Michael Eckstein, president of Kinatrax, set out to use markerless motion-capture technology in the MLB, revolutionizing how we understand pitching through video technology and data displaying the bio-mechanics of a pitcher, reports CBS DC.
Here are five things to know about Kinatrax and the sports science behind it:
1. The video analytic system was first used in Citi Field for the New York Mets then adopted by the Tampa Bay Rays.
2. Mr. Eckstein believes front offices would be interested in this technology to monitor whether a pitcher over time has the same mechanics, giving the front office a tool to understand how consistent the pitcher is.
3. The Kinatrax would also give pitching coaches the option to review video of the pitcher in between innings, or in real-time.
4. From a trainer's point-of-view, Mr. Eckstein said trainers can see how much stress the pitchers are putting into different areas of their bodies, and it will also give players information so they are more responsible for their own bodies.
5. Stephen Fealy, MD, sports medicine consultant for the MLB Players Association and surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, is on an advisory committee for a system setting guidelines on acceptable pitch count, exercises for young pitchers, etc. Dr. Fealy told CBS DC that Kinatrax is a useful tool that is less invasive and works from afar.
"One thing we need to make sure of from a player perspective is that they don't get hurt by the use of this data," Dr. Fealy told CBS DC. "We need to make sure teams aren't using this data against them in contract talks."