New sensor suit may give Olympians an edge

In the urgent quest to gain competitive advantage, Olympic athletes may soon have a new tool at their disposal -- a vibrating sensor-packed suit that helps wearers improve their memory of physical techniques.

Announced last week, researchers from Birmingham City University in the UK have developed a suit called MotivePro, which has been tested by British Olympic hopeful Mimi Cesar, the country's third-ranking rhythmic gymnast.

"The suit is designed to give wearers feedback about where their body is in space," said professor and researcher Gregory Sporton. "It does this by focusing on key points in the body, taking relative measurements between them to check the user's position."

The kit comes equipped with sensors that record and store the athletes' movements, giving them instant feedback on their body movements. If your body is in the wrong position for the routine you're practicing, the sensors will vibrate.

"I really believe it would be invaluable for younger gymnasts," said Cesar. "If you can understand your body and how it works from a young age it will help speed up the learning process."

MotivePro has been four years in the making and costs £200K, roughly €246K, with funding coming from Advantage West Midlands and Nesta, an organization that promotes innovation.

Watch the suit in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A7e3G6uok8