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Background
Ariel Dynamics Inc. (ADI) invented the first computerized
Movement Analysis System, known as the Ariel Performance Analysis System (APAS)
in 1968. The System's inventor, Dr. Gideon Ariel, developed the first on line
electronic digitizing system for reducing each picture in a film sequence, and
later from a video, into its kinematic components. Since 1971, Ariel Performance
Analysis System has assisted medical professionals, sport scientists, and
athletes, to understand and analyze movement using its advanced video and
computer motion measurement technology. It surpasses all other video systems for
quantitative accuracy and scientific excellence for the most cost effective
choice in major medical and research institutions around the world.
Kinematic Consultants, Inc. (KCI) was
incorporated in 1992, specializing in objective test and measurement techniques.
Kinematic Consultants has worked with numerous clients, including Insurance
Companies, Risk Managers, and Workers� Compensation Managers to save countless
dollars, by providing precise, objective examinee assessments. The introduction
of computerized kinematic analysis, including APAS and the use of force plates,
dynamic EMG and other �state of the art� test and measurement instruments in
Physical Medicine, has been an exciting and revolutionary process. Kinematic
Functional Capacity Evaluations stand apart from traditional FCE�s by
substituting scientifically supported, objective data collection and analysis
for subjective Examiner observation.
APAS Medical System
APAS is a 3D video-based movement analysis system which accurately quantifies
function and provides objective data professionals may use to justify or
evaluate treatment. Areas of successful application for APAS include human
performance, injury and rehabilitation assessment, quantification of loss for
compensation claims, equipment or product development, determination of
potential or actual risks for products and activities for liability/litigation
management, as well as, applied research in the areas of orthopedic medicine,
therapeutics and physical training.
APAS integrates state of the art computer and video processing hardware with
specialized software modules that perform data collection, analysis, and
presentation. Objective quantifiable documentation is provided for both
2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional analysis. Specific points of interest can be
digitized with user intervention or automatically using contrasting markers.
Stick figures are then generated and can be synchronized with kinematics data.
Additionally, up to 32 channels of analog data (i.e., force platform, EMG,
goniometers) can be synchronized with kinematics data.
The APAS Medical System demonstrates significant advantages over other common
approaches to movement systems.
� First, except for specific applications requiring EMG, it is non-invasive. No
wires or sensors need be attached to the subject.
� Second, it is portable and rarely requires any modification of the performing
environment. Cameras can be transported to the site and positioned so as not to
interfere with the subject.
� Third, the scale and accuracy of measurement can be set to the levels required
for the activity being performed. Video equipment technology currently available
is sufficiently adequate for most applications requiring accurate motion
analysis and is normally the least expensive option, particularly when two or
more cameras are needed.
The ability to record the activity as a picture has a number of advantages:
� It allows the medical professional to make intellectual decisions regarding
the joint center at each frame.
� Subsequent quantification would be possible since the video can be re-examined
at any time.
� Stick figure results can be overlapped with the video pictures for effective
result presentations.
Applications of the APAS Medical System include but are not limited to the
following:
� Sport or athletic applications have included volleyball, soccer, American
football, tennis, track and field events, horse racing and jumping, and golf.
� Job quantification
� Task improvement
� Post-injury assessment
� Employment evaluations
� Risk assessment
� Worker's compensation
� Disability evaluations
� Ergonomic evaluations of job tasks
� Job standardization can be useful in the workplace
� Artistic endeavors such as playing the violin, the harp, and the piano, have
been examined biomechanically.
� Forensic analysis has included injuries sustained in football, gymnastics,
horse racing, and running shoes.
� Space Research has included a number of research studies at NASA.
� Rehabilitative usage include pre- and post-hip replacement functioning, gait
analysis, and comparisons of bilateral functions.
Kinematic Functional Capacity Evaluations (KFCE) are used to assist
decision-making in a number of occupational areas such as:
� Early Return to Work decisions
� Determining safe, altered duty assignments
� Determining Maximum Medical Improvement
� Determining Examinee Maximum Effort
� Verification of subjective complaints
� Job and/or Work site evaluations
� Post offer physical examinations
� Fitness for Duty Exam
� NIOSH Lift Task Evaluation
� Case closure
The APAS Medical System can be used in a number of areas, such
as Physical, Orthopedic, Neurologic, Pediatric, and Geriatric Medicine:
� Kinematic gait analysis for Orthopedic, Neurologic and Pediatric situations.
� On-Site ergonomic job analysis.
� Balance evaluation and biofeedback programs.
� EMG muscular biofeedback programs.
� Pain patient management.
� Center of Pressure Postural-Gram
� Gait training and biofeedback.
� Sports reconditioning and pre-return to play analysis.
� Ground Reaction Force Gait Evaluation
� Custom Orthotics fabrication and analysis
� Prosthetic fabrication, tuning and Analysis
� Invoked Reflex Response Analysis
� Post Concussion Syndrome Analysis
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