Research

Sportwall Technical Overview

INTRODUCTION

The fundamental goal of a physical education program is to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st Century by providing opportunities to attain the core skills and knowledge to be physically active as a part of a healthy lifestyle. People should derive enjoyment and satisfaction from movement and develop skills as they gain competence.

Sportwall’s technology assists in accomplishing these goals. Sessions are based on computer games which naturally promote interaction while providing exercise in a venue that requires active participation. People of all ages experience fun associated with movement. Sportwall sessions can be customized to provide opportunities that enhance social interaction, and allow for developing concepts for successful team play.

With the impact of technology, we face an array of new issues relating to the swing to inactivity which has not only impacted the amount of exercise we get but also impacted our desire to exercise.

Today, unless an activity is fun, interactive and offers instant gratification, it tends to have difficulty sustaining interest. At Sportwall, we recognized very early that the key to ensuring sustained interest in exercise, requires that we offer fitness packaged in a way that is engaging to the participants. This was accomplished by incorporating computer game technology at the core of our programming. As a result, Sportwall is now recognized as the company that offers ‘Computer Games That Make You Fit’.

Interactive technology holds the potential of helping the world transition from inactivity induced obesity, diabetes, depression, ADHD, ADD, and Dyslexia, to technology based activity that suits our lifestyles. Our technology is based on the basic human enjoyment of PLAY. Something people WANT to do instead of HAVE to do. Sportwall Interactive solutions are helping our nation prevent a health and financial crisis by providing activity based solutions that we have come to WANT to do.

Sportwall technology also provides ways to get fit and active in a safe environment Unfortunately, the world is no longer safe to send the kids out to play, we restrict their early movement with car safety seats, and train our families to rely heavily on remote controls to do our everyday activities. TV and computers have replaced tree houses and books and our fear of “predators” prevents natural play outdoors. There has never been a more important time for Sportwall’s technology. Sportwall is serious fitness for people who love to Play!


HOW SPORTWALL WORKS

Sportwall Programs are designed to stimulate the body and the brain concurrently. This is accomplished by:

• Getting the body in motion by engaging and sustaining interest using computer game technology
• Activating core muscles as well as the hands, feet, eyes, ears and the vestibular system across both hemispheres of the brain
• Requiring attention and focus for success
• Developing cognitive decision making under pressure
• Delivering a cardiovascular workout in a game format

Sportwall's programming improves functional abilities (flexibility, balance, power, strength) while concurrently developing high levels of neuromuscular efficiency. Hand, feet, ears and eye coordination develops visual-perceptual motor skills and the added element of integration of the right and left hemispheres enhances learning. Hearing and vision are most functional when the right and left hemispheres are integrated. It has been well documented we need both hemispheres of the brain working together for optimal learning.

Sportwall Training is a functional training and fitness program for all ages and fitness levels. The brain and body connection is the key element that differentiates a functional training program from a general conditioning program. In his ground breaking book, Brain Longevity, Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., reports that "several researchers revealed stunning evidence that powerfully supports the efficacy of exercise in achieving and maintaining optimal mental function in people of all ages." And he also reports that exercise, when it is combined with thinking, is most valuable because it grows the largest number of dendritic connections.

The exercises available on Sportwall focus on improving:
• Proprioception - Sense of Body Position in Space
• Visual-Perceptual-Motor Skills
• Sports Skills
• Cardiovascular Fitness
• Core Strength
• Concentration, Attention, Focus, and Direction
• Body Awareness
• Muscle Tone

SPORTWALL'S COMMITMENT TO COMBATTING OBESITY


The annual economic cost of obesity reached U.S. $117 billion in 2000 and has resulted in 400,000 deaths most in prime earning years. Youth are the fastest growing segment of the obese population. The United States is now spending 16% of its Gross National Product on health care compared with 8% fifteen years ago. Unless we do something proactive to encourage our nation to become more active, we will see this trend move more towards what Japan is now experiencing with 50% diabetes and utilizing 30% of their Gross National Product on healthcare.

