Research into the slightest of movements during exercise has sparked a new passion for one student, Emily Jauch. A second-year master’s student at Western Colorado University, Jauch is delving into the science of movement using cutting-edge electronics. Her work could hold the key to preventing overuse injuries in athletes, particularly female swimmers.

A Personal Drive Behind the Research

Emily Jauch isn’t just a researcher; she’s also a student-athlete on Western’s swim and dive team. This dual role provides her with firsthand experience of the physical toll that overuse injuries can take. Her interest in studying injury prevention among female swimmers stems from a personal understanding of these challenges.

“We’re one of the least studied populations when it comes to injury risk,” Jauch said. This gap in research has motivated her to explore ways to mitigate the risks associated with overuse injuries in swimming.

Innovative Use of Inertial Measurement Units

Jauch’s research employs inertial measurement units (IMUs), advanced sensors that can track movement in intricate detail. The challenge, however, has been ensuring these sensors work effectively in the aquatic environment of a swimming pool.

“We’re going to go through and look at the consistency of rotation and then also symmetry side to side as well as looking at differences between the upper body and the lower body,” Jauch explained. “The more disconnect we have can be a mechanism for injury in swimmers. By being able to look at that, we’re going to be able to define a lot of that.”

Key Areas of Focus

• Consistency of Rotation: Monitoring how consistently swimmers rotate their bodies can highlight areas of potential strain.
• Symmetry Analysis: Assessing symmetry between the left and right sides of the body can reveal imbalances that might lead to injury.
• Upper vs. Lower Body Coordination: Understanding how different parts of the body work together can identify misalignments or inefficiencies.

Collaborating for Greater Impact

Part of Jauch’s research involves collaboration with Movement Health Sciences, a company dedicated to identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in athletes. This partnership enhances the scope and application of her findings, potentially benefiting a broader athletic community.

Jauch’s innovative approach not only advances the understanding of movement science but also offers practical applications that can be used by coaches, therapists, and athletes themselves.

Research Goals and Future Directions

Jauch is set to complete her master’s degree in May 2025. She is determined to see her research continue to evolve beyond her graduation.

“I want others to build upon this research even after I’ve graduated and left the program,” she expressed. Her hope is that her work will lay a foundation for future studies, ultimately leading to more effective strategies for injury prevention in sports.