Doha, Saturday April 10, 2010:  RASAD, a joint project between Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Aspetar - Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, have signed an agreement with LCR Honda, in Doha to compete at the World Moto GP race at Lusail International Circuit, to become a lead customer and development partner of the RASAD technology platform to remotely monitor the physiological strain imposed on Honda LCR riders. 

RASAD is an ICT solution/platform which uses a variety of sensors to collect data and transmit them over wireless or wired networks to a central server that processes the data and provides real-time customised graphical interfaces and services. QSTP Chairman, Dr Tidu Maini explained, 'RASAD utilises two-way communication technology to send data over a wireless network. It is a world first technology, developed right here in Qatar, and has applications across multiple platforms. We are very excited to be partnering with LCR Honda on this project as RASAD will be providing solutions to improve the well-being and performance of Honda LCR riders.'

Aspetar's Director General, Dr Mohammed GA Al Maadheed explained why Honda LCR riders can benefit from applying the RASAD technology to their performance monitoring. 'Moto GP requires riders to maintain near maximal effort to control their motorbikes during high speed accelerations and through extreme braking and cornering. In addition, riders often endure extreme environmental conditions inducing thermal strain. Their protective clothing limits heat dissipation, exacerbating the physiological and thermal strain, which can reduce the ability to produce a voluntary force and induce significant cognitive impairments.'

LCR Honda Team Manager Lucio Cecchinello added that 'Moto GP relies on combining the latest technologies with talented riders to gain a competitive edge. By working with Aspetar and QSTP we hope to characterise the physical strain imposed on our riders under different conditions and develop the appropriate countermeasures to ensure they not only reach the start line in peak condition, but are able to perform at their best.'

QSTP is a member of Qatar Foundation and is a world class incubator for research, development and commercialisation of new technologies. Aspetar is a FIFA F-Marc Medical Centre of Excellence located within the Aspire Zone Foundation.

-Ends-

About QSTP:
Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) was founded by the Emir as part of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. QSTP works to transform Qatar into a knowledge-based economy by attracting commercially oriented research and development. It is located in the vicinity of Carnegie Mellon, Texas A&M, Weill Cornell and other leading universities which are also a part of Qatar Foundation. QSTP provides an environment for local and international companies to interact with the universities and develop new technologies.

About Aspetar:
Aspetar, the region's first specialised Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, provides the best possible medical treatment and services to all athletes and sports players in a state-of-the-art hospital.  In 2009, Aspetar was officially accredited by F-MARC as a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence. 

Through the delivery of excellence in sports medicine, physiotherapy, sports science, orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation, Aspetar services the needs of Football and Sporting Clubs in the state of Qatar. 

The philosophy of Aspetar is to provide players with the clinical support, knowledge and facilities to maximise their training and competitive potential. This is achieved through a process of education and support in areas of health, fitness, nutrition, psychology, physiology and physical training.

The hospital meets the highest international standards in its treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and uses both established best-practices and the latest technology to guide athletes from diagnosis to rehabilitation and recovery. 

Aspetar is situated within Aspire Zone, a modern multi-purpose leisure and recreation complex that played host to the Doha 2006 Asian Games.

For Further Information on QSTP contact:
Hanouf Al-Buainain
Public Relations Executive
O +974 454 7070
D +974 454 7039
M +974 543 4141
E halbuainain@qstp.org.qa
W www.qstp.org.qa

For further information on Aspetar contact:
Noura Zreik
Account Executive
Hill & Knowlton Qatar LLC
O +974 418 1292
M +974 520 8943
E noura.zreik@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2010