Academy of Sports and Exercise Medicine

Physical assessment, pre-participation evaluation and training programs using advanced technology in sports medicine

Due to advancements in sports medicine technology, advanced medical devices and equipment have been developed in order to conduct physical assessment and evaluation, allowing for comprehensive training programs that substantially enhance athletic performances. As one of the pioneers in sports medicine, BASEM (Bangkok Academy of Sports and Exercise Medicine) at Bangkok Hospital has truly committed to improve physical fitness and optimize athletic performances by offering a wide range of medical devices, extending from body composition evaluation to a variety of fitness and performance assessments.

Body Composition Evaluation

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis or BIA is a commonly used method for estimating body composition, in particular body fat and muscle mass. BIA determines the electrical impedance or resistance to the flow of a low level, imperceptible electrical current that is sent through body tissues. Tissues that contain large amounts of fluid and electrolytes have high conductivity whereas fat and bone slow the signal down. Through different types of tissue, the voltage of impedance can be used to estimate body fat, fat-free body mass, muscles, bone and total body water. In addition, BIA can determine muscle balance of the arms and legs as well as appropriate body weight of each individual.

BIA enables the sports medicine specialist to conduct nutritional and physical assessments as well as to early detect an improper balance in the body composition which fosters earlier intervention and prevention. BIA also provides a measurement of fluid and body mass that can be a critical assessment tool for current state of health and the risk of developing abnormal health conditions, such as coronary artery diseases, osteopenia (reduced bone mass) and edema (swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body’s tissues). More importantly, BIA can address the state of physical inactivity which leads to decreased muscle mass or muscle imbalance, allowing for the guidance of appropriate lifestyle modifications covering exercise and diet consumption.

Balance Test

To precisely evaluate balance and stability, The Biodex Balance System with digital processing system has been used as an assessment tool to improve balance, increase agility and develop muscle tone. Using static and dynamic testing and training technology, The Biodex Balance System aims to enhance mobility and maintain dynamic postural stability in athletes. Moreover, the Biodex Balance System can be used as an effective tool for assessing postural stability and risk of falls that leads to fractures in the elderly.

AlterG ^® or Anti-Gravity Treadmill

alter g 1.jpg

The AlterG^®or Anti-Gravity Treadmill has been designed as a leading-edge training and rehabilitation equipment to empower people to freely move without pain. This advanced technology aids in recovering mobility and enhancing physical performance of people who have some limitations on weight bearing e.g. post-surgery of knee, ankle or foot, people who have had knee pain while running and obese or overweight people who may experience knee or leg pain. The AlterG^® provides precise partial weight-bearing following injury or surgery to restore natural gait and range of motion. It enables neuromuscular and proprioceptive retraining that enhances balance and confidence with improved gait.

Particularly in athletes or healthy persons, appropriate exercise remains vital in order to enhance physical flexibility and function, enabling a greater range of movement at the joints and relevant muscles. More importantly, exercise helps escalating lung and heart functions to optimize their maximum capacities, resulting in increased exercise volume and overall fitness level. Nevertheless, weigh-bearing constraints significantly impede the ability of movement, leading to impaired mobility and poor physical performance.

alter g 2.jpg

The AlterG^® integrates patented, NASA Differential Air Pressure technology, a precise air calibration system using a pressurized air chamber to uniformly reduce gravitational load up to 80% of actual body weight. Therefore, unweighting technology allows patients and athletes to move unrestricted and fully rehabilitate while running with only 20% of body weight which is equivalent to hydrotherapy (running in the water). Body weight can be accurately adjusted and controlled from 100% to as little as 20% in 1% increments. Superior advantages include pain-free restoring and building muscle strength and enhance range of motion while minimizing risk of further injuries and reducing risk of surgical wound infections during hydrotherapy.

Isokinetic Testing

isokinetic system.jpg

Isokinetic testing is a form of exercise that permits maximum muscle contraction throughout the full range of joint movement. An isokinetic machine is a rehabilitative exercise device aimed to measure, evaluate and increase the strength of muscles and the range of motion of joints by using computerized system. The test may be performed concentrically (muscles shorten during contraction) or eccentrically (muscles lengthen during contraction) as external forces are applied to the limb. These contrasting forms of dynamic resistance allow for promoting functional and structural adaptations in the muscles. Athletes and patients are able to return to normal activities via resistance exercise that is focused at regaining muscle strength.

Isokinetic exercise machines are equipped with computer system or clinical data system, dynamometer and attachments to parts of body muscles, such as ankle, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip and/or upper body extremity. The test can be conducted prior to sport participation or after sport injuries.

VO₂ Max Testing

VO₂Max is the maximum amount of oxygen that the body can use, or maximal oxygen consumption during exercise. It is commonly used to test the aerobic endurance or cardiovascular fitness of athletes before and at the end of a training cycle. VO₂ max is measured in milliliters of oxygen consumed in one minute, per kilogram of body weight (mL/kg/min). Aside from measuring maximal oxygen consumption, VO₂Max testing can help determine cardiac function and oxygen saturation in the blood while exertion or exercise. Improving VO₂Max enables athletes to improve endurance for moderate or high intensity exercise.

vo2 max.jpg

To reach the optimal benefits of exercise among individuals, physical assessment and fitness evaluation must be conducted by the expert sports medicine specialist. Personal objectives of having improved physical fitness widely vary, extending from weight reduction, body contouring, improving heart and lung functions to sport participation or competition. To achieve these goals, personalized plans should be individually designed in accordance with personal performance and capability.

Minimal pain, faster recovery, walk again in 24 hours | don't worry

< 1 minute(s) read

Information by

Subscribe E-Newsletter

Feedback & Suggestion

Services

Services

Plan your visit

Plan your visit

Health Info

Health Info

About Us

About Us