Reliable Pedometers Technology Still Falls Short In Sports
Pedometers are a popular simple device for recording physical activity, frequently used in fitness programs and in corporate wellness initiatives. The principle is one of movement sensors, recording a “step” whenever the vertical acceleration of the lever arm surpasses a given threshold. Pedometers have been primarily designed to count the number of steps over a day. Fitness experts and health professionals often advise specific numbers of daily steps to meet age-appropriate guidelines for physical activity. How Pedometers Encourage Active Life? Assured achievement of step-count goals has been proven to increase the chances of reaching the recommended physical activity levels. Therefore, pedometers are ideal for encouraging active lives, especially for pediatric and obese participants. Their simplicity and reliability in day-to-day applications make them attractive as an introductory device to monitor fitness. Why Are Pedometers Unsuitable for Sport Competitions? While pedometers are effective for measuring steps, they become less than useful when applied in a more robust athletic environment. Pedometers are incapable of measuring athletic movement, such as changes of direction, which are applied much more during competitive sports. Additionally, they hardly provide an impression of the energy that is being expended, which is an important measure for athletes looking to maximize performance with minimum recovery. Who Should Use Pedometers? This being said, pedometers are an extremely pragmatic tool for most any person wishing to improve or sustain their fitness. For those interested in general activity and walking-based exercise, they provide a reliable and simple instrument with which to monitor activity. However, for athletes or participants in competitive sport, they are better served by more sophisticated tools, including accelerometers or GPS trackers, that can capture the full gamut of movement and performance metrics essential for high-level training. In a nutshell, pedometers are good for monitoring steps while running errands, however they do not have the accuracy and skills one would want for recording professional sports. Being a tool for fitness monitoring, pedometers remain highly essential, however with some limitations among those with the pressure of surpassing athletic limits. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Wearables: Your Sidekick To Recovery And Shield Against Injury
The reality in today’s sports world is that it is not about how fast you run or how far you jump, it is about how well you recover-in other words, damage control. Recovery and injury prevention are where it’s at. Enter wearable technology, an ultimate sidekick to help athletes recover like superheroes, dodging injuries like pros. From tracking your snoozes all the way to keeping an eye on those tired muscles, these gadgets are revolutionizing athlete care. Sleep Like a Champ Ever wondered why some athletes bounce back while others feel like zombies? It’s all in the sleep tracking. Devices like Fitbit and Oura Ring go into your REM sleep, showing you if you get enough deep and restorative snooze time. Reports say that it can improve the quality of performance as high as 10-15%. This is what it means to win in your sleep. Muscle Fatigue? Not Today! Picture a gizmo that alerts your muscles before giving up the ghost. Wearables with electromyography (EMG) sensors do just that-they monitor the intensity of your muscle efforts to save you from those awful overuse injuries. For athletes wearing them, the muscle-strain injuries dropped by 20%. Sip, Don’t Slip! Hydration to the Rescue Ditch the guessing game on whether or not you are hydrated. Activity trackers, like the Nix Hydration Biosensor, track your sweat rate and electrolytes, ensuring that dehydration doesn’t sneak up and surprise you. In fact, a study in 2024 proved fully hydrated athletes have a 25% reduced risk of cramping or running out of energy during the middle of a game. Hydrate, dominate, repeat. Wearables: The Future of Recovery is Now! With wearable tech, recovering smarter and staying injury-free isn’t magic. It’s science-with a dash of awesome! The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
HRV: Your Heart’s Secret Weapon in Sports
