Technology

• Research


  A systematic process of investigation and study carried out with the aim of advancing knowledge.
• Sport analytics


  The analysis of sport dad using analytical tools and methods for data to be subjected to analytical procedures in order to try to improve results.
• Quantitative data

  Data which can be written down or measured precisely and numerically.
• Qualitative data


  Data which is descriptive and looks at the way people think or feel; it is sometimes less precise and potentially less meaningful than quantitative data. It can also be very time consuming to collect and analyse such data.
• Objective data

  Fact-based info which is measurable and useable ( e.g the level achieved on the multi-stage fitness test which links to a VO2 max score).
• Subjective data


  Data based on personal opinion which Is less measurable and often less useable.
• Validity


  Refers to the degree to which the data collected actually measures what it claims to measure.
• Reliability


  Refers to the degree to which data collection is consistent and stable over time.
• Video motion analysis


  A technique used to get information about moving objects from video.
• Performance analysis ( PA)


  The provision of objective feedback to a performer who is trying to get a positive change in performance. (Feedback can be gained on a variety of performance indicators including; the number of passes made; pass completion success rates; distance run in kilometres; number of shots attempted; number of shots on target).
• Indirect calorimetry


  The measurement of the amount of heat/energy generated in an oxidation reaction by determining the intake or consumption of oxygen or by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide released and translating these quantities into heat equivalent.
• Metabolic cart


  A device which works by attaching headgear to a subject while they breathe a specific amount of oxygen over a period of time.
• Calorimetry


  Measures of the heat/energy eliminated or stored in any system.
• Software and hardware


  Computer software is any set of machine-readable instructions which direct a computer's processor to perform specific operations. Computer hardware is the physical component of computers.
• GPS ( Global Positioning System)


  A space-based navigation system that provides location and time information.
• Data integrity


  Maintaining and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of stored data over its entire lifetime.
• Data integrity using sport analytics


  Refers to the validity of data ( i.e its relevance/meaningfulness)
• Define what is meant by sports analytics.


  Studying data from sports performance to try to

  improve performance
• Identify the potential problems a sports coach might have if they choose not to use video analysis programmes, but rely instead on their own observation and analysis skills.

  • Issues with memory retention of the

  performance observed

  • May lead to incorrect decisions during

  matches/competitions, e.g. when making substitutions

  • May lead to incorrect training programmes

  being implemented
• Define the terms 'metabolic cart' and 'indirect calorimetry'.

  Metabolic cart - device which works by attaching headgear to a subject while they breathe a specific amount of oxygen over a period of time

  
  

  Indirect calorimetry - the measurement of heat

  and energy generated in an oxidation reaction
• Identify different reasons for individual variations in someone's resting energy expenditure (REE) over a period of time.

  • Overall weight/obesity

  • Height; height/weight ratio

  • Chemistry of body in response to drugs

  • Illnesses
• Describe the different ways in which GPS data can help to improve player performance.

  • It helps to monitor player performance overall (e.g. is it 'as expected'?).

  • It can measure impact, e.g. G-forces.

  • It can help make objective decisions about

  substitutions.

  • It can decrease injury risk by gauging levels of fatigue.

  • It can help manage workload during

  rehabilitation, and ultimately get the player through it at a faster rate.

  • It can help make better use of training time and ensure training meets game demands.

  • It improves tactical analysis.

  • It enables player comparisons.
• Identify ways in which data integrity can be maintained.

  • Regularly backing up data

  • Controlling access to data and protecting

  against malicious intent via security mechanisms

  • Designing interfaces which prevent the input of invalid data; taking care when entering data

  • Using error detection and correction software when transmitting data

  • Not leaving a computer unattended for

  unauthorised individuals to access
• Identify the possible benefits to health of using vibration therapy.

  • Improving bone density

  • Increasing muscle mass/power

  • Improving circulation

  • Reducing joint pain

  • Reducing back pain

  • Alleviating stress

  • Boosting metabolism

  • An overall reduction in pain/delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS)

  • Maintenance of cartilage integrity where

  weight-bearing activities are difficult to undertake
• Explain the role of electrostimulation in injury prevention.

  • Strengthening and toning the muscles

  (e.g. it can strengthen the muscle groups of the

  legs to give stability and help prevent injury or

  recurring injuries to the knees and ankles)

  • Helping to prevent losses in fitness levels via application to specific muscle groups, which

  maintains muscle tone during periods of inactivity

  • Assisting in rehabilitation through the gradual strengthening of injured or weakened muscles via small incremental increases in workload on the muscles (i.e. by inducing stronger muscular contractions)

  • Helping to get rid of lactic acid after a training session or competition, as well as decreasing muscle tension and avoiding potential injury by providing a relaxing effect to muscles
• Discuss the benefits to sport of technological developments in artificial surfaces.

  Benefits:

  • They can be played on more frequently (e.g. matches/training).

  • They give consistent conditions.

  • They enable fixtures to be played without

  disruption.

  • They have had a very positive impact on certain sports, e.g. hockey.
• Identify the potential negative effects of technology for performers.

  There are a number of potential negative effects

  of technology for the sports performer, including the following.

  • It can lead to injury or over-aggression,

  e.g. from bladed boots or due to the use of

  protective equipment which makes some

  performers feel 'invincible'/less inhibited.

  • It can lead to cheating, as drugs are taken by athletes who believe they will get away with it (e.g. via taking effective masking agents or

  a newly developed performance-enhancing

  substance for which there is no test).

