Client: Precision Sports Technology
Sector: Healthcare, Life Sciences
Service Category: Test Before Invest
Technology Used: Motion Data Capture Validation & Analysis
Project Duration: December 2024 – March 2025
Overview
In a performance-driven world where marginal gains make all the difference, Precision Sports Technology partnered with Data2Sustain to validate the effectiveness of its innovative KinetikIQ platform. Using markerless, iPhone-based motion capture, KinetikIQ aims to make advanced athletic analysis accessible and affordable.
To move from promising innovation to proven solution, Precision Sports needed rigorous, independent validation. Through collaboration with Data2Sustain and access to a state-of-the-art motion lab, this project not only confirmed KinetikIQ’s capabilities but also paved the way for further product enhancement and adoption.
The Challenge
Precision Sports Technology, an SME based in Ireland, had developed KinetikIQ to bring real-time motion capture to athletes, coaches, and physiotherapists using only a smartphone. However, they needed third-party validation to assess:
- How accurately KinetikIQ measured static and dynamic exercises compared with a gold-standard motion capture system.
- Whether the system could reliably detect joint angles and exercise types.
- How environmental factors or camera positioning affected data quality.
Could a smartphone-based platform rival the performance of lab-grade motion systems?
The Solution
With expertise from Data2Sustain and infrastructure provided by ATU Galway’s motion capture lab, the project developed a rigorous testing protocol to benchmark KinetikIQ against industry standards.
Phase 1: Building a Validation Framework
- Reviewed peer-reviewed literature to define best practices for comparing markerless and marker-based systems.
- Developed a suite of validation metrics, including:
- Binary classification (e.g., correct vs incorrect form)
- Goniometric accuracy (joint angle precision)
- Multiclass classification (automated exercise recognition)
- Anatomical landmark recognition using computer vision
- Derived performance metrics (e.g., jump height) cross-validated with force plates
- Conducted head-to-head trials using both handheld and mounted iPhones alongside the BTS Bioengineering system.
Phase 2: Minimising Interference, Maximising Clarity
- Special attention was paid to motion marker interference, ensuring results accurately reflected real-world performance.
- Python-based data analysis scripts were developed to process results and support long-term internal validation efforts.
Key Outcomes
✅ Validated Performance
KinetikIQ’s accuracy in capturing motion data was scientifically benchmarked, increasing confidence among customers and stakeholders.
✅ Conference Recognition
The project was selected for presentation at the Irish Sports & Exercise Conference 2025, with Data2Sustain credited as delivery and funding partner.
✅ Enhanced Product Design
Insights from the study informed visual in-app guidance—improving usability and end-user compliance.
✅ Repeat Engagement
A second, more streamlined validation phase was commissioned, building on the success of the initial project.
✅ Scalable Infrastructure
Custom-built Python tools enabled a repeatable, automated data analysis pipeline for future deployments.
What We Learned
Set the Stage for Success
Pre-test preparation—including lighting, device placement, and subject positioning—was essential for capturing reliable data.
Don’t Overlook Real-World Conditions
Markerless systems may perform inconsistently under variable lighting or camera angles. Testing in realistic environments ensures better product performance.
External Validation Builds Trust
Independent analysis by qualified partners lends weight to claims and opens doors to investment, customer trust, and future research.
Wider Impact
📌 Social
KinetikIQ democratises motion analysis, empowering coaches, physiotherapists, and athletes at all levels to access professional-grade insights for performance and rehabilitation.
📌 Economic
Replacing expensive lab sessions with smartphone-based analysis reduces barriers for clinics and sports teams, making high-quality care more cost-effective and scalable.
📌 Digital Transformation
This project marked a leap from mainstream tools to advanced, AI-enabled data workflows—positioning Precision Sports at the cutting edge of sports technology.
In Their Own Words
“Working with Data2Sustain has really enabled us to move faster as a company. Independent academic validation of our solution is key to customer and investor decision-making. This project helped us identify optimal recording angles and translate that into in-app user guidance. It moved quickly, was impactful, and gave us the credibility we need to grow.”
Padraig Dennison, COO, Precision Sports Technology
Project Delivered By:
Dept. of Sport, Exercise & Nutrition, Atlantic Technological University
Part of the Data2Sustain European Digital Innovation Hub
🔗 KinetikIQ – Precision Sports Technology | Enhance Athletic Performance
