Monitoring and measuring muscle glycogen levels has never been easier thanks to MuscleSound, a Denver-based technology company that aids in boosting an athlete’s performance levels and fights against injury risks through its cloud-based software, MuscleHealth.
We have seen the progress of the company, from netting a partnership with three NCAA programs (Oregon State, University of Colorado, University of South Carolina), to initiating $5 million in a private placement offering covering global expansion and extension into the healthcare space.
This week, MuscleSound took another step by announcing a partnership with the 2015 World Series Champion, Kansas City Royals.
MuscleSound plans on bringing its process of measuring the capacity of a muscle to generate, store and replenish energy to the Royals’ players. Glycogen levels are key in fueling athletes who are competing at the highest levels. In seconds, the portable, high-frequency ultrasound technology will send data to team trainers, giving them insight into what their athlete’s next step should be.
“With MuscleSound we are able to take the guesswork out of the fueling and recovery process,” said Nick Kenney, Head Athletic Trainer of the Kansas City Royals. “The technology allows us to measure glycogen levels in seconds and assess injury risk by finding indications of overtraining and possible muscle damage. With that data, we then develop a customized nutritional and training plan for every player to ensure positive change in performance and injury reduction, and minimize recovery or time not playing due to injuries.”
This is not the first professional sports team that MuscleSound has partnered with. Since 2014, the Los Angeles Rams, Colorado Rockies, and Dallas Mavericks, among other teams, have sealed deals with the company and see the benefit of the technology.
Until recent developments, muscle glycogen content could only be measured through painful procedures (muscle biopsy) or through a MRI scan. MuscleSound makes it easy to get a reading, even in a locker room. The operating system works almost like an ultrasound as the operator will move the device back and fourth across the muscles three or four times. After this, glycogen levels can begin to be determined and information such as glycogen storage capabilities, reaction to nutrition plans and the overall health of a muscle can be determined.
But the most impressive part … it is all done in less than sixty seconds. The process is much more detailed in nature, and if you want the nitty-gritty, we covered it in detail.
Working with a championship caliber team has MuscleSound chairman, Stephen Kurtz, grinning from ear to ear. “We are thrilled to work with the reigning world championship team, Kansas City Royals,” said Kurtz. “By enabling the team to understand the nutritional needs of each player in real-time, they not only maximize the ROI of nutritional plans, but also of the players. We are confident that with MuscleSound, the Royals will see notable results in injury reduction and optimized performance.”
Determining glycogen may lead to other advances in the sports field, but for now, MuscleSound is hitting great strides. The future of sports nutrition, preparation and training could all come from a machine that knows more about us than we think.
