The Ariel Performance Analysis System (APAS) is the most advanced computer-based
system for the measurement, analysis, and presentation of movement performance. The
study of the motion of living things is known as "Biomechanics" and it has evolved from
a fusion of the classic disciplines of anatomy, physiology, physics, and engineering.
Biomechanical quantification are based on Newtonian equations and the APAS analytic
technique models the human body as a mechanical system of moving segments upon which
muscular, gravitational, inertial, and reaction forces are applied. Although the system
has primarily been used for quantification of human activities, it has had some
industrial, non-human applications. The computerized hardware/software technique
provides a means to objectively quantify the dynamic components of movement and
replaces mere observation and supposition.
The APAS demonstrates significant advantages over other common approaches to
movement systems:
- First, except for specific applications requiring EMG or kinetic (force platform)
data, it is non-invasive. No wires, sensors, or markers 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 scientist to make intellectual decisions regarding the joint center
at each frame rather than using markers attached at the skin's surface.
- 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 usage include many areas of interest:
- Sport or athletic applications have included volleyball, soccer, American
football, tennis, track and field events, horse racing and jumping, and golf;
- Medical research is using the APAS to quantify movement in Parkinson patients
with and without drugs and before and after surgical procedures;
- 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;
- Industrial applications include product design, analysis, and improvement as well
as such things as manufacturing hardware performances such as piston movement
accuracy;
- Artistic endeavors, such as playing the violin, the harp, and the piano, have
been examined biomechanically by APAS applications;
- Mammalian research has examined thoroughbred race horse performance, feline
locomotion, and monkey jumping performance;
- Forensic analysis have included injuries sustained in football, gymnastics, horse
racing, and running shoes;
- Space Research have included number of research studies at NASA;
- Rehabilitative usage include pre- and post-hip replacement functioning, gait
analysis, and comparisons of bilateral functions.
The APAS is one of the products designed, manufactured, marketed, and serviced by
Ariel Dynamics. Incorporated in 1972. Technological excellence and innovation are the
goals of the staff and owner of the company.