![A patient demonstrates an adaptive hydrotherapy wetsuit.](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2023/05/n21168986/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1683123857395.jpg)
UC faculty member pioneers new polyethylene wetsuit
Enhancing hydrotherapy rehabilitation for patients and therapists
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a type of healing therapy that employs the power of water to help patients recover from injuries, reduce pain and enhance overall physical function.
Inspired by a family member who uses a wheelchair, Kristina Shin, an assistant professor in the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP), embarked on a quest to design a more user-friendly wetsuit for aquatic therapy. Shin then took her idea to the Venture Lab, where she participated in an eight-week pre-accelerator program to examine its market potential.
The challenge
Doing physical therapy in water reduces the impact on the joints and muscles, making it a highly effective form of therapy for individuals grappling with limited mobility caused by issues such as:
- Paralysis or impaired leg muscle control
- Orthopedic surgery
- Arthritis
Despite the advantages of hydrotherapy, the process of getting in and out of the water — and getting in and out of the required wetsuit — is cumbersome. Typically made from Styrofoam, the wetsuits are bulky and require two physical therapists to assist each patient, along with special machines to fasten and remove the device from the patient. The suits also tend to ride up over the wearer’s shoulder, impairing movement.
The UC Venture Lab was amazing, helping me figure out how to approach and market the potential of my product.
Kristina Shin Assistant professor in the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning
The design
In her quest for a better wetsuit, Shin immersed herself in research, consulting with physiotherapists and patients, reviewing 53 flotation patents and testing buoyant materials. Armed with feedback and market insights, she created a prototype with polyethylene.
Unlike its neoprene counterparts, which can become heavy and restrictive when drenched in water, polyethylene foam is more buoyant and flexible, easing movement.
The user-centric wetsuit also allows the patient to operate the movable foam panels on the back by pulling the two handles on the front. Whereas two operators are needed for a traditional hydrotherapy wetsuit, Shin’s model reduces the number of therapists down to one.
Other features include:
- Polyethylene is more resistant to bacteria and mold than neoprene, making it easier to clean and maintain
- The material is more pliable than neoprene, making the suit easier to put on and take off than traditional designs
- Material is lighter and less cumbersome than neoprene, reducing strain on the staff's muscles
- Movable foam panel helps patients change their posture from upright (deeper water) to supine to upright (shallow water)
- Smooth design surface reduces friction, making it easier for staff to assist patients in and out of the water
Infographic of Adaptive Hydrotherapy wetsuit design.
The UC Venture Lab
Through a DAAP colleague, Shin heard about the UC Venture Lab. Housed within the 1819 Innovation Hub — the nerve center of the Cincinnati Innovation District — the Venture Lab offers a pre-accelerator program to help innovators examine the commercial potential of their ideas.
“The UC Venture Lab was amazing, helping me figure out how to approach and market the potential of my product. Each week we were paired up with a new entrepreneur-in-residence mentor. Their insights ranged from refining the concept to presentation creation,” Shin said.
As Shin sets her sights on commercialization, she's on the lookout for a business partner or investor who can help take her venture to the next level.
While she waits for the perfect partner to come along, Shin has been paying it forward, bringing her insights back to DAAP.
“There are many students who want to start their own brand after graduation. I am grateful to utilize my Venture Lab experience in any way to help guide them to realize their dreams,” Shin said.
Featured image at top: A patient demonstrates an adaptive hydrotherapy wetsuit.
Learn more
Learn more about UC 1819 Innovation Hub and the UC Venture Lab.
Contact Kristina Shin.
Related Stories
UC DAAP students recognized for achievement in co-op
April 17, 2021
Profiles of ten outstanding students in UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
Neil Armstrong UC Forward Innovation Award 2021 winners announced
April 13, 2021
Team of three undergraduate students from different disciplines excel in an innovation course at the University of Cincinnati.
New UC mural in Over-the-Rhine
April 21, 2021
Vine Street public work features 19 UC alumni and loads of black and red. The mural will be on display through Homecoming this fall.
WCPO: How to protect your smaller trees from cicadas
May 3, 2021
As millions of cicadas are expected to emerge from the ground in coming weeks, you might want to turn your eyes to your trees. UC associate professor of horticulture Sue Trusty offers tips.
Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby hat trends 2021
March 31, 2021
UC DAAP alumna Kenzie Kapp is a milliner or hat designer. She and her headpieces are featured in a Courier Journal story about Kentucky Derby fashion.
DAAP hosts third annual DAAPX Symposium virtually
March 30, 2021
UC alumni, friends and community members are invited to a virtual day of fast-paced, TEDtalk-style presentations on diverse projects and experiences from DAAP alumni across all majors and degrees.
The making of a successful Faculty & Staff Campaign
May 25, 2021
More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.
Three additional days off for UC employees
July 14, 2021
President Neville G. Pinto announced that UC employees will receive three additional days off in 2021 for going 'above and beyond' during the pandemic. The time away will take place during Winter Season Days.
Rankings Rise: UC Graduate Programs Advance in Just-Released U.S. News' Guide
March 15, 2016
Several UC programs pull rank in the just-released 2017 U.S. News and World Report "Best Grad Schools" guide.
Graphic Design Grad Gives Back
December 4, 2016
How a reunion, children s books and underwater photography led to a $100,000 endowment.