You do know your heart could be the ultimate performance coach. Welcome to the cool new metric that’s the talk of the town in Indian sports science: Heart Rate Variability or HRV. In 2024, athletes across India-from cricket superstars to marathoners-are strapping on wearables to track HRV, giving their hearts a voice about stress, recovery, and peak performance. Indian Athletes Are Listening to Their Hearts- quite Literally! Let’s get nerdy for a second: HRV measures the time difference between heartbeats-and believe it or not, the more chaotic your heartbeat pattern, the better your recovery game! According to a study by the Indian Institute of Sports Science, a full 82% of elite Indian athletes tracking HRV with wearables like the GOQii Vital have seen faster recovery times-up to 30% faster. And the ones with the low HRV? Stuck on the sidelines with injuries and burnout. Ouch! The Rise of Wearables in India: Bling with a Purpose Remember when wearables were actually cool devices that used to count steps? Not anymore! HRV sensors have become the new MVPs in gadgets such as Noise Fit Active and GOQii, making them something no athlete wants to be without. Backed by affordable devices, the market for wearables in India saw a 28% surge in 2024, over 5 million units being sold. Your fitness tracker isn’t just judging your lazy Sunday; it is actually helping athletes decide whether to push hard or Netflix and chill. Cricket’s New Best Friend? HRV Burnout certainly takes the fun out of this stressful game of cricket. This is the reason all IPL teams are hopping onto the bandwagon of tracking HRV. The players use it to monitor their mental and physical fatigue and give them all the much-needed rest. Just imagine having a personal coach sitting inside your chest! The Future is Heart-Powered HRV is the new sports technology trend that’s sweeping India off its feet. Whether you’re a budding cricketer or are only trying to survive your next 5K, your heart speaks volumes about your stress and recovery. Let’s just say-if you aren’t tracking HRV as yet, your heart might be missing out on the conversation of the year! The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Technology in Sports – Current Landscape, Opportunities & Future Possibilities
The world of Sports is changing with every passing second and by that, we don’t just mean, the way, it is played. Sports has gone beyond gaming, and in fact, it has turned into a billion-dollar industry, with powerful corporate houses and young startups, ready to make it big with larger-than-life technological advancements. The consistent advancements in technology have improved user experience as well as well as increased expectations. Not just as an athlete, but as a coach or even as a fan, an innovative approach is the need of the hour, when it comes to enhancing sporting experiences. The current landscape The marriage of technology and sports has been fascinating, to say the least. From athlete performance to coaching advances to fan experiences, innovations continue to change the way sports are consumed in the 21st century. a) Athlete Performance Tracking: Wearable technology has been a game changer in the world of sports, giving the power in the hands of the athletes and coaches, to monitor, progress and transform their journey altogether. Innovative devices like smartwatches, GPS trackers, and biometric sensors give proper performance metrics like speed, distance covered, heart rate, and fatigue levels, to ensure maximisation of data to enhance the sports experience. b) Data Analytics: Data plays an important role for sports teams around the world to optimize a player’s performance, strategizing and preventing injuries. This culminates in the team making informed decisions in advance to extend an athlete’s professional career. c) VR & AR: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality presence in the sports industry cannot be ignored. Both of them have turned out to be necessities in today’s world. Both VR and AR have a massive role in training purposes. This allows the athletes to prepare well in advance to overcome any obstacles during the competition, thus improving skills in a controlled environment. d) Smart Stadiums: With the utilization of IoT devices, stadiums are becoming smarter and smarter. Fans get unforgettable experiences, be it with mobile ticketing, concessions, or virtual interactions. e) Broadcasting advancements: The usage of high-definition cameras, drones, and 360* video technology are just the tools that fans require for an unforgettable and immersive experience. Opportunities With every advancement in technology, comes an opportunity to improve sports performance, experience, and engagement. The technology not only provides valuable tools for training, coaching, and fan engagement but is also knocking on the doors of a new era of virtual sports involvement. a) Enhanced Fan Engagement: Utilizing technology to create interactive experiences for fans, such as virtual meet-and-greets with athletes, exclusive content access, and gamification elements to increase engagement during live events. b) Personalized Training Solutions: Developing personalized training programs using data analytics and AI algorithms tailored to individual athletes’ strengths, weaknesses, and injury risks. c) Health Monitoring and Injury Prevention: Expanding the use of wearable sensors and AI to monitor athletes’ health in real-time, predict potential injuries, and suggest preventive measures. d) E-Sports Integration: Exploring opportunities for integrating