In a recent review article published in the journal Sensors, researchers from Spain and Austria have highlighted the impact of wearable and portable devices on sports biomechanics and training science. The authors aim to address how advancements in wearable technology are revolutionizing performance analysis and training methodologies in sports.
Background
The field of sports biomechanics has traditionally relied on controlled environments to evaluate athletic performance. While these methods provide precise measurements, they do not always reflect the dynamic conditions athletes face during actual competition. The emergence of wearable devices has allowed for the collection of real-time data in natural settings. These devices can measure various biomechanical and physiological parameters, making them valuable tools for athletes and coaches.
Studies Highlighted in This Review
The review article presents a comprehensive examination of various studies that utilize wearable and portable devices in the realm of sports biomechanics and training science. Each highlighted study contributes unique insights into the effectiveness and application of these technologies across different sports and training scenarios.
One of the studies highlighted focused on the reliability of the Xsens motion capture system for assessing lower limb joint angles during running on both stable and unstable terrains. The research indicated that the system reliably detected kinematic changes within a single day, but it showed decreased consistency in measurements taken on different days, especially joints of the lower leg and pelvis in the frontal plane.
A different study evaluated the performance of a markerless motion capture system (MotionMetrix) against an optoelectronic motion capture system (Qualisys) during both walking and running. The results indicated variability in agreement between the two systems, with certain kinematic variables showing high correlation while others demonstrated poor agreement, particularly at different speeds.
Researchers assessed the accuracy of the RunScribe Sacral Gait Lab™ IMU in measuring pelvic kinematics by comparing it to the Qualisys system. The results indicated that the IMU failed to satisfy the validity criteria for all tested variables and velocities, highlighting its limitations for accurate kinematic analysis.
A study examined the consistency and reliability of the Vmaxpro IMU across multiple tests and devices in estimating vertical jump performance. The study concluded that the Vmaxpro was unreliable for measuring vertical jumps, suggesting that further refinement of the device or methodology may be necessary to enhance its accuracy.
Real-Time Monitoring in Fencing was investigated through a novel system designed for real-time monitoring of fencers’ balance and movement control. This system incorporated visual and haptic feedback modules to provide immediate performance insights. The impact of various pressurization techniques during high-load bench press exercises on muscle activation and perceived fatigue levels in bodybuilders was investigated. The study of thermoregulation in athletes involved monitoring changes in skin temperature on the front of both thighs and the patellar tendon in healthy participants after they completed a unilateral isokinetic fatigue test. Studies were also conducted to make a systematic review aimed at characterizing internal and external loads during beach invasion sports.
Discussion
Real-time monitoring in Fencing demonstrated that integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology with real-time sensory feedback significantly improved fencers’ performance, allowing for adjustments during training sessions that could lead to enhanced competitive outcomes.
The muscle activation and fatigue study found that both continuous and intermittent pressurization modes led to significant increases in muscle activation. However, continuous pressurization resulted in higher perceived fatigue among participants, suggesting that training protocols could be optimized by considering the balance between muscle activation and fatigue levels.
The study of thermoregulation in athletes provided a model for understanding baseline thermoregulation, revealing that while the thermal challenge produced uniform changes in the quadriceps, the patellar tendon exhibited heterogeneous responses. This indicates that metabolic and blood flow changes are influenced by the specific physical and mechanical properties of different tissues, which could have implications for recovery strategies in athletes.
The study of loads during beach invasion sports led to identification of monitoring technologies and metrics used in these sports, comparing demands with indoor sports and exploring differences based on competition level, age, sex, and type of beach sport. The primary results showed that beach sports consist of moderate-to-high-intensity efforts interspersed with periods of lower-intensity recovery. The shifting sand surface and fluctuating outdoor conditions were discovered to elevate perceived effort, even though the external load volumes were lower than those encountered in indoor sports. This highlights the unique challenges faced by athletes in beach sports and the need for tailored training approaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the studies highlighted in this review demonstrate the diverse applications of these devices, from enhancing the reliability of kinematic measurements to providing real-time feedback for athletes. As the technology continues to evolve, it holds the potential to improve training methodologies, facilitate injury prevention, and enhance overall athletic performance. Future research should focus on refining these technologies and exploring their long-term impacts on various sports disciplines, ensuring that athletes can leverage these tools for maximum benefit.
Journal Reference
Jaén-Carrillo D., Pérez-Castilla A., et al. (2024). Wearable and Portable Devices in Sport Biomechanics and Training Science. Sensors 24(14):4616. DOI: 10.3390/s24144616,
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