This past week, zFlo was joined at the ACSM annual meeting by our German partner, Stefan Klippel - managing director of Contemplas, GmbH. Stefan is a veteran of the motion analysis world - 15 years and counting - so his help in promoting our solutions is always appreciated!
This conference was another fantastic opportunity for us to show clinicians and students the many benefits of our video-based 2D software and hardware solutions.
Of particular interest to those attending the show was our ability to offer users a wide range of camera types, as well as TEMPLO's ability to integrate seamlessly with EMG, force platforms, and other a/d devices. This feature of TEMPLO is highly regarded in the clinical world, where time is a critcal component to what works, and what does not. While a high-end 3D optical or electromagnetic solution is great for those performing in-depth research, Physiotherapists, students, and trainers need systems that can quickly capture and analyze a patient or athlete. With TEMPLO there is minimal setup time, no need for markers, and video can be quickly collected to be analyzed later.
zFlo is happy to be the solution for those who seek easy-to-use software with massive expandability potential. To those who saw us at the show - send us a message!
Check out our ACSM Annual Meeting photos below:
The zFlo Booth:
Stefan Demonstrating the capabilities of TEMPLO:
The Exhibit Floor:
A Few of the Exhibitors:
We Hope To See You There Next Year!
It's running season again. We hope to inspire everyone to get outside and be active while the weather is nice. Throughout the month of June we will be publishing blog posts and featuring articles that focus on running and running analysis. We will also be featuring running related information on our Facebook and Twitter and pages. The link to our blog can be found below, and please check us out Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Happy Running to All!
Later this month, we will be exhibiting at the American College of Sports Medicine's Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana. The ASCM Annual Meeting is among the most comprehensive sports medicine and exercise conferences in the world. It encompasses several lectures by featured speakers and leaders in the world of sports medicine, physical therapy, and exercise science. It also a place where many industry leaders have an opportunity to collaborate and share the latest advancements in technology. We will have a booth set up showcasing the latest offerings in the motion analysis industry. We will be joined by Stefan Klippel, Co-Founder and CEO of Contemplas, GMBH. Stefan is a pioneer in the motion analysis industry and we look forward, as always, to his valuable insight and expertise.
The ACSM Anual Meeting is a great conference and we look forward to seeing you there!
Newsletter 04 - 2013
RUNNERSPOINT opens the “WORLD OF RUNNING” in Dortmund
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With the opening of RUNNERSPOINT WORLD OF RUNNING in the “Thier Galerie” in Dortmund, the running shoe specialist RUNNERSPOINT has fulfilled its long-held dream. On more than 500 qm² sales floor, runners –from beginners to triathletes- will find everything that makes a runner’s heart beat faster. Germany’s largest product range of running shoes and a worldwide unique analysis track with a length of 15 meters are only tw of the highlights...
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CONTEMPLAS equips RUNNERSPOINT WORLD OF RUNNING
CONTEMPLAS equips the “WORLD OF RUNNING”, a brand new store of RUNNERS POINT and one of the most innovating stores in Germany.
Along the way CONTEMPLAS accompanied the technical development from the initial idea through to the implementation.
The centerpieces of the store are three tracks with a length of 15 meters, which are each equipped with the CONTEMPLAS highspeed-video analysis-software. Therefore each customer who is interested in buying running shoes, may have a barefoot analysis performed before testing different shoe models.
At the very beginning of the consultation the customer receives a bracelet with a built in RFID-transponder at the “check-in counter”. The customer is now registered in the system which is necessary for his identification.
With the help of the bracelet the customer is now able to initiate an individual video recording on one of the three tracks. All he has to do is to log on to one of the three starting blocks and to follow the instructions on the screen.
The subsequently performed run of the customer is recorded, automatically assigned to the customer’s file and saved on a server-system. Thus, the customer can have as many runs recorded as he wants and all of them will be assigned to his file, regardless of the selected running track.
This was technically solved by a slim-PC integrated to the starting block. It generates the instructions for the customer on a small screen and at the same time operates the recording-PC assigned to the specific track. The recording-PC is connected to two 100Hz high-speed-cameras, which capture the customer from front and rear.
