Technology in sport

Question 1

What is quantitative data?

Answer 1

Data that can be written down or measured precisely and numerically.

Question 2

What is qualitative data?

Answer 2

Data that is descriptive and looks at the way people think or feel.
E.g. open-ended questions in an anxiety questionnaire.
Can be less precise and time consuming.

Question 3

What is objective data?

Answer 3

Fact-based information that is measurable and usable.

Question 4

What is subjective data?

Answer 4

Based on personal opinion, so is less measurable and less usable.

Question 5

What is validity?

Answer 5

An indication of whether the data collected actually measures what it claims to measure.
If data is not valid, then reliability is questionable.

Question 6

What is reliability?

Answer 6

Refers to the degree to which data collection is consistent and stable over time.
Can be affected by errors of researchers incorrectly using equipment, or faulty equipment.

Question 7

What is video analysis for?

Answer 7

To analyse gait and biomechanical aspects of performance, with any information also being potentially useful in injury rehabilitation.
Also used in a team.

Question 8

What is video motion analysis?

Answer 8

A high speed camera and computer with software, that allows frame by frame playback.
Can identify and correct technique problems - angle of release, velocity of ball.
Can be immediately after performance or in a more controlled laboratory environment.

Question 9

What is notational match analysis?

Answer 9

Used to record aspects of individual and team performance.
It takes place through study of movement patterns, strategy and tactics in a variety of different sports.
Gains objective data.

Question 10

What is biomechanics in motion analysis?

Answer 10

Used to analyse the sporting impact of body movements.
It involves quantitative based study and analysis.
They both use measured observation to quantify performance validly, reliably and accurately.

Question 11

What is performance analysis?

Answer 11

Objective feedback to get a positive change in performance.
An EIS report showed only 30% of perfomance can be recalled correctly.
So PA can help with what actually happened.
It is an accurate, valid and reliable record.

Question 12

How is PA used?

Answer 12

In a training environment it gives immediate visual feedback to provide images pre and post feedback to compare to.
In a competitive environment, the coach may look at their opponents stats before discussing the data, and any past experiences, to come up with a game plan.

Question 13

What is a metabolic cart?

Answer 13

An electronic medical tool used to measure the body’s metabolism through the amount of heat produced when the body is at rest.
It uses calorimetry - measurement of heat and energy stored in a system.
The results can tell a medic about the person’s overall health condition.

Question 14

What is indirect calorimetry?

Answer 14

The headgear is attached to a subject while they breathe for a specific amount of time.
Their inspired and expired gas flows, volumes and concentrations of O2 and Co2 are measured.
They are then translated into the heat equivalent.
Non-invasive and relatively accurate.

Question 15

What is REE?

Answer 15

The concentrations of O2 and CO2 are measured as Resting Energy Expenditure - the amount of Kcal energy required in 24 hours by the body during rest.

Question 16

How does REE vary?

Answer 16

Results can change according to conditions.
Between individuals, it changes based on weight or height to weight ratio.
Age and gender (women lower) also influence.
Smoking and drugs increase REE.

Question 17

What are the uses of indirect calorimetry and a metabolic cart?

Answer 17

Can determine energy requirements and response to nutrition.
Can calculate energy expenditure, and determine nutritional needs.
Help those classified or potentially classified as obese.

Question 18

What are the difficulties with indirect calorimetry and a metabolic cart?

Answer 18

Inaccuracies from air leaks and recording errors.
Difficult to use on children.
Over or underfeeding may occur based on the results.
Single snapshots are worse than average results over a period of time.
The process measures consumption, not needs.

Question 19

What is GPS?

Answer 19

Global positioning software that helps coaches to monitor players during matches and training.
It provides vast information of speed, distance and direction of individuals immediately.

Question 20

What is G force?

Answer 20

GPS provides data that monitors success rates in technical performance.
GPS can measure the impact in forces on the body due to gravity.
This helps coaches to make objective decisions about substitutions, which can decrease the risk of injury - it gauges fatigue level.
Then GPS can be used to manage workload during rehab from an injury.

