Markerless Visualization and performance optimization

This domain harnesses Augmented Reality (AR) technology as a potential tool for education, sports coaching and medical sciences. In AR, challenges are encountered in the initialization phase, say, where the surface contours and images are to be obtained to facilitate the posing processes. Also, priori motion patterns may be learnt for AR optimized applications.  Eventually, useful augmented feedback can be obtained from a PDA, notebook or even goggles worn by the participants. In the latter case, LCD images may be feedback wirelessly to the participants to facilitate direct dynamic intervention of performance. In addition, real-time bio-feedback may be obtained during training and games situation that can be enhanced with, say, global positioning system and training timing-gates system. The intent here is to provide augmented feedback on human performance without any surface markers, potentially.

Biometrics and Gait Analysis

This domain focuses on gait biometrics by advancing technologies in video-based human identification, facilitated by gait, posture priori patterns and silhouette identification. This has potential applications, say, in places like an integrated resort where by a transparent integration between biometrics technologies and customer relationship management can be made by identification of a patron by his gait that can provide cashless and cardless transaction processes. This may be more convenient, cost-effective and less intrusive to the customer than conventional methods like ID card, thumb, eyes, and facial recognition. Additionally, this domain also aims to evaluate and innovate processes that facilitate the provision of customized cushioning lifestyle aids. These may be in the form of shoes, insoles, orthotics and ergonomic backpacks for various age groups and types of activities. Incorrect selection of such entities may lead to potential pathological conditions.

Injury management

This domain seeks to study mechanisms of muscle injury to enable the discovery of agents/strategies to minimize muscle injury and/or to enhance the recovery process.  It hopes to develop new ways for individuals to cope with the potentially debilitating effects of muscle injury which may arise from work-related stress/strain/injury and/or muscle injury arising from physical training and sports performance. It will involve activities to (a) trigger and induce muscle injury from experimentally controlled bouts of physical exertion (eg. muscle contractions), (b) to describe the extent of muscle injury through various descriptors, including: biochemistry and immunology markers, biometric force variables, strength & performance variables, (c) to investigate the efficacy of varying agents/strategies (existing/novel, therapeutic, medicinal, herbal, TCM) in alleviating the deleterious effects of muscle injury, and (d) to test the reliability and practicality of experimental applications in minimizing muscle injury and/or its ability to enhance the recovery process. Ultimately, this domain aims to have a readily applicable product/strategy (eg. cream/lotion, wrap/bandage/tape, local/oral supplement, exercise programming etc) that can minimize muscle injury and/or enhance recovery process.

Heat & Hydration

This domain focuses on developing formulations of electrolyte-and/or-nutritive-supplemented drinks to speed up the recovery process, and optimize hydration and electrolyte levels post physical exertion. The activities would involve (a) Evaluating the extent of fluid and electrolyte loss during exhaustive exercise and/or exercise to fatigue, (b) formulation of electrolyte-and/or-nutritive-supplemented drinks and (c) test the efficacy of formulated drinks in enhancing performance. Ultimately, this domain aims to obtain data on the differing extents of fluid and electrolyte lost during exhaustive exercise and/or exercise to fatigue in males and females, and under different temperatures as well as formulating drinks of different electrolyte, carbohydrate/nutraceutical content to minimize electrolyte losses and enhance performance.

Performance Enhancing Foods