More than 30 million children nationwide participate in organized sports, but with regular participation comes the risk of injuries. Over three and a half million kids are sidelined each year due to sports-related injuries, which can range from hard hits to overuse and poor form. Now, technology that was once reserved for professional athletes is helping young athletes improve their game.
One young athlete who has benefited from this technology is Quin Brigham, who has been playing baseball since he was three years old. Despite experiencing pain in his arm and elbow while playing, Quin continued to push through until he sought out help from athletic trainer Dave Heidloff at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Sports Performance Center.
Utilizing 3-D motion capture technology, Heidloff was able to analyze the mechanics of Quin’s throw and identify areas of inefficiency that were contributing to his pain. By breaking down Quin’s throw in real-time and measuring various joint movements and stresses, the technology provided valuable insights into his technique.
After making adjustments to his throwing technique based on the data provided by the technology, Quin was able to eliminate his pain and improve his performance on the field. This technology has the potential to be a game-changer for young athletes like Quin who aspire to play at the collegiate level and beyond.
In addition to baseball players, 3-D motion capture technology can benefit athletes in various sports who struggle with recurring pain or injuries. By pinpointing areas of inefficiency and providing real-time feedback, this technology can help athletes improve their technique, reduce their risk of injury, and reach their full potential on the field.