Sports Technology Research Articles

Sports Participants' Intentions to Use Digital Technology for Sports Participation: A Behavioral Reasoning Theory Perspective

The use of digital technology in sport is an inevitable trend, but the behavioral decision-making process of sport participants using digital technology for sport participation is unclear. This study used behavioral reasoning theory to develop and validate a theoretical model that analyses participants’ behavioral cognitive decision-making by considering both reasons for adoption and against adoption and in doing so, explains sport participants’ behavioral decision-making in using digital technology for sport participation, which is a theoretical extension of existing innovation frameworks in sport management and marketing. The study found that respondents’ reasons against adoption the use of digital technology for sport participation had a greater influence on their attitudes and behavioral intentions, with perceived hedonism and barriers to use being the dominant factors in the reason for adoption and against adoption, respectively, and participants’ values significantly influencing the reasons for adoption and against adoption the use of digital technology for sport participation. This study provides unique insights for developers and related marketing promoters of digital technology applications in sport, and in expanding the impacts associated with the use of digital technology in sport, it is necessary to clarify the reasons for adoption and against adoption, and to consider the values of the participants, so that the combination of digital technology and sport can better meet the actual needs of the participants.

THE HISTORY OF USING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS

This article examines the historical development and implementation of information technologies in physical education and sports. Through comprehensive analysis of scientific literature and online sources, the study explores early innovations in computer programs and software applications designed for biomechanical analysis, monitoring of physical condition, training modeling, and individualized program creation in sports and fitness. Key contributions from researchers at the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine are highlighted, including significant developments in posture analysis, foot diagnostics, and video-based motion capture systems. The paper thoroughly reviews specialized software for professional bodybuilding, aqua aerobics, family health management, and student physical education, demonstrating the breadth of applications across various domains. A detailed classification system for information technologies in physical culture and sports is presented, categorizing applications by areas such as sports training, physical education, and rehabilitation. The research demonstrates the widespread adoption of information technologies across diverse aspects of physical education and sports, enabling sophisticated biomechanical assessments, comprehensive physical state monitoring, advanced training simulations, and personalized program development. The authors conclude that information technologies have become integral tools in enhancing physical education and sports practices, with significant potential for further implementation in higher education curricula. The study also emphasizes the need for continued research and development in this rapidly evolving field, particularly in areas such as virtual reality applications and mobile technologies for promoting physical activity and health.

The Engineering of Sport 14

The Engineering of Sport 14

Analysis on the Integration and Development of Smart Sports and Traditional Martial Arts in the New Era

In the context of the new era, the integration of smart sports and traditional martial arts has broad prospects for development. This article first explores the application scope of smart sports technology in martial arts training and demonstrates its significant effect in improving training efficiency and accuracy through case analysis. Then, the practical significance of the integration of smart sports and traditional martial arts was analyzed, including promoting the modern inheritance of traditional culture, improving training effects and popularity, reducing the risk of injury, and its application value in the fields of health management and rehabilitation therapy. On this basis, specific strategies for the integrated development of smart sports and traditional martial arts in the new era are proposed, including promoting the popularization and application of smart sports technology; building a scientific and efficient education and training system to cultivate compound talents; strengthening technology companies and martial arts experts cooperation to jointly develop intelligent equipment and systems suitable for martial arts training. These practices aim to provide new paths and impetus for the integrated development of smart sports and traditional martial arts and promote the modern inheritance and innovative development of Chinese traditional culture.

An iterative neural network approach applied to human-induced force reconstruction using a non-linear electrodynamic shaker

Human-induced force analysis plays an important role across a wide range of disciplines, including biomechanics, sport engineering, health monitoring or structural engineering. Specifically, this paper focuses on the replication of ground reaction forces (GRF) generated by humans during movement. They can provide critical information about human-mechanics and be used to optimize athletic performance, prevent and rehabilitate injuries and assess structural vibrations in engineering applications. It is presented an experimental approach that uses an electrodynamic shaker (APS 400) to replicate GRFs generated by humans during movement, with a high degree of accuracy. Successful force reconstruction implies a high fidelity in signal reproduction with the electrodynamic shaker, which leads to an inverse problem, where a reference signal must be replicated with a nonlinear and non-invertible system. The solution presented in this paper relies on the development of an iterative neural network and an inversion-free approach, which aims to generate the most effective drive signal that minimizes the error between the experimental force signal exerted by the shaker and the reference. After the optimization process, the weights of the neural network are updated to make the shaker behave as desired, achieving excellent results in both time and frequency domains.

