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 physical therapy.
The only way for physical therapists to learn how to examine pelvic floor muscles is often by practicing on each other, which is far from ideal.
New clinical training device, SimLevator, transforms that. It mimics pelvic floor muscle movements, so students can practice checking patients’ muscle strength and function without risking discomfort or harm.
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Developed by Brunel University London product design engineering graduate, Maia Heath, SimLevator is the first anatomically accurate, ‘feels real’ pelvic floor simulator, according to the school.
“There is a woeful lack of attention and resources dedicated solely to women’s health,” says Heath, 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.
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“The project was an incredibly challenging one,” says Heath, 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, ensuring it was anatomically accurate and felt real.”
SimLevator saw several different prototypes to reach its final design. Heath used CAD (computer-aided design) for the anatomy and optimized the 3D printed molds. The circuitry was another test—marrying the practical challenges of motor torque and mechanical function with coding the software.
Its body piece houses replaceable battery packs, motors, and a microcontroller. Interchangeable silicone inserts that look and feel real simulate different anatomies, conditions, skin tones, and injuries. Muscle tone is also controllable, to help students practice and build confidence for working with patients.
A Design for Health project in collaboration with Brunel’s College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, SimLevator won Brunel Design School’s Made in Brunel 2024 award for ‘Best Medical Project.’
Heath’s next step is to run a pilot feasibility study with a wider pool of physical therapists— to gather real training data to publish and apply for grants.
“I hope to contribute to the evolution of women’s health innovation at large,” Heath says. “Beyond this, I intend to stay within the medical design realm, though the modelmaking process has inspired me to pursue that avenue as well.”
