OptoSource assists FITS Toronto in athlete assessment using OptoJump

OptoSource had a great weekend supporting Fits Toronto and Dr. Thomas Lam in testing the Ontario Ski Team. OptoSource provided technology in three main stages of assessment for these athletes.

Focusing on the core of the body as well as reactivity and strength, athletes performed our 4Pillar protocol in addition to a few unique tests designed for Fits, including box drops and L-Cut patterns inside a 2-meter system. Athletes were then tested for optimal gait rhythm using a treadmill equipped with a 1-meter system. Additionally, a 10-meter OptoJump system was provided for sprints and broad jumps in a long-distance interface that will provide feedback on contact times and flight times as well as variance of symmetries from one leg to the other. As Dr. Lam prepares for the AOA Coaches Conference, having OptoJump technology to discuss during his portion of this incredible professional development event, is adding a new spark to his anticipated discussion on injury prevention.

Dr. Thomas Lam, Cory Kennedy, FITS Toronto

As we analyze the athletes, comparing the video with the athlete data is helping us define not only ideal mechanics from athlete to athlete, but the mechanics of a single leg jump compared to the other leg as performed by a single athlete. We are using the angle tools within the OptoJump software to support our subjective video analysis in determining dynamic knee ‘wobble’ or pelvic instability. Understanding an athlete’s stamina and conditioning can be supported by movement variability, significant drift, and undeveloped rhythm and mechanics during longer or more strenuous tests. The Fits team is confident that data acquired using OptoSource technology can greatly improve how athletes at every level improve sports performance while reducing the risk of injury.

3 Ways Performance Spine and Sport and OptoSource are redifining Rehabiliation

Following the Performance Spine and Sport sponsored Injury Prevention Clinic held at the Gold’s Gym in Lawrenceville NJ, OptoSource visited PSSM for a test and research day using a mix-bag of assessment technology and a focused approach to rehabilitation and therapy.

The day’s focus was to use the output of a dynamic set of assessment tools to get an extensive profile on a patient before and after therapy. OptoSource provided a 5-meter OptoJump system from Microgate USA, to assess the gait of each patient while barefoot. In addition, our team worked closely with PSSM’s Director of Sports Performance Diagnostics, Frank Colabella using PSSM’s own OptoGait system to gather gait data using the treadmill. Frank provided another technology system designed by Sports Motion DNA, a 3D motion capture tool which was used on the treadmill to compare with gait data and enhance our understanding by providing real-time feedback on criteria such as Range of Motion and Inward/Outward Rotation.

Dr. Philip Jimenez, Podiatrist at PSSM, scanned the patients’ feet on a foot leveler and assessed the imbalances in postural support and stabilization.

A pre-intervention assessment is made for each patient at each of the four stations. The patient is sent to Dr. Emily Splichal, Podiatrist and Founder of Evidence Based Fitness Academy, for a visual assessment and make notes on correction for issues with balance and posture. For each patient, The Trigger Point Performance Therapy team develops a small therapy session based on unique asymmetries and imbalances to make improvement in the results of a post-assessment at each technology station.

The variety of systems used for objective analysis made it possible for a team of dedicated doctors and therapists to get a deeper look into each patient. The union of feedback gathered from each tool was more comprehensive than any one technology can provide by itself.

The goal of the PSSM team is provide the best care possible and this study is an example of an endeavor that shows that this team is committed to improving themselves and their understanding of each patient in order to provide the next level of care.

2-episode webinar – Discovering the Next Generation of Assessment Technology

OptoSource is holding a webinar event on two days titles Discovering the Next Generation of Assessment Technology.  On September 7^th and 12^th,  the web-hosted event will cover the common chiropractic and physical therapy practices and how the use of new technology enhances our understanding of treatment effectiveness and makes it easier to objectify changes in function unique to each patient.

Dr. Nicholas Studholme, DC, CCSP, CEEP, will join as a guest speaker on how he has put his OptoSource technology to use at his chiropractic office in Boulder, Colorado. Active care, injury prevention, and performance enhancement are among his top priorities with his clients, and he will discuss the benefits of such reliable analysis when dealing with a variety of complications.

Without general consensus on concussion assessment, currently a major media topic, our approach to pre-injury testing will be a major subject that Dr. Studholme and OptoSource founder, Douglas Fidellow will discuss within the hour-long event.

To join, visit our webinar registration page, or contact us with any questions about the event and registration.

See (hear) everyone on September 7^th and 12^th.

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/146443638

UC Davis and the FCA National Convention and Expo

OptoSource has been on the road! This past week OptoSource delivered a new lap-top, provided by Performance Spine and Sport, to the UC Davis team in Sacramento in order to train them to begin using their 1meter OptoGait system in studying functional movement. Hopes to develop a testing protocol for defining a study around concussion rehabilitation and functional movement trends are top goals of the team and Assistant Adjunct Professor and Research Director for UCD Sports Medicine, Grethcen Casazza.

UC Davis

This weekend OptoSource is teaming up with Dr. Nicholas Studholme, DC, CCSP, CCEP. and the team at KinesioCapture in Orlando for the 2011 Florida Chiropractic Association’s National Convention and Expo. The expo will draw practitioners from around the country come to educate themselves of newest practices and learn about the latest technology.

KinesioCapture is introducing their brand new iPhone and iPad application that allows users to capture images using the devices camera and edit, draw, graph, in addition to a host of other functions, while on the move.

Former Secretary General of the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic, Thomas Hyde and Timothy Stark, DC, DACBSP, ICSSD, CSCS, CKTP of the National University of Health Sciences will be stopping by to discuss the use of both the KinesioCapture application and OptoSource technology and his thoughts on the future of chiropractic sciences.

