Cyrille Gindre, the CEO at Volodalen: “The biggest opportunity in health and sports tech lies in the integration of AI to offer more personalized and predictive insights”
The Latest and Greatest – A Glimpse Inside Health and Sport Tech interview series offers readers an unparalleled look into the cutting-edge innovations transforming health and sports technology. Each interview delves into the minds of industry leaders and pioneers who are at the forefront of developing technologies that improve health outcomes, enhance athletic performance, and revolutionize fitness and wellness. By exploring a diverse range of topics from wearable tech, this series provides readers with invaluable insights, practical knowledge, and a forward-thinking perspective on how these advancements can impact their personal and professional lives. Whether you’re a tech entrepreneur, or other tech savy, or a healthcare professional, this series is a must-read for anyone interested in staying ahead of the curve in these dynamic fields.
Our inaugural interview features Cyrille Gindre and Aurélien Patoz, who offer some compelling insights into this field. Cyrille, the CEO of Volodalen, and Aurélien, the company’s data scientist, are at the forefront of innovation in this space. With their extensive academic backgrounds—Cyrille holds a Ph.D. in sports biomechanics from the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, and Aurélien holds two Ph.D. degrees, one in theoretical chemistry from the Polytechnic School of Lausanne and another in sports biomechanics from the University of Lausanne—they have pioneered the VIBE solution. This wearable technology provides real-time performance analytics for running stride, jumping capacity, and strength, addressing a significant need in athletic training and performance evaluation.
So, what drives Cyrille and Aurélien in the realm of health and sports tech? Their journey is as fascinating as the technology they’ve developed, and their insights are definitely worth reading.
Could you please introduce yourselves to the audience? What made you get into health and sports technology?
Cyrille: I’m Cyrille, the CEO of Volodalen, a Switzerland-based company that trains health and sports professionals to personalize care based on Motor Preferences. As an inventor of the Motor Preferences concept, I lead the development of new methodologies at Volodalen. Additionally, I’m the originator of VIBE.
Aurélien: I’m Aurélien, a data scientist at Volodalen. I develop algorithms to analyze running biomechanics, jumping capacity, and strength using inertial sensors, employing quantitative methods and AI. Additionally, I conduct research, perform data analysis, and contribute to scientific publications at Volodalen. I have developed the algorithms used by VIBE.
The excitement in health and sports tech stems from the potential to significantly enhance human performance and well-being through technological innovation. At VIBE, this passion is driven by the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology to provide actionable insights that were previously inaccessible altogether. The ability to capture and analyze detailed testing performance data in real-time allows for personalized training and rehabilitation strategies, which can lead to remarkable improvements in athletic performance and health outcomes. This fusion of technology and sports science is what motivates us to continuously innovate and advance in this sector.
Why was the VIBE solution born?
In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, a surprising void emerged: there were no longer any products on the market capable of accurately testing running stride, jumping capacity, and strength altogether. Athletes and coaches found themselves at a loss, searching for reliable tools to measure their performance and eventually improve it. The few existing solutions were outdated and lacked the precision needed for modern demands. As the need for comprehensive, real-time performance analytics grew, the sports world eagerly awaited a breakthrough to fill this critical gap. This absence highlighted the urgent demand for innovative technology to enhance athletic training and performance evaluation. In the quest to fill the critical gap in performance testing technology, the VIBE solution emerged.
VIBE revolutionizes athletic training by providing athletes and coaches with precise and reliable movement and power analysis. By using advanced wearable sensor technology, VIBE enables personalized testing and hence allows creating personalized training regimens tailored to individual needs and goals. This could eventually result in optimized performance and reduced injury risks. VIBE’s mission is to make high-quality performance analytics accessible, offering real-time insights that empower users to make data-driven decisions, thereby enhancing athletic achievement and overall health.
Which sports VIBE applies to and what specific advantages does it offer to coaches and athletes?
As an accurate and accessible testing tool, VIBE’s technology applies to any kind of sport. Traditional methods of testing athletic performance can be cumbersome and often lack precision. VIBE solves this by providing a portable, easy-to-use device that delivers comprehensive biomechanical data for running, jumping, and strength. This helps coaches and athletes to optimize training regimens, improve technique, and make informed decisions based on real-time feedback. By making advanced performance analytics accessible, VIBE aids in enhancing training efficiency to eventually boost performance and minimize the risk of injuries.
How would you describe the key benefits of your product?
