This is the new Look KEO FIT Technology system. Included in all BFG services, for clients riding Look pedals. It is the most accurate tool available for determining optimal cleat position and float/rotation.
Check the video – Very cool!
(Don’t look at his lips)
My clients trained with the BTS EMG experience gains of 20-60 watts, without significant impact on HR, cadence, or percieved effort, AFTER the improvements gained from proper positioning.
26 Jun 2011
Dear Professor Balser,
Further to our email exchange, I have pleasure in sending you a quotation for the BTS wireless EMG system the FreeEMG300 as follows.
The FREEEMG300 has been created for sport applications because has been specifically designed for dynamic acquisitions. BTS performed, before to release the device, detailed test in one of the worst condition possible: athletes running 400 meters and bikers on the indoor bicycle ring
The results led us to improve particular features:
The other advantage of this design is that the probes can be placed on the subject WIHTOUT additional tape, making the preparation quick and easy.
The transmission between probes and Patient Unit use a certified Wi-Fi protocol which means that both probes and patient unit double check if the packages sent by probes correspond to the one received. In case of discrepancies every package is re-sent. With this protocol the solid memory is fundamental because can store as I wrote you before even in the worst case (total transmission black out) up to 180 sec of data. The transmission raged reached with this technology is up to 50 meters from the patient unit to the probes.
All the technological solutions used lead just to one practical goal: the MOST ACCURATE AND RELIABLE EMG signal.
The FREEEMG300 has also wireless footswitches (right side of the picture) to analyze the gait cycles and automatically detect heel strike, toe off etc etc.. And can be integrated with EGN (electrogoniometers) and accelerometers.
The FreeEMG300 is designed with a totally new hardware created to provide the best quality signal ever even in the most critical situations (multiple WiFi transmissions, analogue transmissions, long range, …). Also the FreeEMG300 is capable to collect data with an acquisition frequency up to 4Khz, making the system suitable for fine wire electrodes.
Concerning the video analysis the BTS FREEEMG300 can be integrated with our BTS VIXTA system providing video data fully synchronized with EMG to create an analysis that can correlate the EMG activity with specific movements observed by the video cameras. The video controller can use up to 4 TVCs simultaneously. The TVCs are portable and mounted on mobile tripods. Typically the standard configuration is with 2 TVCs placed respectively in the sagittal and in the frontal plan to obtain a 3D (two bi-dimensional planes) subject evaluation. Every lab can however customize the TVCs configuration to obtain different views (e.g. TVCs in the same plane but with different zoom to evaluate the general movement AND a detail).
Finally BTS Bioengineering can acquire Force Platform signal controlling everything (EMG, Video and kinetic) from one software and workstation integrating EVERYTHING in one single file providing an accurate athlete’s evaluation.
Those are several reasons why BTS Bioengineering has been chosen by the top European soccer teams, the Italian Olympic committee and the most important the street bike teams such as MAPEI. In collaboration with them we designed a specific lab to evaluate athletes performances and to optimize their posture on the bicycle seat.
http://www.mapeisport.it/Servizi.asp
and
http://www.btsbioengineering.com/Media/files/category-january-2010.html
and
http://www.btsbioengineering.com/Media/files/category-february-2010.html
Labs that work in sport the Performance Suite is also available. This package includes protocols designed to evaluate several sports gesture such as cycling, running, squatting, jumping, golf, tennis, and ski with the aim of improving performance, optimizing coaching, averting injuries and structuring rehabilitation programs.
With BTS software, L@bnet, your Lab can be 24/7 connected with our headquarters in Italy and US and can be remotely checked up for diagnostic purposes. Software upgrade and protocol sharing have never been easier and faster.
Further than that through L@bnet your lab will have access to a network composed by universities and hospitals that work together for the realization of new protocols and to share experiences and suggestions.
Using Surface Electromyography in the studio has been extremely successful.
Surface EMG (electromyography) evaluates and records the electrical activity of skeletal muscles. Important to note is that there are two types of EMG — “Surface” and “Needle” — the latter of which, hurts.
Professional Bike Fitters promise:
1. More Comfort
2. More Efficiency
3. More Power
4. More Speed
5. More Aerodynamic
6. More, more, more.
We have wind-tunnels, video profiles, and yawl diagnostics to document aerodynamic gains, but weak measures for determining when aerodynamics impede muscle function, or what the optimal ration is for a specific distance and/or terrain.
The computrainer Spin-Scan indicates efficiency and power improvements, but these are not entirely accurate when altering fit, due to alterations in muscle recruitment.
Power meters for fitting are limited by training-effect, “fresh” muscle recruitment, positioning.