e-sports elements into traditional sports events, creating hybrid experiences that appeal to a broader audience. e) Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing sustainable technologies in sports infrastructure and operations, such as eco-friendly stadiums, renewable energy solutions, and carbon footprint reduction strategies. Future Trends The future looks brighter than ever before. The athletes and the coaches are the biggest beneficiaries. Who would have imagined that a seasoned tennis player in the form of Novak Djokovic, would be at the top of his game, at the age of 36, thanks largely to technological advancements? But wait, there’s more to come. The future of sports and majorly for athletes lies in sports clothing, advanced health metrics, determined sleep patterns, and providing invaluable insights for consistent improvements. a) 5G and Edge Computing: The widespread adoption of 5G networks and edge computing will enable real-time data processing, enhancing the responsiveness of wearable devices and immersive experiences for fans. b) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and ML algorithms will continue to evolve, offering deeper insights into player performance, predicting game outcomes with higher accuracy, and driving innovations in sports analytics. c) Biomechanics and Wearable Robotics: Advances in biomechanics and wearable robotics will lead to the development of exoskeletons and powered suits, augmenting athletes’ physical capabilities and potentially revolutionizing sports performance. d) Blockchain in Sports Management: Blockchain technology can be leveraged for secure ticketing, transparent athlete contracts, and decentralized fan engagement platforms, ensuring trust and integrity in sports management. e) Space Tourism and Extreme Sports: With the rise of space tourism, we may see the emergence of sports activities in space, such as zero-gravity competitions and extreme sports events on other celestial bodies. The landscape of technology in sports is constantly evolving, presenting numerous opportunities for innovation and enhancement across various aspects of the industry, from athlete performance and fan engagement to sustainability and beyond. As technology advances, the future of sports holds exciting possibilities that will shape how we play, watch, and experience sports in the years to come.
ICC: What’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) going to do at the 2024 T20 World Cup?
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is knocking at the doorsteps. The fans are excited, the players are ready, and so are the ICC vendors to bring the best coverage to a worldwide audience. Even it that means, introduction of the AI technology during the mega tournament. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will debut the world’s first AI-supported vertical feed for cricket. The ICC TV plans to offer cricket fans an amazing viewing experience. Alongside showing every match live, they’ll provide a comprehensive world feed service for broadcasters. Plus, they’re introducing something groundbreaking: an AI-supported vertical feed, a first for cricket. This extensive coverage ensures fans won’t miss any of the 55 matches happening over 28 days of action. It includes pre-match shows, breaks between innings, and post-match summaries. The event starts on June 1st with the USA playing against Canada in Dallas. Building on the success of vertical coverage at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC TV is introducing an AI-supported vertical feed. The ICC has partnered with Disney Star, Quidich Innovation Labs, and NEP for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This coverage is specially designed for fans, optimized for viewing on mobile devices. Legendary cricket players will provide commentary and analysis, adding to the excitement. Fans will get to experience the game from nine host locations across the USA and West Indies. ICC’S Innovation Partners BRAND PARTNERSHIPS AT THE ICC MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP 2024 PARTNERSHIP SERVICE BRAND Production Services Disney Star Production Services NEP Broadcast Solutions On-Air Graphics AE Live Cricket Data Analytics Cricviz Off-Bat Tracking Hawk-Eye Game Analysis Piero Graphics Fielding Positions And Strategy Illustrations Quidich Innovation Labs Drone Camera And Roving Buggy Cam Quidich Innovation Labs Aerial View Action Spidercam ICC has its objective crystal clear i.e to prove an amazing user experience to the audiences : – ICC TV will partner with Disney Star and NEP Broadcast Solutions for production services.– AE Live will handle on-air graphics, enhanced by detailed cricket data analytics from Cricviz.– Visual enhancements and innovations will be incorporated into the broadcast.– Hawk-Eye will provide off-bat tracking and Piero graphics for game analysis.– DRS services, including ball tracking and edge detection, will be delivered.