Digital Innovation & Ergogenic Aids

• Traditionally, most advances in sports technology have been in material science and design. • However, a certain plateau has been reached and, today, the most significant influence on technological aids to boost athletic performance is the digital revolution. • Digital advances mean that an individual’s performance can be tracked, optimized, and shared in almost unimaginable ways.

Uploading Data to Smartphones

Smartphone integration coupled with social media is a major sport and fitness trend today. • For example, a pressure sensor embedded in Nike+ basketball and training shoes can track data about a wearer’s movements—including how high the wearers jump—and transmit this information wirelessly to their smartphones. • The training shoes are designed for both everyday and competitive athletes involved in any intense fitness activity. • The company says the Nike+ community has grown to more than six million “digitally connected” athletes.

Apps and Social Media

• Some Nike+ sensors use Bluetooth technology that the company claims is faster and drains less power from connected devices. • Performance data are stored locally on the sensor and users can upload the data wirelessly to their smartphones after their game or training session. • They can share their workout statistics with friends on social media networks. • Apps such as “Map My Run” track a runner’s fitness, and workout results can be posted to social media accounts.

Pedometers

• A pedometer is a practical and accurate tool for measurement and motivation in physical activity. • It is an inexpensive piece of technology which, when attached to a waistband, records the number of steps taken in a given time period. • A pedometer cannot assess the intensity of an activity, but it can provide its user with information that can help the person become more active

Accelerometers

• An accelerometer is a tool that primarily measures the intensity of physical activity. • Accelerometers record body acceleration minute to minute, providing detailed information about the frequency, duration, intensity, and patterns of movement. • Counts from accelerometers are used to estimate energy expenditure on the part of physical education students and athletes. • Accelerometers can help students montor their own training.

Heart Rate Monitors

• Heart rate monitors can be used to measure exercise intensity and the demands placed on the heart, because heart rate is related to oxygen uptake. • Estimates of energy expenditure from heart rate can be affected by factors such as temperature, humidity, hydration, and emotional stress. • Heart rate monitors are popular with students and everyday athletes as well as with highly trained, competitive athletes.

Wireless Activity Trackers

• A variety of computerized fitness products promise to help runners, skateboarders, and other recreational athletes reach and better their goals. • For example, wireless activity trackers are small and relatively inexpensive devices that allow recreational athletes to monitor their progress. • They can be used while jogging on a treadmill or running a marathon.

Health-and-Fitness Wristbands

• Beginning in 2012, sports companies introduced lightweight polymer-encased fitness wristbands meant to be worn constantly to track fitness levels. • One major product measures time, calories, and number of steps taken. • It uses an accelerometer to measure movement and has a built-in USB. • A competitive product measures steps, heart rate, calories burned, and sleep patterns.

Digital Sportwatches

• With built-in GPS, high-tech sportwatches show a mapped route. • They track time, distance, walking or running pace, heart rate, and calories burned. • The watch plugs into a USB port on a computer to upload data and recharge the battery.

Desktop Electric Treadmills

• A desktop electric treadmill is basically a computer monitor attached to a treadmill. • It allows users to do job-related tasks while working out. • These treadmills are designed to offset the unhealthy (and even life-threatening) physiological effects of sitting for long periods while on the job.

Virtual Gyms

• Digital fitness programs cost a small monthly fee. • These programs permit users to choose a workout and join in as they watch it on a computer or mobile device. • Each subscriber to an online gym program can choose from a variety of workouts and trainers.