The Role of technology in Physical Activity and Sport

Question 1

Define research and sports analytics

Answer 1

Research - A systematic process of investigation and study carried out with the aim of advancing knowledge
Sports Analytics - Studying data from sports performances to try and improve performance

Question 2

What is OPTA, and how can it be used in elite sport?

Answer 2

A company with statisticians gathering and analysing sporting data collected in order to create the best predictions of sporting outcomes as possible
- Optimise performance
- Detailed analysis of opponents
- Effective recruitment of new talents

Question 3

What is validity and reliability?

Answer 3

Validity - How much data collected actually measures what it claims to measure
Reliability - How consistent data is and how similar results are when the process is repeated

Question 4

Describe kinematics and explain how it can improve performance

Answer 4

• Performer has sensors on joints and often muscles
• They are filmed, usually in a lab but sometimes of a track/pitch
• Data on their joint movement can help improve technique, power and speed
• Helps athletes recover from injury and avoid bad habits in technique

Question 5

What is notational match analysis?

Answer 5

• Eg heat maps
• Quantitative data
• Movement patterns, strategy and tactics objective data gathered
• Through video and GPS tracking

Question 6

What are biomechanics?

Answer 6

• Analyses sporting impact of body movements
• Quantitative, based study and analysis of sports activities

Question 7

How much of a performance is recalled from memory, and from performance analysis?

Answer 7

Memory - 30%
PA - 100%

Question 8

What are the advantages and disadvantages of video performance analysis?

Answer 8

+ More accurate/objective
+ Evidence
+ Replay
+ Not reliant on memory
+ Scientific

• Questioning coach/ref professionalism
• Evidence of misconduct
• Equipment issues
• Validity of testing
• Reliability of results

Question 9

What is indirect calorimetry?

Answer 9

• Technique where headgear is attached to someone while they breathe for a specific amount of time
• Volumes and concentrations of CO2 and O2 are measured, and translate into a heat equivalent
• Provide a result for the metabolic cart

Question 10

What is the metabolic cart measured in?

Answer 10

Resting energy expenditure (REE)

Question 11

What is calorimetry?

Answer 11

The measurement of the heat and energy eliminated or stored in any system

Question 12

What are the advantages and disadvantages of indirect calorimetry and a metabolic cart?

Answer 12

+ To determine energy requirements
+ To calculate energy expenditure
+ Who are classified as obese

• Inaccuracies from air leaks
• Inaccuracies from measurement or recording errors
• Difficult to use on children
• Overfeeding/underfeeding may occur
• Single snapshots are worse than average results

Question 13

What is GPS?

Answer 13

Global positioning system - Software tracking systems help coaches monitor players during training/matches and can track information

Question 14

What can GPS track?

Answer 14

• Speed
• Distance
• Direction
• G Forces (impacts and forces)

Question 15

What are the advantages and disadvantages of GPS tracking?

Answer 15

+ Improves performance via monitoring
+ Provides objective decisions regarding players
+ Better use of training to meet game demands
+ Improve tactical awareness
+ Help select best in form players
+ Avoid players getting injured/quicker recovery

• Can be expensive
• Reliability
• Use in the correct way
• Overload of information

Question 16

What is data integrity?

Answer 16

Ensuring data is entered into system and recorded exactly as intended

Question 17

How can data integrity be compromised?

Answer 17

• Human error
• Errors from computer to computer
• Software bugs or viruses
• Hardware malfunctions

Question 18

How can threats to data integrity be minimised?

Answer 18

• Regularly backing up data
• Controlling access to data
• Using error detection and correction software
• Not leaving a computer unattended

Question 19

What are some health benefits of application vibration therapy/electrostimulation?

Answer 19

• Improve bone density
• Increasing muscle mass
• Improving circulation
• Reducing joint pain
• Alleviating stress
• Boosting metabolism
• Overall reduction in pain/DOMS

Question 20

How does electrostimulation work?

Answer 20

• Strengthens and tones the muscles to prevent injury
• Prevent losses in fitness levels via application to specific muscle groups
• Helps get rid of lactic acid after a training session or competition

Question 21

What is the use of analytics in talent ID/Scouting?

Answer 21

• Can be used to provide qualitative data of individual performers
• Through written scouting reports on opposition players and feedback of players being watched
• Technology can be used in pathway analytics as a method of systematically profiling the effectiveness of performance pathways
• Talent ID programmes have been developed over years to meet requirements of different sports/roles such as tall and talented for basketball

Question 22

What are the advantages and disadvantages of talent ID and scouting?

Answer 22

+ Can identify good links
+ Easy to transfer

• May link characteristics but not skills/ability

Question 23

What are the benefits and problems of 3G artificial grass?

Answer 23

+ Range of sports
+ High levels of use
+ More frequent use
+ Predictable

• Not reflective of grass
• Potential higher chance of injury

Question 24

How can equipment/facilities be adapted for elderly people with the use of technology?

Answer 24

• Low impact pedal machine
• Balance beam
• Technologically advance wheelchair designs if needed

Question 25

What are some assistive devices to help disabled people with the use of technology?

Answer 25

• Lightweight wheelchairs for basketball, tennis and road racing