From birth on, movement is essential to maintaining one’s health and emotional wellbeing. Movement is hampered by convenience. In children, stiff car seats become carriers, which slip into high chairs, strollers, etc., all limiting neurological and muscle development and flexibility. With the arrival of sedentary interactive technology, along with a concern for personal security, parents and care givers have promoted the use of computer games and television for child care. This has greatly affected the amount of natural and desirable physical movement that is necessary to fully develop the body and brain. Heavy use has affected the level of fitness, neurological development, and academic potential of children when they enter school. Teachers are finding they have to deal with a growing number of students suffering from numerous conditions born out of a childhood of conditioned inactivity, such as:
• Obesity
• Obesity related diseases
• Sensory Integration dysfunction disorders such as ADHD, ADD, and Dyslexia
• Depression

Schools are challenged to find activities that effectively introduce the positive experience of movement to a population that has developed little or no interest in physical activity. If they don’t meet this challenge, our youth will continue down a track that will definitely result in poor health, and shortened, less rewarding lives than their parents. Already, with the increase in inactivity, we are seeing significant increases in these related Health risks:
• Obesity
• Type 2 Diabetes - Major Factor in Development of Resistance to Insulin
• Heart Disease & Hypertension - Heart Must Work Harder
• Osteoarthritis - Excess Weight Causes Joint Strain and Inflammation
• Respiratory Problems - Fat Stored in Neck & Tongue Obstructs Air Passage - Sleep Apnea
• Depression - Frustration with Physical Pain, Discrimination, Feelings of Failure
• High Cholesterol


SENSORY INTEGRATION DYSFUNCTION


Sensory Integration Dysfunction disorders are also fast becoming a mainstream problemcaused by too much inactivity in early development. We have come to discover that movement is essential to promoting neurological development. The lack of natural developmental movements, such as months of crawling, or free outdoor exploration and activity, has resulted in a population that has lacked necessary neurological stimulation. Numerous studies have now revealed the importance of movement to the development of the brain and emotional IQ.

The Neurological System is primitive at birth and requires multiple sources of stimulation to fully develop. If this multifaceted stimulation does not occur, normal development is stymied and appropriate adaptive responses are not achieved. As a result, mental, physical, and emotional development, as well as behavior, are impacted negatively. This results in an increase in a multiplicity of neuromuscular development and visual-perceptual-motor problems. Far too many students are being diagnosed and treated for ADD, ADHD, and Dyslexia. Unfortunately, many of
these students are simply demonstrating the symptoms of an under-developed or under-stimulated neurological system.


COMBATTING DEPRESSION - FIT PEOPLE ARE HAPPY PEOPLE

Depression is another serious consequence of inactivity with over 8 million children take anti-depressants. Technology has trained us to seek the most inactive way to accomplish basic tasks and our physical, mental, and emotional health have severely suffered. Harvard has released a study showing exercise produces greater sustained control of depression than antidepressants.
Exercise releases endorphins, stimulates the elimination of adrenalin and cortisol, and naturally increases the production of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine the critical ingredients needed to reduce, eliminate, or manage depression.

Sportwall has successfully engineered a program, with enough "bells and whistles" to entice consistent participation in physical activity. As a result, fully integrated sensory modes are developed along with muscle tone and increased metabolism whcih means efficiently burning calories, lowering cholesterol, increasing circulation and improving cardiovascular tone. Some of the other reported benefits include improved stamina, muscle and bone strength, balance, posture, and digestion. By increasing the utilization of blood sugar, diabetes is possibly prevented. Biochemically, the increased serotonin and endorphin activity supports a natural sense of wellbeing that also lowers sugar cravings and overeating. Tension and anxiety drive many to overeat, while exercise effectively burns up adrenaline and other hormones released in the fight or flight response and can effectively melt physical tension.

Sportwall programs are also designed to encourage right and left brain intelligence as the participant is directed to perform movements that develop the corpus collosum, the super highway of connective motor and sensory axons, that connects the two hemispheres of the brain. Movement is essential to the development of the four lobes of the brain and the more both hemispheres and all lobes are activated by use, the more dendritic connections form and extend across the corpus collosum and myelinate.

The more myelination, the faster the processing between both hemispheres and all the lobes of the brain. The more we access both hemispheres, the more intelligently we are able to function. To be maximally proficient at anything, it is necessary to use both hemispheres of the brain.


