OXFORD, UK – 29th July 2025 – Motion capture leader Vicon has been tapped by the University of Pittsburgh baseball program for a biomechanics project aimed at optimizing player performance and reducing injury risk. Using Vicon’s motion capture systems, which the University implemented last fall, Pitt researchers are gaining unprecedented insights into the mechanics of athlete movements.
The project – led by April J. Chambers, PhD, Associate Professor, Departments of Health & Human Development and Bioengineering at Pitt – utilizes the University’s state-of-the-art motion capture lab within the Swanson School of Engineering’s Human Movement and Balance Laboratory. The facility is equipped with over 20 of Vicon’s industry-leading cameras, paired with Vicon’s Nexus data capture software. The combination allows researchers to precisely track and analyze the complex movements of Pitt pitchers. Dr. Chambers and her team plan to assess batters later this year.
“Understanding the biomechanics of how athletes move is not only important for their peak performance but also for their long-term health,” said Dr. Chambers. “The advanced motion capture capabilities provided by Vicon are enabling us to collect accurate data on metrics like elbow torque, arm speed, and kinematic sequencing. This level of detail is usually reserved for the professional ranks, and we are thrilled to bring it to the collegiate level here at Pitt.”
The research focuses on identifying movement inefficiencies and high-stress points in pitching motions that can lead to injuries and athlete downtime. By mapping sensor data onto 3D virtual skeletons in real-time and integrating force plate data, the team can analyze how energy is transferred through the body and pinpoint areas for improvement.
“It’s cool to gather detailed information on things we can’t see with our eyes – degrees of rotation, velocity, the precise sequencing of movements.” said Matt Gilbertson, Director of Player Development for Pitt Baseball. “That information is providing our coaching and training staff with actionable data to enhance performance and reduce injury risk.”
The findings will be integrated into training regimens to refine technique, increase throwing velocity, and mitigate injury risks, giving the Pitt baseball team a significant competitive advantage. The collaboration also holds potential for future commercialization of advanced baseball devices.
Vicon, a 40-year veteran in the mocap space, is committed to advancing human movement science across diverse fields, including elite sports. By providing the precision and reliability required for this type of intensive biomechanical analysis, the technology is enabling Pitt researchers to push the boundaries of sports science.
“This partnership is a great example of how motion capture can be instrumental in safeguarding athlete wellbeing and maximizing performance,” said Felix Tsui, Software Product Manager – Life Sciences, at Vicon. “It’s our hope that the insights gained from this project benefit Pitt baseball and contribute valuable knowledge to the broader sports science community.”