Validation of Step Detection and Distance Calculation Algorithms for Soccer Performance Monitoring.

This study focused on developing and evaluating a gyroscope-based step counter algorithm using inertial measurement unit (IMU) readings for precise athletic performance monitoring in soccer. The research aimed to provide reliable step detection and distance estimation tailored to soccer-specific movements, including various running speeds and directional changes. Real-time algorithms utilizing shank angular data from gyroscopes were created. Experiments were conducted on a specially designed soccer-specific testing circuit performed by 15 athletes, simulating a range of locomotion activities such as walking, jogging, and high-intensity actions. The algorithm outcome was compared with manually tagged data from a high-quality video camera-based system for validation, by assessing the agreement between the paired values using limits of agreement, concordance correlation coefficient, and further metrics. Results returned a step detection accuracy of 95.8% and a distance estimation Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 17.6 m over about 202 m of track. A sub-sample (N = 6) also wore two pairs of devices concurrently to evaluate inter-unit reliability. The performance analysis suggested that the algorithm was effective and reliable in tracking diverse soccer-specific movements. The proposed algorithm offered a robust and efficient solution for tracking step count and distance covered in soccer, particularly beneficial in indoor environments where global navigation satellite systems are not feasible. This advancement in sports technology widens the spectrum of tools for coaches and athletes in monitoring soccer performance.

From Metrics to Experiences: Investigating How Sport Data Shapes the Social Context, Self-Determination and Motivation of Athletes

Abstract In this paper, we use self-determination theory and its related mini-theories to investigate the influence of sport data on sports experience and motivation in sports. First, we reflect on the use of technology in sports and show how sport data thwarts and promotes motivation in sports. Second, we argue that human–computer interaction (HCI) has been too narrowly focused on the ‘performance’ aspect of sport data. We argue for a more liberal take on sport data, showing that it also relates to motivation in sports through basic human needs. By bridging SportsHCI studies with the insights we gain from self-determination theory, we uncover the interwoven relations between the objective measures that sports technology provides and their motivational aspects for athletes. Our paper ends with five emerging points for attention for SportsHCI that we think can pave the way towards a more holistic approach to considering sport data for motivation in sports.

Motion Capture Technology in Sports Scenarios: A Survey.

Motion capture technology plays a crucial role in optimizing athletes' skills, techniques, and strategies by providing detailed feedback on motion data. This article presents a comprehensive survey aimed at guiding researchers in selecting the most suitable motion capture technology for sports science investigations. By comparing and analyzing the characters and applications of different motion capture technologies in sports scenarios, it is observed that cinematography motion capture technology remains the gold standard in biomechanical analysis and continues to dominate sports research applications. Wearable sensor-based motion capture technology has gained significant traction in specialized areas such as winter sports, owing to its reliable system performance. Computer vision-based motion capture technology has made significant advancements in recognition accuracy and system reliability, enabling its application in various sports scenarios, from single-person technique analysis to multi-person tactical analysis. Moreover, the emerging field of multimodal motion capture technology, which harmonizes data from various sources with the integration of artificial intelligence, has proven to be a robust research method for complex scenarios. A comprehensive review of the literature from the past 10 years underscores the increasing significance of motion capture technology in sports, with a notable shift from laboratory research to practical training applications on sports fields. Future developments in this field should prioritize research and technological advancements that cater to practical sports scenarios, addressing challenges such as occlusion, outdoor capture, and real-time feedback.

Exploring the Digital Frontier in Sports Training: Coach's Perspectives, Influential Factors, and Case Study in Indonesia

This study aims to determine the perception of coaches in the entry of digitalization of sports and the effect of gender, age, region, educational background, and training experience on the perception of the entry of digitalization of sports. This research is a quantitative research with a cross-sectional survey method. The data collection instrument uses a questionnaire that has been tested for validity and reliability using the corrected item-total correlation test and the Cronbach'Alpha test. Percentage analysis was used to determine the coach's perception, while ordinal regression was used to determine the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. The study results found that 39.9% of coaches agreed, and 39.4% strongly agreed with digital technology in sports. Two independent variable indicators influence coaches' perception of the inclusion of digitalization in the world of sports: the level of education and training experience. This study concludes that it is essential to develop the digitalization of training programs; this is related to the convenience of coaches and athletes in monitoring the development of student-athlete training programs. Keywords: digital, training program, coach's perception.