  • It can be expensive and unaffordable to some, which leads to potential inequalities and unfair advantages if the technology is not available to all.

  • The availability of technological advances

  aiding performance might be dependent on

  an individual/team sponsor, which might

  positively/negatively impact on the chances of

  success.
• Which of the following is a negative aspect of technology when used to aid officials in their decision making?

  a) Increased performer confidence in the correct decisions being made

  b) Increased disruption to a sporting event as a result of lots of referee referrals

  c) Increased excitement in the crowd as decisions are awaited on the big screen

  d) Increased accuracy of timings or measurements taken.

  (1)

  b) Increased disruption to a sporting event as a result of lots of referee referrals
• Identify two types of adaptive equipment used in athletics. (2)

  • Wheelchairs for track racing

  • Throwing frames for discus/shot put
• State the disadvantages to the sporting event of the increased use of technology to help officials in their decision making. (3)

  • Officials using technology can be wrong; over-reliance on technology; loss of respect for

  official's decision being final.

  • Specific technology used must be accurate/have a high level of reliability.

  • It changes the nature of the sport.

  • Costs limit technology to certain events.

  • Breaks in play can be disruptive for performers and fans if they take too long.
• Technological products are becoming an increasingly important part of modern-day 21st century sport. Outline the advantages for performance in sport of using such technology. (4)

  • Technological developments for officials lead to a correct outcome, which leads to fewer

  disputes/increased player confidence in the

  right decision being reached

  • Increased performer safety (e.g. cricket

  helmets)

  • Increased performer comfort (e.g. clothing/footwear improvements)

  • Increased performer ability/skill/technique

  development (e.g. body suits in athletics;

  modern-day footballs; golf club design)

  • Increased analysis of performance (e.g.

  Dartfish)

  • Improvements in training/recovery from

  training (e.g. compression wear)

  • Improved sports surfaces which allow better/more consistent performance/increased usage

  • Improved drug detection
• How have sports spectators benefited from advances in technology? (3)

  • Increased sense of crowd excitement/

  involvement (e.g. awaiting decisions via big

  screen, Hawk-Eye)

  • Improved experience of watching sport at

  home (e.g. 3D/HD/split-screen coverage)

  • Increased excitement from watching top-level performances resulting from technological

  advances

  • A wider range of sports are more accessible as a result of media advances/satellite technologies.
• Fitness apps, which are usually based on smartphone technology, are viewed as one way of increasing participation in sport. Discuss the use of fitness apps as a way of increasing participation in sport. (4)

  Positives/benefits:

  • Improve motivation/goal setting

  • Cheaper than employing a personal trainer

  • Good for accurate monitoring of progress

  
  

  Negatives/limitations:

  • Initial cost

  • Not a short cut to fitness

  • Requires computer literacy/understanding of technology used
• Discuss the impact of modern technology on participation in sport/physical activity. (6)

  It has increased/improved:

  • access to sport/physical activity (e.g. synthetic surfaces enable play all year round and increase the quality of play; among disabled

  athletes, e.g. prosthetic limbs)

  • comfort, which leads to increased likelihood of participation

  • the ability to closely monitor exercise patterns/effects

  • safety of participation (e.g. equipment such as helmets in cycling gives more confidence when taking part).

  
  

  It has limited or decreased participation by/due

  to:

  • high costs of technology

  • providing a range of (inactive) alternatives to physical activity/sports (e.g. Segways may

  decrease physical activity/health levels as they

  replace walking).
• The use of TMO's in sport has been positive for spectators. Discuss. (6)


  For:

  • Increased proportion of accurate decisions/increased fairness

  • Increased entertainment due to tension/drama as they await decisions/replays

  • Increased accountability of officials in elite

  level/professional sport where results have significant financial implications

  • Fairer sporting outcomes

  • Increased expert debate for audiences to

  listen to

  
  

  Against:

  • Slows game down/prolonged interruptions in play

  • Increased certainty of decision making may make sport less entertaining for some

  • The crowd may influence outcomes if giant

  screens in stadium show replays

  • TV producers in choosing replays might

  affect officiating (might affect third official on

  touchline if access to replay before a restart)

  • Human error still not eliminated - may still be wrong/inconclusive

  • Only available at highest levels/for

  professional sport
• Identify three benefits of wearing compression clothing for athletes.

  Optimised muscle temperature decreases the risk of injury.

  Decreased pain from muscle stiffness/soreness/decreased DOMS.

  Decreased time for muscle repair.

  Potential for increased venous return and oxygen delivery to working muscles, enhancing recovery.
• Identify three ways in which broadcasting technology has positively impacted on the audience in sport.

  Developments in high quality sound and picture gives users an impressive view of the sport.

  The introduction of digital TV allows for highly individualised experiences. Viewers can choose the way they experience sport e.g. selecting camera angles, split-screen.

  Inclusion of expert commentary and close-up visuals can be said to give the TV audience a heightened experience of sport.

  Action replays and freeze-frames allow increasingly detailed analysis of key incidents to take place which informs and educates the viewing public.
• Examples of areas where quantitative data could be gathered

  In sport psychology, the link between motivational self-talk and improvement in self-paced skills e.g. golf putt.

  In exercise psychology, the ffect of environemnt on moods using a numerical scale.
• How can reliability be affected by errors?

  Not using equipment properly, poorly maintained equipment.
• Two disciplines of video motion analysis

  Notational match analysis to record individual and team performance through patterns, tactics and strategy to gather data on performance.

  Biomechanics to analyse the sporting impact of body movements.