By Andrew O’Donnell, DPT, Clinic Manager
ApexNetwork Physical Therapy – Ballwin, MO Clinic
Wearable sensor technology has revolutionized the fitness industry with real-time feedback for athletes of all ability levels. First, it was digital pedometers, then it was heart rate assessment. Now it is specialized to sport such as swing analysis in golf. Here at ApexNetwork Physical Therapy we are now using wearable sensor technology to help you get back to what you love faster and with more confidence than ever before.
DorsaVi wireless movement sensors are assisting our physical therapists by analyzing our patients’ movement patterns at 200 frames per second. Better yet, our patients are performing movements specific to their sport with real-time feedback. This translates to more efficient and specific treatment sessions and more importantly less time away from the sport you love.
Currently, we are focused on lower extremity performance using the Athletic Movement Index which incorporates squats, hops, single leg hops, planks, and assessment of ankle mobility to get a comprehensive view of functional mobility. This analysis will assist our referring physicians in making informed decisions as to when to safely send an athlete back to practice post ACL reconstruction or other major lower extremity surgery. The end goal being to return that athlete back to sport as safely, confidently and efficiently as possible.
In addition, running assessments are looking at ground reaction force, acceleration, contact time with the ground, and cadence. The data collected is accompanied by video analysis which may be immediately used to educate and correct form. A limitation that therapists worldwide struggle with when treating distance runners is effectively using the time allotted during therapy sessions to reproduce pain and thus be able to observe running form while pain is occurring. DorsaVi solves this problem as running assessments may be performed on the treadmill or sent with the patient so that he or she may run along the route of their choosing at the distance necessary to replicate pain. The physical therapist is able to mark points in the run when pain occurred and the data can be analyzed to see exactly what changed at that particular point in the run.
If you have questions about how DorsaVi may assist your recovery, a therapist at our Ballwin or Glen Carbon ApexNetwork Physical Therapy locations will be happy to assist! It is our sincerest hope that you do not need to see us, but we are proud to be entrusted with your care when you do.
In good health,
Andrew O’Donnell, PT, DPT, OCS