During the in-between or final consultation at one of the six counseling terminals, the customer is once again identified by its bracelet. TEMPLO software automatically loads all video recordings of the customer and provides the consultant with TEMPLO analysis options, as well as the opportunity to compare different runs. Moreover, it is not a problem to perform additional video recordings during the consultation. They are automatically added to the existing recordings.
If requested by the customer, a professional running analysis can be performed in the store’s running laboratory. It is equipped with a treadmill and two 100Hz high-speed-cameras for dorsal and lateral recordings. In addition to ergospirometry, various other tests can be performed with runners who want to optimize their training an enhance their performance.
CONTEMPLAS represents latest innovations in video analysis at the 15th IAT „Frühjahrsschule
Traditionally, the IAT “Frühjahrsschule” was held as a forum for experts to present and discuss further developments and innovations in the field of exercise science. CONTEMPLAS was invited to answer questions about the developments and applications of sport-specific measurement and information systems. During the discussion with representatives of various Olympic training center the following highlights were introduced:
- Various high-speed cameras (e.g. 2MP at 85Hz or 512x512 pixels at 709Hz)
- Multi camera-systems for sports facilities
- Wireless – FullHD video recording with the notebook
- Portable swimming system
- Jump analysis with two force plates and video recording
- 2-camera-high-speed system synchronized with sprint starting block with integrated force plates
As with every matter in life it is important to constantly evolve and adapt to the changing world around you. Here at zFlo we must continually make changes in a rapidly changing industry. In most cases change is usually a good thing, and for us it almost always is. In our work, change means we get to continually work with more exciting and innovative technologies. Our goal is to provide the absolute best motion analysis systems to our customers. As technology improves we must continually seek out and discover the most cutting edge components so we can achieve our goal and promise to fully meet the needs of our customers and partners.
A new and more relevant logo:
As a technology integrator of motion analysis systems, we wanted to make it clear to our customers what exactly we do. It was this desire that inspired us re-design our logo and create something that better encompasses what our company is about as a whole. zFlo is a company that has been around for 10 years, and has seen tremendous positive change in both the industry and internally. We have always been in the business of motion, but our primary focus for quite some time has been on human motion and how to analyze it. In our initial logo, the arrow going through the square clearly represented motion, but did not necessarily speak to what that motion is about. In our new logo, we have eliminated the arrow and instead merged the small z into the large F like a puzzle piece. This represents fluidity and flow which elude to smooth movement and motion. We have also put a crosshair through the O to show precision, and our ability to finitely capture and analyze movement and human motion. The crosshair is also representative of a reflective marker that is used for tracking motion in leading motion analysis software. When setting a point to track, the user must use a crosshair function to hone in one a specific area of the body.
New Tagline:
Perhaps the largest change to our logo and image is our new tagline which reads: “Motion Analysis Systems”. This is a change from our original tagline of "Motion Capture Analysis" To us “Motion Capture Systems” describes exactly what we do in as few words as possible, and states exactly what we provide to our customers. We wanted to create a tagline that described our role as a motion analysis solutions integrator, and that we provide complete packages to our customers as well as specific components.
zFlo's Logo Throughout the Years:
The Original zFlo Logo.
The Orginal Logo With Tagline.
A First Draft of Our New Logo.
The Final and Current Version of Our Logo!
April was a big month for zFlo as we installed another Video Vector Lab in a major US rehabilitation hospital. This system will be utilized to perform advanced clinical gait analysis and is part of a new Orthotic Tuning Clinic. This step solidifies to us that Video Vector Lab is an excellent tool that greatly enhances an organizations ability to study and treat various gait disorders. The zFlo Video Vector Lab is one of our most advanced gait analysis systems that uses leading motion analysis components to produce exceptional results.
What is the Zflo Video Vector Lab?
