RimLink
Group Entry: MOVO: Abishek Senthil Kumar, Elif Tunca, Mingxin Zhang, Shiyang Wang, Ruixuan Zhang.
Loughborough University, School of Design and Creative Arts.
Design description
Beginner wheelchair tennis players face a fundamental challenge: they must control the racket while simultaneously propelling the wheelchair using the same hand. This often results in poor coordination, unstable grip, rapid fatigue and reduced confidence, contributing to high dropout rates during early-stage participation (Sport England, 2024).
To address this need, MOVO introduces RimLink, a detachable grip assist system designed specifically for beginner and participation-level players. The product enables simultaneous racket control and wheelchair propulsion, supporting the development of correct movement patterns and improving coordination during training.
RimLink delivers clear user benefits. It reduces physical strain by improving grip stability and minimising unnecessary muscle effort, while enhancing movement efficiency and user confidence. Most importantly, it lowers the entry barrier to wheelchair tennis by providing immediate functional support, helping beginners remain engaged in the sport. As a transitional training tool, it supports progressive skill development and can be gradually phased out as user ability improves.
From a market perspective, RimLink offers a distinct value proposition. Unlike traditional grip tapes or general sports gloves, it is a purpose-designed training aid that integrates grip guidance and propulsion support within a single detachable solution. This targeted functionality addresses a clear gap in the entry-level adaptive sports equipment market.
Overall, RimLink delivers strong value by combining functional innovation, accessibility and user-centred design, enabling wider participation in wheelchair tennis at the beginner level.