Question 21

How is GPS used in football?

Answer 21

GPS tracking of players allows the measurement and monitoring of players speed and distance performed.
It also measures heart rate, pace, recovery time and dynamic acceleration.

Question 22

Why is GPS used for performer tracking?

Answer 22

It makes better use of training time, so ensures game demands are met.
Improves tactical analysis undertaken.
Helps compare player performance and can potentially pick the ‘best players’.
Helps get injured players through rehab successfully and faster.

Question 23

What is GPS technology?

Answer 23

Strava is an app both elite and non elite athletes can use to improve performance.
These apps involve many athletes all over who work hard and want to achieve their best.
People can connect, compare and compete with each other.
It allows analysis of results, and provides motivation to improve performance.

Question 24

How is data integrity compromised?

Answer 24

Human error when entering data.
Errors when data is transmitted between computers.
Hardware malfunctions - disk crashes.

Question 25

How can data integrity threats be minimised?

Answer 25

Regularly backing up data.
Controlling access and protecting against hackers via security mechanisms.
Designing interfaces which prevent input of invalid data.
Using error detection and correction software.
Not leaving a computer unattended.

Question 26

What are the functions of sports analytics?

Answer 26

Helps individuals and teams increase the chances of success.

Question 27

What is the use of analytics in the monitoring of fitness for performance?

Answer 27

Use sport analytics to gain information to help in monitoring fitness for performance - for recreation (heart rate, calories burnt) or elite sport (distance covered, pace of running, sleep statistics, calories for a marathon runner).
Smart wearable fitness and sports devices are available to aid performers.

Question 28

What is the use of analytics in skill and technique development?

Answer 28

An analytics program called Dartfish is an example of technology used to capture, create, analyse and share video content on sports performance.
The software combines technical, tactical and statistical information that can be used to improve skills and techniques, or identify areas for future.
Good for visual feedback sports.

Question 29

What is vibration technology?

Answer 29

Used for exercise recovery, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
It can be applied to the affected area or indirectly - transferred to the whole body or body part.

Question 30

What are the health benefits of vibration technology?

Answer 30

Improved bone density.
Increased muscle mass.
Improved circulation.
Reduced joint and back pain.
Allieviating stress.
Boosting metabolism.
Reduction in pain and DOMS.
Maintenance of cartilage integrity where weight bearing activities are difficult.

Question 31

What is electrostimulation?

Answer 31

Causes an increase in strength and power, as well as improving recovery time by expelling lactic acid after finishing a workout.
Can also stimulate the muscles to help promote blood flow in a warm up.

Question 32

How does electrostimulation work?

Answer 32

It provides a gentle external electrocution of the muscles to stimulate them.
Electrodes attached to the skin send small impulses to the muscles wihout affecting the CNS or brain.

Question 33

How is electrostimulation used in rehabilitation from injuries?

Answer 33

Used in physical therapy to prevent muscle atrophy which occurs from disuse after an injury.
Also used to help prepare for competitions to develop strength through being able to train harder.

Question 34

What are the limitations of electrostimulation?

Answer 34

Long-term exposure is highly ineffective.
Saturation is possible, and if an individual’s muscles are stimulated for too long, they can get exhausted and stop contracting.
So it must be carefully planned and intergrated into training.

Question 35

How does electrostimulation aid in prevention of injuries?

Answer 35

It strengthens and tones muscles to help prevent injury.
It helps prevent losses in fitness levels which maintains muscle tone during periods of inactivity.
It assists in rehabilitation through the gradual strengthening of injured muscles.
It helps remove lactic acid, decreases muscle tension and injury by relaxing the muscles.

Question 36

What is the use of analytics in game analysis?

Answer 36

Used in team games to gather quantitative data.
Use has increasingly been made of video and data, captured and displayed on ipads, which is then used to give real time analysis and feedback to coaches during games.

