3.2.4.8 The role of technology in physical activity and sport part 2

Question 1

examples of specialised equipment for disabled

Answer 1

1. specialised wheelchair in tennis, rugby
2. outriggers
3. sit ski
4. blades & wheelchairs in athletics
5. wheelchair in basketball

Question 2

blades

Answer 2

take off and reach a greater height (long jump) 
greater range of movement 
light weight (no unnecessary weight) = faster

Question 3

wheelchair in rugby

Answer 3

stronger frames = absorb force & quick movement

stronger metal = increase protection of foot and absorbs impact = tackle with greater force

Question 4

racing wheelchair (Athletics)

Answer 4

more precision turning/steering = reach greater speed (light frame)
third wheel aids steering
light weight Tframe = precise steering = overtake & turn corners

Question 5

examples of technology for the elderly

Answer 5

1. finger extension exerciser (strength in hand = fine motor skills, mobility)
2. technologically advance wheelchair (ability to travel to facilities, access)
3. low impact pedal exercise machine (strength/mobility in legs = no injury)
4. balance beam (balance/coordination = perform at higher levels)
5. hiking poles (balance, support = confidence = likely, take strain out of legs = increase support/stability on uneven grounds

Question 6

examples of changes in surfaces

Answer 6

e. g. tennis court surfaces

e. g. athletics = used to be cinder & clay now fine ash, carbon & rock = softer to run = better grip

Question 7

olympic legacy

Answer 7

future athletes = access to high lvl facilities

promote participation across all levels of sport

Question 8

places people play

Answer 8

gov run initiative developed after London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games
promotes participation for all level performers (beginner - elite)

Question 9

Aims of “places people play”

Answer 9

1. protect & upgrade thousands of local and national sport clubs/facilities = invest in iconic facilities - deliver long term use of multi sport provision
2. pledge to provide opportunities & break down barriers for all ages/abilities
3. recruit/train thousands of new leader = organise/lead grassroots sporting activities

Question 10

examples of the Olympic Legacy

Answer 10

e.g. Olympic Athletics stadium now London stadium West Ham (Still has the track)
Wheelchair tennis centre - Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis centre (2x hockey pitches) (10x tennis courts)

Lee Valley Vele drome
London Aquatics

Question 11

Multi Use playing surfaces

Answer 11

most sports now played on synthetic/artificial surfaces

e.g. 3G/4G, MUGA

Question 12

3G/4G pitches

Answer 12

artificial synthetic grass pitches = rubber infill = artificial grass surface playing characteristics (natural grass)
e.g. hockey, football, rugby e.g. Saracens Rugby union at Allianz park

adv: play all year, more frequent and for longer (not worn), predictable/
consistent
dis: dont reflect true bounce of grass, too rigid = joint/ligament injuries

Question 13

MUGA

Answer 13

multi use games areas
artificial grass, artificial sports surface, suitable for many sports/activities
various types of sport (football, basketball, tennis)

adv: multi sport opportunities = participation, cost effective, efficient space use
dis: expensive, impractical for space local authorities, schools, sports clubs

Question 14

rubberised cushioned hard courts

Answer 14

tennis court surface, typical concrete base, several layers of cushioned rubber before acrylic finish

adv: reduce impact/fatigue on knees/ankles/feet (special cushion barrier), minimise shock on body - play longer
dis: premium option, soft surface = protected from heavy equipment, initial cost high, resurface colour (4-8yrs)

Question 15

positives of technology for the performer

Answer 15

1. improved materials/clothing and footwear = reduce injury risk = train harder and for longer = performance levels increase
2. improved quality of equipment = protective/safety
3. faster recovery from training and from injuries, quick rehab
4. GPS/analysis programmes = detailed performance analysis
5. more knowledge of diet/sport supplements - help performance
6. advancements in drug testing

Question 16

negatives of technology for the performer

Answer 16

1. expensive = inequalities = some cant afford = impact capabilities to develop = talent missed due to financial barriers
2. injury = over aggression = bladed boots = protective equipment = invincible
3. cheating, drugs more tech in masking drugs

Question 17

positives of technology for the sport

Answer 17

1. optimise performance in sport = aggregation of marginal gains
2. increase quality of surface
3. increased participation = inclusive e.g. adapted equipment
4. use of IT/GPS systems = help short and long term player development = increase standard = participation = motivated = awareness

Question 18

negatives of technology for the sport

Answer 18

1. expensive = inequalities
2. finances better invested in participation initiatives e.g This Girl Can - less awareness = lower participation
3. placebo effect = increase confidence rather than performance
4. pure quantitate data = misleading
5. “paralysis by analysis” = players/coaches = too reliant = unable to react to “on-field problems”

Question 19

positives of technology for the audience

Answer 19

1. increased knowledge through stats and info available
2. fewer incorrect decisions = accurate results for fans
3. increased excitement from spectators (wait for decision)
4. more involved = closer to action of event, better viewing experience (hawk eye big screens replays) = excitement more engaged in the action

Question 20

negatives of technology for the audience

Answer 20

1. over reliance on technology
2. less respect for official (not final decision maker)
3. breaker in play to use tech = disruptive takes too long
4. tech different at each event (expensive)
5. changes the true nature of the sport (breaks in play) = disruptive = increase time watching = less accessible = interferes with audience experience

Question 21

positives of technology for the coaches

Answer 21

1. analyse videos of matches = tactical, technical and physiological aspects of performance
2. enables coaches to give detailed analysis highly informative
3. develop specific training programmes = improve weakness
4. scouts talent
5. coaches make substitutes = higher standard of team = specific advice boost performance reduce injury risk

Question 22

negatives of technology for the coaches

Answer 22

1. over emphasis = performance analysis data - only focus
2. computers open to hackers = info obtained/exploited
3. coaches interpret data wrong
4. data doesnt always show true performance reflection
5. coaches = over reliant on tech too focused on quantitative data rather than watching and making conclusions = lead to coaches not getting true reflection of performance if data interpreted incorrect