In November 2011, Nike and TOSH (The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital) partnered together to launch the SPARQ Sensory Performance (SSP) training system which consists of an integrated approach to help athletes improve their sensory skills and “see and feel” their particular sport better. This program is being conducted at TOSH’s campus in Murray, Utah. The Sparq Sensory Performance is comprised of technologies, products, and programs that take athletes through a process of assessing and analyzing and then creating steps to improve their visual and sensory skills. Accoring to Paul Winsper, SPARQ Performance Director, "Sensory training is at the cornerstone of how we can build better athletes." Below is a video providing an overview of the training system and its importance to an athlete’s development:
Nike SPARQ Sensory Performance Overview Video
As mentioned above the first two steps in the training system are assessment and analysis. In the assessment phase, athletes use the Nike SPARQ Sensory Station, an interactive touch screen device, and are taken through 10 visual and sensory performance skills that are commonly used in sports. The sensory station collects data on athletes as they go through the assessment. This data is then analyzed and compared to other athletes in the same sport, position and skill level to develop an individually tailored training program that improves their sensory skills.
The third step in the system is the actual training program. Nike uses two innovative products, the Nike SPARQ Sensory Training Station and the Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear, to assist athletes. The Nike SPARQ Sensory Training Station provides software-based training modules that consist of different colored flashing graphics displayed on large touch screen monitors. Certain exercises, which measure depth perception, reaction time, anticipation timing, pattern recognition, focus, etc., require athletes to touch the green flashing graphics while avoiding the red ones. The Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear is a key product to help athletes improve their visual skills. The eyewear uses a strobe (hence the name) or flicker effect to partially block and disrupt an athletes’ vision similar to the opening and closing of window blinds. This strobe effect forces athletes to develop increased focus and quicker reaction times during activity and trains the brain to anticipate what is coming even when their vision is blocked. The speed of the strobe can be adjusted to increase the training level.
The third step in the system is the actual training program. Nike uses two innovative products, the Nike SPARQ Sensory Training Station and the Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear, to assist athletes. The Nike SPARQ Sensory Training Station provides software-based training modules that consist of different colored flashing graphics displayed on large touch screen monitors. Certain exercises, which measure depth perception, reaction time, anticipation timing, pattern recognition, focus, etc., require athletes to touch the green flashing graphics while avoiding the red ones. The Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear is a key product to help athletes improve their visual skills. The eyewear uses a strobe (hence the name) or flicker effect to partially block and disrupt an athletes’ vision similar to the opening and closing of window blinds. This strobe effect forces athletes to develop increased focus and quicker reaction times during activity and trains the brain to anticipate what is coming even when their vision is blocked. The speed of the strobe can be adjusted to increase the training level.
The Nike SPARQ Eyewear retails at $300.00 and both the Nike SPARQ Sensory Station and the Nike SPARQ Sensory Training Station are available through the Nike SPARQ Sensory Training Help Desk (NSSTsupport@nike.com).
So, is this system effective? According to Nike, training with the Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear overall improved: ability to pick up subtle motion cues, visual information processing, and timing of motion.1,2 Duke University published a study funded by Nike on October 28, 2011 and found varying results. Researchers tested 157 people, 85 participated in lab exercises using the SPARQ Sensory Training Station and 72 participated in different drills using the SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear. Athletes saw the greatest benefits of the training to their central visual field of motion and transient attention abilities. However, there was no measurable benefit to the athlete’s peripheral vision. So for professional athletes, where even the slightest improvement in visual or physical performance can help them gain an advantage over their competitors, this training is worth it, but not so much for the average amateur. 3
Conducting drills to improve an athlete’s senses is just as important as physical training; however most athletes don’t conduct formal training regimens to build their senses in the same matter as their bodies. With the introduction of the SPARQ Sensory Performance training system, Nike will make this aspect of training a priority. It will be interesting to see the next innovation introduced to improve an athlete’s performance.
So, is this system effective? According to Nike, training with the Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear overall improved: ability to pick up subtle motion cues, visual information processing, and timing of motion.1,2 Duke University published a study funded by Nike on October 28, 2011 and found varying results. Researchers tested 157 people, 85 participated in lab exercises using the SPARQ Sensory Training Station and 72 participated in different drills using the SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear. Athletes saw the greatest benefits of the training to their central visual field of motion and transient attention abilities. However, there was no measurable benefit to the athlete’s peripheral vision. So for professional athletes, where even the slightest improvement in visual or physical performance can help them gain an advantage over their competitors, this training is worth it, but not so much for the average amateur. 3
Conducting drills to improve an athlete’s senses is just as important as physical training; however most athletes don’t conduct formal training regimens to build their senses in the same matter as their bodies. With the introduction of the SPARQ Sensory Performance training system, Nike will make this aspect of training a priority. It will be interesting to see the next innovation introduced to improve an athlete’s performance.
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