Analysis of the Construction of Tennis Technology Teaching System in Physical Education Based on Fuzzy Mathematics

This research looks at how fuzzy mathematics may be used in the development of a tennis technological instructional system in PE. Tennis players will learn how to operate the system while it is being built. The goal is to enhance both the teaching and learning of tennis skills by establishing a technique that is simultaneously comprehensive and effective. The approach considers factors including player ability, court conditions, and equipment choice, all of which affect tennis effectiveness and skill acquisition. The system makes use of a number of different methods, including fuzzier logic and fuzzy sets. The proposed method aims to optimize the teaching procedure for teaching tennis in physical education classrooms, with the ultimate objective of improving the overall effectiveness of tennis instruction. Customized comments and flexible teaching strategies will help us reach our goal. A lot of progress has been achieved in Asia over the past couple of decades in what is being called the "global fitness campaign." Everyone's day now includes some kind of sporting activity. Colleges and universities, as incubators of talent, have started adapting their methods of teaching physical education in order to produce more people with high levels of competitiveness, pedagogical skill, and social flexibility. More specifically, people with such skills will be able to compete favorably, educate others effectively, and integrate into their new environments. In an effort to modernize the way physical education is taught in higher education, several institutions have begun introducing the notion of multiple intelligences to their students. This work is part of a larger movement to modernize the way K–12 and higher education institutions teach physical education. It provides a thorough illustration of the benefits that the theory of several different intelligences brings to the classroom placement of physical education by analyzing both the concept and the substance of the theory of many abilities as well as contrasting it to the conventional method for instructing physical education. In this study, an educational model predicated on the idea of many intelligences is built using fuzzy mathematics and the fuzzy set approach. The theoretical basis for the model further, we investigate experimental approaches to teaching Tennis in higher education. This study's overarching goal is to improve physical education instruction at universities. We evaluate college Tennis coaching in order to learn more about the students' understanding of sports technology, their capacity for constructive thought, and their skills as future educators. We employ the theory of multiple intelligences as a theoretical framework to guide our investigations. The results of the research show that the educational technique, which was driven by the idea of multiple intelligences, was adapted to the unique cognitive styles of the students who took part in the trials. Teachers and students spoke to one another during class, which boosted students' capacity for critical thinking.

Practitioner Usage, Applications, and Understanding of Wearable GPS and Accelerometer Technology in Team Sports.

Dawson, L, McErlain-Naylor, SA, Devereux, G, and Beato, M. Practitioner usage, applications, and understanding of wearable GPS and accelerometer technology in team sports. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): e373-e382, 2024-Monitoring training load is essential for optimizing the performance of athletes, allowing practitioners to assess training programs, monitor athlete progress, and minimize the risk of injury and overtraining. However, there is no universal method for training load monitoring, and the adoption of wearable global positioning system (GPS) and accelerometer technology in team sports has increased the volume of data and, therefore, the number of possible approaches. This survey investigated the usage, applications, and understanding of this technology by team sports practitioners. Seventy-two practitioners involved in team and athlete performance monitoring using GPS and accelerometer technology completed the survey. All respondents reported supporting the use of GPS technology in their sport, with 70.8% feeling that GPS technology is important for success. Results showed that 87.5% of respondents use data from wearable technology to inform training prescription, although only 50% use the data to influence decisions in competition. In addition, results showed that GPS metrics are used more than accelerometer-derived metrics; however, both are used regularly. Discrepancies in accelerometer usage highlighted concerns about practitioners' understanding of accelerometer-derived metrics. This survey gained insight into usage, application, understanding, practitioner needs, and concerns and criticisms surrounding the use of GPS and accelerometer metrics for athlete load monitoring. Such information can be used to improve the implementation of this technology in team sport monitoring and highlight gaps in the literature that will help to design future studies to support practitioner needs.

