Kistler presents a new analysis system for athletics

17.01.2018

The new KiSprint provides coaches and athletes with an efficient means of biomechanically optimizing sprint starts under competitive conditions. The robust and mobile solution has comprehensive software assessment options and can be individually adapted and expanded.

“On your marks – get set – go!” Especially for short distances, a good start is crucial to achieving fast times and winning races. However, performance during a sprint start depends on many different factors, such as the starting position, reaction time, and force vector. In order to analyze this complex network of influencing variables efficiently and strategically, the Kistler Group has developed a new measuring system that makes comprehensive biomechanical optimization of an athlete’s starting process possible.

Performance diagnostics made easy

The sprint starting blocks conform to the Olympic standard and can be individually adjusted (foot distance, footplate angle) as athletes are used to from training and competition. The piezoelectric three-component force sensors are integrated in the structure along with the charge amplifier. Thus, the force components can be recorded separately for each leg, which makes it possible to determine the resulting force vector and speed.

Particular attention has been paid to ease of use and convenient operation. The KiSprint system is quick to set up, easy to adjust with quick-release fasteners, and provides synchronous measurement data without the need for additional installations or tracking. With the integrated electronic starting pistol, all measurement processes are synchronized simultaneously with the start signal for the runner.

Immediately after completing a run, the associated Kistler Sprint software provides accurate analyses based on the data obtained. Comparisons between different athletes at different times are just as possible as the visualization of the starting process by high-speed camera. The speed of the athlete in the acceleration phase is continuously recorded and can be optimized accordingly – the system thus supports the most effective training possible as well as targeted performance diagnostics.

Robust, mobile, and expandable

The robust, splash-proof Sprint system from Kistler can be used both indoors as well as outdoors. It can be attached to the bottom of the plastic track via spikes or screwed down permanently. The two wheeled cases included make it easy for a single person to transport the system.

For use in research, the five-component design allows the sprint starting blocks to be combined with COP (center of pressure) measurements in order to determine the ideal center of gravity. Furthermore, the system can also be expanded individually (for example, to measure hand strength). The solution, developed worldwide in cooperation with trainers and training centers, will be launched on the market in early 2018.

For more information, visit www.kistler.com/sprint or contact our local expert team. 

Kistler is not only present in track and field, but also in swimming with its PAS-S system, and even in the worlds of soccer, ice hockey, American football, and many other sports through the MARS® system.