Abstract
Technical evaluation of swimming performance is an essential factor of elite athletic preparation. Novel methods of analysis, incorporating body worn inertial sensors (i.e., Microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS, accelerometers and gyroscopes), have received much attention recently from both research and commercial communities as an alternative to video-based approaches. This technology may allow for improved analysis of stroke mechanics, race performance and energy expenditure, as well as real-time feedback to the coach, potentially enabling more efficient, competitive and quantitative coaching. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the literature related to the use of inertial sensors for the technical analysis of swimming performance. This paper focuses on providing an evaluation of the accuracy of different feature detection algorithms described in the literature for the analysis of different phases of swimming, specifically starts, turns and free-swimming. The consequences associated with different sensor attachment locations are also considered for both single and multiple sensor configurations. Additional information such as this should help practitioners to select the most appropriate systems and methods for extracting the key performance related parameters that are important to them for analysing their swimmers’ performance and may serve to inform both applied and research practices.
Highlights
Elite swimming is highly competitive, with world class athletes constantly challenging themselves against their rivals and tiny margins deciding the outcome of races
A systematic review of the literature into the application of inertial sensor technology for the analysis of swimming performance was conducted in an attempt to address the following review questions: (1) What signal processing methods have been utilised to measure parameters for the analysis of the different swimming race segments, including free-swimming, starts and turns? (2) What is the current functionality and performance of commercially available swimming sensor devices? (3) What are the implications for the placement of these sensors at different body sites on device functionality? (4) What technical specifications are required for the optimum design of kinematic swim sensor technologies?
This paper aimed to provide a systematic and critical review of inertial sensor use within swimming, focusing on methods that have been described for extracting key performance related variables for different phases of swimming and the consequences of different sensor attachment locations
Summary
Elite swimming is highly competitive, with world class athletes constantly challenging themselves against their rivals and tiny margins deciding the outcome of races. Swimmers and coaches continually strive for methods and strategies to optimise performance. A fundamental aspect of this preparation involves regular, quantifiable data measurement to assess skill acquisition and technical development. Swimming is characterised by a sequence of coordinated actions of the trunk and limbs, in a repeated, synchronous pattern. Arm action during each of the four competitive swimming strokes comprises specific phases. It is typical to define these phases according to the various sweeps of the Sensors 2016, 16, 18; doi:10.3390/s16010018 www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
