Gamified pelvic floor training: fun motivation for a strong core

Regular pelvic floor training can help in preventing incontinence, and often in resolving it. However, this requires consistent training over a period of months. It is therefore crucial to provide those affected with a permanently motivating form of training.

In an interview with MEDICA-tradefair.com, Mark Kässer, Co-Founder of Fysor GmbH, explains how the new gamified training system "Apelvo" works. At MEDICA START-UP PARK 2023, the company will demonstrate how it can be put to practical use.

Mr. Kässer, how can pelvic floor training and gamification be combined?

Mark Kässer: I am a physiotherapist at the University Hospital in Tübingen and have been working with patients suffering from incontinence problems or pelvic floor problems for over 25 years. In the course of my work, I have recognized one thing: Pelvic floor training works. If you practice consistently, you can strengthen, exercise, and tone the pelvic floor like any other muscle in the human body and thus enjoy life continently and actively.

Unfortunately, this does not work in the short term. Only those who stick to it and train regularly can achieve the corresponding success. This is exactly where gamification comes in. Special smartphone games are currently being developed in which the pelvic floor is actively used. These can be different games, such as poker, chess or car racing. The games can be controlled not only by touch but the pelvic floor muscles are actively integrated into the game.

How does that work exactly?

Kässer: To record the pelvic floor during the game, electrodes are stuck to the skin. These electrodes send the real-time signals of the pelvic floor via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet PC on which the special games are run. In this way, the training can be performed unobtrusively and playfully, without it being recognizable from the outside that it is pelvic floor training. The games offer different levels and degrees of difficulty, so the training always offers variety and is fun.

An example of such a game is the parking lot game, where the pelvic floor is used to skillfully move cars around to clear the way for an ambulance to get to the scene. It is important not to tense the pelvic floor for too long or parking lot bumps will occur. Through the approach as a puzzle game, the training is only perceived subconsciously. Play and fun are in the foreground.

Who is the offer aimed at? Who can use it for their training?

Kässer: In principle, pelvic floor problems can occur in men, women, and also in children. Statistically, however, it is mainly women around childbirth and in their menopause who have problems with the pelvic floor. The second largest group is men who had to have their prostate removed due to prostate cancer. In addition, there are people who have to live with an artificial bowel outlet for a longer period of time. The aim here is to prevent fecal incontinence, which can lead to social isolation and great suffering.

When will the training system be fully available to those who need it?

Kässer: Apelvo is expected to be available for Android and IOS end users in spring 2024. Anyone who would like to get an impression before then can visit our booth in the new THE LÄND Corner in MEDICA START-UP PARK 2023. There I will demonstrate on-site how Apelvo works and how easy and varied pelvic floor training will be in the future.