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Validation of GPS and accelerometer technology in swimming
Emma Beanland1, Luana C Main1, Brad Aisbett1
1Centre for Exercise and Sports Science (C-ESS), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Australia.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|May 28, 2013
Summary
An integrated accelerometer and Global Positioning System (GPS) device accurately quantifies swimming stroke count for butterfly and breaststroke. This swimming technology also reliably measures mid-pool velocity in freestyle and breaststroke, offering practical benefits for training analysis.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Swimming Performance Analysis
Background:
- Accurate measurement of swimming kinematics is crucial for performance analysis and training optimization.
- Traditional methods for quantifying swimming variables can be cumbersome or limited in real-world training environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate an integrated accelerometer and Global Positioning System (GPS) device for measuring swimming kinematics.
- To assess the accuracy of the device in quantifying stroke count and velocity across different swimming strokes.
Main Methods:
- A criterion validation study was conducted with 21 sub-elite swimmers.
- Swimmers performed 100m efforts in butterfly, breaststroke, and freestyle.
- Data from the integrated accelerometer and GPS device was compared against digital video analysis.
Main Results:
- Strong correlations (r>0.98) were found between accelerometer stroke count and video criterion for breaststroke and butterfly.
- No significant differences in velocity were detected between GPS and video for freestyle and breaststroke.
- Acceptable error margins were observed for velocity measurements in freestyle and breaststroke.
Conclusions:
- The integrated accelerometer and GPS device is a valid tool for stroke count in breaststroke and butterfly.
- The device accurately measures mid-pool swimming velocity in freestyle and breaststroke.
- This technology offers practical advantages for swimmers, coaches, and sports scientists in outdoor training settings.
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