Real-Life Application of a Wearable Device towards Injury Prevention in Tennis: A Single-Case Study

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biotechnology
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Monitoring athlete workload and recovery is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries.
• Traditional methods for assessing training load in tennis are often subjective and intuitive.
• Wearable sensor technology offers a potential solution for objective workload and recovery monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the real-life application of the validated Armbeep wearable sensor device.
• To enhance tennis player training through monitoring physiological, movement, and tennis-specific workload and recovery indicators.
• To provide objective data for adjusting training loads and reducing injury risk.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Armbeep wearable sensor, a wrist-worn device for movement and biometric data acquisition.
• Performed basic signal processing on the device and complex analysis in the cloud.
• Applied previously validated inertial measurements and pulse-rate detection for workload and recovery monitoring.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the feasibility of monitoring daily workload and recovery in tennis players under real conditions.
• Showcased the Armbeep device's acceptability for monitoring workload and recovery during tennis practice and matches.
• Provided a practical example of using technology for athlete monitoring and injury rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Objective workload and recovery data from wearable sensors can optimize training effectiveness and individualize athlete approaches.
• This technology facilitates the return of injured athletes to training and competition by providing quantifiable progress.
• Empowers coaches and players with objective data to move beyond intuitive workload assessments, reducing overuse and injury potential.