2D, 3D, Video fitting is limited by the fact that the prescribed “optimal” angles are, in fact, based on averages. The accuracy of these measurement devices is great, but who cares? The output data is subject to human interpretation, average values, and recorded from external events.
But what about muscle function? Firing sequence? Optimal Patellar Tracking?
Muscle Function is easy. There are 2-channels on the portable unit, and 8-channels on the monster-unit.
The EMG software records the base-line, amplitude and frequency of each muscle-group being tested. I use positioning adjustments, verbal and physical cues, and biofeedback to help the rider increase amplitude, sharpen frequency and maintain baseline, for each objective.
Firing Sequence is indicated by the number of “peaks” and their relation to sensor-placement.
Patellar Tracking is based on quadriceps data in leu of patellar tracking. Vertical tracking is anatomically poor, due to the larger, medial, femoral condyle — so toss your lasers and fancy video line/angle tools.
What I find most significant is the plasticity of our nervous system: Latency-testing, during follow-up appointments, suggests the ability to retain/store these patterns in post-fit conditions.
This is an example of the EMG data. Notice the low amplitude (start), poor base-line, and quality of the firing patterns. We are looking for single, sharp, peaks and valleys, of equal height and duration. Here I am using a physical (resistance) cue to shape increase firing.
This is the same customer after five-minutes. Amplitude suffers training effect, but the muscle function is far more effective/healthy.
a title=”Medac System 3R 4-Channel Surface EMG” href=”http://bio-medical.com/products/medac-system3r.html” target=”_blank”>Medac System 3R 4-Channel Surface EMG
Want to know what muscles are firing? Surface electromyography provides real-time data for muscle recruitment, firing sequence, and firing amplitude. Great for diagnostics, biofeedback, and overall assessment.
Portable EMG for on-the-road assessments/muscle training and event-specific recruitment analysis.
Video for motion analysis has always seemed a bit redundant to me. The fact is that videos provide only 2-dimensional data, regardless if there are 2 (Specialized!), 3, 4… Most cameras are only fast enough for < 80% accuracy, and two millimeters error using “line-drawing” tools can alter function ten-degrees or more.
Dartfish and Quintic software are different, because they provide kinematic functions like trajectory and digitization.
I recently purchased the Quintic Biomechanics/Coaching Software, in route to getting the Biomechanics 9.03. Hopefully, we can get more US bike-fitters using this phenomenal product.
(Yes, the Saddle is too Low)
Finally done with the new WN (Wobble-Naught) area.
Here are some pictures:
Peace
Chris
I recently acquired the Sidas custom conform ‘able foot-beds system, and it is great!
There are a base-molds for cycling, running, and skiing – each with materials specific to the sport – that conform perfectly to the foot via my fancy machine. I can modify the foot-beds with [accurate] metatarsal supports, forefoot and heel-posting, neutral talus, etc., as needed, which is truly a gift for people who struggle with foot pain.
Why conformable?
Because podiatrists tend to design orthotics for weight-bearing, bipedal activities. These work great for running and skiing, but not for cycling. Cycling does not involve the heel-strike, tibial-roation, and pronation found in all weight-bearing, bipedal activities. My experience is that these insoles are over-corrective, frequently accompanied by heel-lifts/posting, and support that ends short of the distal metatarsal (toe-knuckles). The conformable emphasize support throughout the entire foot, holding each toe with respect and kindness.
What about other cycling-specific insoles?
There is no comparison. Even the “best” are either too long/short in the longitudinal arch, too deep/shallow in the transverse arch. If your feet hurt, it is a message to your brain saying, “something is wrong – where is the love?” Sure, your feet will get used to some pain over time, but only conforming to the insoles, which translates into altered connective tissue, proprioception and muscle.
You can only appreciate the difference by trying them. You will forget about your feet, have better patellar tracking, more power, endurance and joy.
Click this link and scroll to the bottom right portion of the webpage to preview the fitting process.
http://www.conform-able.com/products.php?sLang=EN&iIdAct=1&iIdGamme=3&sRef=CSECUSKPRO08
I have number 0100, of the first 1o made. Seven-months overdue, but well worth the wait!
The fit-bike allows for incredible accuracy for fitting, because all adjustments are made with the rider pedaling. The built-in computrainer spin-scan provides left/right leg torque angles, watts, and efficiency, to ensure optimal positioning.
Outcome data in X, Y, coordinates and Retul-Zin documentation is accurate within 2mm, for reliable and simple replicaiton.
I have added a really cool application for the design and modification of bicycle frames/complete bikes.
This is the full-version — available to you or your fit technician at no charge.
FAQ’s about the program are available at: http://www.bikeforest.com/CAD/faq/index.php.
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