Biomechanics labs were a regular part of my schedule as a 21-year-old majoring in Movement Science at the University of Michigan. The labs were weekly two-hour sessions at 3:30 PM in the CCRB, covering a different topic each week. Years later, most of the material has faded from memory, but one lab stands out and was a significant driver behind the development of Yogger.

This lab involved conducting kinematic analysis while jumping. Using force plates connected to a small laptop, we recorded videos of ourselves jumping and calculated joint angles to complete the analysis. While the force plate data and video recordings were straightforward, calculating joint angles through movement was labor-intensive, requiring us to painstakingly plot points frame by frame for the hip, knee, ankle, and toe.

This three-second jump took about thirty minutes to analyze, making it clear that a better and faster process was needed. It was 2013, with emerging technologies like smartwatches, the PS4, and even Google Glass promising a high-tech future. The lack of automation in biomechanics analysis seemed like an oversight waiting to be resolved.

Years later, as a graduate student in Computer Engineering at Boston University, I revisited the memory of that biomechanics lab for a product development class project. Despite the technological advances over the years, I found that the tools for calculating biomechanics had remained stagnant and inaccessible to the average user. This project became an opportunity to create a more efficient and accessible solution for motion analysis.

Two Key Principles for the Solution

• Sensorless Technology: Wearables were ruled out as they inhibit natural movement and require time-consuming setups. Recording and analyzing natural movement required a sensorless solution that was affordable and accessible.
• Leveraging Everyday Devices: The technology had to fit seamlessly into our natural environment without relying on expensive laboratory equipment. Smartphones, readily available in most pockets, became the ideal tool for gathering data.

The project proved successful but revealed a broader problem to solve: democratizing motion analysis for users of all skill levels. By incorporating advancements in machine learning, the potential for empowering individuals to move better was immense.

The Vision for Yogger: Democratizing Motion Data

Yogger aims to bring the power of motion capture labs to everyday PT clinics, sports coaches, and personal trainers. By offering an affordable, easy-to-use tool, Yogger enables athletes and patients without access to expensive labs to capture and analyze movement data.

Beyond capturing data, Yogger provides an educational suite to help users turn data into actionable plans. The mission is not just to offer tools for analysis but to empower users to heal, maintain, and excel.

Yogger's Mantra

Democratizing movement data to help better heal, maintain, and excel.

To Better Heal

Motion analysis has vast applications in healthcare, especially in monitoring patients post-surgery or during injury rehabilitation. With the shift toward virtual healthcare options post-COVID, Yogger’s ability to provide remote motion analysis becomes invaluable.

To Maintain

Preventative care is another area where Yogger shines. By ensuring proper alignment and movement patterns, users can reduce their risk of injury. Proper biomechanics are critical for avoiding injuries and maintaining physical health.

To Excel

Yogger also helps users enhance athletic performance, from improving sports techniques to achieving personal bests. By making advanced motion analysis accessible, Yogger bridges the gap between casual athletes and high-level sports science.

Final Thoughts

The hope and vision for Yogger are to make motion analysis accessible and actionable for everyone. Whether saving time for undergrads in biomechanics classes or helping athletes achieve their goals, Yogger embodies the principle of democratizing movement data.