Rowers reduce injury with motion capture suit that uses ADI’s inertial sensing technology

A Dutch scientific research centre is using Analog Devices’ MEMS inertial sensing technology to help reduce the risk of injury and improve the performance of competitive rowers.
Roessingh Research & Development (RRD), a research centre specialising in ambulatory 3D analysis of human motion, is using the Xsens MVN system to study rowing kinematics and the associated implications for competitive rowing.
The Xsens MVN system developed by Xsens Technologies B.V., of the Netherlands combines ADI’s advanced iMEMS inertial sensing technology with advanced sensor fusion algorithms and biomechanical models to produce accurate 3D movement and kinematic output. In this latest application, MVN is being used to provide coaches with comprehensive, accurate information about the movement, timing and behaviour of individual rowers or assembled rowing teams.
“As a key enabling technology within Xsens’ high-quality motion capture solutions, ADI’s iMEMS inertial sensing devices are allowing RRD to apply advanced motion tracking technology to competitive rowing in ways previously unexplored,” said Chris Baten, Program Manager, RRD.
“Whether it’s keeping athletes in top form, improving navigation in medical robots, helping industrial operators extend factory equipment life, or preventing automotive rollovers, Analog Devices’ high performance MEMS inertial sensing technology adds a new dimension that transforms many conventional applications,” said Bill Murphy, product line director, MEMS/Sensor Technology Group, Analog Devices.
Xsens MVN is equipped with 17 motion trackers (MTx) containing more than 80 high-performance ADI iMEMS inertial sensors and 17 ADI Blackfin DSPs. iMEMS inertial sensors integrate ADI’s proprietary iMEMS sensor designs with its high-performance signal processing technology to provide unmatched motion sensing performance.
In the RRD pilot studies, rowers wore the Xsens MVN system while rowing for 20 minutes on the water. The data was rendered via the Rowing Coach Assistant (RCA) – a software application built by RRD using Xsens MVN SDK to precisely replicate the real-time 3D movements of the rowers. The highly accurate and detailed rowing cycle data analysis of RCA provided the RRD research team with clear live visualisation of coordination issues. Rowing coaches can use this information during training to optimise and correct movements or to reduce the risk of injury to the rowers.

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