Pelvic floor problems like incontinence, prolapse, trouble going to the toilet and pain during sex are all too common, and often the best line of treatment is physio. The only way for physiotherapists to learn how to examine pelvic floor muscles by practicing on each other, which is far from ideal. New clinical training device, SimLevatorTM, transform s that.
It mimics pelvic floor muscle movements, so students can practice checking patients’ muscle strength and function without risking discomfort or harm. Developed by Brunel University London product design engineering graduate, Maia Heath, SimLevatorTM is the first anatomically accurate, ‘feels real’ pelvic floor simulator. “There is a woeful lack of attention and resources dedicated solely to women's health,” said Maia, 21, from Hong Kong.
“Female anatomy must not be taboo, and the slow process towards de-stigmatization begins with education and assurance through high-quality clinical care.” Inspiration came from leading international pelvic health physiotherapy specialists, - Brunel's Lucia Berry and Paula Igualada-Martinez, alongside a year’s work placement at Guy's & St Thomas', where Maia worked in the Simulation and Interactive Learning Centre. “The project was incredibly challenging one,” said Maia because it combines simulating visual and haptic accuracy with the moving parts.
"I explored many tech options, from VR to smart materials. The best way to recreate muscle movement was a physical device.