be inserted into an abdominal activator (e.g., abdominal activator 500 from FIG. 5) and removed, as desired. This allows different weights to be utilized for different subjects and/or applications. Some embodiments, the weighted material may be permanently introduced into the abdominal activator without the use of the weighted container 600.

[0039] FIG. 7 depicts a computing environment for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments show and described herein. As illustrated, the computing environment may include a network 700 coupled to a device sensor 702 of an abdominal activator 200, a remote computing device 704 and a user computing device 706.

[0040] The abdominal activator 200 represents any embodiment of the abdominal activator described herein, but may be coupled with the device sensor 702 for detecting a proper or improper movement on an exercise with a subject and providing feedback regarding the improper (or proper) motion. As an example, one such exercise may include the subject laying on his/her back and being required to raise his/her leg off the ground. Proper execution of this movement would require that the abdominal muscles not brace, but instead that the transverse abdominals be engaged. This means that the proper motion would include the subject's abdomen will not move or would move downward toward the ground in a proper motion. If the subject engages in an improper motion, the subject's abdomen would move upward away from the ground. By placing the abdominal activator 200 on the abdomen of the subject, the weight of the abdominal activator is such that the subject receives haptic feedback regarding motion of the subject's abdomen. Additionally, because the weighted interior is fluid and will likely change position if the subject's abdomen moves, the abdominal activator may provide additional haptic and auditory feedback, should the subject make an improper move. Similarly, if an exercise is proper breathing, embodiments provided herein detect whether the subject is performing the improper belly breathing, thus further training the transverse abdominis. Some embodiments may be configured for use when a subject is moving, standing, and/or performing other exercises.

[0041] As such, the abdominal activator may still include a weighted interior to move with the motion of the subject, however, the device sensor 702 may provide additional visual, audible, and/or tactile output. As an example, the subject may not be able to distinguish an improper movement, but the sensor may include a light, speaker, wireless communication device, memory, processor, motion sensor, camera, gyroscope, accelerometer, level sensor, and/or other hardware or software for detecting improper movement and outputting additional feedback regarding the improper movement.

[0042] It will be understood that some embodiments may be configured to provide different output, based on the motion detected. As an example, proper motion may cause a first output, while improper movement may cause a second input. As another example, a moderately improper movement may result in a third output, while an extremely improper movement may result in a fourth output. Other variations are also contemplated.

[0043] It will also be noted that while FIG. 7 depicts the device sensor 702 as being disposed on one side of the abdominal activator 200, this is merely an example, as one or more sensors may be disposed at any of a plurality of locations, based on the activity being monitored and the type of motion being detected. It will also be understood that while the device sensor 702 is labeled as a sensor, this is merely a label, as the device sensor 702 may include the hardware, software, and firmware for detecting motion, communicating feedback, and communicating with other components of FIG. 7.

[0044] Also included in FIG. 7 is the remote computing device 704. The remote computing device 704 may be configured as a personal computer, laptop, server, tablet, mobile device, and/or other computing device that includes the hardware and provides the functionality described herein. It should also be noted that some embodiments may be configured such that at least a portion of the computing architecture described with reference to the remote computing device 704 is embodied in the device sensor 702 and/or the user computing device 706.

[0045] Regardless, the remote computing device 704 may include a plurality of components (described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9), such as a memory component 740. The memory component 740 may be configured as read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), registers, etc. The memory component 740 may be configured to store logic or other computer-readable instructions, such as data collection logic 744a and feedback logic 744b. The data collection logic 744a may include instructions for collecting and storing data regarding proper and/or improper movements, as well as collecting data related to motions of this particular subject. The feedback logic 744b may include instructions for causing the abdominal activator 200 and/or other device for determining when a motion occurs that triggers an output, as well as where the output will be provided. In some embodiments, the output may be provided via the device sensor 702. However, some embodiments may be configured to provide output via the user computing device 706, which (as described below) may be embodied as a mobile device of the subject or instructor. Other embodiments are also contemplated.

[0046] The user computing device 706 may be configured as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, mobile device (of the subject, instructor, etc.), server, etc. In some embodiments, the user computing device 706 may be configured to provide administrative viewing and controls of the remote computing device 704. Specifically, some embodiments are configured such that device sensor 702 may communicate data to the remote computing device 704, which may then be viewed by the user computing device 706. Some embodiments may be configured that the device sensor 702 may communicate directly to the user computing device 706 via the network 700, such as a local network and/or a peer-to-peer communications protocol.

