Technology has become an integral part of the sporting world. It is incorporated into public outreach, training, consolidating a community of enthusiasts, and so much more. Devices and platforms can help both trainers and athletes to monitor performance during training sessions or a live event. These metrics allow for targeted readjustments of their plan.
Some sports technology might seem taken straight out of the realm of science fiction, but virtual reality training and smart sportswear are currently used across different sports. Exercising in a virtual reality setting creates an immersive experience for the user that helps develop their in-game strategy. Active sportswear can help perfect performance through monitoring and live sensory feedback.
Better Monitoring Through Wearables
Live monitoring of the athlete’s performance can be drastically enhanced through technology. We have now reached the stage where tech has merged with clothing and other gear that an athlete can wear. Active sportswear is equipped with sensitive fibers that receive and transmit valuable data about the athlete’s body, like heart rate or breathing. The data thus obtained is then used as a base to adjust the performance.
Increased monitoring possibilities continue to prove valuable throughout the training session and during the actual event as well. Both trainers and athletes are being drawn in by the undeniable benefits.
For Trainers
Live feedback during the training sessions can be particularly useful for the coaches. They can change the program based on the data they are receiving. For example, they can decide that it would be more effective to focus on a different set of activities during the session.
Based on the metrics, trainers can decide when to push the athlete harder, and when to have him rest. Sport is all about overcoming limits and limitations, but it must be done with consideration to the human body. Therefore, the dynamics of the training can be tweaked through live monitoring.
For Athletes
Athletes as well can benefit from live feedback from active sportswear. Regardless if they are in training or at a sporting event, the intricate data they receive can help them take corrective measures to improve their movements and overall performance. The unseen thus become seen, and athletes can achieve a higher degree of control over their body and mind.
One British gymnast, Mimi Cesar has used high-tech devices to design her floor routine. She relied on a smart suit that monitored all of her movements through an intricate network of sensors.
What is more, the suit can be pre-programmed with a particular motion range. Whenever she moves out of the set limits, the outfit signals back to her body through vibrations. This can help accelerate learning a routine. Once the performance is complete, it can be replayed at preference. Having access to such intricate feedback can help athletes perfect their performance.
Some cyclists, for example, wear heads-up display (HUD) glasses. This gadget delivers detailed information in real-time about their speed, incline, breathing, and heart rate. Based on this data, they can make the necessary calculations to improve their performance.
For Spectators
While spectators cannot routinely have access to such high-tech sports equipment they too can benefit from in-depth analysis of sports performance. Fans can use a sports analysis platform that can house a wide range of services, like live video streaming, data feed, scouting data, and statistics. The live data is provided by experts and stats are continually updated.
Simulated Training Sessions in Virtual Reality
Virtual reality began in the realm of science fiction and has gradually seeped into reality through the video game industry. But since then, it has been implemented in many fields, including in sports.
NFL has particularly embraced VR training. The immersive experience helps train the body and the mind by exposing the athlete to realistic game conditions. The equipment can be set to play out different scenarios to which the player must react. This is extremely beneficial in honing in-game analysis skills.
Better Communication
Communication between the performing athlete and the team of trainers has also benefited from advances in technology. This has proved particularly helpful during the pandemic when meeting in-person was not always possible. Being able to communicate remotely meant that training can continue. This, in turn, has prevented athletes from falling off of their set course.
Furthermore, new platforms have been developed for the sports industry where athletes and coaches can interact and discuss health-related aspects. These are somewhat reminiscent of social media platforms only they are targeted at a particular segment of the population.
Conclusion
As sports and technology continue to fuse, ethical considerations may arise. How far away are we from sports technology creating a code for winning? Can we talk about discrimination when athletes from certain countries do not have access to the same technologies? Do these create an unfair advantage? Advancements in technology have answered many questions, but they have also raised a series of new inquiries.