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Inertial Sensor Technology for Elite Swimming Performance Analysis: A Systematic Review.
Robert Mooney1,2, Gavin Corley3,4, Alan Godfrey5
1Electrical & Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering & Informatics, NUI Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland. r.mooney4@nuigalway.ie.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 30, 2015
Summary
Inertial sensors, like accelerometers and gyroscopes, offer a novel way to analyze swimming performance. This review evaluates their accuracy for starts, turns, and free-swimming, aiding coaches in selecting optimal systems.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Performance Analysis
Background:
- Technical evaluation is crucial for elite swimming preparation.
- Body-worn inertial sensors (Microelectromechanical systems - MEMS) are emerging alternatives to video analysis.
- These sensors offer potential for detailed stroke mechanics, race performance, and energy expenditure analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review literature on inertial sensor use in swimming performance analysis.
- To evaluate the accuracy of feature detection algorithms for swimming phases (starts, turns, free-swimming).
- To consider the impact of sensor placement on performance analysis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Evaluation of feature detection algorithms for swimming phases.
- Analysis of sensor attachment locations and configurations.
Main Results:
- Inertial sensor technology shows promise for quantitative coaching and real-time feedback.
- Accuracy varies depending on the algorithm and swimming phase analyzed.
- Sensor placement significantly influences the data quality and performance insights.
Conclusions:
- Inertial sensors provide a viable, quantitative method for analyzing swimming technique.
- Understanding algorithm accuracy and sensor placement is key for effective application.
- This review aids practitioners in selecting appropriate systems for performance parameter extraction.
