Real-Time Muscle Monitoring in Elite Sports with Vscan Air CL

Field Hockey player Frédérique Matla is recognized as one of the world's top forwards. The two-time Olympic champion, world champion, and European champion secured a gold medal with the Dutch national team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. To maintain her performance on the field and prevent injuries, Matla relies on dynamic scanning capabilities during training. Through a collaboration between GE HealthCare and Usono, she utilizes the ultra-portable Vscan Air CL handheld probe and the ProbeFix Dynamic* holder, a uniquely designed sports brace.

“Ultrasound has become an integral part of physiotherapy,” emphasizes sports physiotherapist Frank Hagenaars, who supervised Frédérique Matla’s use of the Vscan Air CL during training. “It allows you to see exactly how the muscle works, and it is very safe since it is completely radiation-free.” The unique feature of Usono’s ProbeFix Dynamic holder is that athletes can easily wear it during sports activities, even intense training. Doctors, researchers, and physiotherapists can remotely observe, in real-time, through the attached ultrasound device, detailed views of how the muscle is being stressed. “You can see how the muscles and tendons behave during functional and relevant motions, showing their performance under load,” says Victor Donker, co-founder of Usono.

The Dynamic ultrasound revolution

Collecting real-time information on muscle activity has the potential to revolutionize sports therapy and injury prevention. Usono has seen numerous successful case reports from customers in both diagnosis and rehabilitation, and now envisions many more opportunities for the near future. This innovative ultrasound combination, which provides continuous data on muscle activity, is making the dream of wearable musculoskeletal ultrasound a reality sooner than expected. Currently, the combination is particularly beneficial for rehabilitation after muscle injuries, Donker notes. “We’ve seen very positive case studies, such as those by Josep Caballero, physiotherapist for Villarreal CF, clinic owner, and independent consultant,” he adds.

Vscan Air CL ultra-portable handheld ultrasound as the ideal solution

Diagnosing muscle and joint injuries with precision can be a challenge, particularly when quick action is required on the sidelines or in the clinic. This is where the Vscan Air CL comes into play. This convenient, wireless ultrasound device with dual probes is specifically designed for musculoskeletal imaging. It provides clear images of muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, both at rest and in motion. With this technology, diagnosis becomes not only easier but also more reliable.

The Vscan Air CL enables immediate injury assessments directly on the field, facilitating quick treatment decisions. For instance, it allows for real-time distinction between torn and non-torn tendons, ensuring rapid intervention and optimal recovery.

The future: ultrasound for injury prevention

The collaboration between GE HealthCare and Usono has the potential to create groundbreaking possibilities in injury prevention through a highly dynamic setup. Observing muscle activity and stress with real-time ultrasound during training could make a significant contribution to preventing injuries in the medium to long term. Frédérique Matla's role as an ambassador for the combination of Vscan Air CL ultrasound and the ProbeFix Dynamic* holder will help gather valuable experiences and substantial data in the coming years, which will be highly valuable for physiotherapy and sports medicine.

_{*ProbeFix Dynamic is sold and distributed through Usono and may not be available in all countries.
Usono is solely responsible for it's own products and GE HealthCare is not taking over any responsability about Usono.}

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