Innervations
home about us contents products downloads support education
contact info request info what's new search currency converter

What's New at Innervations

November 14 2011 - Release of Version 2011.0.6 of the Pacer Performacne System software.

We have added squad files to the Pacer software so that subject name and body mass can be included in the reports. Gait analysis has been improved and is much more accurate. Problem of stride length being incorrect on some analyses has been fixed. The new version can be downloaded now.

September 13 2011 - Release of Version 2011.2.0 of the Ballistic Measurement System software.

Force and displacement digital data is now displayed during the data collection in realtime. This allows you to position the barbell or adjust loadings while observing accurate measurements. In addition, moving the mouse pointer over the graph of the data set will display the time and data at the pointer location. While moving the pointer over the graph, the current displacement, velocity, acceleration, force and power are digitally displayed as well. The new version can be downloaded now.

August 8 2011 - Release of Version 2011.1.0 of the Ballistic Measurement System software.

This latest version has greatly improved algorithms for determining the phases of countermovement exercises such as jump or bench throw. Phases can be determined from displacement only, force only or a combination of both data sets. Time of eccentric, concentric and flight time are now very accurately calculated and flight to contraction ratio is determined, a very indicative measure of neural or metabolic fatigue. In response to client feedback, the maximum number of data samples has been increased to 1million allowing up to 2000 seconds (33 minutes) of continuous data collection if required. The new version can be downloaded now.

May 8 2011 - Release of Version 2011.0.4 of the Pacer Performance System software.

We have improved the data filtering algorithm for the data sets and this has resulted in much smoother velocity and acceleration data. Click here to download.

March 16 2011 - Release of Version 2011.0.2 of the Pacer Performance System software.

If using a Pacer file the target velocity will now appear in the saved data files. This column was always populated when running against a set program but not the pacer. This feature has now been added. Click here to download.

February 14 2011 - Innervations software tested on Apple computers.

The Ballistic Measurement System, Kinematic Measurement System, Pacer Performance System and InnerBalance software will all run on Apple computers under Parallels software. These sytems can also run on Apple computers which can boot into the Windows operating system. However, it is important to download and test any of these software programs to ensure they will run on your Apple computer.

January 29 2011 - Release of Version 2011.0.1 of the Pacer Performance System software.

The first release of Pacer software for 2011 has a new "Velocity Profile" added to the Performance Report. Simply select the section of the velocity graph that you wish to profile and click Report. The generated report now includes the velocity every 10 seconds for the initial 60 seconds of velocity data. The velocity at each time point as a percentage of the maximum velocity is also displayed. This table can then be copied and pasted into Excel for graphing or further analysis. The Velocity Profile is perfect for implementing fatigue tests similar to the Wingate Cycle Test but for sprinting.

The multi-stage fitness test, also known as the bleep test, beep test, pacer test, or 20-m shuttle run test has now been added to the Pacer Performance System as a new program. This can be effectively used for testing aerobic fitness or training for the test in preparation for the sporting draft or occupational fitness testing such as police or military.

This new version can be downloaded now.

November 25 2010 - Release of Version 2010.0.1 of the Ballistic Measurement System software.

We have incorporated a new data filtering algorithm into the BMS software which results in greatly improved data smoothing and more representative and accurate velocity and acceleration data. The new filter can also be applied to raw force data which was not available previously. The new version can be downloaded now. This version also includes the latest device driver from FTDI for the USB port. This version installs on Windows7 and earlier and both 64bit and 32bit operating systems.

November 23 2010 - Release of Version 2010.0.0 of the Pacer Performance System software.

Pacer software now includes full support for the Curve3 non-motorised treadmill from Woodway. The Curve3 does not require the athlete to be tethered but rather the curved shape of the treadmill deck allows a free running gait. Load cells in the treadmill permit measurement of gait parameters such as vertical and horizontal forces as well as step and stride measurements. All of the programming and pacer functions are available includign heart rate monitoring. A new console screen provides a full screen graphic of the current and target speeds with display of heart rate, position relative to the pacer, and percentage of target distance completed. The new version can be downloaded now.

April 21 2010 - Release of Version 2010.0.0 of the Ballistic Measurement System software.

