Advances in Wearable Devices for Sports

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 November 2023) | Viewed by 24156

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Sport Sciences, Instituto Politecnico de Braganca, 5300-252 Braganca, Portugal
Interests: sports; performance; biomechanics; swimming; underwater cameras; drag; independent living; accidental falls; weighing devices
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In sports, coaches and support staff spend a considerable time analyzing athletes’ technique. It is well known that athletes who can perform movements associated with their sport of choice using a better technique are more likely to present better performance. Video-based analysis has traditionally been the most used procedure to assess athletes’ technique. Today, however, coaches and support staff are looking for less time-consuming procedures that lead to real-time outputs. The use of wearables can allow the acquisition of kinematic, kinetic, or physiological variables that are of paramount importance for coaches and athletes. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to publish multidisciplinary research (original articles, reviews, etc.) focused on the development, validation, or practical application of new wearables to monitor variables related to sports, or advances observed in wearables already used by the sports community.

Prof. Dr. Jorge E. Morais
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • wearables
  • sports
  • development
  • validation
  • application
  • measurement
  • analysis
  • determinants
  • monitoring

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 186 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial: Advances in Wearable Devices for Sports
by Jorge E. Morais
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13288; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413288 - 15 Dec 2023
Viewed by 659
Abstract
In sports, coaches and support staff spend considerable time analyzing athletes’ technique [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wearable Devices for Sports)

