Sport scientists offer bespoke performance analysis for clubs

Sport scientists at the University of Essex are now able to offer sports teams enhanced performance evaluation thanks to new investment in hi-tech performance analysis solutions.

The University’s new Essex Sport Arena now has video analysis capabilities thanks to four high-end IP cameras with 4K capacity, which are connected to unique capture software which provides an easily usable tool to record very high quality footage.

This equipment will be complemented by a portable 4K “telescope camera”, plus a cutting-edge GPS system currently used by elite and international sports teams. The GPS units allow players to be tracked in a game and provide valuable information regarding training intensity.

As well as offering this service to external sports clubs and University teams, the equipment will be embedded in the University’s teaching and research, plus the applied sports science support offered by the University’s Human Performance Unit (HPU).

HPU Manager Chris McManus said: “This new equipment means we can offer bespoke performance analysis solutions like never before. Coaches or our sports scientists can use footage to review tactics, movement and performance at both the individual and team level.

“It means in the Essex Sport Arena we now offer a fit-for-purpose video analysis solution, with the potential to live stream events in high definition. The portable ‘telescope camera’ and additional handy-cams mean we can provide advanced performance analysis services across a range of sports at any location.”

Dr Edward Hope, Lecturer in Sports Performance and Motor Control in the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (SRES), said: “Having worked in performance analysis for a number of years, I am very impressed with the facilities available here at the University of Essex, especially with the completion of the Essex Sports Arena. The world-class software and equipment will be integrated extensively onto our BSc Sports Performance and Coaching degree, and give our students hands-on experience of industry-relevant tools to develop their applied knowledge and skills.

“This new performance analysis infrastructure also provides further opportunities for a variety of research projects, with real-world impact, in both sport and exercise science.”

SRES is also now home to a research-grade DXA scanner – a non-invasive medical imaging technique – which can accurately assess bone mineral density, hipbone geometry, vertebral fracture and body composition.

“The DXA will be used for teaching and research purposes in SRES and the HPU will offer body composition assessments to the public,” explained Chris McManus. ”In as little as ten minutes, information relating to lean muscle, body fat, distribution of fat, visceral fat, bone mineral content and density can all be obtained with high precision and repeatability.”