First for techno TigersBy Paul Daffey
Tue 28 Feb, 2012
RICHMOND, for so long a struggler when it comes to keeping up with AFL trends, has become a pacesetter with its use of a machine designed to minimise injuries.
Richmond and Cricket NSW have become the first sports bodies in Australia to use the machine known as the ViPerform, which uses wire sensors to measure muscle activity in the lower back and pelvis.
The results from tests using the sensors can be used to check whether a player is not performing to his maximum because of, for example, an undetected groin injury.
If you want to check how well a player is recovering from injury, you get the data gained from pre-season tests - before the player was injured - and check them against current data.
If the tests show a continued abnormality, training programs can be adjusted.
Melbourne brothers Andrew and Daniel Ronchi developed the technology for the ViPerform over 10 years. Their company, DorsaVi, is in talks with several AFL clubs and English Premier League clubs about taking on the technology.
Richmond rehabilitation and conditioning coach Terry Condon has been using ViPerform over the past few months. He said it was now a vital component in his assessment of players.
"In the AFL everyone is looking for a competitive edge," Condon said.
"ViPerform is giving the Tigers a major boost.
"For the first time we can see what players are at risk of injury, and modify their training accordingly."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/129726/default.aspx