Research

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16 pages, 1611 KiB  
Article
The Effects of a Simulated Duathlon on Trunk Motion: A Sensor Based Approach
by Stuart Evans and Daniel Arthur James
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14041437 - 09 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1483
Abstract
Duathlon consists of two durations of running separated by cycling in a format similar to triathlon. The addition of cycling and the associated loadings on the neuromuscular system can modify spatiotemporal variables in running including trunk motion, which can impact running economy. Changes [...] Read more.
Duathlon consists of two durations of running separated by cycling in a format similar to triathlon. The addition of cycling and the associated loadings on the neuromuscular system can modify spatiotemporal variables in running including trunk motion, which can impact running economy. Changes to trunk motion can be inferred by measuring accelerations of the centre of mass (CoM). However, there is scarce research into trunk dynamics in duathlon. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use an inertial sensor (an accelerometer) to compare acceleration magnitudes of the trunk in the vertical, mediolateral, and anteroposterior directions during a simulated field-based duathlon. Specifically, running performance and magnitudes of trunk acceleration were compared pre and post a cycling load. Ten well-trained duathletes (seven males, three females (mean ± SD; age: 31.1 ± 3.4 years; body mass: 70.9 ± 6.9 kg; body height: 177 ± 5.82 cm; 9.45 ± 1.7 weekly training hours per week; 9.15 ± 5.2 years training experience)) completed a 5 km run performed at a self-selected pace (described as moderate intensity) prior to 20 km of continuous cycling at four varied cadence conditions. This was immediately followed by a 2.5 km run. Mean completion times for the final 2.5 km in running pre-cycling (4.03:05 ± 0.018) compared to the 2.5 km in running post-cycling (4.08:16 ± 0.024) were significantly different. Regarding trunk acceleration, the largest difference was seen in the vertical direction (y axis) as greater magnitudes of acceleration occurred during the initial 1 km of running post-cycling combined with overall significant alterations in acceleration between running pre- and post-cycling (p = 0.0093). The influence of prior cycling on trunk acceleration activity in running likely indicates that greater vertical and mediolateral trunk motion contributes to decremental running performance. In future, further advanced simulation and analysis could be performed in ecologically valid contexts whereby multiple accelerometers might be used to model a more complete set of dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wearable Devices for Sports)
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11 pages, 284 KiB  
Article
Quantification of External Training Load among Elite-Level Goalkeepers within Competitive Microcycle
by Jakov Vladovic, Sime Versic, Nikola Foretic, Ryland Morgans and Toni Modric
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10880; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910880 - 30 Sep 2023
Viewed by 800
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the external training load (ETL) of elite-level goalkeepers considering days before match day (MD minus) and playing status in subsequent matches. The ETL of three goalkeepers from the Croatian highest national football competition were analyzed, quantifying goalkeeping-specific physical [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the external training load (ETL) of elite-level goalkeepers considering days before match day (MD minus) and playing status in subsequent matches. The ETL of three goalkeepers from the Croatian highest national football competition were analyzed, quantifying goalkeeping-specific physical performance variables (i.e., distances covered, acceleration frequencies, dives, jumps). Data were collected using a 10 Hz global-positioning system and 100 Hz accelerometer technology (Vector G7, Catapult Sports Ltd., Melbourne, Australia) from 67 training sessions. Significant daily differences for almost all physical performance variables were found (all small-to-medium effect sizes (ESs)). Specifically, total distance, total and high-intensity dives, high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, and explosive efforts were greatest on MD-3 and lowest on MD-2 and MD-1. Nonstarters performed more medium jumps on MD-4 (large ES); low jumps on MD-3 (medium ES); total, right-, and left-side dives and low jumps on MD-2 (all small-to-medium ESs); and left-side dives and low and medium jumps on MD-1 (all small-to-medium ESs) compared to the starters. These findings demonstrated that (i) elite-level goalkeepers experienced the greatest ETL on MD-3 and the lowest on MD-2 and MD-1 and that (ii) starters’ and nonstarters’ ETLs were similar on MD-4 and MD-3, while nonstarters compared to the starters presented slightly greater ETLs on MD-2 and MD-1. This study highlighted the differing daily training demands placed on elite-level goalkeepers, offering valuable insights for their preparation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wearable Devices for Sports)
16 pages, 1329 KiB  
Article
Variability and the Correlation of Kinematic and Temporal Parameters in Different Modalities of the Reverse Punch Measured by Sensors
by Vesna Vuković, Anton Umek, Milivoj Dopsaj, Anton Kos, Stefan Marković and Nenad Koropanovski
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10348; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810348 - 15 Sep 2023
Viewed by 700
Abstract
The influence of joint motion on punch efficiency before impact is still understudied. The same applies to the relationship between the kinematic and temporal parameters of a reverse punch (RP) that determines a score. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate [...] Read more.
The influence of joint motion on punch efficiency before impact is still understudied. The same applies to the relationship between the kinematic and temporal parameters of a reverse punch (RP) that determines a score. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate if the exclusion or inclusion of body segments affects the acceleration, velocity, rotation angle, and timeline of execution, and to examine the correlation between these quantities. Seven elite male competitors—senior European and World Championship medalists—participated in the in-field testing. Quantities were acquired in the developmental phase of RP through three modalities of execution. Synchronized real-time data were obtained using combined multimodal sensors and camera fusion. The main findings of the study have highlighted the significant differences in the temporal and kinematic variables of RP that arise from the modality of execution. Large and medium correlation coefficients were obtained between the examined variables of body and hand. In conclusion, the results show that measured parameters are affected by segmental body activation. Moreover, their interdependence influences punch execution. The presented interdisciplinary approach provides insightful feedback for: (i) development of reliable and easy-to-use technical solutions in combat sports monitoring; and (ii) improvements in karate training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wearable Devices for Sports)
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12 pages, 3104 KiB  
Article
Using Wearables to Monitor Swimmers’ Propulsive Force to Get Real-Time Feedback and Understand Its Relationship to Swimming Velocity
by Tiago J. Lopes, Tatiana Sampaio, João P. Oliveira, Mafalda P. Pinto, Daniel A. Marinho and Jorge E. Morais
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 4027; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13064027 - 22 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1404
Abstract
Evidence on the role of propulsion compared to drag in swimming, based on experimental settings, is still lacking. However, higher levels of propulsion seem to lead to faster swimming velocities. The aim of this study was to understand the variation in a set [...] Read more.
Evidence on the role of propulsion compared to drag in swimming, based on experimental settings, is still lacking. However, higher levels of propulsion seem to lead to faster swimming velocities. The aim of this study was to understand the variation in a set of kinematic and kinetic variables between two swimming sections and their relationship to swimming velocity. The sample consisted of 15 young adult recreational swimmers (8 males: 20.84 ± 2.03 years; 7 females: 20.13 ± 1.90 years). Maximum swimming velocity and a set of kinematic and kinetic variables were measured during two consecutive sections of the swimming pool. Differences between sections were measured and the determinants of swimming velocity were analyzed. Swimming velocity, propulsive force, and the other kinematic and kinetic variables did not change significantly (p < 0.05) between sections (only the intra-cyclic fluctuation of swimming velocity decreased significantly, p = 0.005). The modeling identified the propulsive force, stroke length, and active drag coefficient as the determinants of swimming velocity. Swimming velocity was determined by the interaction of kinematic and kinetic variables, specifically propulsive force and active drag coefficient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wearable Devices for Sports)
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Review

