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USC muscles up for greater testing of power
The University of the Sunshine Coast is set to further flex its muscles as a major testing centre for people undergoing rehabilitation and for elite athletes, thanks to an impressive international connection.
Swedish Development Centre for Disability Sport director Kennet Frojd made a flying visit to the University last week to install a new software package called Muscle Lab, following visits to Sweden by USC staff in 2002 and 2007.
Mr Frojd has been developing the software for the past 17 years to help sport scientists around the world achieve more precise measurements of strength, speed and power.
“This software can be used for elite athletes, as well as for people of all capabilities, to determine the most effective strength-based training exercises to match the individual’s requirements,” he said.
USC’s Centre for Healthy Activities, Sport and Exercise (CHASE) director Associate Professor Brendan Burkett was thrilled Mr Frojd had provided USC with this state-of-the-art software.
“This system has electromyography, an accelerometer, inclinometer, synchronised video function and telemetry – without cables – for use in an exercise rehabilitation setting, such as in USC’s new sports stadium and the health and sport clinic which will open in July 2008,” he said.
“Muscle Lab will help us in understanding how people move, and in getting them to move better. It will be valuable for sports performance or exercise rehabilitation.
“This will help us identify which parts of strength training is most important for individuals and, most importantly, how to incorporate power into the movement.”
Associate Professor Burkett said Muscle Lab would boost USC’s ability to develop a series of laboratory tests which can be used in the field for the International Paralympic Committee.
“This is one of the priority projects that the International Paralympic Committee is looking at for Beijing and for future Games,” he said.
— Terry Walsh