Category: Sports Science

Biomechanics, data analysis, Sports Science, Strength and Conditioning

>More freeware biomechanical software

>I was looking for some freeware or open source software for some biomechanical analysis and came across two software solutions developed by video4coach.
The two solutions are quite interesting and very good quality. The first software is called Skill Capture

SkillCapture is designed to capture video clips which can be directly associated with the athlete also by means of a radio frequency ID system (skillchip).
Video capture can be started by:

  • Motion detection
  • SkillChip registration
  • SkillChip registration and Motion detection.
  • Pressing keyboard shortcut
  • Using wireless presenter

After video capture it can be automatically displayed for coach interaction directly with the athlete. With the video playback its possible to:

  • Adjust playback speed (0.5 – 2.0 of normal speed)
  • Rate performace
  • Mark for upload
  • Draw angle to show body positions
  • Freehand drawing

SkillCapture will automatically compress the video to improve storage and improve faster upload to external servers.
The other solution is SkillSpector.

SkillSpector is a video based motion and skill analysis tool for Windows. SkillSpector is freeware and can be downloaded and installed on any computer.
SkillSpector features:

  • Video overlay for direct video on video comparison
  • 2D and 3D analysis
  • Standard model definitions for fast analysis
  • Semi-automatic digitizing using image processing techniques
  • Easy advanced analysis of linear and angular kinematic data
  • Calculation on inertia
  • 3D representation of movement
  • Simple video calibration

So, two software packages completely free which I am sure can be of help for many sports scientists in the field not able to access the expensive professional software solutions currently available on the market.
I have just installed the software and I will write something more about them after I get the chance to experiment with them a bit more.

Sports Science, Technology, training

>Microsoft gives Kinect starter kit for academic research

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This is excellent news. Now scientist will be able to access a software development kit to develop innovative solutions for using Microsoft Kinect a new gaming device developed by Microsoft.

What is special about Kinect? Kinect allows a controller-free gaming. Which means full body play. Kinect responds to how you move as it is a motion sensing, optical device.

If you have never seen one, have a look at the video.

 

I predict a large number of new applications developed for sports and rehabilitation!

muscle physiology, science, Sports Science

>Want to know more about Near Infrared Spectroscopy?

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If you are curious about Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and happen to be in Edinburgh in the next few weeks make sure you visit the science festival.

The primary application of NIRS to the human body uses the fact that the transmission and absorption of NIR light in human body tissues contains information about hemoglobin concentration changes. When a specific area of the brain or a muscle is activated, the localized blood volume in that area changes quickly. Optical imaging can measure the location and activity of specific regions of the brain or muscles by continuously monitoring blood hemoglobin levels through the determination of optical absorption coefficients.

My PhD student Catherine Hesford has just started a blog here. Catherine will conduct an experiment with members of the public and will explain the theory behind NIRS together with my colleague Professor Chris Cooper.

The Science Festival in Edinburgh starts on the 9th of April, all details are available here.