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39 pages, 4414 KiB  
Review
Review on Wearable Technology in Sports: Concepts, Challenges and Opportunities
by Ahmet Çağdaş Seçkin, Bahar Ateş and Mine Seçkin
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10399; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810399 - 17 Sep 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 15857
Abstract
Wearable technology is increasingly vital for improving sports performance through real-time data analysis and tracking. Both professional and amateur athletes rely on wearable sensors to enhance training efficiency and competition outcomes. However, further research is needed to fully understand and optimize their potential [...] Read more.
Wearable technology is increasingly vital for improving sports performance through real-time data analysis and tracking. Both professional and amateur athletes rely on wearable sensors to enhance training efficiency and competition outcomes. However, further research is needed to fully understand and optimize their potential in sports. This comprehensive review explores the measurement and monitoring of athletic performance, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall performance optimization using body wearable sensors. By analyzing wearables’ structure, research articles across various sports, and commercial sensors, the review provides a thorough analysis of wearable sensors in sports. Its findings benefit athletes, coaches, healthcare professionals, conditioners, managers, and researchers, offering a detailed summary of wearable technology in sports. The review is expected to contribute to future advancements in wearable sensors and biometric data analysis, ultimately improving sports performance. Limitations such as privacy concerns, accuracy issues, and costs are acknowledged, stressing the need for legal regulations, ethical principles, and technical measures for safe and fair use. The importance of personalized devices and further research on athlete comfort and performance impact is emphasized. The emergence of wearable imaging devices holds promise for sports rehabilitation and performance monitoring, enabling enhanced athlete health, recovery, and performance in the sports industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wearable Devices for Sports)
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13 pages, 1295 KiB  
Review
Assessing and Monitoring Physical Performance Using Wearable Technologies in Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review
by António C. Sousa, Diogo L. Marques, Daniel A. Marinho, Henrique P. Neiva and Mário C. Marques
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4102; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074102 - 23 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2245
Abstract
Wearable devices have been used to assess and monitor volleyball performance. Given the diversity of technologies used and the variables measured, this study aimed to synthesize and review the wearable technology used to assess and monitor physical performance in volleyball players. A comprehensive [...] Read more.
Wearable devices have been used to assess and monitor volleyball performance. Given the diversity of technologies used and the variables measured, this study aimed to synthesize and review the wearable technology used to assess and monitor physical performance in volleyball players. A comprehensive search of published articles was performed in the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, up to 23 October 2022. Studies with volleyball players of any age that used a wearable device to assess or monitor physical performance (e.g., jump height) were included. Nine studies conducted with male or female volleyball players were included. The participants’ age ranged between 16 and 32 years. Eight studies used Triaxial IMU, and one study used Vertec IMU. The performance analysis was based on vertical jump ability (n = 7) and overall volleyball performance (n = 2). Of the nine studies analyzed, 75% of the studies revealed blinding at the participant level and allocation concealment, and 95% reported a low risk of bias in the outcome assessment. This study shows that monitoring and assessing vertical jump ability through wearable devices is an increasing procedure in volleyball. Therefore, as jump height is a critical variable in athletic performance in volleyball, coaches and researchers might consider using wearable devices to assess and monitor physical performance changes in volleyball players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wearable Devices for Sports)
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