The zFlo Video Vector Lab is a system designed around those working in the fields of prosthetics and orthotics, though by no means limited to that particular area. It is a gait analysis system that pairs our exclusive leading video-based motion analysis software, with live triaxial force plate data. This enables clinicians to not only precisely analyze the kinematic data of their patients, but to also look at live force vector data as a subject walks across or stands on the force plate. This type of data is extremely beneficial in assessing those who suffer from a wide variety of gait disorders, and can quickly provide objective feedback on the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Designing The System:
As a provider of integrated motion analysis systems, the Video Vector Lab is one of our finest creations yet. We searched far and wide to find the ideal components to build an effective gait system with force plate data. On the software side, our partners at Contemplas had exactly what we were looking for. Their motion analysis software TEMPLO is one of the leading motion analysis software systems, and is designed to easily combine video motion analysis, with live triaxial force vector data. The next step was to find a force plate that was reliable and precise, for this we chose a plate by AMTI. AMTI is a global leader in force plates and their technology is proven and validated by leading experts in the medical community. The next step was to figure out which cameras to use. We decided Gigabit Ethernet machine vision cameras would work best as they are high speed, and have excellent picture quality. We didn’t want to commit to one particular brand of camera, and like to have the ability to discuss different options with our customers so we can choose a camera that best meets their needs and budgets. The most common brands we work with for machine vision cameras are Basler, IDS, and Photonfocus.
Using EMG:
Electromyography or EMG technology is one the best methods to study and analyze muscle activity. EMG works by looking at the electrical activity generated by muscles when they are activated. EMG is a great biomechanics tool, and is also very beneficial in the treatment and understanding of gait disorders. EMG's easily identify abnormalities in muscle activity, which helps highlight issues. Our standard zFlo Video Vector Lab does not include an EMG, but we have the capability to fully integrate an EMG into the existing system. We have delivered several Video Vector Labs with EMGs and it is a great option for those looking to add another layer of technology and advancement to their system. We work extensively with BTS Bioengineering to provide leading EMG systems to the US market. BTS has developed the only FDA approved wireless surface EMG. For more information on EMG integration, and the BTS FREEMG click here: zFlo EMG Solultions
The zFlo Video Vector Lab is a great gait analysis solution for those looking to merge the benefits of video motion analysis with live force plate data. It is a system that is very advantageous to both clinical gait analysis and athletics, and has a wide range of applications. Here at zFlo we like to help our customors envisions a system that best fits their needs and then custom build a system that best meets those needs and fits into the parameters of their budget. All of our motion analysis systems are custom built from the ground up and and have several options for components. For more information please visit our website.
zFlo Product Spotlight: BTS G-WALK
zFlo Inc. is excited to announce that we will be offering live, in-person demos of the G-WALK by BTS Bioengineering to any interested parties in new England. The G-WALK is a cutting edge highly portable automatic gait analysis device. The beauty of the g-walk is that it allows organizations to break into the field of motion analysis, and particularly gait analysis at a relatively low price point. Do not be fooled by the size and cost of the G-WALK as the results it produces are remarkably precise and accurate.
The G-WALK is a very unique gait analysis device. In the 10 years we have been in the motion analysis industry we have not discovered anything else quite like it. It can often be difficult to describe technical devices like the G-WALK in writing, and we strongly believe that seeing the product and its capabilities in person will stir up a great deal of enthusiasm. As our company is based in Boston, Massachusets and Portland, Maine we would like to extend an offer to anyone in New England to a free in person live demo of the G-WALK. To find out more information and sign up for a free demo, simply click on the link below. We are very excited about this product, and hope to be able to share this excitement with as many people as possible.
Get a free in person demo of the G-WALK today!
A bit more on the G-WALK
How it Works:
The functionality of the G-WALK is designed around an internal sensor comprised of a tri-axial accelerometer, a magnetic sensor, and a tri-axial gyroscope. Together these three components work in uniform to record all the necessary parameters for effective gait analysis. The device is positioned on a subjects L-5 Vertebrae on the lower back, as soon as the subject begins walking the G-WALK begins capturing, it is as simple as that. When the subject concludes their analysis the G-WALK then automatically takes the captured data and produces spatial gait parameters, which is the relevant data clinicians need to make an effective gait diagnosis and derive treatment strategies. There are many different methods for capturing spatial gait parameters, but what truly makes the g-walk unique is its size and ease of use.