KinesioCapture

The 35foot booth will showcase an OptoGait system on a treadmill giving free gait-prints to all. Dr. Nicholas Studholme will be describing the precision of the feedback and offering advice on how to address changes in footwear, posture, habit or otherwise. OptoSource founder, Doug Fidellow will be running a 5meter OptoJump Next system and offering a chance for all to test the 4pillars protocol, including tests designed around the body’s core functionality of balance, power, rhythm and speed.

Attendees will be able to watch the data respond in real time over monitors set up around the area, participate in the activity, and work with the new app. We are inviting everyone that visits the booth to grab an invitation to our up-coming webinar series  Discovering the Next Generation of Assessment Technology.

OptoSouce & KinesioCapture

Booth# 1204

Concussions – The Benefit of Accurate Baseline Gait Analysis

Crucial discussions surrounding the sports world today focus on athletes’ increased concussion and brain injury risk.  With improvements in training formula, conditioning regimens, and focused performance development, athletes today possess the capability of a harder-hitting and increasingly competitive athletic aptitude. Earlier this month, seventy-five former NFL athletes filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that the league withheld information regarding the harmful effects of concussions. The players entrusted the league to disclose the harmful effects of repeated head trauma, and claim that a 1994 study performed by the NFL, which took nearly ten years to publish, claim there was “no evidence of worsening injury or chronic cumulative effects” from multiple concussions. Alleged negligence to enact guidelines for regulating post-concussion treatment and return-to-play standards raises interest in studies of the brain. A University of Oregon study shows gait tasks distinguish immediate vs. long-term effects of concussion on balance control.

OptoSource has adopted the idea that an accurate gait-analysis of a healthy athlete can be used as a baseline trend for performance assessment and a return-to-play evaluation. Acquiring a gait print for an athlete in a healthy state will offer objective data that can be compared to a gait analysis after head trauma has occurred. Contrasts in each phase of gait, primarily left to right symmetry, pace, cadence, and power differential will be evident and can be used to determine when an athlete has reached their personal baseline performance values. Obstructed walking tests and mental stimulation while the body is in motion can offer a real correlation between brain function during locomotive states.

OptoSource has began a study of locomotive efficiency and cognitive stimulus with The M.O.G. at Saco Bay Phyiscal Therapy. Testing high school athletes at risk and effected athletes in maintaining a balanced and consistent gait while performing simple cognitive function tests, such as spelling a 5-letter word in reverse, moderate tests of identifying raised fingers on right to left hands, ranging to difficult tasks, such as counting backwards from 93 by seven.

Interview with Northeastern University Athletic Department

Blame Canada!

This week, we can blame Canada, because OptoSource Canada will be visiting the U.S. to be welcomed as the newest and largest extension of OptoSource to date. Members of OptoSource.ca will be also be joining the first Northeastern University training session on June 30th. Canada is in the upper echelon of sports dedication and devotion to health and wellness. We, as well as our new team from the north, are confident that Canada will be among our top markets and at the forefront for integrating our technology into premiere rehab, fitness, and testing centers.

Nearly Northeastern

This week OptoSource will be delivering a 2meter OptoJump Next system to Northeastern University. The OS team will lead the Interim Director of Sports Performance, Art Horne and a select group of faculty, in the first in a series of training sessions on use and integration of the technology into university programs.

In the interest of developing the ideals of promoting health and wellness in the Northeastern community, plans to make the technology available for the entire student body in addition to the athletic community will be discussed further in an effort to make the opportunity possible for the start of the 2011/2012 calendar.

BSMPG EVENT

We are still unwinding ourselves after sponsoring the Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group 2011 Conference. Held at Northeastern University and in its third year, the conference has evolved into a must-attend event for those involved with sports medicine and performance training.

Attendees were fortunate to hear a host of experts discuss the best practices and new techniques in a sport-specific classroom, focusing on either Basketball or Hockey. Additionally, the conference offered speakers focused on general sports medicine and a first look new and innovative products, such as OptoSource and our 4Pillars athlete management portal, Tekscan pressure mapping technology, and Core Cooler‘s frozen isotonic sports drink.

Art Horne, Director of Sports Medicine at Northeastern University, hosted more than 150 strength and conditioning coaches and trainers from colleges and universities around the country including the up-and coming Quinnipiac University and notable Cornell University to learn from 20 keynote speakers. The diverse set of speakers and topics included  Charlie Weingroff, the Lead Physical Therapist for United States Marine Corps Special Operations Command, and Former Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Philadelphia 76ers, and his topic, Trying to Define the Core as well as sports psychologist George Mumford, who under Phil Jackson’s support staff with the Chicago Bulls (1993-1998) and the Los Angeles Lakers (2000-2002) earned 6 NBA Championship titles, speak on his topic Playing the Inner Game of Basketball.

The BSMPG event was a great success for all attendees, speakers, and sponsors alike. Northeastern University has become a flagship school for OptoSource by having a 2-meter OptoJump system delivered to their staff on June 30th, and plans to have the system fully integrated into their sports medicine program as well as the health and wellness department by August 4th. OptoSource technology will be available for the entire student body to track and trend individual gait analysis‘ and performance statistics in the coming months.

Congratulations Boston Bruins!

Congratulations to the Boston Bruins on their 7-game victory over the Vancouver Canucks to win the Stanley Cup! We also want to congratulate Tim Thomas on becoming the oldest Conn Smythe Trophy winner in NHL history!

The Bruins will host a parade today through the streets of Boston, beginning at the TD Garden and ending on Boylston Street in Copley Square.