5.1 role of technology in sport:

• role of technology in sport:

  1. To enhance performance - Equipment, clothing, analysis, recovery and accessibility
  2. To enhance spectatorship - Video replays, scores and information
  3. To increase safety of participants - Helmets, gloves, protective padding
  4. To increase fair play and accuracy of officiating - VAR, Hawkeye, Hotspot
• To enhance performance: Equipment:

  • tennis rackets are now made from carbon composite such as graphite.
  • Footballs used to be made from bladder and was surrounded by a stitched leather casing, however now they are made from a synthetic material.
• To enhance performance: Clothing:

  • light / breathable fabrics - allows heat and sweat to be evaporated efficiently this can help prevent dehydration and overheating.

  -> Nike ~ Dri-fit range

  -> Fabrics like Gore-Tex ( keep performer dry) and polar fleece ( keep performer warm).

  -> Swimsuits and swim caps are designed to reduce drag in the water.

  -> Trainers - lighter and have soles that absorb shock and can return the energy so the performer can run quicker.
• To enhance performance: Recovery and rehabilitation:

  • Cryosauna - allows the muscles to recover quicker and avoid inflammation.
  • Ice baths - helps them recover quicker.
  • Hypoxic Chambers - contains a higher level of oxygen than normal allowing injuries to heal more quickly
• To enhance performance: Analysis:

  • Heart rate monitors - monitor the speed of the heart rate.
  • Video and tracking analysis - monitors allow the coach to analysis technique. Can support athletics
• Increase safety of performers:

  • Helmets - prevent injuries such as concussion. used in skiing, cycling and horse riding.
  • Gloves
  • Head guard - they help prevent injuries to the brain such as concussion. used in boxing
  • Gumshield - prevents injury to the teeth. used in rugby and boxing
• Increase fair play and increase the accuracy of officiating:

  • TMO - use slow motion replay to support decision from different angles. used in football
  • Hawke-Eye - camera system to track a balls trajectory. used in football and tennis
  • Hot spot
• Positive and negative effects of the use of technology in sport:


  POSITIVE:

  • Enhanced performance
  • Low risk of injury
  • Quicker recovery from injury
  • More accurate decisions for officials

  NEGATIVE:

  • Unequal access - unfair to those that can not afford it
  • Potential reduction in the flow of the game
  • Deteriorate skills