AREAS OF FOCUS
Nike sport research focuses on biomechanics, physiology, sensory/perception and data science. Researchers test theories and conduct studies in pursuit of enhancing performance, reducing injury, strengthening perception and feel, and delivering innovative products to athletes primarily through these four disciplines.
BIOMECHANICS
Biomechanics is the study of human movement and related forces. A critical area of study in the lab, the Nike biomechanics team focuses on understanding the mechanics of athletic skills and maneuvers with the intention of enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury. The scientific information collected by the team is applied to product design and development.
One way Nike scientists can measure the body’s movement is with a sports science visualization tool. This tool generates a 3-D rendering of an athlete in motion, delivering key data and insights that inform designer decisions.
PHYSIOLOGY
The Physiology team conducts research with the goal of creating footwear and apparel solutions that enhance athlete performance. The goal of this research is to create footwear and apparel solutions that lower an athlete’s body temperature and reduce his or her energy expenditure, thereby allowing him or her to train longer and harder.The team focuses on three primary athlete needs:
Thermoregulation—With the use of environmental chambers, Nike physiologists are able to bring the heat of Rio de Janeiro or the frost of Sochi to Beaverton. Both athletes and the specially designed sweating mannequin known as Hal (a life-sized anatomical model), are tested in these chambers, allowing Nike physiologists to conduct critical thermoregulation research.
Recovery—Practice and competition can leave athletes feeling exhausted and sore. Nike physiologists strive to develop apparel that helps athletes recover more quickly so they’re ready for the next challenge.
Economy—The physiology team helps develop footwear that allows athletes to run more efficiently, giving them more “miles per gallon,” which saves precious energy for the end of the the race or fourth quarter of the game. Ultimately, this allows athletes to run further, faster and longer.
PERCEPTION
The perception team explores how sensory perception influences and interacts with athletic performance. Through subjective evaluation of product attributes, usability and durability, perception researchers devise solutions to age-old questions like “How can I run faster?” and “How can I jump higher?”
The perception team works closely with the physiology team to understand athletes’ opinion of a garment’s general comfort, thermal comfort and moisture management capabilities in different environments. Understanding an athlete’s perception enables the physiology team to know how athletes truly feel while exercising in Nike apparel in different environmental conditions.
DATA SCIENCE
The data science team in the lab uses mathematical modeling and prediction of the complex interaction of athletes and Nike products. The five key areas of research include data mining, mathematical modeling, data standardization, data storage solutions and knowledge engine.