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Dartfish – Advanced Video- Based Gait Analysis – Part 1
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A new and exciting addition to our Soccer-Specific Fitness Assessments (to be offered as an option to all athletes being assessed, starting in January 2013) is Advanced Video Gait Analysis using our revolutionary Dartfish camera-based software. Dartfish gait analysis allows athletes to see for themselves any possible mistakes or imbalances that exist in their running gait, and receive video feedback so that corrections can be made. A Dartfish Media-Book will be given to each athlete who purchases our Advanced Video Gait Analysis.
In Part 1 of this article, we will discuss the theory and methodology of video-based running gait analysis; Part 2 will feature a sample Dartfish video and explain the specific features of the Media Book.
Before Dartfish
Since ancient times, trainers, coaches, and instructors have faced difficulties explaining to their students and pupils what they should do to improve their performance. This may sound simple, however, for the person hearing the instructions; it is challenging to understand why they need to modify something that they think they are doing right.
It is simple for a trained eye to spot subtle movements that limits the optimal performance of a client. For example, it is easy for a coach to detect problems on drills or exercises because they have become unconsciously efficient detecting anything that deviates from the perfect form. However, trying to explain the problem is hard because clients do not see what they have done wrong. Due to the advancements of recording devices and software applications, coaches can now use a device called Dart Fish, which brings to life the expression “An image is worth a thousand words”.
Introducing Dartfish
Dartfish is a program that takes advantage of the mobility and freedom that video cameras and laptops provide, to integrate live training with immediate visual feedback at different speeds, to the point that an entire drill can be observed frame by frame. Meaning the client can easily observe their performance within a millisecond range. This gives clients the chance to see their mistakes just seconds after they made it. Since the software has the ability to show videos at an extremely slow speed, the client can easily see where they went wrong. After understanding the mistakes made, they would be able to accept the corrections and improve their overall performance.
What We Do With Dartfish
At soccer fitness, we are proud to use this amazing program to perform two key functions, which are the following: First, allow the client to see their performance with assistance of a trainer. The trainer would spot the mistakes to be able to show the client the issue during delay video. This way they can see why those mistakes should be avoided and what should be done during the next run to obtain the desire form and performance. If the client does not see the mistake(s), the trainer has the option to play the video in slower motion and use some of the tools available. For example, the clone rectangle, which allows you to zoom in a specific area making it easier notice if the landing of the foot was performed on the ball of the foot or on the heel or if the knee isn’t high enough to perform an optimal stride length.
Second, record specific drills which our senior coach would analyze frame by frame for the entire performance. The coach would give feedback through a media book in which the client would be able to see his/her performance, snapshots of specific moments, where our senior coach would either write or verbally state the mistakes and would give correction to improve. This analysis allows clients to observe and learn in the comfort of their homes and without any time constriction.
Beginning in January 2013, Soccer Fitness will be offering customized Dartfish Media Books, comprising video-based running gait analysis. Featuring a detailed analysis of the athlete’s running stride, including foot position, stride length, angles of joint movement, hip position, and arm swing, the Dartfish Media Book is an ideal tool for any athlete looking to correct muscular imbalances and improve their running coordination and efficiency. For more information about Soccer Fitness and Dartfish Video-Based Gait Analysis, visit www.soccerfitness.ca.
A 4th-year student in the Humber College Fitness and Health Promotion Program, Santiago Montoya recently completed a Summer Internship with Soccer Fitness Inc. from May-August 2012. During his internship, Santiago worked as a Trainer’s Assistant at the Soccer Fitness Training Centre. Among his responsibilities were: assisting Trainers with administration of Treadmill, Plyometric, and Functional Strength Training Protocols, assisting Trainers with On-Field Training and the Soccer Fitness Power Running Series, and conducting running gait analysis using Dartfish camera-based video analysis software. Santiago became an expert in the use of Dartfish to identify and correct weaknesses, imbalances, or mistakes in athletes’ running form while performing level ground and high incline, high speed treadmill running. His article on Page 3 of this newsletter explains the use and application of Dartfish in general as a tool for gait analysis, as well as how it will specifically be used in the Soccer Fitness Training Centre for our Advanced Running Gait Analysis tests. Santiago was born in Colombia, and is looking to obtain a degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences in the near future.
For more information about Santiago and Soccer Fitness, please
visit www.soccerfitness.ca
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