– Quidich Innovation Labs will provide Field 360° for illustrating fielding positions and strategies.– They’ll also deliver a drone camera and a roving buggy cam for unique perspectives.– Spidercam will offer an aerial view of the action.– A cine-style shallow depth of field roving camera will capture atmosphere from the stands. The ICC TV will produce extensive non-live content, including player profiles, team features, match previews, venue spotlights, and behind-the-scenes footage. The content produced will be distributed to partners for fan enjoyment. Also Read: The audiences are assured with daily player profiles, team fixtures, upcoming fixtures, game highlights, venue spotlights, and enjoy behind-the-scenes videos. This will let fans feel like they’re right there, experiencing all the excitement of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Revolutionizing Sports Training with AI: The MultiSenseBadminton Dataset
Sports training relies heavily on practice, but what if athletes could learn from the techniques of professionals? Thanks to AI-based personalized coaching assistants, this dream is becoming a reality. These assistants use advanced technology, like cameras and sensors, to track every move an athlete makes during training sessions. Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), South Korea, along with collaborators from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, have developed a groundbreaking tool for badminton training: the MultiSenseBadminton dataset. This dataset captures the movements and physiological responses of badminton players, aiming to enhance their techniques. WHAT IS MULTISENSEBADMINTON?Inspired by MIT’s ActionSense project, which tracked everyday tasks using wearable sensors, the MultiSenseBadminton dataset focuses on improving forehand clear and backhand drive strokes. The researchers collected extensive data from 25 players with varying skill levels, using sensors to monitor joint movements, muscle signals, foot pressure, and even shuttlecock positions. Each movement was carefully analyzed and labeled based on stroke type, player skill level, shuttlecock position, impact location, and sound upon impact. This meticulous labeling ensures the dataset’s quality, making it suitable for training AI models to evaluate stroke quality and provide feedback. WHAT DO EXPERTS THINK?According to Associate Professor SeungJun Kim, this dataset can revolutionize badminton training by creating personalized motion guides for players at different skill levels. By analyzing differences in motion and sensor data, AI-generated action trajectories can offer tailored feedback to enhance players’ techniques. The data collected can also be used to enhance training through methods like haptic vibration or electrical muscle stimulation, promoting better motion and refining swing techniques. Additionally, this dataset could fuel virtual reality games or training simulations, making sports training more accessible and affordable for all. In the long run, the researchers believe that the MultiSenseBadminton dataset could promote overall well-being by making sports training more accessible to a broader audience. With AI-driven coaching assistants and advanced datasets, the future of sports training looks promising, paving the way for healthier populations and improved athletic performance. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Cricket + Q-Collar technology & Tom-Kohler Cadmore connection
Q-collar technology – ever heard of that before? If not, you will, in the coming days. Rajasthan Royals’ Tom-Kohler Cadmore kept the fans and spectators curious with his latest act, that was more than playing cricket and scoring runs. Though the right-handed batter failed to make a massive impact with the bat, the Tom-Kohler Cadmore gadget around his neck made all the headlines. When he came out to bat, he was wearing a Q-Collar, a device often used by NFL players and soccer players to protect against concussions. WHAT IS A Q-COLLAR DEVICE?A Q-Collar is a device designed to help protect the brain from injuries during physical activities. Shaped like a C, it fits snugly around the back of the neck. The collar works by gently pressing on the jugular veins, which increases blood volume in the skull. This added blood creates a cushion that helps stabilize the brain and reduce the risk of concussions during impacts. The device is lightweight and comfortable, allowing athletes to wear it without affecting their performance. Who uses Q-COLLAR DEVICE?The Q-Collar is commonly used by athletes in high-contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey. It has gained popularity because it offers a non-invasive way to reduce the risk of brain injuries. Studies and tests have shown that the Q-Collar can be effective in protecting the brain from the forces that cause concussions. As more athletes and teams recognize the importance of brain health, the use of the Q-Collar is becoming more widespread. TOM KOHLER-CADMORE USING Q-COLLAR TECHNOLOGY https://x.