Recently, technology has developed to the point that it affects many facets of our lives. From the way we communicate, power our homes, our modes of transportation, or even doing chores around the house, it has changed many of our lives in ways we never would have imagined.
So, it should come as no surprise to hear that athletes can improve their performance with the use of technology. Four ways that technology is improving athletes’ life are position tracking, data analytics, sleep monitoring, and nutrition and health.
Position tracking
Researchers and coaches can track a player’s movements and gather performance statistics by using wearable GPS technology. For instance, it is possible to track and record an athlete’s heart rate, level of hydration, respiratory performance, running distance, and speed. This information is frequently applied to sports such as football, hockey, and soccer to assess a player’s level of fitness and help avoid injuries.
Installing the first SmarTracks system at a new hockey facility at Massey University in New Zealand, Polytan has been at the forefront of this technology. The technology, which was initially created for the Tokyo Olympics, consists of wearable tracking devices that are paired with a customised hockey surface that incorporates the in-ground SmarTrack system. These devices record each player’s performance diagnostics. Athletes can refine their abilities and enhance their performance in real time by viewing these diagnostics on a laptop.
Data Analytics
Individual Position tracking for each individual player can be combined, analysed and assessed for the whole team. This can then be utilised to improve team performance, allowing coaches to create training plans that enhance a team’s total performance on the field by using video technology, 3D modelling, virtual reality, and player performance data.
Nutrition and health
The use of technology to improve athletic performance through diet has been the subject of much investigation. For instance, studies have demonstrated that ketones release energy gradually over a number of hours, giving athletes a steady supply. Utilising technology, researchers at the University of Oxford have created an energy supplement drink that gives athletes a different energy source, improving their metabolic efficiency and, ultimately, their performance and overall health.
Sleep monitoring
Not only can technology be utilised on the field, but it can also be utilised to improve other aspects of a player’s life, which affects how well they play sports. The quality of an athlete’s sleep can have a big impact on how well they do in sports, therefore sleep is a good example. It is possible to ascertain not only how much sleep they get, but also when and how well they sleep. With the use of this information, coaches and athletes can improve their sleep habits and, consequently, their performance on the track or field.
As technology continues to evolve, we should expect it to continue to impact our lives for the better. We can also hope that these tools will help athlete performance to continue to reach new heights in whatever sports they might compete in!