“Research indicates that when both eyes, both ears, and both feet are being equally used, the corpus collosum (responsible for the whole brain processing) orchestrating these processes between the right and left hemisphere becomes more fully developed – cognitive function is heightened and ease of learning increases.”
Dr. Carla Hannaford
Neurologist, Author, Smart Moves

TEAM BUILDING, DEVELOPING SOCIAL SKILLS, AND INTERPERSONAL COOPERATION

Outcome studies based on Sportwall activities also show improved self image, confidence, self esteem, and the development of interpersonal skills such as cooperation and team leadership. Sportwall has developed programs that promote social interaction in a spirit of fun. Opportunities to work together as a team in a win/win atmosphere creates an environment where one can work with concepts such as leadership, cooperation and mutual support. Learning how to be part of a team as a valued member raises confidence and a sense of self-esteem.

Sportwall also provides activities that attract participants who have not excelled in sports and therefore have chosen to be sedentary by default. By participating in a more generic program, they could acquire the skills equipping them to discover new athletic abilities and the confidence to pursue activities they may have previously avoided.

As a result, Sportwall offers the protential to pursue a lifetime of greater health and well being with solutions to the following health related problems:

• Inactivity – provides activities that students WANT to do
• Obesity – burns calories with exciting fun-filled games
• Behavior Problems – focuses on group games that promote and develop healthy social interaction
• Sensory Integration Dysfunction Disorders – provides heightened levels of stimulation to ‘jump-start’ neglected areas of motor coordination and neurological hard-wiring caused by early inactivity.
• Low levels of Sports Participation – Students learn the generic skills equipping them to discover their talents and gain confidence with trying out new sports activities.

We, at Sportwall, are frequently amazed to see the correlation between the ability to throw and catch a ball and social acceptance among peers. We continually experience students who were previously on the social sidelines, being integrated into activity within weeks ofr the arrival of Sportwall.


"The evidence shows that physical fitness is a stronger indicator than sports participation for
self-esteem and relating to others. The kids feel better about themselves."
Don Hellison, professor of kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Chicago.


FITNESS, EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT ENHANCES LEARNING

Sportwall has participated in some documented studies that confirm the connection between exercise involving motor activity and improved reading ability in high school students. Students at Napierville Central High School recorded a measurable spike in their reading age after just one semester of consistent participation in an exercise program involving Sportwall. Further studies are in process to learn more about the effects of Sportwall exercise on learning.

How does movement enhance learning?

“About eighty-five percent of school age students are predominately kinesthetic learners. Using movement in the learning process helps many students retain and retrieve information more efficiently. Physical activity prepares the brain for learning by providing a healthier body/brain that works more effectively. All things being equal, healthy active students can learn better.”
Jean Blaydes, Neurokinesiologist
Author, Thinking on Your Feet

Extract from the California Dept of Education Study
December 10, 2002

This study reveals the corrolation between academic achievement and fitness.

• The height of each bar shows the average (median) SAT-9 national percentile rank of those students with a particular fitness score.
• Higher academic achievement is associated with higher levels of fitness
in grade 9.
• Students in grade 9 who meet minimum fitness levels in three or more physical fitness areas show the greatest gains in academic achievement.
• The relationship between academic achievement and fitness in grade 9 was greater in mathematics than in reading, particularly at high fitness levels.
• The test that was used, Fitnessgram, uses criterion-referenced standards to evaluate fitness. These standards represent a level of fitness that offers some degree of protection against diseases that result from sedentary living. Achievement of the fitness standards is based upon a test score falling in the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ). Each of the six tasks measures a different aspect of fitness, and the HFZ represent minimal levels of satisfactory achievement on the tasks.


"Physical activity is good not only for the heart, but also for the brain, feading it glucose and oxygen, and increasing nerve connections, all of which makes it easier for students of all ages to learn. Numerous studies show that students who exercise do better in school."
Newsweek 2/19/1996


SPORTWALL SPEED AND AGILITY CONDITIONING TRAINING FOR ATHLETES

A New Era in Training Athletes

Athletes are not only conditioned in strength, power and endurance, but also in athleticism which includes the application of speed, agility, strategy, and technique under pressure. Strong athletes don’t win the battles, athletic ones do.

Sportwall is the first company to fully utilize technology to improve speed, agility, and conditioning in athletes while continually quantifying their performance and tracking improvements which produces the highest levels of motivation.

