Research | Evolving Consumer

Wind Tunnel Testing Not Just Full of Hot Air

Wind tunnels have long been a key research tool used in aerodynamic research, and is a way to study the effects of air moving past solid objects. Among the most common uses has been for airplanes, although the first wind tunnels actually date back to the 18^th century – long before man believed it possible to achieve flight. But without a wind tunnel the Wright brothers probably couldn’t have developed their first aeroplane.

Today computer models have begun to replicate much of what a wind tunnel can do, but despite this fact wind tunnels remain relevant tools for testing. This is notable in the fitness world with bicycles. In fact, according to some developers wind tunnel testing is actually becoming more and more important. Canadian bicycle manufacturer Cervélo has released its latest findings from tunnel testing of its latest line of bikes.

The company reportedly has 14 years of wind tunnel experience, and called in JT Lyons of Slowtwitch.com to watch, document and input all of the testing procedures, which the company has since published online. According to these findings the Cervélo P4 is the fastest bike available – with or without its proprietary areo bottle. The study is interesting, and despite being somewhat detailed, certainly isn’t long winded in the least.

Slowtwich.com: P4 in the Tunnel

Under Armour For Those Soon to be Under Pressure

Hopefuls for the NFL will feel a lot of things, and will likely be under pressure – but to help them, they’ll soon be able to be Under Armour today, as the company announced this week that the E39 shirt, powered by Zephyr Technology, will be used in the NFL Scouting Combine.

“When we decided to create the E39 biometric compression shirt for some of the most talented athletes in the world to wear on one of the most important days of their lives,” says Kevin Haley, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Under Armour. “We were thrilled to partner with Zephyr because the technology has already been proven on the most demanding consumer of all — the U.S. Special Forces.”

Zephyr’s Physiological Status Monitor (PSM) technology is used by U.S. Special Forces, first responders, and consumers in the Connected Health arena to monitor vital sign information within the context of activity. The NFL Scouting Combine promises to be the perfect environment for the Zephyr to prove it can make the grade for these athletes. With this “under wear” these athletes will be anything but under dogs in the coming scouting Combine.

Zephyr Technology Official Website

Propane to Fire Paintballs!

The very idea sounds downright dangerous, but The Fort Wayne Gazette ran a news item that paintball guns could get a new propellant, possibly something such as propane or butane, mixed with air.

Tippmann Sports LLC, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is one of the leaders in the paintball industry – making some of the most popular “markers” (as the guns are often called). The guns are typically powered using carbon dioxide or compressed air – and it is almost strange that the eco-movement hasn’t targeted this game for the use of the former. But CO2 has another problem, namely that it runs out during play and as the liquid gets cold the guns don’t fire as well.

The solution, which is U.S. Patent No. 7.770,504 – invented by Dennis J. Tippmann Sr. and Dennis J. Tippmann Jr. – is to use a combustible propellant. The key here is that less propellant would be used. Of course this is potentially good for business too, since it means paintball guns that would include a new combustion chamber, new valve and igniter. The system would actually ignite the gas and propel the paintball. It also means that all those old “classic” paintball guns would be incompatible with the new ones.

[Via The Fort Wayne Gazette: Paintball guns may get new propellant]

Tippmann Official Website

AlterG Blasts Off to National Rehabilitation Hospital Network

We first reported about the AlterG anit-gravity treadmills last year, and this week it was announced that the NASA-inspired technology would be adopted for use at the HNRH Regional Rehab, National Rehabilitation Hospital’s network of outpatient centers located in Maryland and Northern Virginia, including the Harbor Hospital in Baltimore. The AlterG treadmill will be available to patients undergoing physical therapy.

“This equipment will enable our patients to effectively advance their therapy allowing them to achieve more efficient results while decreasing their recovery time,” said Josh Billings, physical therapist and the practice’s clinic director. “By reducing the weight placed on their joints and muscles, they are able to complete an effective workout with less strain on the body.”

The technology was originally developed by NASA so that astronauts could work out in space, and now is used for physical therapy and rehabilitation. Currently there are less than 200 facilities in the nation that offer the treadmill, but it looks like soon AlterG will landing so more people can take advantage of the space age technology.

