The OptoSource Blog

Following the Performance Spine and Sport sponsored Injury Prevention Clinic held at the Gold’s Gym in Lawrenceville NJ, OptoSource visited PSSM for a test and research day using a mix-bag of assessment technology and a focused approach to rehabilitation and therapy. The day’s focus was to use the output of a dynamic set of assessment tools to get an extensive profile on a patient before and after therapy. OptoSource provided a 5-meter OptoJump system from Microgate USA, to assess the gait of each patient while barefoot. In addition, our team worked closely with PSSM’s Director of Sports Performance Diagnostics, Frank Colabella using PSSM’s own OptoGait system to gather gait data using the treadmill. Frank provided another technology system designed by Sports Motion DNA, a 3D motion capture tool which was used on the treadmill to compare with gait data and enhance our understanding by providing real-time feedback on criteria such as Range of Motion and Inward/Outward Rotation. Dr. Philip Jimenez, Podiatrist at PSSM, scanned the patients’ feet on a foot leveler and assessed the imbalances in postural support and stabilization. A pre-intervention assessment is made for each patient at each of the four stations. The patient is sent to Dr. Emily Splichal, Podiatrist and Founder of Evidence Based Fitness Academy, for a visual assessment and make notes on correction for issues with balance and posture. For each patient, The Trigger Point Performance Therapy team develops a small therapy session based on unique asymmetries and imbalances to make improvement in the results of a post-assessment at each technology station. The variety of systems used for objective analysis made it possible for a team of dedicated doctors and therapists to get a deeper look into each patient. The union of feedback gathered from each tool was more comprehensive than any one technology can provide by itself. The goal of the PSSM team is provide the best care possible and this study is an example of an endeavor that shows that this team is committed to improving themselves and their understanding of each patient in order to provide the next level of care.

Crucial discussions surrounding the sports world today focus on athletes' increased concussion and brain injury risk. With improvements in training formula, conditioning regimens, and focused performance development, athletes today possess the capability of a harder-hitting and increasingly competitive athletic aptitude. Earlier this month, seventy-five former NFL athletes filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that the league withheld information regarding the harmful effects of concussions. The players entrusted the league to disclose the harmful effects of repeated head trauma, and claim that a 1994 study performed by the NFL, which took nearly ten years to publish, claim there was "no evidence of worsening injury or chronic cumulative effects" from multiple concussions. Alleged negligence to enact guidelines for regulating post-concussion treatment and return-to-play standards raises interest in studies of the brain. A University of Oregon study shows gait tasks distinguish immediate vs. long-term effects of concussion on balance control. OptoSource has adopted the idea that an accurate gait-analysis of a healthy athlete can be used as a baseline trend for performance assessment and a return-to-play evaluation. Acquiring a gait print for an athlete in a healthy state will offer objective data that can be compared to a gait analysis after head trauma has occurred. Contrasts in each phase of gait, primarily left to right symmetry, pace, cadence, and power differential will be evident and can be used to determine when an athlete has reached their personal baseline performance values. Obstructed walking tests and mental stimulation while the body is in motion can offer a real correlation between brain function during locomotive states. OptoSource has began a study of locomotive efficiency and cognitive stimulus with The M.O.G. at Saco Bay Phyiscal Therapy. Testing high school athletes at risk and effected athletes in maintaining a balanced and consistent gait while performing simple cognitive function tests, such as spelling a 5-letter word in reverse, moderate tests of identifying raised fingers on right to left hands, ranging to difficult tasks, such as counting backwards from 93 by seven.