Inspiring Sports Technology
Accessories
Quickboard – Speed, Reaction and Agility training
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
I came across the Quickboard recently and was very interested to see a small brand such as this conducting research into the benefits of their product. Therefore I thought it would be of interest to our readers to showcase their product.
According to their website,
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Mueller No Glare Strips
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
http://www.muellersportsmed.com/index.htm.
I find this product really interesting because its such a simple design and its got research backing its performance. Apparently discovered in many years ago, the use of anti-glare solutons or materials reduces dazzle significantly. In a excerpt from the study, Mike Maloney President of Bjorksten Research Laboratory found:
“When we tested the adhesive backed strips, we found that they reduced the light entering the peripheral area of the eye by about 2.5%. Since the eye black and the adhesive strips were applied in the same location and have about the same color and texture, it appears the advantage for the adhesive strips comes from the difficulty applying uniform amounts of eye black at the same location for each test.
We also tested adhesive backed strips that cover both the cheek and the bridge of the nose and found that they reduced the light entering the peripheral area of the eye by about 12%. The bridge of the nose is a larger reflective surface than the top of the cheek.”
American Football gloves fitted with sensors to assist referees
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Associate Professor Priya Narasimhan, of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Carnegie Mellon University, has developed sensor based glove and football technologies to aid referees in their decisions. In particular, the research group’s key focus is the development of a “smart football” that can be tracked in real-time in 3D space and “smart gloves” to track ball contact time with players’ hands.
It is hoped that the technology will not interfere with ball aerodynamics, feel or playability.
This is an apt technology which, with clever design, may be integrated into American Football with ease. As long as the technology does not interfere with or distract players. Already referees rely on video replay analysis from numerous angles. With this American Football technology, it may be possible to add another layer of certainity. Superbowl 43 was an amazing event with a classic ending. The final touchdown could have been ruled immediately if, for example, both of Holmes’ feet were electronically instrumented to sound an alarm when in contact with the N-zone. More technologies will appear in an already advanced sport and lets hope theyh improve the game!!
