Technology Helping to Prevent Sports Injuries

If you play sports, you know that pain is just part of the game. But more than 3.5 million kids are sidelined by injuries each year. Of course, there’s always a hard hit or broken bone, but a lot of sports injuries can be caused by overuse and wrong form.

Injuries are a common occurrence in sports.

Now, a technology once reserved for the pros is helping kids take their game to the next level. Quin Brigham has thrown hundreds, probably thousands, of baseballs throughout his life. He’s played through some serious pain.

“I started to get pain up here, and I didn’t really think anything of it. I just kept playing through, and then slowly, it started to go down to my elbow,” he said.

He tried motion capture technology to pinpoint the problem. Athletic trainer Dave Heidloff at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Sports Performance Center uses 3-D models to break down the mechanics of Quin’s throw.

“We’re able to see what things look good, where you’re efficient and where you’re inefficient,” he said. “And those inefficiencies are, really, a big factor in reducing your, you know, speed or velocity on your throws, but they’re also, likely, going to overstress tissues and predispose you to injury risk.”

The technology analyzes 13 different joint measurements in real-time, details timing, measures nine different stresses through the shoulder and elbow. And can track velocity, strength, and balance. Trainers know immediately if their interventions are working or not.

Motion capture technology helps identify inefficiencies in athletic movements.

After tweaking his technique, Quin is pain-free and now hopes this technology will be a real game-changer.

“It’s been my dream to play in college, so I’m gonna try to take it as far as I can,” he said.

3-D motion capture technology is beneficial not only for baseball players but also for anyone who plays sports and experiences reoccurring pain.

Quin Brigham is now pain-free and hopes to take his game to the next level.

This technology is a game-changer for athletes, helping them to prevent injuries and improve their performance. With its ability to analyze and provide real-time feedback, it’s no wonder it’s becoming a staple in the sports world.

Technology is changing the game for athletes.