National Rehabilitation Hospital Official Website

Harbor Hospital Official Website

AlterG Official Website

Fitness Clothing Market to Reach $126.30 billion by 2015

According to a new report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., the global market for sports and fitness clothing will increase to $126.30 billion by 2015, driving in part by sales in the burgeoning Asian market, as well as the evolving markets in Latin America, Africa and surprisingly even the Middle East.

The United States currently is the world’s single largest market for sports and fitness clothing, with Europe and Asia-Pacific following. The aging-but-active population in these regions will see continued growth, especially as women remain a highly lucrative target audience.

We at KineticShift hope that this increase as a market means that we’ll continue to see innovative products that help encourage people to work out, while offering fitness benefits as well. Clothing maybe fashion, but fitness shouldn’t have to be fashionable.

Global Industry Analysts Official Website

Study: Sports Drinks Can’t Touch Tea, Coffee and Low-Fat Milk

Personal story – I love iced tea, and nothing beats several glasses of chilled iced tea following a long bike ride in the summer. I’ll power up with water during the ride, but when I’m back in the kitchen I’m all about the tea. Various friends have commented that I shouldn’t hit the tea following a ride – that it has too much caffeine and sugar. The irony is that some of these friends say this whilst guzzling a sports drink.

Now I feel somewhat vindicated following a recent study from the experts at the Institute of Food Technology, which found that sports drinks and enhanced waters can’t replace tea, coffee and low-fat milk for nutrition and workout recovery.

This is because tea has antioxidants, coffee has polyphenols and milk of course has both protein and vitamin D. Now of course the best advice is to eat some fruits and veggies after a workout too. But as for a post-workout drink, you actually can’t go bad with tea or coffee.

The irony has been that while I’m an active guy, and a self-professed fitness junkie, some colleagues have said, “but you drink so much tea.” The strange twist is that new findings suggest tea can boost immunity – which could explain why I’m rarely sick – and aid weight loss for physically active individuals. I’m pretty lean, so that could explain it.

All this means is that I’ll keep brewing the tea and have an ample supply for that post-ride beverage.

[Via EmaxHealth: Nutrition and workout recovery best from tea, coffee and milk]

Institute of Food Technology Official Website

U.S. Digital Health Industry to Triple in Total Revenues Says Study

A healthy America could mean healthy profits for the digital health industry. These are the findings from a new Parks Associates forecast, which sees that U.S. revenues from digital health technology-enabled solutions and services will exceed $5.7 billion in 2012.

The study, titled “Delivering Quality Care to the Digital Home: 2010 Update,” shows that revenues in this space hit $1.7 billion in 2010, and further notes that this is a growing market. After all, there was the CES 2011 “Fitness TechZone,” which showcased digital innovations including apps, while numerous companies have gotten on board with the idea of digital health. Continue reading U.S. Digital Health Industry to Triple in Total Revenues Says Study

National Bike Summit Brings Many Companies Together

We received a press release this week for the National Bike Summit 2011, and our first thought was, “wow, look at all the corporate and group logos.” There were quite a few and this included League of American Bicyclists, Bikes Belong Coalition, Planet Bike, National Bicycle Dealers Association, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Safe Routes: National Center for Safe Routes to School, Alliance for Biking & Walking, Saris Cycling Group, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Interbike, AAA, My Bike Law, Cycling Mobility, FTA, Bicycle Times, Toue de Cure, Dero Bike Racks, CycleSafe Secure Bicycle Parking, Adventure Cycling, Toole Design Group, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, Rails to Trails Conservancy, QBP, Cat Eye, RBA, The National Center for Bicycling and Walking, Alta Planning & Design and Polar.

What does this really mean? To us, it actually means that the future should be looking very good for those who like to ride bikes. There is always power in numbers, and the coming together of so many cycling groups, companies that make cycling products and even a few groups like AAA in the mix that the power for pedaling should be in full gear.

We’ll be sure to report on the latest news from the National Bike Summit when it takes place in March.