VIBE offers a cutting-edge wearable sensor that measures key athletic performance metrics, including stride analysis, jumping capacity, reactivity, power, and strength. Indeed, VIBE offers a comprehensive suite of eight tests that provide detailed analysis across 25 metrics. These tests include:
- Stride Analysis which measures the biomechanics of running to optimize technique and efficiency
- Squat Jump which evaluates explosive leg power
- Counter Movement Jump which evaluates explosive leg power with counter movement
- Rebound Jump which tests elastic strength and reactive ability
- Squat which analyzes lower body strength
- Bench Press which analyzes upper body strength
- Force/Velocity Profile in Squat which profiles the force-velocity relationship in squat and provides the load for one repetition maximum (1RM)
- Force/Velocity Profile in Bench Press which profiles the force-velocity relationship in bench press and provides the load for 1RM.
These tests collectively capture 25 distinct performance metrics, offering a thorough evaluation of an athlete’s capabilities in running, jumping, and strength. This comprehensive approach ensures that coaches and athletes receive precise, actionable data to tailor training programs and enhance performance.
The biomechanical data captured by VIBE are presented in an easy-to-interpret format via a smartphone application (iOS and Android) to coaches and athletes. This user-friendly interface ensures both accuracy and simplicity, making it accessible for coaches and athletes at all levels. Key benefits include personalized training insights and the ability to fine-tune training programs based on real-time data, leading to better athletic outcomes and overall health benefits.
Movesense sensor is part of your solution. What made you choose the Movesense sensor?
VIBE chose Movesense sensors due to their exceptional accuracy, reliability, and seamless integration with advanced data analytics. Movesense sensors are designed to capture detailed and precise biomechanical data, which is crucial for the high-level performance analysis that VIBE provides. Their robustness and versatility make them ideal for use in a wide range of sports and physical activities.
Additionally, Movesense’s compatibility with various data processing techniques allows VIBE to offer comprehensive and precise insights into athletic performance, ensuring that users receive the most accurate and beneficial information possible. Moreover, the ease of combining Movesense sensors with mobile applications enhances the user experience by providing convenient and real-time access to measured data.
Could you elaborate on how you are using the Movesense sensor?
VIBE utilizes the Movesense sensor to collect detailed biomechanical data while performing one of eight specific tests described earlier. The sensor is worn by athletes either at the pelvis or on the wrist, depending on the test. Data is then transmitted to a mobile app, where it is analyzed and displayed in an easy-to-understand format. Key metrics measured include running stride characteristics, jumping outcome, and strength output. The integration of Movesense sensors allows VIBE to provide instantaneous and comprehensive analysis, helping coaches and athletes to monitor testing, adjust training techniques, and make informed decisions that could enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risks.
Could you give an example of how individual performance can be improved through technology and what measurable benefits have resulted from this personalized approach?
An intriguing example of technology improving performance is the use of VIBE’s sensor in our laboratory to screen runners. Based on the results of these biomechanical tests, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the runner’s pattern, as well as their strengths and weaknesses in jumping and strength. Combining these results with our coaching expertise, we develop tailored training programs designed to address individual needs. This personalized approach has led to measurable improvements in performance, such as increased efficiency and reduced injury rates. By making data-driven adjustments, athletes can fine-tune their training and performance, achieving significant gains that were not possible with traditional methods.
Where do you think the biggest opportunity lies in health and sports technology right now?
The biggest opportunity in health and sports tech right now lies in the integration of AI to offer more personalized and predictive insights. By leveraging AI, it is possible to analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends that can inform personalized training and rehabilitation programs. This can enhance training efficiency, optimize performance, and improve health outcomes by providing tailored recommendations based on an individual’s unique biomechanical and physiological data. The potential to offer highly customized and effective solutions makes this an exciting frontier in the industry.
What advice would you give for those wanting to start a career or launch a startup in health and sports tech?
For those wanting to start a career or launch a startup in health and sports tech, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of both the technology and the specific needs of the industry. Staying updated with the latest trends and advancements is essential. Prioritize user feedback to continuously refine and improve your product or service. Building a strong network within the industry can provide valuable insights and support. Finally, be prepared to adapt and innovate continuously, as the health and sports tech landscape is dynamic and rapidly evolving.
This interview is part of Movesense – The Latest and Greatest – A Glimpse Inside Health and Sport Tech series, that offers readers an unparalleled look into the cutting-edge innovations transforming health and sports technology. Each interview delves into the minds of industry leaders and pioneers who are at the forefront of developing technologies that improve health outcomes, enhance athletic performance, and revolutionize fitness and wellness. By exploring a diverse range of topics from wearable tech, this series provides readers with invaluable insights, practical knowledge, and a forward-thinking perspective on how these advancements can impact their personal and professional lives.
You can read all of the interviews under category Customers or follow the direct link(s) below.
