Nothing sidelines a young athlete as fast as a sports injury. Doctors say torn ligaments, muscle strains and bone fractures can cost athletes valuable playing time, whether it’s a single game or an entire season.
To help reduce the risk of injuries, athletic trainers are using special software to teach young players how to perform correctly and safely.
The growing use of software, particularly apps for mobile devices, is one of the newest developments in athletic training, said Rocky Tekulve, a trainer with Wellington Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine. “It allows us to videotape the athlete and take a look at their mechanics, frame by frame.”
Tekulve uses video-analysis software in conjunction with the biomechanical assessment program at Wellington, a partner of Mercy Health.
“This assessment can help athletes by identifying flaws in their mechanics that are placing undue stress on certain tissues,” said Tekulve, “so that we can correct that and make sure those tissues are no longer overloaded in an inappropriate manner.”
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.wcpo.com/tablet-showcase/checkups-trainers-athletics-apps