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1790753706972938672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1790753706972938672%7Ctwgr%5Ea3199af80d4425dda2cdc49e2bbd88de2770aaba%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crictracker.com%2Fcricket-news%2Fipl-2024-tom-kohler-cadmore-uses-unique-device-to-reduce-concussion-impact%2F THE FIRST CRICKETER TO USE Q-COLLAR TECHNOLOGYKohler-Cadmore went on becoming the first cricketer to wear this head protection device. Hopefully, more cricketers will start using it in the future and take their safety more seriously. SHOULD Q-COLLAR BE USED MORE OFTEN IN CRICKET?The tragic demise of late. Phil Huges in 2014 brought a massive awareness in the cricketing fraternity as players became more aware of the safety equipment they can use to prevent injuries and tragedies both on and off the field. Similar incident had concussed Huges’ fellow Australian batter, Steven Smith back in the Ashes Series 2019 where he was hit right on the medulla (the connection between the brainstem and the spinal cord) and was forced to leave the field of play. With lethal pace bowlers in the form of Jofra Archer, Jaspirt Bumrah or even Mitchell Starc who like using the bouncers as their weapon, usage of Q-Collar technology soon is expected to be implemented by batters around the world. Additionally, with the bowlers allowed to bowl two bouncers per over in the IPL, use of Q-Collar technology should be a requirement in the game. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Technology in Sports: What is the role of RFID chips?
Technology is revolutionizing the sports industry, transforming traditional games with modern innovations. Genius Sports, for instance, utilizes skeletal technology in the Premier League to gather unprecedented data like shot velocity and player speed. Below, we explore numerous ways in which technology is reshaping sports, from wearable gadgets to fan engagement strategies. 1. Wearable TechnologyWearable gadgets are altering how sports are assessed. With devices ranging from GPS trackers to RFID chips, officials now have access to instant, unbiased data for scoring. Smart watches like Fitbit are popular among athletes for tracking various metrics like calories burned, steps taken, and heart rate. Specialized wearables, such as smart clothing with pressure sensors, cater to specific activities like running, enabling athletes to improve their performance. 2. SensorsSensors play a crucial role in sports technology, whether worn by athletes or integrated into their gear. They monitor various aspects such as heart rate, motion analysis, acceleration, and position tracking. These sensors aid in tracking health data, preventing injuries by identifying risky movements, and ensuring accuracy during games. 3. Fan EngagementSports teams are employing diverse strategies to enhance fan experiences. Loyalty programs offer perks like merchandise and VIP access, while digital engagement via high-speed Internet in stadiums allows fans to access real-time updates and interact on social media. Innovations like virtual reality and augmented reality transport fans into digital sports arenas, enriching their engagement beyond traditional means. 4. Disability and AccessibilityAdvancements in sports technology are making games more accessible to disabled fans. Descriptive audio and e-ticketing systems improve the experience for visually impaired fans, while innovations in assistive technology benefit disabled athletes, enabling them to compete more effectively. 5. Instant ReplayInstant replay technology provides officials with a second perspective on controversial moments in sports. Used across various sports, it fosters discussion and ensures fair judgments. Despite occasional controversies, instant replay has become an integral part of the sports landscape. 6. Sensor ToolsSensor tools, like goal-line technology in soccer and Hawk-Eye in cricket and tennis, assist officials in making accurate judgments during games. These tools eliminate human error and ensure fairness in determining outcomes. 7. Timing SystemsAdvanced timing systems replace manual methods, ensuring precision in recording race times. These systems, integrated into venues or worn by athletes, provide accurate measurements down to thousandths of a second, crucial for determining winners in competitive sports. 8. RFID ChipsRFID chips aid in tracking contestants’ positions in long-distance races, benefiting both broadcasters and judges. Active and passive chips offer different functionalities, contributing to the evolution of sports technology. 9. Equipment DevelopmentSafety is paramount in sports, driving innovations in equipment development. From specialized helmets to impact-absorbing barriers, manufacturers are prioritizing athlete safety and spectator well-being. To conclude,, the integration of new technologies is reshaping the sports landscape, benefiting athletes, fans, and officials alike. From enhancing performance tracking to improving fan experiences, technology continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of sports. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Top Sports Industry Trends & Innovations In 2024