Question 37

What is the use of analytics in game analysis of tactics?

Answer 37

The data can also assist coaches when looking at tactics, formations and substitutions during games.
Access to precise data allows coaches to compare an individual’s perfomance to normal play.

Question 38

What is the use of analytics in Talent ID?

Answer 38

It can provide qualitative data on individual performers in a range of different sports e.g. written scouting reports, with a view to recruit them onto Talent ID.

Question 39

How is technology used in pathway analytics?

Answer 39

As a method of systematically profiling and benchmarking the effectiveness of performance pathways across Olympic sports.
Talent ID programmes link to the specific technical, physiological and psychological requirements of all sports.
It makes the data systematically gathered and analysed so its the most effective in identifying the most talented.

Question 40

What is adapted equipment for the elderly and disabled?

Answer 40

New devices are being created to help elderly and disabled sports enthusiasts to participate at recreational level, as well as highly advanced equipment for paralympians.
Adaptive equipment such as special wheelchairs are used on the track, field, and throwing frames for shotput and discus in athletics.

Question 41

What other assistive devices are there?

Answer 41

They enable training and exercise, as well as opportunity for participation.
Lightweight wheelchairs for basketball, tennis and road racing, and cross country sit skis.

Question 42

How are wheelchairs designed for sports?

Answer 42

Sports like basketball and tennis need lightweight frames to enable fast-paced movements, sharp turns and agility.
Contact sports like rugby require strong reinforced frames and impact protection.
Racing chairs have bucket seats, angled wheels for more stabililty, and t-frame with a third wheel to aid precision steering and balance.

Question 43

What is adapted equipment to encourage participation for the elderly?

Answer 43

Finger extension exerciser for hand and wrist movements.
Low impact pedal exercise machine to stimulate circulation and maintain muscle tone.
Exercise balance beam to improve balance, coordination and mobility.
Technologicaly advanced wheelchair design to help wheelchair users be mobile and involved in adapted sports.

Question 44

What are prosthetic devices?

Answer 44

Prosthetic leg devices e.g. the springlite prosthesis device assists athletes in running via improved gait efficiency.
Legs have also been designed for cycle racing.
New materials like carbon flex-fibre, and new developments in wheelchair technology have a positive impact.

Question 45

How has technology developed facilities?

Answer 45

‘Places people play’ is a Sports England and British Olympic Association initiative to increase sports participation by providing sports facilities for the local community.
‘Iconic Facilities’ is part of this, designed to transform places in towns, cities and villages.

Question 46

What is Best Practice?

Answer 46

Iconic facilities fund direct funds into a small number of ‘best practice’ strategic facility projects to increase mass participation.
It is based on high quality design and long-term sustainability of a facility which delivers multi-sport provision with a focus on sporting activities that have high participant numbers.

Question 47

What are 3G surfaces?

Answer 47

Artificial synthetic grass pitches are suitable for multi-sport provision.
It is a sand and rubber infilled sports synthetic surface ideal for hockey, football and rugby.
It can be played on more frequently and for longer than natural grass.
It also gives consistent conditions, whereas grass can be worn and unpredictable.

Question 48

What are the limitations of 3G surfaces?

Answer 48

In sports like football it does not reflect the true bounce of grass.
They have also been criticised for being too rigid, leading to joint or ligament injuries.
4G surfaces have rectified some problems, so some fully competitive rugby games are played on artificial surface.

Question 49

What are MUGAS?

Answer 49

Multi-use games areas.
A specific surface for each sport would be too expensive and impractical in terms of space for many local authorities, schools and sports clubs.
MUGAs are artificial grass that increases participation in sport and physical activity - helps ‘Places People Play’.

Question 50

What are specialist cycling facilities?

Answer 50

The Lee Valley VeloPark is part of the Olympic Legacy development of new sports facilities for cycling which includes a road cycle circuit.
This can be lit to enable night time use and competition.
There is also a skills training area with jumps, grade reversals and level changes.

