Runners training for podium finishes usually have their running form analysed through the use of a slow motion camera and a $200,000 treadmill at the AUT's advanced Running Mechanics Clinic. This is to ensure that they will be running without injuries and give them the extra boost to be quicker and stronger.
Sports scientist and clinic manager, Kelly Sheerin uses an assortment of state-of-the-art gadgets, including a slow motion camera, to observe runners do their paces. This amazing piece of technology allows them to conduct video analysis, which is just like what is used by sports shoe manufacturers and podiatrists. This is the same motion capturing technology used to bring movie characters to life like Gollum in 'Lord of the Rings'.
A treadmill that is connected to footplates allows them to capture the traces of every footfall, which is also primarily responsible for the hefty cost of the machine. This clinic is just one of the many facilities in the high performance training facility found in the AUT Millennium Campus at Auckland North Shore.
The facility aims to be readily available to athletes, researchers, and common people so every runner will be able to experience the same services as that of New Zealand's professional athletes. It is part of the recent expansion of the campus which was reportedly worth $30 million. The clinic alone boasts of high-tech equipment like slow motion cameras that are collectively worth more than $2 million.
Runners are taped with reflective balls from the waist down as part of the motion capture analysis. This also means any reflective fabric on the shoes and clothes are taped over too. These reflective balls will then generate a computer image of a skeletal form of the runner that will complete a part of the analysis.
The results will be able to tell the strength and flexibility of certain muscle groups, particularly the ones used in running. The weak muscle groups will also be identified so they can be addressed. Other possible problem areas like the knees, calf muscles, and feet will also be discussed to prevent any running injuries.
Based on these results, the final part of the assessment will commence. It includes 6 weeks of trainings that include 2 stretches and 4 strength exercises that must be done daily. Runners are said to display results in a few weeks' time, but finishing the program in 6 weeks is more advisable to enjoy long term effects. For all these improvements, the runners have to thank an expensive treadmill and a slow motion camera to thank.
Mike Moore is published on more than 300 websites. He writes health and sports athlete performance, coaching, and sports rehabilitation facts. . He is published on various website including http://www.optojumpusa.com