We have released a significant upgrade of the BMS software with the following new key features: Software is compatible with Windows 7. Problem of locating peak force has been resolved. Data collection can be stopped at any time during a trial or the end time point can be specified. For stretch shorten cycle movements the start of eccentric, concentric, takeoff and landing times are automatically located. A new "Show phases" option will highlight these events for stretch shorten cycle movements. Squad file capacity has been extended to 10,000 members. Total impulse between the cursors has been added to the processing window. Auditory feedback has been improved with ability to select other sound files and speed of processing increased for more immediate feedback. The new version can be downloaded now.

November 19 2009 - Release of Version 2009.3.0 of the Pacer Performance System now with support for the Woodway SpeedBoard.

Woodway's latest athlete powered treadmill the SpeedBoard is a revolution in treadmill design. Innervations now supports the SpeedBoard through our Pacer Performance System software giving all the gait analysis, sprint performance testing and training.

May 12 2009 - Release of Version 2009.1.0 of the Kinematic Measurement System.

Sound files have been added for feedback of target performance in the jump tests and sprint training. In the jumping mode the KMS feeds back information on contact time, flight time, power output and flight to contact ratio. This is either an absolute measurement or percentage of target. When running repeat sprints, the system displays a large message in red (missed) or green (exceeded) immediately after completion of the sprint repetition. A sound file is played when the performance meets or exceeds the target or misses the target. This feedback greatly increases athlete motivation during training and testing resulting in higher quality workouts. The end of test is also signalled by an audible sound file. This latest version now detects whether Excel is installed and if not, disables output to spreadsheet function. During multiple gate trials, the computer plays a sound as each gate is passed.

April 29 2009 - Release of Version 2009.1.2 of the Ballistic Measurement System.

This latest version now detects whether Excel is installed and if not, disables output to spreadsheet function. Also, you can now select which sound files to use for over and under threshold auditory feedback. Select "Tools" and then "Configure" from the menu and then under the "General" tab double click on the filename to change either the over or under sound file to be played during training mode with feedback.

March 7 2009 - Release of Version 2009.1.0 of the Ballistic Measurement System now with flight time, concentric time and flight:concentric ratio.

Recent research by Dr. Stuart Cormack has revealed that the ratio of flight time to concentric time during a jump squat is a valid, reliable and indicative measure of neuromuscular performance and useful for tracking athlete performance and fatigue. These variables are now automatically calculated by the BMS software.

February 19 2009 - Release of Version 2009.1.0 of the Pacer Performance System now with Gait Analysis and full Vista compatibility

Pacer Performance Software now has Gait Analysis capability for walking, jogging or running on non-motorized treadmills. The software automatically finds each step, determines if it is a left or right foot strike and calculates a range of key gait parameters including: step rate, step length, average horizontal force, average vertical force, work done, and average power for every step. Summary variables to assess gait symmetry include ratios of left to right for each of these variables and an overall composite SYMMETRY INDEX. The Pacer software is now fully compatible with Windows Vista and no longer requires admin privileges to run.

November 19 2008 - Release of Version 2008.6.0 of the Kinematic Measurement System now with Squad Lists, multiple gate setups and full Vista compatibility

KMS software now has facility to create multiple squad lists in Microsoft Excel and then read these in to the KMS program to track individual athlete or subject performances and files. The ID, name, and body weight can now be saved with data files and results spreadsheets. Setup for multigate sprint testing is now easier than ever. Create as many gate setups as you need using Microsoft Excel and then these can be selected from within the KMS program.

With this version we have ensured that the KMS software is now fully Vista compatible. KMS still runs fine over Windows XP but it will also run over Vista without requiring administrator user level privileges.

November 14 2008 - Release of Version 2008.3.0 of the Ballistic Measurement System now with Squad Lists and Force Filter

BMS software now has facility to create multiple squad lists in Microsoft Excel and then read these in to the BMS program to track individual athlete or subject performances and files. The ID, name, and body weight can now be saved with data files and results spreadsheets.

A 4th order Butterworth digital filter can now also be applied to the force data with user setting for the cut off frequency.

October 20 2008 - Release of Version 2008.2.1 of the Ballistic Measurement System now with support for 600Hz Performance Force Plate

This version of the BMS software adds support for the 600Hz sampling rate of the new Performance Force Plate from Fitness Technology.