Digital Development and Technology in Sport: A Course to Improve Digital Literacy in the Sport Management Curriculum

Digital Development and Technology in Sport: A Course to Improve Digital Literacy in the Sport Management Curriculum

Modern technologies of physical recreation and mass sports in the context of the social project “Active parks – spaces of healthy Ukraine”

The main goal of the work is to highlight the organization of health-improving physical activity with the help of modern technologies for all categories of citizens, including persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, war veterans, thanks to which conditions are created for reducing morbidity rates, improving the quality and duration of the active life of the population, and preventing diseases and overcoming their consequences in the conditions of martial law. During the implementation of events within the framework of the implementation of the social project, experts in the field of physical culture and sports, employees of physical culture and sports institutions, structural subdivisions for physical culture and sports of the regional and Kyiv city state administrations, specialists of public associations of physical culture and sports orientation or other entities in the field of physical culture and sports, which provide consultations and conduct practical classes. Leading athletes, trainers and other specialists in the field of physical culture and sports are involved in various types of physical activity and familiarization with sports.
 The social project "Active parks - locations of a healthy Ukraine" is being implemented directly by coordinators. This is a natural person, whose task is to organize and conduct events within the framework of the implementation of the social project, defined by the Regulation on the social project "Active parks - locations of healthy Ukraine" [1], for all categories of citizens, including persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons , war veterans, etc.
 The task of the research is to study the modern technology of physical recreation and mass sports of the social project "Active parks - locations of healthy Ukraine". The object of the research is the initiation of new forms of involvement of various population groups, including persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and war veterans, in health-improving motor activity in places of mass recreation. The subject of the research is the creation of conditions for conducting events within the framework of the implementation of a social project on a permanent basis for different strata of the population with the help of modern technologies of physical recreation.
 Conclusions. It has been found that modern technologies of physical recreation and mass sports in the context of the social project "Active parks - locations of healthy Ukraine", in the framework of which even simple exercises are regularly performed with the help of a coordinator or online exercises strengthen the work of the immune system, increase the resistance of the human body to adverse factors of the external environment, which is one of the forms of physical recovery of all categories of citizens, including persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and war veterans.

Digital technologies in sports: Opportunities, challenges, and strategies for safeguarding athlete wellbeing and competitive integrity in the digital era

Digital technologies are revolutionizing operations across various industries, including the sports sector. This study employed a mixed methods approach to investigate technology adoption rates and assess the perceived impacts on performance, injuries, operations, and fan experience in 21 sports organizations. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 industry experts, providing information on decision drivers, implementation challenges, emerging innovations, and ethical considerations associated with responsible technology integration. The survey findings revealed extensive usage of analytics, wearables, management information systems, and fan engagement platforms among the sports organizations under investigation. Notably, analytics and statistics tools, along with management information systems, were identified as having the most significant influence on enhancing organizational performance and efficiency. Wearable technologies emerged as crucial tools for injury prevention through the monitoring of athlete health metrics. Insights gleaned from the expert interviews underscored the potential of emerging technologies, such as augmented reality, athlete tracking, predictive analytics, exoskeletons, and AI coaching, in the sports industry. However, experts also highlighted implementation challenges, including financial considerations, skills gaps, resistance to change, uncertainties surrounding return on investment demonstration, and ethical risks that necessitate mitigation measures. The study results indicated that data-driven systems have the capacity to improve operations and athlete outcomes; however, an over-reliance on such systems may diminish the significance of human expertise. It is imperative that responsible integration of these technologies aligns with organizational goals and values. By investigating current trends in technology adoption, assessing perceived impacts, and considering stakeholder viewpoints through an integrated methodology, this study aimed to provide evidence-based guidance for maximizing the benefits of digital transformation in a responsible manner.

Exploring technology acceptance patterns of users of the mixed-reality sport technology Zwift: antecedents and consequences of technology acceptance

AbstractThe use of digital technologies in sports is increasing. The current paper deals with the technology acceptance of users of a mixed-reality sport technology called Zwift. The purpose of this study is to identify distinct profiles of Zwift users based on indicators of technology acceptance. Latent profile analysis (n = 877) identified three distinct latent profiles representing subgroups characterized by moderate, high and very high acceptance indicators. Results of the multinomial regression show that individuals with higher perceptions of the basic psychological need for autonomy and relatedness as well as individuals with high data privacy perceptions are more likely to be classified in the very high and high acceptance profiles than in the moderate acceptance profile. The results also show that older individuals are more likely to be classified in the moderate acceptance profile than in the very high acceptance profile even though odds ratio is rather low. The high and very high acceptance profiles also show higher behavioural intention to use Zwift in the future than the moderate acceptance profile.