The Software:
When preforming any sort of motion analysis evaluation, particularly gait analysis, it is very important that a quality and well-designed software is utilized. The hardware is what is used to capture the data, and the software is what makes the data relevant and interpretable to both the clinicians and the patients. A well designed motion analysis system should always take full advantage of both leading edge hardware and software. Included with G-WALK is BTS’s uniquely designed gait analysis software called G-STUDIO. Here at zFlo we have had the opportunity to work with many different types of motion analysis systems, and G-STUDIO is one of the most impressive we have seen yet. To start, G-studio has a very cleanly designed and aesthetically pleasing user-interface. It is logically laid out, and makes navigation simple. We also like the software because it makes all the useful data easy to access, and does not overcomplicate things. When the software was developed, the main goal was create something that was user friendly and efficient. BTS wanted to design a motion analysis software that in was for clinicians, physical therapists, and other medical professionals, not a software that required an IT whiz to operate. G-studio passes all these tests very well, and is one of the easier software suites we have worked with. Another large benefit of G-STUDIO is its ability to be used as a communication tool with customers. One of its main features is a detailed reporting function. This allows the user to create beautiful detailed reports that can be handed or emailed to the patient. These reports explain the gait analysis in detail and break the data down in a way that is easily understood. This process allows patients to gain confidence in the organization, so they can rest assured that their diagnosis/treatment strategy was accurate and will be effective.
A brochure on the g-walk can be found by clicking on the link below
G-WALK Brochure
www.zflomotion.com
Last December zFLo inc. had the unique opportunity to showcase some of our newest offerings at The Running Event in Austin, Texas. We were thrilled to be part of such a reputable event in the running industry. The event was well attended with over 5000 people and we had the opportunity to showcase our technology to over 400 retailers from across the United States and Canada. The event was also filled with exhibitors from a wide range of backgrounds and brands across the retail running environment. We spent three days discussing our staple product for retailers TEMPLO Lite, with retailers and industry professionals. We were very happy with the feedback we received and the insights into where the running industry is headed. We were particularly excited about the strong emphasis running shops must place on emerging technologies to stay ahead in rapidly evolving world of retail.
We as a company have always believed that we are on a convergence of scientific biomechanical analysis with the retail environment as we deal heavily with both markets. For many years we have worked with leading scientists and professionals in the medical world to assist them with their needs in gait analysis and biomechanics. We not only provide them with motion analysis software, but also with cutting edge hardware such as high speed, high resolution cameras, force plates and walkways. The recent surge in interest for video analysis and motion analysis in running shops inspired us to search for a motion analysis product that could effectively reach this market as well. After discussing this with our partners CONTEMPLAS in Germany we were introduced to TEMPLO Lite.
We quickly discovered that TEMPLO Lite is the leading gait analysis software specifically for running shops on the market. Not only is it powerful and extremely user friendly, but its track record is proven as it is the most used retail motion analysis software in the world. It is also the only motion analysis software available to retailers that can take full advantage of high definition video.
TEMPLO Lite is a product that is designed specifically to allow those in the retail environment to perform simple yet effective gait analysis for customers in their shop. TEMPLO Lite was designed by retailers for retailers with the sole purpose of shoe selection in mind. Our partners at Contemplas were able to take their extensive knowledge of motion analysis software, and work with running shops in Europe to design a software that could be implemented effectively in retail environments. The main functionality behind TEMPLO Lite is its ability to allow gait analysis to be performed very quickly and efficiently.
The Software also has the ability to be branded in an OEM form.
These are a few examples of the User-Interface in TEMPLO Lite.
The simple and effecient design was created soley to accommodate the need to quickly perform analyses in crowded and busy environments. The software also takes into account the importance of online marketing and customer management. It was designed with a powerful database feature in which analyses can be stored, printed, or emailed to customers. The database feature presents a unique opportunity for retailers to ask a customer for their email address and thus include them in their online marketing campaigns and pushes. Beyond being a great tool for gait analysis we were able to demonstrate how TEMPLO Lite can also be a wonderful tool for improving customer relationships and marketing.
The Database Feature in TEMPLO Lite
In the many conversations we had with retailers, exhibitors and presenters, we quickly realized that video gait analysis is emerging as an industry standard for top notch running shops, and something that they must have to keep up with the their competition.
