SmartSwim, a Novel IMU-Based Coaching Assistance.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science and Biomechanics
• Performance Analytics

Background:

• Traditional swimming coaching relies on qualitative observation, which may miss complex performance details.
• Objective, quantitative performance evaluation is crucial for effective swimmer development.
• Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) offer a viable tool for objective swimming performance assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce SmartSwim, a novel performance evaluation feedback system utilizing IMUs.
• To investigate the impact of SmartSwim feedback on swimmers' weekly training progress.
• To compare the effectiveness of IMU-based feedback against traditional coaching methods.

Main Methods:

• 10-week study involving 15 competitive swimmers, divided into experimental (SmartSwim) and control groups.
• Weekly performance measurements using a Sacrum IMU to generate SmartSwim reports.
• Coaches in the experimental group used SmartSwim reports to adjust training strategies.

Main Results:

• The experimental group demonstrated superior performance compared to the control group across individual sessions and overall.
• A higher number of swimmers in the experimental group showed significant improvements in average lap time.
• The experimental group exhibited significantly lower lap times from the sixth session onwards and more consistent performance records.

Conclusions:

• SmartSwim provides quantitative assessment of swimming performance, enhancing coaching efficiency.
• IMU-based feedback systems like SmartSwim can lead to more effective training and improved swimmer outcomes.
• This technology offers a valuable tool for data-driven athletic development in competitive swimming.