Underwater Exercise Bike
Problem statement
Imagine no longer having the strength to do the activities you love and needing to regulate what you do in order to monitor your symptoms. This is what people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) live with every day, along with pain and spasms. Those with MS need to keep their body temperature constant, but this can be difficult when it comes to keeping fit and exercising. There are also issues of instability that make it harder to work out. Stationary bikes have been proven to be a beneficial form of exercise for people with MS [1]. Theracycle is a bike designed specifically for people with MS and has integrated exercise back into peoples’ lives. These bikes, however, can cost up to $5,600 [2] and still pose risks like riders falling off due to instability and overheating. An underwater bike can provide those with multiple sclerosis the ability to workout while maintaining a steady body temperature and stability. An underwater bike exists; however, there are not specific bikes marketed for people with MS and are also expensive, costing up to $2000. Previous design teams and master students have been developing a prototype underwater exercise bike design for people with MS; however, it currently sits unused in ME 2109 and needs major improvements. The goal of this design project is to redesign this bike to reduce cost and enhance the user experience by adding and refining features, all while tackling issues including safety, buoyancy, bike transportation, and effective inertia at the top/bottom of pedaling.
Team members
Helena Gassmann – leader
Anna Taylor – communicator
Lia Devereux – accountant
Izzy Fleming – admin
Client
Frank Fronczak, Emeritus Professor