NovaBand [a programmable resistance band]

Elastic resistance bands are commonly used by licensed physiotherapists to aid in muscle rehabilitation. Given a particular resistance band, it is observed that the force exerted by the band increases linearly as it is stretched and decreases linearly as the band is contracted. On the contrary, human muscles are only able to exert maximal force near the midpoint of extension; minimal force is exerted when the muscle is fully flexed or extended. This contrast between elastic band force and human muscle strength leads to suboptimal rehabilitation when traditional elastic bands are used. NovaBand Solutions aims to address the disparity between the elastic band force and human muscle strength by better personalizing the rehabilitation process. The movement that occurs during one repetition of a rehabilitation exercise will be examined and improved upon to provide a custom-tailored solution for individuals undergoing muscular rehabilitation. NovaBand Solutions proposes a programmatic resistance band which is precisely controlled by a physiotherapist and specialized software to best meet their individual client's rehabilitation needs on a case-by-case basis. This document outlines the requirements for the proposed solution during the proof-of-concept, engineering prototype, and production phases of development. Broad safety and sustainability requirements are also included. Lastly, an acceptance test plan is defined to establish the criteria used to evaluate the product during the proof-of-concept phase.