Northern Michigan's News LeaderHealthy Living: Making a Better Athlete

Peyton manning will take home 23 million dollars for a season he didn't even play because of neck injuries. That's why the pros are working so hard to engineer a better athlete, one who runs faster, throws farther and is hit with fewer injuries. Robyn Haines tell you how they're doing it in today's Healthy Living.

What was once just sci-fi, is turning young competitors into better, stronger, faster athletes. And although many strive for it-few make it to this level, Devin Goda wants to be one of them. Goda's time in the forty yard dash has dropped- from 4.75 to 4.38. That fraction of a second saved puts him on par with the best wide receivers in the game. 

Ron Deangelo is an expert in Sports Biomechanics. He and his colleagues train athletes to move in the most efficient way possible. Specialized computer software analyzes performance.

The same breakthrough technology is also keeping the pros on the field longer-with fewer injuries. The Atlanta Falcons-- a high performance team with one of the lowest injury rates in the NFL, never underestimate the power of motion. Several times a year, every Falcons player undergoes functional movement screening.   Seven specialized tests, scored zero to three, identify limitations in strength and motion from left to right, head to toe-- before they cause injuries.

To prevent that breakdown, customized therapies target each player's unique risk factors. The healthy movement score becomes a benchmark for healing. Motion analysis isn't just for professional athletes.  Movement screening is now available through certified personal trainers all over the country.