Larry Fitzgerald Sports Science Video

ZenoLink, StrokeView Aid Duke Researchers in Breakthrough Study of Divers’ Biomechanics

Durham, N.C. – Two state-of-the-art technologies, ZenoLink and CoachView/Strokeview, are collaborating with researchers at Duke University in a ground-breaking study of rip entry for competitive divers.

ZenoLink is an advanced 3-D Motion Analysis technology that helps expose the strengths and weaknesses of athletes’ movements. CoachView/Strokeview specializes in high-definition video capture.

The companies are assisting Drew Johansen, head diving coach at Duke, and Dr. Eric J. Hegedus, an associate professor at the Duke University School of Medicine, and his Duke colleague Dr. Jennifer Moody in a study of the efficiency of divers as they enter the water. The researchers hope to learn more about the dynamics of water entry and how divers can control movements that affect water displacement, which would minimize splash and help competitors score better in the entry component of judging competitions.

“I have been coaching for over 20 years and have participated in many studies with USA Diving, the USOC and international collaborations; and I believe we have broken new ground in the diving world,” said Johansen. “We are utilizing state of the art technology combined with top minds in three different fields of study to understand technique, learn physical demands and find new information to create new training plans for the most important skill in the sport of diving.”

Johansen lauded the support he and Hegedus have received from ZenoLink and CoachView/StrokeView. The results of the study, he said, will help American divers excel on the world stage.

“To have a group like this study the movement and learn the technique in an effort to help the athlete reduce the risk of injury, as well as build the necessary strength needed to excel and stay healthy, can take Team USA to the next level on the international stage,” said Johansen. “For the first time I am working with a group that is not just collecting data – this group is looking for answers.”

Hegedus said the research effort is unprecedented in the sport of diving.

“How lucky we are to have people who are so dedicated to injury prevention and improved performance in athletes that they would donate their valuable time, substantial knowledge and cutting edge resources to the cause,” he said. “I am sure there are other cases out there, but I am unaware of a team of coaches, biomedical engineers, physical therapists, and an industry technology expert who work together so seamlessly and without a trace of ego, despite the stellar careers each has away from this venture.”

Chris Welch is the biomechanical engineer who founded ZenoLink, which is based in Endicott, N.Y. The company uses video to take highly sophisticated, research level biomechanical measurements and create a 3-D model of an athlete’s unique movement characteristics.

“I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to employ ZenoLink technology in this study,” said Welch. “Working with SrokeView has enabled us to capture images never seen before in diving. And we couldn’t ask for more energetic, knowledgeable partners than Drew, Eric and Jennifer to help us sort through the data and use it to create practical training applications.”

Jim Klinger is the creator of StrokeView LLC, which is based in Greensboro, N.C.

“We are excited about this unique opportunity to combine our hi-def above water video capture and our multi-camera underwater technology to meet the video standards necessary for ZenoLink to produce a sports analysis study of this magnitude,” said Klinger. “Our video capture technology is the perfect match for the demands of this nature.”

The study team recently concluded two days of intensive data gathering at Duke. They are currently engaged in data analysis and expect to present their findings in the coming months.

University of Wyoming Incorporates SV4 into their Training Program and Camps

Tom Johnson has served as a USA Swimming National Team Coach, a 4-time USA Swimming Select Camp Coach, and the current head coach of the University of Wyoming's men's and women's teams. TJ has been on deck for over 24 years and has seen training equipment come and go. But after only a few short months using his SV4 system, Johnson has told his swimmers and campers, "...this may be one of the best things I have ever bought in my career."

"We have been (recording) 90% of all practices and 100% of any practice that has swims for time or race simulated sets." Johnson says. He and his staff have taken full advantage of the variety of different camera configurations and angles of analysis made possible by the SV4 package. "Every day we use it we try to do something new and see the angles we get and views we get." It did not take long before Coach Johnson noticed the impact that the SV4's unique camera perspectives can have on a swimmer's stroke analysis and improvement. "I was working with one of the freshman women on our team about entering in front of her shoulder in free for 6 months during the season. In literally 10 minutes (with SV4), she fixed it. I was blown away and immediately sold on the value of this tremendous tool."

The Wyoming coaches have also integrated their SV4 package into their spring training camps. Coach Johnson employs a simple but efficient and effective camera configuration to maximize his time with his campers. "We are taping every kid in our stroke and intensive training camps. We have a side shot tracking them off the (cart camera), a front shot on each end of the pool, and a side shot to record turns at our shallow end. We have each kid do a 100 IM and (then) a turn in each stroke on the shallow end with a side and front shot and the (cart camera) shot to get all the break outs." In just a few minutes, TJ and his staff are able to record all four of a swimmer's strokes and turns. Once the daily recording sessions are completed, Coach Johnson uses his wireless microphone and External DVD Recorder (EDR) that is included in his SV4 Silver Package to create personalized DVDs for each of his campers. He accesses a swimmer's recordings on his DVR quickly and easily using his log sheets and DVR search functions, and then uses the comprehensive playback functions of his DVR to analyze the swim. He can play the swim in any speed and direction and pause the recording at any time to illustrate a stroke correction he is asking the swimmer to make. "I can slow things down or stop it all together and make specific points on each swimmer's DVD," says Johnson. He can even choose to show all 4 channels at once in order to draw connections between them or just a single channel that best illustrates his point. All of his analysis is captured by the EDR, including his audio commentary and instructions. Once he finishes with that swimmer's recording, the EDR initializes the disc and it's ready for distribution to the swimmer. As Coach Johnson and the Wyoming staff have discovered, producing a detailed video and audio analysis of your swimmer's performance is just that easy.

For more information about the University of Wyoming's training camps and swimming and diving program, please visit http://www.wyomingathletics.com/sports/c-swim/wyo-c-swim-body.html

StrokeView at The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University men's and women's teams are two of the latest programs to experience the benefits that StrokeView's unique underwater recording technology can bring to coaches and athletes. "We needed a system that is simple to set up, utilize and break down as well as user friendly. We got that and so much more with StrokeView. (They) have built a system with athlete, coach and team in mind," says Women's Head Coach Bill Dorenkott. "I have been a part of programs that have utilized video feedback with athletes for over 20 years. This system is the best that I have used in terms of providing your swimmers with a quick, practical and useful tool that will provide significant stroke feedback."

Men's Head Coach Bill Wadley (pictured above) has also seen the impact StrokeView can have on swimmers. "The StrokeView SV4 system has been a wonderful addition to our video portion of our daily practices," says Wadley, "The underwater cameras are clear and can get any picture needed based on placing them in the proper positions. We have found the system easy to set up and take down (10 min or so) and can be left to record the entire practice or just a portion based on your needs. Our team has enjoyed seeing their videos and has made numerous strides in the short time we have had the system."

The Buckeye coaches have also experienced the collaborative approach that StrokeView takes with their partners. "(StrokeView was sure to) walk us through the operation and make sure that we had peace of mind. In addition, they have encouraged us to call them directly to answer our questions and assist in any way necessary." Adds Dorenkott, "StrokeView asked us after our purchase if we had any feedback for them. Based on the Buckeye team and facility we suggested an alteration to one of the parts...it was done and shipped to us within a week." The Dorenkott attachment was born out of the OSU coach's suggestion and is now included in all SV4 base packages.