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Motion-capture analysis will allow national team to improve their rides
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 13, 2008) -- USA Triathlon is pleased to announce the addition of 3D motion-capture provider Retül as a technology supplier to the National Team program.
"The motion-capture analysis gives our coaches crucial data on how to avoid injury as our athletes are training," said Scott Schnitzspahn, sport performance director for USAT. "The analysis also shows how we can modify their bikes to cut crucial minutes when racing without sacrificing stamina in their runs."
For cyclists, motion-capture analysis allows for dynamic 3D analysis of a fitting - which can affect everything from saddle and handlebar positions, the amount of travel in strokes, foot position on the pedals and wind resistance - while ramping up the RPMs on a stationary trainer.
"We're all huge triathlon fans around here, and we're honored USAT will use our 3D technology to optimize the U.S. athletes in Beijing for superior performance," said Retül co-founder Franko Vatterott. "But we also believe the Retül system provides a common dynamic fit language that will ultimately be used to further the science of fitting a bicycle to the human body and therefore help manufacturers make better bikes."
The Retül system is similar to that used for motion capture for motion pictures or video games, but employs a harness of eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) instead of reflectors. The LEDs are placed in key body movement locations for bike riders and tracked by three infra-red cameras resulting in three- dimensional measurements accurate to fractions of a millimeter.
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the national governing body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the U.S. - as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 2,300 races and connects with more than 100,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.
Read more news from USAT.
Website: USATriathlon.org.
About Retül
Retül technology offers 3-D Cycling Gait Analysis using state-of-the-art motion capture technology originally designed for the surgical navigation industry. The same accuracy standards used by medical professionals who are performing brain and other noninvasive surgical procedures are now available for precision bicycle fitting. The Boulder company has provided systems to fitters around the globe.
Website: www.retul.com.
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