Спортивная инженерия: от подготовки специалистов до создания интеллектуальных систем

The sports technology industry is currently experiencing rapid growth, driven by an increasing focus on fan engagement and satisfaction in stadiums, the desire to improve player and team performance, and the widespread adoption of eSports innovations. This, in turn, predetermined the emergence of a new field of knowledge – sports engineering, which bridges the gap between sports science and engineering developments. The development of this field is supported and stimulated by sports engineers, whose professional training has become one of the tasks of educational institutions in many countries around the world. The research hypothesis is that training and talent development in the field of sports engineering requires an integrated approach that will be based on thematic concentrations of engineering, medical, information and natural sciences. The purpose of the article is to consider the development of the concept of training specialists in the field of intellectual sports engineering through the prism of interdisciplinary integration. Research methods: study of specialized literature, analysis and synthesis, generalization and grouping, modeling, abstraction, systematization. Prospects for the development of sports engineering are outlined. The interdisciplinary connections of sports engineering are formalized, covering classical engineering, sports science and medicine, and sports equipment. The features of teaching sports engineering at the Belarusian National Technical University are described. Recommendations have been developed regarding the creation of engineering sports specializations in educational institutions in Russia. Satisfying public demand for sports engineers involves the implementation of a comprehensive policy for training specialists with the active interaction of government agencies, educational institutions, sports organizations and private companies.

E-Textiles for Sports and Fitness Sensing: Current State, Challenges, and Future Opportunities.

E-textiles have emerged as a fast-growing area in wearable technology for sports and fitness due to the soft and comfortable nature of textile materials and the capability for smart functionality to be integrated into familiar sports clothing. This review paper presents the roles of wearable technologies in sport and fitness in monitoring movement and biosignals used to assess performance, reduce injury risk, and motivate training/exercise. The drivers of research in e-textiles are discussed after reviewing existing non-textile and textile-based commercial wearable products. Different sensing components/materials (e.g., inertial measurement units, electrodes for biosignals, piezoresistive sensors), manufacturing processes, and their applications in sports and fitness published in the literature were reviewed and discussed. Finally, the paper presents the current challenges of e-textiles to achieve practical applications at scale and future perspectives in e-textiles research and development.

Identification of Fencing Athletes Based on Anthropometric Measurements Using MediaPipe Pose

Over time, numerous developments in digital technology have benefited people, including anthropometric measurements that provide information on an athlete’s ability in sports. The use of digital technology in sports must continue, particularly in the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (Komite Olahraga Nasional Indonesia, KONI) of Bandung City. This study proposed a technique for classifying and identifying fencing athletes’ talents. This work developed a methodology for evaluating sports talent based on anthropometric measurements of athletes’ bodies using the posture detection approach. Fencing and nonfencing athletes in KONI Bandung City were categorized using this talent identification. This study used 36 datasets of body posture images from various skills of the sport. These images were in JPEG or JPG format with a resolution of 3,024 × 4,032 and were acquired using a Canon EOS 1300D camera. This study utilized four points landmarks, which are usually used as measurement components in KONI, to categorize fencing athletes. The four points are shoulder (S), elbow (E), index (I), and hip (H) landmarks. The testing was done using three different dataset settings. According to the test results of all scenarios, scenario 2 had the highest accuracy. This scenario was able to categorize fencing and nonfencing athletes with an accuracy rate of 89% and an average processing time of less than 3 s per image.

The Role of Emergent Technologies in the Dynamic and Kinematic Assessment of Human Movement in Sport and Clinical Applications

Physical activity analysis assessment has been a concern throughout human history. The intersection of technological growth with sports has given rise to a burgeoning field known as sports engineering. In the 19th century, the advent of chrono-photography and pioneering marked the inception of sports performance analysis. In recent years, the noticeable developments achieved in wearable low-power electronics with wireless high interconnection capability, as a part of modern technologies, have aided us in studying sports parameters such as motor behavior, biomechanics, equipment design, and materials science, playing an essential role in the understanding of sports dynamics. This study aims to review over 250 published articles since 2018, focusing on utilizing and validating these emergent technologies in sports and clinical aspects. It is predicted that one of the next steps in sports technology and engineering development will be using algorithms based on artificial intelligence to analyze the measurements obtained by multi-sensor systems (sensor fusion) to monitor biometric and physiological parameters in performance analysis and health assessments.

Special issue on innovative approaches in the implementation of technology in sports science and engineering

The technological advances of recent decades are having a great impact on society, modifying traditional ways of life by transforming social relationships, transactions, and jobs, among others. The physical activity and sport sectors are not immune to the technological transformation of society, and its adaptation is also taking place, resulting in great technological innovations. The implementation of technology in sports is playing an ever-increasing role by advances in modeling and materials, the design of sports equipment, the monitoring and control of physical and physiological performance, and the improvement of the daily performance of athletes, coaches, and referees.