3 ways OptoSource is using ALINE Systems to improve gait performance

OptoSource is showing patients that they don’t have to live with many simple health problems associated with gait asymmetry.  Our gait, or the way we walk, is measured in phases that define the stride lengths, support times, and the load we bear in each step. Inefficiencies or asymmetries in gait are known to affect other aspects of the body, but what is remarkable is that almost any injury imaginable will effect our gait.

Common issues with the lower body can be fixed, treated or facilitated with improved footwear. OptoSource has been working with ALINE Systems, a semi-custom insole manufacturer that has developed an adaptable orthopedic insert for almost any piece of footwear. ALINE Systems, for most people, improves symmetry, foot neutrality, and support in the fit of every-day casuals to sports specific footwear such as golf cleats and ski boots. Using ALINE Systems unique application for quick, easy, and effective manipulation of the foot with real-time objective gait analysis feedback, we are seeing almost unanimous improvements in gait performance.

Finally, our 3 ways of improving gait performance using ALINE Systems.

1. Quickly/Easily identify problems Using the ALINE integrated measurement tool to measures foot size, ankle displacement and knee centering, we can then determine if your problem lies in the lower leg and if ALINE is a good product for you.

2. Making adjustments With the ALINE insole, immediately the foot is supported. Minor adjustments to displacement and centering can be altered using quickly adaptable tabs to the underside of the insole and the measurement tool provides quality subjective results.

3. Baseline testing/Objective feedback Taking a gait print using a OptoGait with a treadmill or by using a larger system such as a 10-meter OptoJump, we can determine a baseline ‘swing’ or an average of our performance in each phase specific to your gait. We can compare a barefoot analysis with that of one with our current footwear and see how symmetry is affected by the addition of footwear. Finally, we add ALINE and compare the results with each state of testing. Vast improvements in the symmetry of contact times between right and left legs, as well as the variance of each step length and contact time, focusing on each leg individually.

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

OptoSource Tests on Ice

Last week, the OptoSource team visited Ontario and the Canadian sales team for a few days of meeting Kitchner/Waterloo’s top sports facilities, therapy offices, and Universities.At a Wednesday afternoon event held at RIM Park and Manulife Financial Sportsplex, the OptoSource team tested two power-skaters on the ice!

The team was first blown away by the immensity of the Rim Park Sportsplex. All under one roof are multiple ice arenas, home to youth hockey, clinics, figure skating and other activites; full length soccer field where tournaments are held in the off season; a satellite office for Waterloo Sports Medicine, who the team visited at the main office earlier in the week; and back-to-back, full-length basketball courts. In addition to food courts, retail outlets, and rehab centers, the facility is surrounded by multiple state-of-the-art turf baseball fields and soccer fields.

We first began by laying down strips of plastic to shield the technology from condensation and particulate and later decided to place hockey pucks under the 10-meter OptoJump Next system. A need for some Howie’s Hockey Tape to cover the perforations in the blade of Ryan Kuepfer’s Bauer Vapor skate made all the difference in collecting data. We were able to conduct a number of tests, including sprints from a dead stop, a pass-through, a full stop and sprint back-through, and a change of direction within the technology. The correlation between contact times, individual skate acceleration, and distance traveled made for some incredible interpretation and raised a host of questions on how important this technology can be when used on the ice.

“A squat jump just isn’t going to give you that.” says Ryan. Looking for power-differential in the weight room won’t be enough to determine which leg is more effective, and ultimately, more efficient on the ice. “Long lunges might be the best test on dry land after seeing this” he continues “but I can now get a look at technique versus ability where it counts.” As a power-skating coach for local youth clinics, Ryan explained some of the advantages this technology opens. “I can see if the skater is fluid or not” says Ryan, “There might be a skater that we all think is good, but with this I can make a real decision.”

Ryan believes OptoJump can make for a great assessment tool surrounding the fatigue of each skater or even each line in a game situation. “This will be invaluable for scouting purposes.” Having grown up in Ontario, hockey, like most other residents, is essential to life. “I think you can really gain a serious competitive edge” he continues, “I know what it’s like to go out there in a knee brace and feel like its just not helping.” Ryan believes with a better rehabilitation and return-to-play screening offered by this technology, he could focus on nutrition and training and expect real results.

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

Demo Days – Our visits to Home Grown Sports Facility and The M.O.G.

OptoSource visited two amazing facilities this past week. The first of which took place at the Home Grown Sports Facility in Andover, MA. Dan Boothby, the Northeastern University Strength and Conditioning coach invited us to the facility to work with some of his top athletes training in Lacrosse. Dan has been using the OptoJump technology at Northeastern, and was anxious to test some of the younger athletes he trains in his off time. Dan is interested in defining a clear baseline performance value for every athlete in order to track each individual through their budding athletic life-cycle. Once a biology major at University of Maine, Dan uses his knowledge and experience when scrutenizing each athlete in order to make improvements on mechanics, make integral decisions in strengthening specific muscle groups, and establish a healthy return-to-play decision for every injury.

Before using the OptoJump system, he managed his athletes through spreadsheets. “Half of the time, I didn’t know what I was looking at.” Dan confirms, “It was just numbers, after numbers, after numbers.” He can now acquire the evidence to substantiate his decision making, and plans to base his decisions on real-time calculations gathered by following trends in performance for each of his athletes when performing a set of standardized evaluations. “This has give us a lot more information. A lot more valid, and a lot more reliable.”

For the second stop on the journey, OptoSource visited Chris Pribish, Bill McCormick, and the Saco Bay Physical Therapy team at the new M.O.G. (Medically Oriented Gym) facility in Portland, ME. The OS team had a full-day demo for the team, operating a 1meter OptoGait system on a treadmill and a 5meter OptoJump system for a diverse group of patients. Among the testers, a junior level short-distance runner who recently qualified for the USATF National Junior Olympic Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Wichita, KS. Others included a former Navy Seal, who recently underwent major surgery on his hip and a local top-performing runner who is recovering after a serious concussion.

The OS team began to show that with technology that acquires an accurate look at a body in motion, it allows one to follow trends in specific phases of an individuals’ gait in order to develop rehabilitation and conditioning examinations that track specific inefficiencies as well as improvements in performance. The M.O.G. team showed experimental focus, as Bill McCormick began to make standardization guidelines to an on-the-spot concussion assessment while the team members, including internes, ran the remainder of patients through the treadmill tests.

An amazing trip full of eventful testing with an influential group of minds. We will never forget our time spent with these groups, because they are at the forefront of innovation in sports and medicine.

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.