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.

Interview with Northeastern University Athletic Department

Training Day Sans-Denzel / Happy Canada Day! / Happy Fourth of July

We apologize for the the delay between posts, but we at OS have some rest and relaxation time built into our calendars. With the new addition of ‘team-Canada,’ we now have two holidays to celebrate at the start of July. But this week, we get to celebrate a successful and productive first training day with members of the Northeastern University athletic community.

Art Horne, Interim Director of Athletics, and Dan Boothby, strength and conditioning coach for the hockey team, participated in the first stage of delivery, including the set-up of their new 2 meter OptoJump system,  and a class on basic functions and use. This was the first of three training classes scheduled for the Northeastern University staff, and will conclude the third week in August where the first group of athletes will join an begin their data collection testing. During the coming weeks, a plan for action will be drawn up in order to facilitate the integration of the technology into the diverse sports program. The athletic department will adopt a new scheduled testing and review ‘curriculum’ for their athletes, where performance is evaluated on the core functions of the body.

Plans to track each individual athlete through his career at Northeastern and implement an objective return to play model as well as a  performance and therapy trending-cycle.

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.