Student athletes don’t always have to depend on their coaches for critiques of their performance.
Some can just press play.
The technology used in athletics to enhance athletic ability and health has been improving over the years, and some University coaches utilize those technologies.
Lady Tiger softball players can watch game analysis and scrutinize their own performances. According to Lindsay Leftwich, LSU assistant softball coach, a camera is mounted on both sides of the hitter, one in centerfield and one at the top of the stadium for an overhead shot.
Leftwich said this technology gives coaches the ability to slow down the video, compare clips side-by-side and stack video to see the differences.
Softball players can also employ this type of technology autonomously. In the batting cages, student athletes use the T2 Motion Analysis System, which is an all-in-one computer and video camera mounted on a rolling tripod.
Leftwich said this video technology provides “instant gratification.”
“As a coach, this technology allows you to see everything and relay,” she said. “The fact that you can break down a video to 190 frames per second, you can see the entire kinetic change in a swing.”
Gymnastics also utilizes similar video technology and TiVo during practices and competitions.
D-D Breaux, LSU gymnastics head coach, said, “Gymnastics is all about straight lines” and the use of slow motion video allows clearer analysis to improve minute details.
LSU gymnasts also film their own video analysis with an app called Coach’s Eye on an iPad or iPhone.
Technology has changed coaching, according to Breaux. If a gymnast contests her critique, Breaux said the video analysis can resolve disputes or issues.
LSU gymnasts also use advanced equipment in the weight room. They can step into the Vertimax Plyometric Jump Trainer’s resistance straps to enhance their jumping ability.
Athletic training is another facet of the University’s athletic department that benefits from innovative technology. Athletic trainers still hand out bags of ice, but they can also prescribe deep oscillation therapy.
The Hivamat makes use of vibrations to treat affected tissue. Andy Barker, senior associate athletic trainer, said this therapy moves swelling and releases fluid from affected ligaments or muscles to restore movement.
Andi Aguilar, international studies sophomore and track and field distance runner, had to rely on the Hivamat after incurring a knee injury.
Aguilar compared the Hivamat to electroshock therapy and said the sensation was unusual.
The Hivamat didn’t heal Aguilar’s injury, but she said it helped when quitting running wasn’t an option.
Concussions are another health risk for impact sports, and the University’s use of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing ensures concussion management.
Barker said student athletes take a cognitive test to determine their “baseline,” and after a concussion, the athlete must reach that baseline before returning to his or her sport.
He said he believes LSU’s athletic training is innovative, and if new technology has positive results, the program is willing to try it.
 
____ Contact Marylee Williams at [email protected]