It’s not surprising that technology has impacted practically every industry across the globe–even sports.
As you may have noticed, the terms technology and sports performance now share so much in common that they are nearly synonymous. The main purpose of new technology in sports is to record or monitor raw data used for training, and then compile in a digestible way for end users to make informed decisions.
Although each piece of technology is unique in its complexity and function, a combination of new technologies allows for the most effective monitoring and guidance of players’ training.
In this post, our expert, Kate Richardson, explored different technological devices athletes use to improve performance. There is a staggering array of technologies out there, but a handful of them are very close to being the good in terms of efficiency, affordability, and user-friendliness.
From Wearable Tech to Virtual Reality, Top Sports Technology Devices That Will Improve Sports Performance
By 2029, the predicted user penetration rate for fitness trackers will have risen to 13.41% from 9.61% in 2024. What this goes to show is that technology is changing the way we do sports. And in the near future, more people will be taking advantage of this surge and stepping up their involvement in sports.
Check out some of the good sports technology devices to optimize sports performance in 2024 below:
Wearable Sports Tech
Wearable technology refers to sports tech devices sports fans and leagues can easily wear on their ankle, wrists, or other body parts to track performance. Some of the most popular are:
Fitness Watches to Measure Performance
When people think about wearables, fitness watches immediately come to mind. Commenting on the benefits that come with having them, Michelle Obama, Former First Lady of the United States, said, “I wear a Fitbit and I love it. It’s a great way to track your activity level and it’s a great motivator.”
Fitness watches are utilized by both professional and amateur athletes to monitor critical metrics like heart rate, step count, calorie burn, distance run, and pace.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a professional athlete, they can help you stay on track and achieve your fitness goals
Heart Rate Monitors
According to Healthline, the resting heart rate of an athlete is often lower than the average person’s. A normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 – 80 beats per minute. But for some athletes, it can be as low as 30 – 40 beats per minute (bpm) .
Heart rate monitors are used to record an athlete’s pulse and other pulmonary functions. This data is necessary for studying the optimal heart rate for activity, the degree of physical fitness, and cardiovascular health in athletes and sports officials. It’s also helpful for avoiding overtraining and identifying heart irregularities.
Sports Helmets for Communication and Protection
Sports helmets are important for goalie positions or contact games like American football. In Sidney Crosby’s words, “Helmets are a crucial part of our safety, and I think it’s terrific that we have them. I think it’s a great safety measure, and I think it’s a necessity.”
To facilitate better performance and execution, many modern headgears come with microphones and cameras plus built-in headsets that enable athletes to communicate with their support team.
Football equipment, including protective headgear, has evolved throughout the years to become more safe and less likely to cause head traumas like concussions.
Sensors & Other Tech for Data Tracking and Collection
There are a lot of ways sports researchers can gather information about the health and performance of athletes. One of the most popular is through sensors.
To help athletes perform at their best, manufacturers provide sensors tailored to certain sports. This allows for more precise insights and data analytics.
Below are a few examples of new data-tracking instruments used in sports:
VBT Sensors
VBT sensors are perfect for tracking the progress of weightlifters.
GPS Sensors
Global positioning system sensors can also be used to keep tabs on athletes’ location and pace while you’re out on a run or bike ride.
Sleep Tracking Devices
These help athletes monitor sleep and hit the necessary target for recovery and excellent performance.
There are also other sensors that work particularly for professional sports persons in medicine. They use them to aid athletes and prevent injuries.
Tech for Injury Prevention
One of the main reasons for the development of modern technologies in the sports tech industry is the need to prevent injuries.
When an athlete suffers an injury on the pitch, it can have a devastating effect on their life and career. So it’s important for sports teams to employ prevention tips to stay healthy and at peak performance.
If you’re wondering what exactly modern sports medicine has to offer, then you can take a look at the following:
Mouth Guards Monitor Impacts
In a recent analysis where MightyTips details all about Jevgenijs Aleksejevs, a popular professional boxer, we see how the superstar went from winning Taekwondo black belt and national titles to making headlines as European Professional K-1 Champion in 2015. All these were possible because of safety devices like mouth guards.
Generally, modern athletic mouth guards include sensors that can sense when a boxer needs to take a break and provide a signal. Who knows, he’d probably have ended up with some really brutal injuries if he went unguarded.
The mouth guard typically lights up after a head hit. A red light indicates a devastating blow while a blue light shows a medium-degree impact.
Photo: MightyTips
Helmets Prevent Head Injuries
Athletes can safeguard their heads from potential impacts with high-tech headgears that have shock absorption features.
In case of a head injury, these are intended to do the jobs of automotive airbags and inflate to reduce the effect of whiplash.
Diagnostic Programs to Identify Players with High Risks
Diagnostic programs use biometric data to help athletes stay out of harm’s way. This is particularly useful for identifying team members who are most likely to sustain injuries.
Plus, advanced computer technology and high-definition cameras help both coaches and players to overview analyzed data in real-time. Referees can also use them to make more accurate calls.
Instant Replay
Instant replay allows referees to examine calls made in real time and even pause the action for more detailed analysis.
RFID Chips
An RFID system comprises the scanning antenna, a transponder, and a transceiver. We call it an interrogator or RFID reader when the transceiver and scanning antenna are combined. And, it comes as either fixed or mobile readers.
The radio frequency identification reader is a network-enabled gadget that can be either permanently attached or transported. It communicates with the tag by sending out signals using radio waves. Once engaged, the tag transmits a wave that is received by the antenna and converted into data.
Now, how does this help athletes?
Every competitor wears an RFID tag either on their race bib or on a wristband to keep track of exact passing times . This tag transmits a signal to readers at particular control points. For example, by recording start and finish times, RFID technology guarantees accurate and fair results in triathlons and marathons.
Conclusion: Redefining the World of Sports with Equipment Development & Digital Fan Engagement
Thanks to technological advancements in tech, the sports industry has grown at a breakneck pace, and fans, athletes, and coaches now have easier access to resources than ever before.
Besides the devices mentioned above, there are other additional innovations which includes:
- Member groups or loyalty programs
- Virtual reality (VR)
- Augmented reality (AR)
- Mixed Reality
- Hawk-eye technology
- Goal line technology.
Enthusiasts are increasingly engaging with content online. And outside the arena, anyone can stay up-to-date on their favorite teams and sports organizations through fantasy leagues, community-building forums, and fan clubs.
In many modern stadiums though, the high-speed internet connection and app development enables fans to feel the thrill of athlete performance with video replay systems, player statistics, live commentary, and more.
The future is bright, and we can’t wait to watch how technology advances for an immersive sports experience.
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