Summit Physical Therapy has partnered with MicroGate™ Technologies to utilize the most state of the art measurement system called OptoJump™.  OptoJump™ allows  Summit Physical Therapy to measure an individuals symmetry and balance at rest as well as in motion.  OptoJump™ is an optical measurement system consisting of a transmitting and receiving bar.  The L.E.D.s on the transmitting bar communicate continuously with those on the receiving bar. The system detects any interruptions in communication between the bars and calculates their duration.  This makes it possible to measure flight and contact times during the performance of a walking, running, jumping and bounding with an accuracy of 1/1000 of a second.  Starting from these fundamental basic data, the dedicated software makes it possible to obtain a series of parameters connected to the individual’s performance with the maximum accuracy and in real time.  The assessment of the fundamental data allows for effective treatments to encourage symmetrical, efficient and healthy clients.

For complete details regarding the OPTOJUMP™ next technology, please visit their website at http://optojumpusa.com/

OptoJump™ and Bigger, Faster, Stronger

Since our birth we have been proud to position ourselves at the leading edge of Sports Therapy and Athletic Performance. We have focused on giving our readers the best and most current safety practices, training concepts, performance tools and research information in order to maximize the success of the student athlete.

We are excited to introduce a bio-mechanical measurement tool that we believe will not only revolutionize the way symmetrical development is measured in all school students, but also take training of athletes to the next level. After months of study and research, we are endorsing and adding this groundbreaking performance evaluation tool to our product line.

OptoJump™, a product created by Microgate™, is the only objective, dynamic device that quickly and easily assesses body mechanics while the athlete is in motion. It provides precise, easy to interpret, and objective performance data to make certain that the well-rounded athlete is able and agile in all directions – there is no favored side. With a simple, 30-second march-in-place test, OptoJump™ can measure the contact time of each foot, the flight time of each foot, and the athlete’s ability to hold his or her center of mass constant. An athlete’s bio-mechanical baseline, or “gait print,” can then be tracked over time, allowing physical educators, coaches, and trainers to objectively measure bio-mechanical development and ensure effectiveness of training. In addition, the device provides the only dynamic stability test in the world: a simple 5-jump, in-place test that evaluates an athlete’s creation, execution and direction of power (stability).

OptoJump™ allows immediate and exact identification of bio-mechanical asymmetries by assessing gait, acceleration of each leg, power, etc. Its precise appraisal of movement means that problem areas can be addressed long before they turn into injuries, and crucial, objective evaluation of an athlete’s preparedness to return to play after injury, including concussion, is possible. One of the most serious health concerns we have today is the increase of concussion in sports and the incidence of “second impact syndrome.” We are confident OptoJump™ will play a major role in minimizing the danger of this life-threatening condition, and future articles will detail the implications of the device for return-to-play protocols.

As a performance and training tool, OptoJump™ is one of the best possible means of developing Bigger, Faster and Stronger athletes who are efficient and effective in their movement for their sport. OptoJump™ is backed by a company firmly committed to the principle that every child has the right to symmetrical development and bio-mechanical health. We are certain that principle will resonate with our readers and this device will help them guarantee its fulfillment.