Question 51

What did Sir David Brailsford do?

Answer 51

He is an advocate for marginal games.
In 2012, attention to detail even included the development of heated trousers to help a cyclist’s muscle temperature during periods of inactivity.
They were developed by Loughborough university and Adidas.

Question 52

What are the negative implications of using technology for sport?

Answer 52

Pure data can be misleading - only looks at metres not tactics.
Expensive so inequalities exist for access to technology. The costs might be invested better into participation initiatives rather than a few elite.
Paralysis by analysis - too reliant for decision making.
Placebo effect - through increased confidence on limited scientific proof of equipment.

Question 53

What are the benefits of technology on the performer?

Answer 53

Improved protective equipment.
Improved recovery from training (compression clothing) and from injury and better rehabilitation.
Detailed scientific analysis of performance by GPS.
Increased knowledge of diet and sports supplements.
Advancements in drug-testing technology.
Improved sleep, allowing rest and recovery.

Question 54

How has technology improved clothing and footwear?

Answer 54

This can lead to improved performances.
Bodysuits for athletes help sprinters increase speed.
In swimming, it led to dramatic performance improvements and world records following their introduction.
The LZR Racer from speedo used fabrics such as polyurethane to reduce drag and compress the muscles to create buoyancy, giving them an advantage.

Question 55

How has technology improved sports equipment?

Answer 55

Modern-day footballs allow more swing and curve.
Lighter clubs in golf have been made to increase swing speeds and enable more distance and control.
Aerodynamics have been improved through helmet designs that decrease wind resistance.
Wearable technology is more compact, non-intrusive and highly intuitive.

Question 56

What are compression clothing?

Answer 56

Items such as elasticated leggings, shirts or socks worn to promote recovery by improving circulation.
They can decrease the pain suffered from muscle soreness and decrease the time for muscle repair.

Question 57

What are the negative implications of technology on the performer?

Answer 57

Injury or over-aggression due to protective equipment that makes them feel invincible.
Cheating as drugs are taken by athletes who believe they will get away with it.
Expensive and unaffordable for some, inequalities and unfair advantages.

Question 58

What are the negative implications of technology on the performer - sponsorship?

Answer 58

The availability of technology might be dependent on a sponsor, which can positively or negatively impact success.
Competition at the very highest level might only be for the leading athletes due to the cost.
Team Sky in cycling fund very high investment in technology, giving them an advantage over rival teams with lower level funding and sponsorship.

Question 59

What is the effect of technology on the audience?

Answer 59

Statistical enthusiasts can find out information about their favourite players.
The data collected can be organised to make it more easily understandable and digestible for fans, who can gain improved knowledge of physical, technical and tactical aspects of sport.

Question 60

What are the advantages of technology for the audience?

Answer 60

It ensures right decisions are reached with less frustration at incorrect ones.
It helps officials communicate with one another, which the audience can sometimes hear.
Increased accuracy of timing and distances achieved, which are quickly communicated to the audience (big screens).
Increased excitement while they await decisions.

Question 61

What are the disadvantages of technology on the audience?

Answer 61

A loss of respect in the crowd for the official as the ‘final decision maker’.
Costs limit the use of technology - inconsistent experience.
Breaks in play can be disruptive for spectators if they are too long or there is over-reliance on technology so officials over use it.

Question 62

How do modern TV broadcasting technologies give the same quality spectating experience as actually attending?

Answer 62

Developments in high quality sound and picture give users an impressive view of the sport.
Digital TV allows highly individualised experiences, by selecting camera angles or watching multiple matches simultaneously.
Expert commentary and close ups give a heightened experience.
Action replays and freeze frames allow analysis.

Question 63

How doesn’t modern TV broadcasting technologies give the same quality spectating experience as actually attending?

Answer 63

Viewer’s experience are largely shaped by the commentators and experts who might give biased views.
TV viewing can lack the real atmosphere, with little sense of inclusion.
There is little interaction with other fans.