Sports play a big role in our entertainment world, and the industry is growing fast. To keep up with athletes’ and fans’ needs, sports technologies are changing quickly and shaking up the sports business. These tech improvements affect how athletes train, how sports venues work, and how sports teams connect with fans. 1. Performance Analytics Coaches and athletes want to know what actions lead to success during games. Performance analytics tools measure a lot of data to show what needs to be improved in-game strategies. Wearable devices like smart clothes and wristbands give detailed information about athletes’ actions and predict possible injuries. 2. Fan EngagementEngaging with fans is important for sports clubs. They use technologies like blockchain, biometrics, and AI-powered chatbots to connect with fans. Some even use holograms at live events so fans can talk to their favorite sports stars. 3. Smart StadiumsStadiums are using technology to make the match experience better for fans. They use AI to understand how fans feel during the game and drones to deliver snacks. Technologies like IoT help fans find parking spots and use apps at the stadium. 4. eSportsCompetitive gaming, or eSports, is growing. Technologies like computer vision and AI help gamers improve their skills and make betting more accurate. 5. Immersive TrainingAthletes are using virtual reality (VR) and 3D sensors to train better. VR lets them practice in a realistic environment without the physical strain of a real game. 6. CybersecurityAs sports go more digital, there’s a bigger risk of cyberattacks. Companies are using technologies like biometric authentication and blockchain to protect fans’ data. 7. Advanced Sports StreamingStreaming sports online is getting better. Technologies like 3D and VR give fans a more immersive experience. AI can even create personalized highlights during live streams. 8. SustainabilityTo be more eco-friendly, sports tech companies are using recycled materials and renewable energy. This helps reduce waste and lower carbon emissions. Sports technology is always changing. New technologies like AI and VR are making sports better for athletes and fans. And as the industry grows, companies will keep finding new ways to improve the game. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Paris 2024 : IOC’s Innovations for Paris Olympics 2024: Equal Representation, AI, and Enhanced Fan Experience
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) keeps up with changes and innovations. They’re making sure there’s equal representation of men and women in the Paris 2024 Olympics. They’re also introducing Electronic Sports Games. Recently, they’re diving into Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the Olympic Agenda for AI. The AI program aims to enhance athletes’ performance and fans’ experience. For instance, during competitions, AI helps create quick highlights. This will be handy for broadcasters during Paris 2024. They can customize these highlights based on sports, countries, or competition instances. At the Winter Youth Games, they tested AI-operated robotic cameras. The Paris 2024 app, available on mobile devices, will feature cool tech like augmented reality. It lets users see how places looked in 1924. There’s also a map feature showing sports results and cultural events. Improving the spectator experience is a big goal. They’re adding 360-degree replays and detailed athlete performance analysis. But they’re not replacing humans with tech; they’re supporting them. The other goals include finding talent better, improving training, refining arbitration, and promoting safe sports environments. Paris 2024 is expected to attract billions of viewers worldwide. While TV remains popular, the IOC is adapting to new audiences online. They use many social media platforms to reach different regions. During Paris 2024, they expect around 12 trillion interactions online. They plan to post about 50,000 times and broadcast 11,000 live hours of content. It’s a big effort to engage viewers and fans worldwide. Paris 2024 will be the first Olympics with spectators since Rio 2016. They’re cautious about sharing content online to respect rights holders. However, they know people will still share moments on social media, like the opening ceremony. They’re also keen on interaction. The “Social Media Wall” will feature posts from athletes and people sharing their experiences in Paris. It’s all about bringing the Olympics closer to everyone, whether they’re in the stadium or watching from afar. The Sportz Planet Desk.Atharva Shetye.