October 9 2008 - Release of Version 2008.2.0 of the Ballistic Measurement System

The release of Windows Vista has created some security and user access problems for the BMS software. The release of Version 2008.2.0 brings the software up to Vista compatibility by:

BMS software no longer uses the Windows system registry to store program settings. A configuration file call BMSConfig.INI is maintained in the Program Data folder of the XP or Vista folder structure.
Files which require user updating, reading and writing are no longer stored in the C:\Program Files\Ballistic Measurement System\ folder which is protected under Vista. These files are now stored in the Public\Documents folder which can be readily accessed by all users.

A System Status window has been added which displays the progress of software start up, finding the data interface and other events during operation of the BMS software. This provides valuable information to help our technicians troubleshoot any problems.

May 26, 2008 - Kinematic Measurement System now has performance feedback on jumping and sprint performance

In the jumping mode the KMS feeds back information on contact time, flight time, power output and flight to contact ratio. This is either an absolute measurement or percentage of target. When running repeat sprints, the system displays a large message in red (missed) or green (exceeded) immediately after completion of the sprint repetition. A tone is also sounded when the performance meets or exceeds the target. This feedback greatly increases athlete motivation during training and testing resulting in higher quality workouts.

March 31, 2008 - System report function added to Ballistic Measurement System and Kinematic Measurement System with Release of Versions for 2008

Extensive system reporting is now accessible from the Help menu. This produces a report that can be emailed to our technical support to assist with resolving problems.

September 23, 2007 - Seek and data copy functions added to the Ballistic Measurement System with Release of Version 2007.2.2

Two new functions have been added to the Ballistic Measurement System.

Seek Function - Selected from the analysis window, clicking the left or right buttons to move points 1 and 2 the line will move to the next zero crossing, maxima or minima. This makes it much easier to mark out key sections of data.
Copy data to clipboard - Right click on the graph in the Analysis window to open the Graph options window. The data between the two set points can then be copied by clicking on the command button to copy just the currently displayed data or all the data sets to the Clipboard. The data can then be pasted directly into Excel, Word etc. When copying just the currently displayed data there is a checkbox to choose whether the time data should be included.

August 22, 2007 - Release of BMS Version 2007.2.0

Latest version of the Ballistic Measurement System software includes a range of enhancements to the user interface and functionality:

Opening of Collect&Analyze, Training & Process windows if via the View menu option. These Window are now intended to all be open simultaneously and can be arrange via the Window menu option.
Rather than click Process as in previous versions, the Process window can remain open and changes to the data or moving the selection points in the Collect&Analyze window immediately updates the values on the Process window. Clicking Save on the Process window at any time will paste the date to the Excel spreadsheet.
Check boxes have been added to the Process window so that specific variables can be selected for saving to Excel.
Version tracking has been added to the Help menu to provide information on updates, additions and changes to the software. To access select Version Info from the Help menu.
Saving the variables listed in the Process window no longer outputs to a text file. Data is written directly into an Excel spreadsheet. Reference to output and results file no longer applies.
A range of new summary variables have been added to the Process window. These include:
- force at peak power
- velocity at peak power
- power at peak force
- velocity at peak force
- impulse (force x time) over the initial 100, 200, 250, and 300 ms from the first cursor
It is now possible to switch dynamically between USB interfaces from the Configuration window under Data Collection tab. Simply select XPV6, XPV6+ or XPV7 interface and then click Connect button and the system will open the new interface if it is plugged in and operational.

July 30, 2007 - Variable eccentric braking control added

Ballistic Measurement System now has the ability to turn the eccentric braking off and on at selected phases of the movement range. Specifically, the brake can be applied at the top of the movement and then released when the barbell returns to the landing or catch height. More information is available from the Ballistic Measurement System webpage.

October 25, 2006 - Combined Driver Model (CDM) for USB Interface units

Three different USB interface units have been developed for the various Innervations products. These are the XPV4, XPV6, XPV6+ and XPV7 and are used in various combinations with the KMS, BMS, and Force Treadmill software systems. This has created inconvenience for clients with more than one system. For example, many of our clients have a Performance Force plate which includes the XPV7 interface as well as a standard BMS which uses the XPV6 interface. To use both systems with the one computer required removing the existing driver and then installing the driver for the other interface. The manufacturer of the USB interface chip have now released a Combined Driver Model for both which makes using different Innervations systems on the same computer seamless. A technical note on how to remove the existing driver and install the new CDM driver is now available. The new CDM driver can be obtained from the downloads page.

