Design and validation of a portable, inexpensive and multi-beam timing light system using the Nintendo Wii hand controllers

Abstract

Objectives: Commercial timing light systems (CTLS) provide precise measurement of athletes running velocity, however they are often expensive and difficult to transport. In this study an inexpensive, wireless and portable timing light system was created using the infrared camera in Nintendo Wii hand controllers (NWHC). Design: System creation with gold-standard validation. Method: A Windows-based software program using NWHC to replicate a dual-beam timing gate was created. Firstly, data collected during 2. m walking and running trials were validated against a 3D kinematic system. Secondly, data recorded during 5. m running trials at various intensities from standing or flying starts were com..