In December 2020, Dr. Miguel Jagessar of the Utilities Engineering Group at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) was awarded a Patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for his invention of "Therapeutic Exercise Contour Support (TECS)".

According to the patent examiner, "There is no cogent reasoning that is unequivocally independent of hindsight that would have led one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to modify the prior art to obtain the applicant’s invention."

The equipment was made to assist with the execution of the traditional bench press. This move is usually performed on a flat surface, which does not allow for natural scapula-humeral rhythm and does not provide support for the neck and lower-back.  The TECS overcomes these deficiencies by providing a unique supportive surface. It can also be used as a stand-alone on the floor for comfortably performing abdominal and upper arm and body exercises.  When finished exercising, the TECS can then be used for therapy, with or without added-on vibration technology.

The TECS is the culmination of over ten years of research and development, which started with Dr. Jagessar’s doctoral studies in Biomechanics in 2009 at UTT in collaboration with The University of British Colombia. Several units have already been sold and soon a commercialisation drive in partnership with UTT will materialise.

This level of innovation is on par with the commitment displayed by UTT faculty and staff and is aligned with its mission to pioneer in research and development for the benefit of all. The University applauds Dr. Jagessar on his achievements as he continues flying the UTT flag high!