"To Tech or Not to Tech?" A Critical Decision-Making Framework for Implementing Technology in Sport

Area of Science:

• Sport science and medicine
• Technology adoption in sports

Background:

• Exponential growth in technology and data availability across industries, including sports.
• The allure of new technology can overshadow potential drawbacks and implementation hurdles.
• The need for careful consideration before investing in and integrating new technologies in sport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential benefits and pitfalls of technology in sport science and medicine.
• To present a critical decision-making framework for technology implementation.
• To guide practitioners in evaluating technology adoption.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on technology in sport science and medicine.
• Identification of common challenges and limitations in technology implementation.
• Development of a 4-question framework for technology assessment.

Main Results:

• Technology offers significant potential but also presents considerable risks and challenges.
• A structured approach is crucial for successful technology integration.
• The proposed framework aids practitioners in making informed decisions.

Conclusions:

• Thoughtful evaluation is essential before implementing new technologies in sport.
• The decision-making framework provides practical guidance for practitioners.
• Optimizing technology use requires understanding both its potential and limitations.