Because the Sportwall trains movements in a systematic fashion, it is appropriate for athletes of all abilities and levels of competition.. The system challenges the professional athlete as far as they are willing to be pushed, yet is accessible to the beginning amateur.

Sportwall also allows the athlete to accurately assess and track improvements. Energy system development can also be done in a systematic and highly engaging format, allowing the highest level of sports specific endurance.

The Sportwall can be utilized to improve:

• First step quickness
• Reaction time
• Dynamic balance
• Plyometric adaptation in sports specific movements
• Explosive change of direction
• Kinetic chain linking and complex movement linking


Improved Brain Speed Delivers the Edge in High Performance

Elite athletes are superior in three main areas: strength, skill, and speed. Strength training should be general and focus on maximizing cardiovascular and muscular capability. Skill training is very specific; practice makes perfect only if one practices perfectly.

Speed is what truly separates the elite athlete from the good athlete. Not sprint speed, but rather how fast the mind puts the body in motion. It is memory, recognition of patterns, and preparation, combined together. Physical speed is the manifestation of what goes on in the athlete’s mind before he reacts. Mind speed is the essence of greatness.

For years, coaches have searched for the “ultimate tool” for speed development. Sportwall Speed and Agility Conditioning Training enables athletes to merge the mental and the physical. Consistent use will improve the speed at which the mind functions! The faster an athlete’s mind works, the slower the game appears, leaving more time to apply strategy and technique. That’s what’s meant by being in the “Zone” ... the true “winner’s circle”.


ATHLETIC TRAINING

High Performance Skill Training for Athletes of All Ages and Abilities

Sportwall quickly delivers results regardless of current skill level for tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, hockey, handball, racquetball, and lacrosse.

Training becomes fun, motivating and efficient while quickly developing:
• Quick hands and quick feet
• Fast reflexes
• Rapid thinking for strategy and technique
• Improved vision
• Great balance, agility, body awareness,and footwork
• Strength, endurance, and flexibility
• Sharp focus and concentration
• Anaerobic, aerobic, and cardiovascular endurance
• Accurate throwing, catching, and aiming

Users are finding with 15-20 minute practice sessions and pre-match warmups, Sportwall slashes the learning curve and motivates sustained use by making practice as exciting as competition.


WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT SPORTWALL

“Most noticeable to me was that the less skilled participants got the most encouragement
from their team members and showed the most improvement in both skills and attitude. It
definitely improved their self esteem and motivated them to work hard and do their best.”
Karen Perry-Kaplan
Physical Education Teacher, Schoefield Elementary, Wellesley MA


“Students love this equipment and have so much fun they don’t even realize how much
exercise they are doing. I give Sportwall my highest recommendation and commend the
designers of this cutting-edge equipment for new hope in the fight against childhood
inactivity/obesity.”
Dr. Wayne L Wescott, PhD. CSCS
Fitness Research Director, South Shore YMCA


“Sportwall is a technological marvel! It makes training as much fun as an actual match
through exciting interactive, virtual competition. It’s computerized, lighted targets get you
to focus and hit your spots - just like in match play! With Sportwall players are getting
cardiovascular fitness, sports training and they are having fun at the same time! It’s a
great way to get today’s young computer game players off the couch and exercising
again. Sportwall is truly a blast!”
Billie Jean King
Wimbledon Winner


"We have been using Sportwall at the ATP international headquarters for two years. Kids
and adults alike really enjoy playing the games and seeing their consistency, accuracy and
focus improve. This is the first product I have seen that not only activates kids, but really
gets them excited about the game of tennis.".
Brian Gottfried, Former #3 in the World, Winner of 25 singles and
54 doubles professional tennis titles. ATP International Headquarters
Tennis Director


References/Bibliography
1. Brain Longevity, by Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
2. Molecules of Emotion "The Science of Body-Mind Medicine", by Candace Pert, Ph.D.
3. Smart Moves, Why Learning Is Not All In Your Head, By Carla Hannaford, PhD
4. Switching On, By Dr. Paul Dennison
5. Secrets Of Serotonin by Carol Hart
6. "New Brain Research" article in Parent's Resource Guide 2004-2005 by Tina Lerner, M.A.
7. ”Thinking on Your Feet” Jean Blaydes, Neurokinesiologist

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