[0047] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments show and described herein. As illustrated in block 852, placement of the abdominal activator may be detected on a subject and/or start of an exercise may be detected. In block 854, motion on the subject may be detected from the exercise. In block 856, an improper movement may be determined for the exercise. In block 858, a detection may be made regarding whether the subject made the improper movement. In block 860, feedback may be provided to the subject and/or instructor regarding the improper movement.

[0048] FIG. 9 depicts a computing device for providing tactile feedback regarding utilization of a subject's transverse abdominals, according to one or more embodiments show and described herein. As illustrated, the remote computing device 704 includes a processor 930, input/output hardware 932, a network interface hardware 934, a data storage component 936 (which stores ergonomic data 938a, historical data 938b, and/or other data), and a memory component 740. The memory component 740 may be configured as volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flash memory, secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD) (whether local or cloud-based), and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable medium. Depending on the particular embodiment, these non-transitory computer-readable mediums may reside within the remote computing device 704 and/or external to the remote computing device 704.

[0049] The memory component 740 may store operating logic 942, the data collection logic 744a and the feedback logic 744b. Each of these logic components may include a plurality of different pieces of logic, each of which may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/or hardware, as an example. A local interface 946 is also included in FIG. 9 and may be implemented as a bus or other communication interface to facilitate communication among the components of the remote computing device 704.

[0050] The processor 930 may include any processing component operable to receive and execute instructions (such as from a data storage component 936 and/or the memory component 740). As described above, the input/output hardware 932 may include and/or be configured to interface with speakers, microphones, and/or other input/output components.

[0051] The network interface hardware 934 may include and/or be configured for communicating with any wired or wireless networking hardware, including an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, WiMAX card, mobile communications hardware, transceiver, and/or other hardware for communicating with other networks and/or devices. From this connection, communication may be facilitated between the remote computing device 704 and other computing devices.

[0052] The operating logic 942 may include an operating system and/or other software for managing components of the remote computing device 704. As discussed above, the data collection logic 744a may be configured to cause the processor 930 to collect motion data from the subject, as well as collect proper and improper movement data generally, as described herein. The feedback logic 744b may be configured to cause the processor 930 to analyze motion data received, determine the appropriate output, and send a signal for providing the output.

[0053] It should be understood that while the components in FIG. 9 are illustrated as residing within the remote computing device 704, this is merely an example. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may reside external to the remote computing device 704 or within other devices, such as the device sensor 702 and/or the user computing device 706 (FIG. 7). It should also be understood that, while the remote computing device 704 is illustrated as a single device, this is also merely an example. In some embodiments, the data collection logic 744a and/or the feedback logic 744b may reside on different computing devices.

[0054] As an example, one or more of the functionalities and/or components described herein may be provided by the remote computing device 704, the device sensor 702, and/or the user computing device 706. Depending on the particular embodiment, any of these devices may have similar components as those depicted in FIG. 9. To this end, any of these devices may include logic for performing the functionality described herein.

[0055] Additionally, while the remote computing device 704 is illustrated with the data collection logic 744a and the feedback logic 744b as separate logical components, this is also an example. In some embodiments, a single piece of logic may provide the described functionality. It should also be understood that while the data collection logic 744a and the feedback logic 744b are described herein as the logical components, this is also an example. Other components may also be included, depending on the embodiment.

[0056] While particular embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, although various aspects have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. Accordingly, it is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the embodiments shown and described herein.

[0057] It should be understood that some embodiments may additionally provide course work to guide instructors and/or subjects through exercises that the subject can participate with the abdominal activator 200. Additionally, some embodiments may be configured with one or more sensors that are coupled to a computing device. The sensors may include a gyroscope, accelerometer, level sensor, etc. and may detect motion of the abdomen of the subject during various exercises. The computing device may receive this sensor data and provide audible output so the subject receives additional feedback. In some embodiments, the computing device may be configured to determine when and where the subject struggles to meet the desired results and provide feedback regarding additional exercises to improve that performance. Such feedback may include video tutorials, articles, live instructor training, and/or other feedback.

[0058] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.