Force and Pressure Measurement Answer FSN's Sports Questions

Sports Science answers long-standing questions that exist in the athletic world, such as: What hits the hardest - a NFL linebacker's blindside hit on an unsuspecting quarterback or a MLB base runner barreling into a catcher? Theories are tested using professional athletes in a sports laboratory that houses the most advanced scientific equipment. After data is collected and analyzed, the answers are revealed.

In several episodes, Tekscan's F-Scan^®plantar pressure analysis system was used to collect and analyze data. Cindy Bir, PhD of Wayne State University, and a biomechanist that collected and analyzed data for the show, states:

When looking for the latest technology in force measurement, Tekscan was an obvious choice. The F-Scan system allowed us to have athletes perform as usual, with little or no wires attached. We weren't limited to the distance that they could go, which is ideal when working with top athletes.

The F-Mat™ add-on sensor to the F-Scan was used in an episode to determine the force of a baseball player when running into an outfield wall to make a catch, and at what point the force would cause an injury.

Tekscan's Grip™ system was used in one episode to measure the force of a football in the hands of a player trying to block a kick to that of blocked kick by a soccer goalie. The Grip system measured and recorded the dynamic grip pressures and forces of the player's hands and fingers - data that would otherwise be unseen by the naked