The running event also gave us a unique opportunity to share with potential customers the principles that drive our business and how we like to operate as a company. Here at zFLo we not only provide customers with leading motion analysis software, but we also offer them with a complete system that is ready to use upon receipt. We are in the business of providing motion analysis systems and pride ourselves on the ability to integrate all the necessary components to make these systems function seamlessly. For retailers, we offer our staple turnkey package. This includes all the hardware and software that is needed to effectively install a video motion analysis system in your store. We also included a year of technical service, full warranties on all the equipment, and a complete and thorough installation and setup via webcam.
www.zflomotion.com
The BTS G-WALK
Introducing the G-WALK by BTS Bioengineering: The first truly portable and highly accurate gait analysis system!
zFlo Inc. is excited to announce the addition of the G-WALK by BTS Bioengineering to our existing product line up. We feel the G-WALK has potential to revolutionize the field of gait analysis by making it simpler and more accessible
In our experience, we have found that for many clinicians the largest barrier to entry to performing effective gait analysis is cost. There is a common belief that in the industry in order to be proficient in the field of gait analysis, it is necessary to invest in a full-fledged gait laboratory. The thought of this is often daunting as it requires significant capital to obtain the wide array of necessary hardware and software. For those looking to break into the field of gait analysis at a more reasonable price point the G-WALK is an ideal option.
Priced reasonably, the G-WALK is an effective tool to gather accurate and reliable gait data (spatial-temporal parameters) so that an effective assessment of a subjects gait can be performed. The G-WALK is also highly portable making it a great option for traveling clinicians, and those in the field of sports medicine. To peform an analysis, the G-WALK is simply attached to the subjects low back using the included velcro belt. After a connection between the device and computer is established (utilizing bluetooth technology), the clinician may begin the data capture. The patient simply walks naturally and the system automatically detects each individual step. After the capture, a report is auotmatically generated that details the entire session and compares the collected values versus normative data.
One of the greatest advancements in the G-WALK is its size. As you can see it is not much larger than a credit card or USB stick. BTS has done a great job integrating their gyroscope gait technology into this small and lightweight device to produce surprisingly accurate results.
Here at zFlo we have tested the G-WALK extensively in our new research facility and have been extremely impressed with the accuracy and reliability of the results. We were also impressed by how easy it was to set up and begin using the G-WALK. Having a great deal of experience with gait analysis software, we were particularly impressed by the quality of the analysis software, G-STUDIO, included with G-WALK. It is simple to use yet powerful gait analysis software and also has great internal reporting features. The Interface is also well designed and displays all the relevant and necessary information in a detail oriented and organized manner.
G-Studio Interface and Reports Feature:
Overall we believe the G-WALK is a tool that has the potential to change the field of gait analysis as we know it. We are very excited to officially be carrying this product and more excited to hear what our customers think of it.
More information on the G-WALK can be found on our official G-WALK page. For any questions, concerns or inquiries on the G-WALK please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.
zFLo Inc. Official G-WALK Page
www.zflomotion.com
zFlo Inc. is proud to announce the opening of our new testing facility and sales office in Westbrook, Maine! This facility will allow us to ramp up our product testing and assembly capabilities so we can provide our customers with most accurate and reliable hardware and software combinations.
Our goal with the new office is to create our own unique laboratory to test all of the products we sell so we gain better insights into the needs of our customers. The new space will allow us to create custom motion analysis systems with unique protocols tailored to the individual needs our customers request. We will also be able to test functionality and effectiveness of these systems so that we can ensure they are fully optimized before we ship them out the door.
The new facility includes our own unique gait laboratory with integrated force vector analysis and video motion analysis software. This will serve as a wonderful testing ground for gait analysis systems and solutions. With this setup we will be able to experiment with several different camera, force plate, and software we combinations. The main premise behind the gait lab is have the necessary equipment and research and development requirements to expand our capacities in motion analysis solutions for the medical and physical therapy communities.
In addition to the gait lab we have also created a testing space with a treadmill and road cycle to continue to inovate and improve for our applications for the retail environment.
Our Westbrook office marks the opening of zFlo's second office, as our original office and headquarters remain in Boston, MA. The new office will also provide us with space we need to expand our sales and operational functions.
www.zflomotion.com