Abstract
Changes or introductions of technology or equipment can affect how a sport is played or influence its performances. This article conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature to identify any case studies of controversial events surrounding the implementation or use of sports technology. 56 articles were identified that highlighted 31 different case studies found over a three decade time period. Thematic analysis revealed six distinctive themes when reviewing the articles. Whilst the sport of golf had the highest number of case studies, it was found that a significant level of attention had been recorded in the cases of Oscar Pistorius use of prosthetic legs in athletics and the use of full length swimsuits in swimming. The trend surrounding the number of articles was shown to be initially intermittent but saw a peak period from 2008 to 2010. However, the frequency of such articles since this peak has been more consistent. It is proposed that long periods of time without intervention or resolution by a governing body often increases the peer-reviewed attention paid to such cases in examples such as those identified in this systematic review.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40064-015-1331-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Whilst in many sports it has been proposed that performance is starting to indicate a reducing or plateaued nature in their rate of improvement, it has been claimed that any significant gains in the future will be as a result of technical innovation (Balmer et al 2011)
A high number of publications relating to a single case study were the use of prosthetic limbs by Oscar Pistorius (n = 25) and the use of full body swimsuits in swimming (n = 10)
The debate surrounding controversy in sports technology was clearly detected by this literature review, but it is a relatively recent interest
Summary
Whilst in many sports it has been proposed that performance is starting to indicate a reducing or plateaued nature in their rate of improvement, it has been claimed that any significant gains in the future will be as a result of technical innovation (Balmer et al 2011). If a change in sports technology is implemented, its impact in a sport can often be clearly identified (Haake 2009). The innovation, design and application of technology to. This criteria is typically relative in nature meaning that the best ethical outcome cannot always be clearly or robustly defined. Coercion Safety, and spectator appeal Integrity of the game, harm to or advantage over the sport itself, or the ‘spirit of the sport’ Deskilling and reskilling Dehumanisation Cost (or excess cost) The internal goods of a sport Equal opportunity or access
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