A SUIT worn under motorcycle leathers that marks itself upon impact with red dye has been unveiled to help paralysed riders and medical teams locate potential injuries.
The ‘BRUISE’ suit will be worn by disabled riders who have no nerve feeling in their arms or legs. If a crash impact occurs, the white suit is dyed with red markings in the respective area. The stronger the force of impact, the darker the markings on the suit.
It’s been designed by engineering students from Imperial College London as part of the Rio Tinto Sports Innovation Challenge, a programme which creates equipment for disabled athletes to use in their training and competition.
Talan Skeels-Piggins, a British paralympian who was paralysed in 2003 after a motorcycle crash, has helped develop the suit in recent months.
Skeels-Piggins said: ‘With any motorsport there’s obviously an element of danger and crashes can occur.
‘Whereas able-bodies riders can immediately sense the severity of an injury, riders like myself just don’t know the extent. Unless my leg is sticking out at a strangle angle I’ve got no idea if I’ve fractured a bone or if it’s just a bump.
‘The technology that the students have created will be absolutely crucial for riders and medics administering treatment.’
Adam Kong, one of four postgraduate students to devise the prototype, said: ‘The technology uses film panels which are inserted into the suit, so it’s practical and comfortable to wear. As well as motorcycle riders, the suit could have benefits for wheelchair rugby players, wheelchair basketball and sit-skiers.
‘We are very excited about the potential for the project.’
