Development of a sports technology quality framework.

Identifying tools and processes to effectively and efficiently evaluate technologies is an area of need for many sport stakeholders. This study aimed to develop a standardised, evidence-based framework to guide the evaluation of sports technologies. In developing the framework, a review of standards, guidelines and research into sports technology was conducted. Following this, 55 experts across the sports industry were presented with a draft framework for feedback. Following a two-round Delphi survey, the final framework consisted of 25 measurable features grouped under five quality pillars. These were 1) Quality Assurance & Measurement (Accuracy, Repeatability, Reproducibility, Specifications), 2) Established Benefit (Construct Validity, Concurrent Validity, Predictive Validity, Functionality), 3) Ethics & Security (Compliance, Privacy, Ownership, Safety, Transparency, Environmental Sustainability), 4) User Experience (Usability, Robustness, Data Representation, Customer Support & Training, Accessibility) & 5) Data Management (Data Standardisation, Interoperability, Maintainability, Scalability). The framework can be used to help design and refine sports technology in order to optimise quality and maintain industry standards, as well as guide purchasing decisions by organisations. It may also serve to create a common language for organisations, manufacturers, investors, and consumers to improve the efficiency of their decision-making relating to sports technology.

Does the application of kinesiotape change scapular kinematics in healthy female handball players?

Elastic taping is widely used in sports medicine for correcting functional alignment and muscle recruitment. However, evidence regarding its influence on scapular dynamic positioning is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a specific kinesiotaping method on scapular kinematics in female elite handball players without shoulder complaints. 25 athletes (18.0±1.5 years) active in the highest national division were recruited. All subjects received an elastic adhesive tape (K-active tape©) with the purpose to correct scapular position. 3-dimensional scapular motion measurements were performed (Fastrak®) during humeral elevation in the sagittal, frontal and scapular plane. The results showed that taping has a moderate to large effect (Cohen's d>0.7) towards scapular posterior tilting, in all 3 planes of humeral movement and for all angles of elevation (mean posteriorizing effect of 4.23 °, 3.23 ° and 4.33 ° respectively for elevation in the sagittal, frontal and scapular plane, p<0.001). In addition, taping also moderately increased the scapular upward rotation at 30 °, 60 ° and 90 ° of humeral abduction (mean increase of 2.90 °, Cohen's d>0.7). Together these results suggest that kinesiotape application causes positive changes in scapular motion. This could support its use in sports medicine for preventing shoulder problems in overhead athletes.