Kinetisense Newsletter

Version 11 , September 2022

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Hands-Free Assessments

Coming Soon…

When it comes to working with and performing assessments on individuals in senior living communities, it is important that the participant is not at risk of falling or tripping during the assessment. With Kinetisense, voice commands can be used to control the system from a distance. This allows practitioners to be available to assist individuals if they require help during the assessment.

The voice activation feature is available for the Balance, Gait, Timed Up & Go, and 5x Sit To Stand modules. If spoken loudly and clearly, command words such as “Start” and “Stop” can be picked up by the system up to 15 feet away. Hands free assessments will be available for both the desktop and iPad versions of Kinetisense. Stay tuned for additional updates!

How to Tell if My Computer Has a Microphone

(Originally published by Computer Hope)

When referring to computer microphones, there are two varieties: external or internal. An external mic is a peripheral outside your computer, such as a desktop device, or as part of a headset. Essentially, if you do not have one of these devices attached to your sound card or USB port, you don’t have an external mic.

Internal microphones, as the name implies, are built into the body of a laptop, or the bezel of a computer monitor or laptop screen. You can find them by physically examining the hardware and looking for a few small holes that are close to one another. However, we find it easiest to confirm with software. To proceed, select your operating system from the list below and follow the instructions.

Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11

The information in this section helps you determine if you have an internal or external microphone on a Windows-based PC.

  • Press the Windows key, type Control Panel in the Windows search box, and press Enter.

Or, open the Windows 10/11 Start menu, and select Windows System > Control Panel.

  • In the Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound

Tip

If you use the Large icons or Small icons view instead of the Category view in Control Panel, click the Sound option and skip to step 4.

  • Click the Hardware and Sound option in the left navigation menu, then click Manage audio devices near the center-right portion of the screen

  • At the top of the window that appears, click the Recording tab. If you have an internal or external microphone, it displays in the middle section.

  • If you have more than one input device, you can switch to another by selecting it, and then clicking the  and  buttons.

Reference

https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000650.html

Enhancing Movement Training Through the Use of Visual Biofeedback

Visual biofeedback is an effective and often underutilized technique that can be used in both training and rehabilitation settings. The use of biofeedback helps to promote problem solving and intrinsic learning, as well the acquisition of new functional movement patterns (1). Presenting visual biofeedback in real-time allows individuals to observe their movements and make immediate biomechanical adjustments that can reduce their risk of injury and/or lead to enhanced performance (1). 

Understanding what is going on inside the brain and nervous system when an individual is presented with visual biofeedback is important. A comprehensive study by Noble et al. found that parts of the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes were all activated when visual feedback is present. This in turn activated the motor areas of the brain. In total, when visual feedback was available during motor tasks, 22 distinct areas of the brain were found to have a higher activation level. 2 key areas that stood out were the rostral premotor cortex and the putamen. The rostral premotor cortex acts as a gateway between cognitive and motor processes, while the putamen plays a major role in the visuomotor transformation process (2). The results of this study indicate that the neural network that connects cognitive and motor processes is strengthened by visual feedback, thereby helping to ensure proper kinetic chain activation. Consistent use of visual feedback ensures that the brain has more effective control over the muscles of the body that are required for a desired movement.

Kinetisense technology allows trainers to use biofeedback techniques to enhance their methodology. The Kinetisense system shows movement in all three planes (frontal, sagittal, and transverse) in real-time. Unlike other biofeedback systems that involve wearable sensors on the body, multiple cameras, or other complicated and expensive setups, Kinetisense uses a single sensor to gather movement data. The simplicity of Kinetisense makes us the most portable, affordable, and versatile solution available today.

Reference

  1. Marshall, A. N., Hertel, J., Hart, J. M., Russell, S., & Saliba, S. A. (2020). Visual biofeedback and changes in lower extremity kinematics in individuals with medial knee displacement. Journal of Athletic Training, 55(3), 255–264. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-383-18 
  2. Noble, J. W., Eng, J. J., & Boyd, L. A. (2013). Effect of visual feedback on brain activation during motor tasks: An fMRI study. Motor Control, 17(3), 298–312. https://doi.org/10.1123/mcj.17.3.298 

Featured Seminars and Expositions

https://www.firehouseexpo.com/fhe2022/1622018

Kinetisense is incredibly excited to showcase our suite of products at the Ohio Firehouse Expo in September. As a company, we are eager to learn more about firefighter safety and how we can support these amazing people who protect and serve our communities. Kinetisense will also have the opportunity to hear from firefighters, EMT’s, law enforcement personnel, and training instructors on the ways in which clinicians can help reduce the risk of injury and assist in shaping return to work protocols.

If you are in the area, come check us out on September 28-30!

https://www.beachseminars.com/optin-545428751652316089135

Kinetisense will also be in Clearwater Beach, Florida for The Symposium, a Chiropractic seminar! Along with beautiful views and amazing vendors, there will be a wide variety of attendees and speakers that include Chiropractors, NFL alumni, Licensed Nutritionistists, and more. If you haven’t registered yet, there is still time to do so! The event runs from September 8-10 at Wyndham Grand Beach.

We would love for you to stop by our booth if you are in the area!