DynaSled™

Real-time data for optimized performance and injury prevention

The Challenge

Traditional training methods lacked objective measurements of force production and leg imbalances, which are essential for injury prevention and performance optimisation. Furthermore, existing equipment was unable to assess these variables in dynamic, overground settings. The necessity for more exact, real-time data on athletic performance, particularly during functional movements like sprinting, led to the creation of DynaSled^TM.

The Solution

DynaSled^TM is a wireless force-sensing device, which measures strength and leg imbalances. It was created to optimise athletic performance training and the assessment of sports injury risk. The sled – a piece of equipment commonly used to resist sprint running – is fitted with a wireless force sensor. When the athlete pushes the sled via its handles or pulls the sled when tethered via a worn vest, various important data are recorded characterising movement, notably, force production.

The DynaSled^TM is an innovative technology because it allows for assessment of force production during a functional movement, such as sprinting overground. It moreover allows for assessment of leg asymmetries in force production during sprinting, which is a risk factor for various lower limb injuries. It also allows to determine the optimised loading for each individual athlete, depending on their goal. This is the only sled technology that allows for such assessments during sprinting.

Our Contribution

The development and early-stage commercialisation of DynaSled has been supported by funding from AUT Ventures and KiwiNet. Furthermore, the researchers collaborated with Swift Performance of Brisbane to develop the commercial version.

Swift Performance has now licensed the technology from AUT and will market the product worldwide. The company will also fund AUT postgraduate research on the DynaSled with athletes.