11/6/2009
Written By: Dan Sweet, Iowa Health Des Moines
Category: Health & Fitness  

There is no substitute for speed.  Ask any coach and they will probably agree the most difficult thing to defend is speed.  Speed wins championships.  And speed is challenging for medical professional to manage.  The speed of movement can hide the source of an injury and make it difficult to successfully return to competition.  High speed video analysis now allows for accurate evaluation of an athletes movement to assist injury prevention and proper rehabilitation. 
   

Movement analysis, or biomechanical analysis, means breaking down movements into its component parts then evaluating the cause and effect of the inter-relationships of all joints/segments.  The information obtained from such an analysis will often reveal how supporting muscles contribute to a chronic condition or injury.  Filming a person in motion allows a clinician to identify many problems areas that may have previously been unidentifiable. 
   

The ability to slow down movement with video analysis allows our clinicians to evaluate a problem in great detail.  Our analysis equipment allows us to capture movement and evaluate 60 frames per second.  We have the capability to separate individual frames, measure joint angles, use an electronic chalkboard and provide detailed feedback to a client.  Our clients are able to immediately see what is happening mechanically and understand the importance of correcting these issues.  It leads to better compliance and a rapid, successful return to competition. 
   

Video analysis technology also allows us to compare movement patterns before and after rehabilitation or training.  Coaches can sit with athletes and view problematic and/or successful techniques.  Video analysis and training also expands the possibilities for injury prevention.  Training sessions can reveal potentially dangerous movement patterns which lead to injury.  The athlete will be able to immediately see these risks, make modifications to avoid injury and improve their skills.   
   

Video analysis is now available at Iowa Health Outpatient Therapy West.  Our video analysis program entails a comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation, initial video analysis; training recommendations and a 6 week follow up video analysis.  Athletes will be given a CD to view at home or share with a coach.  To schedule a video evaluation please contact Iowa Health Outpatient Therapy West at 515-224-5225.