During performance testing, we sought to compare the quickness, durability, adjustability, and comfort of our solution.
In terms of quickness, we tested the speed of fastening and unfastening our solution compared to the speed of tying and untying a knotted band.
The average time it took to fasten our design was approximately five seconds, while the average time it took to tie the band into a knot was approximately ten seconds.
The average time it took to unfasten our design after exercise was less than a second, while the average time to untie a knotted band after exercise was approximately 15 seconds.
Because our design was quicker than a knot when it came to fastening and unfastening the band, it was determined that our design fulfilled the requirement of being faster than a knot.
In terms of durability, we tested our band by attaching it to a spring scale and pulling on it till it failed (detached from the surface to which it was stuck). We were not able to reach the breaking point of the setex; however, the band it was attached to did approach its breaking point, so the test was stopped. The solution design withstood over 40 pounds of force over the course of multiple tests, which is over the breaking point of many plain therapy bands.
Setex attachment being tested with a spring scale The setex attachment withstood over 41.2 pounds of force
Because our design was capable of repeatedly withstanding forces which are far greater than those seen in a regular exercise and use, it was determined that our solution design was just as durable (if not more) than a knotted therapy band.
In terms of adjustability, we created one design which featured four inch by one inch strips of setex in three inch intervals over the length of the band. One face of the band featured these intervals of setex until the band’s halfway point, then, on the other face of the band, these increments continued on the remaining length of the band. It was determined that these one inch wide, 4 inch long strips were too small, so a second version was made.
This new version featured 4/3 inch by 4 inch strips of setex spaced in 4 inch intervals along the length of the band. Once again, these intervals were placed on both faces of the band, with the setex switching sides at the halfway point of the band.
Because our design features the ability to be adjusted to consistent lengths, it meets the requirement for an adjustable and consistent design.
The setex/duct tape attached to our therapy band are millimeters thick, meaning that they do not add any bulk to the band, nor do they add any abrasive surfaces. Because they do not make the surface of the band more abrasive, it was concluded that our design meets the requirement of being a comfortable solution.