August 30, 2006 - Average contact time added to multiple jump test for Kinematic Measurement System

The very useful performance variable of average contact time has been added to the jump testing using the Kinematic Measurement System. Average contact time can be used to train athletes to minimize ground time and provide important feedback during plyometric drills. This feature not only applies to vertical jump but many coaches are using several contact mats and using the Kinematic Measurement System to measure performance during bounding and hopping drills.

August 23, 2006 - Performance feedback added to Kinetic Measurement System

Feedback of performance greatly increases athlete training effort and is an excellent tool for teaching technique. To address this need we have added performance feedback to the Kinematic Measurement System for vertical jump testing. Feedback can be selected for flight or contact time, flight to contact ratio, absolute or relative power output. The score is displayed with a bright green or red background indicating success or failure at meeting the target. A beep is also emitted from the computer for successful repetitions. Details of this feature are available on our performance feedback page.

February 3, 2006 - Performance Force Plate from Fitness Technology

We asked strength and conditioning coaches and sports scientists throughout the world what they wanted in a force plate for athlete testing and training. The result is the Performance Force Plate, specifically designed to be low cost, light weight, portable, USB interface, and optimum for athlete performance measurement. Combined with our BMS software sports scientists and strength&conditioning specialists can now measure force, power, velocity, jump height, rate of force development, impulse from the forces the athlete exerts on the ground.

June 29, 2005 - Ballistic Measurement System - Automatic data output to Excel

The latest version of the Ballistic Measurement System transfers the measurements from both the process window and the training window directly into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. This means that the test results can now be easily sorted, graphed, and averages calculated. Data management and reporting is so much easier with no risk of transcription errors that plague less sophisticated microprocessor systems. Perhaps the greatest advantage is the dramatic reduction in time spent collating and organising the training and testing data.

November 25, 2004 - Kinematic Measurement System - Automatic data output to Excel

The latest version of the Kinematic Measurement System transfers the measurements directly into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. This means that the test results can now be easily sorted, graphed, and averages calculated. Data management and reporting is so much easier with no risk of transcription errors that plague less sophisticated microprocessor systems. Perhaps the greatest advantage is the dramatic reduction in time spent collating and organising the test data.

October 30, 2004 - Force Treadmill Software

Innervations has developed the Force Treadmill Software for the latest athlete powered treadmill from Woodway. The combination of state of the art non-motorized treadmill with powerful Windows software provides a testing and training system with stunning capabilities. The system is fully programmable and programs can be saved and recalled at will. This permits development of very specific continuous and interval training protocols which mimic the target sport. The Pacer function allows athletes and coaches to save a particular run and then call it up later to act as a pacer. This means the athlete can "race" themselves, or at least their performance from say 6 months previously.

February 15, 2002 - Kinematic Measurement System - Serial Interface

The latest version of the Kinematic Measurement System utilizes our custom manufactured timer interface. This means that the KMS can now be run on the latest Windows operating systems such as 2000 and XP. All timing is done onboard a microprocessor with millisecond accuracy and the times are sent to the Windows computer via the RS232 serial port or USB port. The simplest way to get up and running with 'state of the art' timing yet.

September 10, 2001 - Balance assessment using the Kinematic Measurement System with new Wobble Board option.

Previously it has been difficult to accurately assess progress with balance training and rehabilitation. Innervations has added a new switch to our range based on a Wobble board. Detailed information on time ON and OFF balance, number of times balance is lost, and the ON/OFF ratio. One leg standing allows comparison of left and right legs. Provides valuable feedback for therapist and patient.

August 16, 2001 - Discussion of the advantages of the Kinematic Measurement System over the other timing systems on the market

Many customers ask us why our system is better that the other timing systems on the market. We have added a discussion of the advantages of the Kinematic Measurement System over dedicated timing systems to our website.

April 21, 2001 - Latest Version (2001.1.4) of Kinematic Measurement System Released - Now with The 'Intelligent Director'

The 'Intelligent' Director is an excellent technique for assessing an athlete's ability to rapidly change direction in response to a visual stimulus. The athlete jogs or sprints down between a center light gate (or mat) and then the KMS displays an arrow indicating the direction the athlete is required to run. He/she then has to run ASAP to the indicated target. Time to reach the target is recorded and ratios between left and right and forward and back are calculated. Select all 4 or just left and right. Create drills which emphasize movements to the left and back. Test and train with greater control and customize for your athlete/patient requirements.

