Modern technology in sport

Question 1

How can modern technology benefit elite performance?

Answer 1

1. Prosthetic devices developed for athletes who have lost a lower limb, such as Springlite
2. Wheelchair devices with slanted back wheels allowing tennis players to move across the court quickly
3. Simulated competitive environments such as surf simulators
4. Hypoxic chambers
5. Gait analysis in runners to help avoid injury.

Question 2

How can modern technology benefit general participation?

Answer 2

1. Improved access to buildings, such as specialist hoists at swimming pools
2. Artificial lighting
3. Use of composite material in tennis racquets, making them lighter
4. Heart rate monitors and GPS watches helping to monitor activity
5. Improvement in the design of trainers.

Question 3

How has modern technology reduced participation?

Answer 3

1. Cost of equipment:
   - Equipment is expensive and has led to inequality for both elite and recreational performers
   - In developing countries, the expense of sophisticated equipment and facilities is prohibitive
2. Range of alternatives to physical activities and sports:
   - Computers, game consoles etc. can make people sedentary and less likely to take part in sport.

Question 4

How has modern technology positively influenced fair outcomes?

Answer 4

1. Most professional sports use instant replay to help officials make the right decisions, such as in cricket where a third empire sits off the ground with access to video replays
2. There is improved detection of doping
3. Better timing devices are available
4. Improved detection of foul play.

Question 5

How has modern technology negatively influenced fair outcomes?

Answer 5

1. Many sports officials report feeling under pressure to use the tech more, rather than making their own choices
2. It enables the media to highlight an officials mistake during a sports media, which can lead to high anxiety for official
3. Performance-enhancing drug detection cannot keep up with nwe drug development
4. Access to modern technology can be limited
5. Gene therapy is being developed, with the potential for this to affect athletic performance

Question 6

How does modern technology enhance the enjoyment of sport?

Answer 6

1. Modern tech has increased entertainment through the use of action-replays and slow-motion playback
2. During live sports events, giant screens show the action and also replays
3. Multi-camera angles allow spectators to enjoy every aspect of performance, and see whether officiating decisions are correct

Question 7

How does modern technology hinder the enjoyment of sport?

Answer 7

1. Performance is analysed at intervals by pundits, using motion-capture analysis
2. Constant interruptions can interfere with the flow of an event and can irritate viewers
3. It could potentially reduce the number of people attending live sport events