An Exciting Look at Wearable Technologies in Sports
Technology is Changing the Game
Companies like Zephyr, Viperpod, and Smartlife are doing amazing things with wearable devices for athletes. These devices are not only transforming how coaches make decisions and how sports are played, but they are also improving the performance, health, and safety of athletes.
From Biometrics to Perceptual and Psychological Aspects
Wearable sports technology has come a long way. It started with simple biometric monitoring, but now it includes perceptual and psychological aspects of professional sports teams. These devices can monitor athletic training, in-game performance, and recovery after injury.
Not Just for the Pros
These technologies are not just for professional athletes anymore. They are rapidly becoming available to the general public. So, even if you’re not a pro athlete, you can still benefit from wearable sports technology.
A Brief History On Wearable Technologies
The first wearable technology in sports was seen in 2009 when a European soccer club used wearable devices to measure player workload during games. Since then, wearable technology has helped athletes boost their performance, reach their personal best, and reduce the risk of injuries like damaged tendons, exhaustion, and concussions.
Improving Performance and Reducing Injuries
Developments in wearable technology have been a game-changer for administrators, coaches, trainers, and players. These devices are seamlessly incorporated into sports apparel and equipment. They can be worn as small devices attached to the body or as skin patches. They are connected to coaches’ laptops or other electronic devices through Bluetooth and GPS technology, allowing real-time data analysis and response.
Examples of Wearable Technologies
One example is bat motion sensors that help players improve their swing using a precision device inside the bat. Another example is GPS trackers sewn into NFL athletic uniforms, providing real-time information on players’ balance, speed, acceleration, and motion. These technologies can even detect early signs of soft tissue injuries, allowing coaches to intervene before they become serious.
Keeping Athletes Safe
Impact monitor stickers are another incredible innovation. They alert coaches and trainers to signs of potential concussion, brain trauma, overexertion, or injured muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
These sensors are almost invisible, weightless, flexible, durable, and impact-resistant. They provide precise measurements of biometrics like motion, heart rate, respiration, and impact.
Limitations and Advanced Metrics
While wearable technologies offer a high degree of accuracy, they do have limitations. They are relatively inexpensive and small enough to be attached anywhere on the body, but they can only analyze certain types and quantities of movement. However, they can measure basic metrics like step or stroke count, as well as more advanced metrics like harmonic ratios and fractal pattern recognition.
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