February 15, 2001 - Latest Version (2001.1.0) of Kinematic Measurement System Released - Now with Customized First Step Quickness Test

The First Step Quickness test is an excellent technique for assessing reaction time and movement speed. This test has been greatly enhanced in this version of the KMS by allowing you to select which directions the athlete/patient must move. Select all 4 or just left and right. Create drills which emphasize movements to the left and back. Test and train with greater control and customize for your athlete/patient requirements.

February 12, 2001 - Clinical Assessment and Rehabilitation using the Kinematic Measurement System

The KMS is being used extensively for testing and training athletes, but this was not the original reason for developing the system. We wanted an accurate and flexible means of measuring gait velocity in patients and elderly subjects. It was not long before innovative therapists began using combinations of contact mats and light gates to perform a wide range of tests of functional performance. Of course we do have the gait analysis test which compares contact and flight times between the left and right legs, but with a little imagination, many lower extremity tests can be designed to assess and rehabilitate functional capacity. Discussion of these applications has now been added to this website.

January 3, 2001 - Ballistic Measurement System Version 2001 Released

The Ballistic Measurement System software has been upgraded to full 32-bit for Windows 95/98 and ME. This latest version no longer supports the older Windows 3.x systems but offers considerable enhancements for the latest operating systems including:

long filenames for data files
faster speed of graphing and calculation
support for the latest analog to digital cards
printing capability from the training window

June 26, 2000 - KMS PortaKit Released in the United States

Inexpensive, portable, expandable. The KMS Portakit features a heavy duty plastic carry case with wheels and extendable handle. The base kit includes 4 single beam light gates, starter's siren, and battery power supply. Additional light gates, contact mats, or cable combinations are available.

March 10, 2000 - Latest Version (2000.2.1) of Kinematic Measurement System Released - Now with False Signal Processing

What has plagued other timing systems and frustrated coaches and athletes is the problem of false switch changes being registered interfering with reliable timing of events. Innervations has virtually eliminated these problems by using the power of the modern Pentium PC to intelligently process switch changes and filter out problem signals.

January 10, 2000 - New US Based website and Company name

We have moved our head office to Muncie, Indiana in the United States of America. Our new contact details are here. All of our products and services will still be available in Australia and the Asia region with local support provided by Fitness Technology. You will note the name change from Optimal Kinetics to Innervations and this was necessary because Optimal Kinetics was already a registered company in the US. We will now be able to provide faster and more efficient service and support to North America and Europe from our new base. Also, most of you should experience vastly improved access to this website now it is located in the United States.

August 25, 1999 - Payment by Credit Card is now available

Ordering of products and payment by credit card (American Express, Mastercard, Visa only at this stage) is now available. You may now send us your credit card details with your order by fax or mail for rapid transaction and dispatch of your order.

February 15, 1999 - Optimal Endurance System demonstration available for download

A computer program which implements and monitors tests and training routines for anaerobic and aerobic endurance. It is excellent for activities which use intervals of work and rest or requires the athlete to perform at a certain pace. The program generates sounds (beeps, bells etc.) as well as spoken instructions for the athletes performing the test. Several protocols are included in the package and there is also the ability to design your own protocols. Examples included in the package are the standard Beep test, Conconi Test, and Continuous Running Multistage Field Test. The software has been developed for the Windows 95/98 environment and can be downloaded for free trial.

September 8, 1998 - Release of Windows version of Kinematic Measurement System

The Kinematic Measurement System has been developed to accurately measure the time between switch changes from devices such as contact mats and timing lights. This permits a wide range of tests to be conducted for agility, speed, acceleration, jump height and power, contact time, and gait analysis. The latest version of the software has been developed for the Windows 95/98 environment and can be downloaded for free trial.

August 16, 1998 - Launch of the corporate web site

At Innervations we do a lot of business through the Internet. Customer support, sales enquiries, quotations are more often than not, exchanged by email rather than fax or postal mail. Given the considerable amount of work we do in Web site development and delivery of on-line courses, the creation of our own Web site was inevitable. This site is designed to bring you the most up to date information on our products and services. Also, we hope that it will serve as a two-way information conduit for the exchange of knowledge and advice.