At Rogers State University, students in the Allied Health program working toward careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training are learning how to analyze movement with Onform. In Assistant Professor Brian Coley’s biomechanics course, they use the video analysis app to spot what he calls the “missing link”—the key issue in someone’s movement that could lead to injury or performance problems.
At the beginning of the biomechanics course, most of the students have never analyzed a video before. Their first assignment is simple: film a classmate walking down the hallway. After a quick onboarding session with Onform’s support team, they learn the basics of recording and using the app. The students’ first few videos are usually only about 1 to 2 minutes long, but by the end of the semester, they’re creating 6 to 8 minute in-depth breakdowns using professional terminology they’ve learned in class.
As the students get deeper into the course, they get to analyze any movement that’s interesting to them as part of an assignment. One student analyzed a motocross rider and used Onform’s drawing tools to break down the biomechanics involved. Others break down sports movements like pitching, running, or even walking. These assignments help students connect theory to practice, applying classroom lessons in kinematics, kinetics, and gait analysis directly to what they see in the video.
What makes Onform especially valuable, according to Brian Coley, is how simple it is. It’s easy to use, affordable, and powerful enough to teach real-world skills. He says a lot of students continue using Onform after the semester ends, with some introducing it to physical therapy clinics where they work. Those clinics have liked it so much they purchased an Onform subscription for the clinic.
Outside the classroom, there’s potential to use Onform in research, internships, and clinical practice. Brian Coley is always looking for new ways to use the app. “If I can figure out a way, I will always try to improve so my students get the best education they can,” they said.
Brian Coley recommends Onform to any other professor thinking about using video analysis in a biomechanics or kinesiology course. His students find it fun and easy to use, and it’s a unique way to introduce a tool that can make a real difference in their future careers to the classroom.
“I have students email me saying doing the video analysis really helped them not only in our class, but in graduate school or just out in the world as well.”
Brian Coley, Assistant Professor, Rogers State University Allied Health Program
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