CES 2011: CE to Help People Get Fit

In a few hours people will be making their New Year’s resolutions, and for many that will be to get back in shape and be healthier. As we launched this site about a year ago, we think that technology can help. And according to a new study by the Consumer Electronics Association, fitness technologies could be the key to helping consumers stay motivated and keep their resolutions to get fit in the New Year.

The CEA’s newly released research study: Getting Fit With Consumer Electronics shows almost half of U.S. online consumers used a fitness technology in the past year, and 37 percent anticipate purchasing a fitness technology in the next 12 months. According to the study, 54 percent of consumers cite lack of motivation as the main reason not to exercise. The study also found 76 percent exercise alone without the guidance of exercise professionals, and 74 percent of consumers exercise at home. Fitness technologies can help these consumers assess their fitness level; set realistic, achievable goals; track the amount of physical activity they get each day; monitor their calorie intake; track progress on fitness goals; and ultimately help make the journey more fun and engaging.

“Fitness technologies can play a significant role in motivating consumers,” said Rhonda Daniel, manager of market research at CEA. “Compared to consumers who are not using fitness technologies, consumers who use these devices view exercise more positively, and are more likely to enjoy exercising and to view it as important to their health.”

Next week’s show will include a Fitness TechZone, which will showcase the newest innovations and tools for the sports enthusiast, and spotlight key trends impacting the collective multi-billion dollar sports, fitness and outdoors markets. Sponsored by Living in Digital Times, the Fitness TechZone is a focused lifestyle exhibition and conference embedded within the International CES, the world’s largest technology tradeshow and the global stage for innovation.

We’ll be sure to report from the zone. Stay tuned and Happy New Year.

American Cancer Society Hopes ‘New Year, Choose You!’ Inspires Women’s Resolutions

One-in-three women will get cancer in her lifetime, yet nearly half of all cancer deaths could be prevented if women maintained a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise, avoided tobacco products and got recommended cancer screening tests. To support this practice, the American Cancer Society created the Choose You Movement. This initiative helps women transform their health-related lifestyles through social networking and online support. Continue reading American Cancer Society Hopes ‘New Year, Choose You!’ Inspires Women’s Resolutions

Write About Your Fitness in the ACE My Body, My Life Essay Contest

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), a non-profit fitness certification, education and training organization, will start it’s My Body, My Life essay contest January 4, 2011. The contest is designed to uncover and share motivating stores of perseverance, hope and compassion behind people’s desire to live at a healthier weight. The contest is in conjunction with the organization’s national campaign against the obesity epidemic. Continue reading Write About Your Fitness in the ACE My Body, My Life Essay Contest

Smart Workout Apparel in Development

Currently, we are seeing workout attire that breathes better, doesn’t retain that foul gym smell and even helps provide extra “squeeze” to compress muscles. That’s all good and clever, but truly “smart” clothing is now being developed that could change the way we work out.

Reebok and start-up MC10 have partnered up to develop apparel that would utilize stretchable silicon electronics. Reebok would utilize the flexible electronics from MC10 into its sportswear, resulting in clothing that can actually monitor a user’s health and performance during training and post-workout cool down. Continue reading Smart Workout Apparel in Development

Fitness Journal: Can You Keep a Secret?

Do you participate in a sport or fitness activity regularly? Do you enjoy trying out the latest technology? Can you offer technical praise or criticism of a product? Can you keep a secret? I you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, you might be a perfect candidate to become a ‘wear tester.’

A wear tester is an individual under agreement with a manufacturer to test and evaluate a product before it arrives to market. This is a non-paid position, but can be rewarding if you enjoy testing new products and you can provide written product evaluation in a timely manner. As a bonus, you may even be allowed to keep the product after testing or evaluation by the manufacturer. The downside is you cannot tell anyone that you are participating in the program; you cannot give away, loan or sell the item; you cannot photograph the item; you cannot post pictures on a social networking site… basically the first rule of wear testing is to not talk about wear testing. Continue reading Fitness Journal: Can You Keep a Secret?