Bodyfriend Obtains Patent for 'PNF Stretching' Technology

Development and Application in Healthcare Robot Product Line
"Also Helps Increase Stretching Flexibility"

Bodyfriend announced on the 5th that its ‘Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching’ technology, developed and applied to its healthcare robot product line as a form of rehabilitation physiotherapy, has been registered as a patent.

Healthcare robot 'Pharaoh Neo' by Bodyfriend. Photo by Bodyfriend

The patent is for the ‘Massage method using PNF stretching and a massage device performing the same (Patent No. 10-2719018).’ This massage program technology has been applied to healthcare robot products such as Medical Pharaoh, Phantom Robo, and Falcon series.

The technology was developed to implement PNF stretching in the product by using independently moving dual leg massage units in the massage chair, allowing muscles to relax and contract through alternating contraction and isometric contraction with voice guidance.

A Bodyfriend representative explained, “Through this patented technology, it is possible to induce appropriate contraction and relaxation of the lumbar nerve muscles, providing effects that help improve muscle strength, balanced muscle development, joint stability, and range of motion enhancement. It can also aid in increasing stretching flexibility, which is expected to have a positive effect in reducing the risk of physical injuries.”

The ‘PNF Stretching Mode’ installed in Bodyfriend’s healthcare robot products proceeds with muscle exercise movements that sequentially contract and relax both legs. Unlike general stretching, it adds resistance to the stretching, thereby incorporating additional muscle strength elements.

A Bodyfriend representative stated, “We are focusing on developing core devices, including massage modules, to further advance the fundamental massage technology of healthcare robots. While continuously developing newly secured patented technologies, we are committed to securing technological competitiveness and expanding our lineup of technology-intensive new healthcare robot products.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.