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Experimental Validation of Real-Time Ski Jumping Tracking System Based on Wearable Sensors
Johannes Link1, Sébastien Guillaume2, Bjoern M Eskofier1
1Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab, Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052 Erlangen, Germany.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 10, 2021
Summary
This study validates a wearable real-time tracking system (WRRTS) for ski jumping, showing its accuracy in measuring distance and in-flight angles. The WRRTS provides reliable data for sports scientists and coaches to enhance athlete performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Performance Analytics
Background:
- Reliable athlete tracking is essential for sports scientists and coaches to optimize performance.
- Existing tracking systems may have limitations in real-time data acquisition for dynamic sports like ski jumping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a wearable real-time tracking system (WRRTS) for accurately quantifying ski jumping performance.
- To assess the accuracy and precision of WRRTS in measuring key in-flight parameters and jump distance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a WRRTS with wearable trackers on ski bindings and fixed antennas.
- Collected data from 35 ski jumps performed by German National Team athletes.
- Compared WRRTS measurements (3D positions, ski angles) against camera systems and official jump distances.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a mean absolute error of 0.46 m for jumping distance.
- Achieved mean absolute errors of 0.12 m for in-flight positions and 0.8°/3.4° for pitch/V-style angles.
- Statistical analysis using Bland-Altman plots confirmed the system's validity.
Conclusions:
- The validated WRRTS accurately measures crucial ski jumping parameters.
- The system is suitable for real-time tracking during training and competitions.
- Enables immediate feedback for coaches, sports scientists, and potential live TV broadcasting.
