How the “Injury-Prevention” Cameras Used at the Tokyo Olympics Work

What Exactly Do These Cameras Do?

Unlike traditional cameras, these are designed to capture and analyse body movement in real time. They use high-speed optical sensors and biomechanical software to detect imbalances, technical flaws, or movement patterns that could lead to injury.

This technology allows coaches, physiotherapists, and sports scientists to gather precise data on every athletic movement — from how a sprinter’s foot strikes the ground, to how a weightlifter distributes their load. Every detail is measured to the millimetre.

Prevention and Optimisation

The greatest strength of this technology is its ability to act before an injury occurs. If a movement pattern shows signs of fatigue or compensation, the support team can step in — adjusting training loads, correcting technique, or prescribing preventive exercises.

These systems are also used to optimise performance by refining technique, eliminating inefficient movements, and improving energy use during sports-specific actions.

A Technology That’s Here to Stay

What was seen in Tokyo wasn’t just a one-off trial. These kinds of systems are already being integrated into high-performance centres, professional sports clubs, and even rehabilitation clinics. While they don’t replace a coach’s eye or a physiotherapist’s judgement, they provide an additional layer of insight that, when used well, can make a real difference.

The Tokyo Olympics showed us that the future of sport lies, to a large extent, in the ability to prevent injuries before they happen. And in that future, “injury-prevention” cameras will play a leading role.