Medical-Grade ECG Sensor for Long-Term Monitoring.

The recent trend in electrocardiogram (ECG) device development is towards wireless body sensors applied for patient monitoring. The ultimate goal is to develop a multi-functional body sensor that will provide synchronized vital bio-signs of the monitored user. In this paper, we present an ECG sensor for long-term monitoring, which measures the surface potential difference between proximal electrodes near the heart, called differential ECG lead or differential lead, in short. The sensor has been certified as a class IIa medical device and is available on the market under the trademark Savvy ECG. An improvement from the user's perspective-immediate access to the measured data-is also implemented into the design. With appropriate placement of the device on the chest, a very clear distinction of all electrocardiographic waves can be achieved, allowing for ECG recording of high quality, sufficient for medical analysis. Experimental results that elucidate the measurements from a differential lead regarding sensors' position, the impact of artifacts, and potential diagnostic value, are shown. We demonstrate the sensors' potential by presenting results from its various areas of application: medicine, sports, veterinary, and some new fields of investigation, like hearth rate variability biofeedback assessment and biometric authentication.

Dynamic and Static Assessment of Single-Leg Postural Control in Female Soccer Players.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Various methods are available for assessment of static and dynamic postural stability. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dynamic postural stability as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and static postural sway assessment as measured by the TechnoBody™ Pro-Kin in female soccer players. A secondary purpose was to determine side-to-side symmetry in this cohort. METHODS: A total of 18 female soccer players completed testing on the SEBT and Technobody™ Pro-Kin balance device. Outcome measures were anterior, posterior medial, and posterior lateral reaches from the SEBT and center of pressure in the x- and y-axes as well as SD of movement in the forward/backward and medial/lateral directions from the force plate on left and right legs. Bivariate correlations were determined between the 8 measures. In addition, paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed to determine similarity between limb scores. RESULTS: All measures on both the SEBT and postural sway assessment were significantly correlated when comparing dominant with nondominant lower-extremities with the exception of SD of movement in both x- and y-axes. When correlating results of the SEBT with postural sway assessment, a significant correlation was found between the SEBT right lower-extremity posterior lateral reach (r = .567, P < .05) and summed SEBT (r = .486, P < .05) and the center of pressure in the y-axis. A significant correlation was also found on the left lower-extremity, with SD of forward/backward movement and SEBT posterior medial reach (r = -.511, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic postural tests and static postural tests provide different information to the overall assessment of balance in female soccer players. Relationship between variables differed based on the subject's lower-extremity dominance.

Proposal of accuracy analysis of indoor tracking systems in basketball / Proposta de análise de precisão de sistemas de rastreamento interno em basquetebol

ABSTRACT The development of tracking technology caused a exponentially grow-up of research into this topic. The use of standardized methodologies is useful to contrast data of different studies. On the other hand, a low-cost reference system is needed. For this reason, the main aim of the present research is the description of a specific protocol to accuracy assessment of tracking location in indoor conditions in basketball. It can resume in three steps with detailed and easily procedures in the method section. The accuracy analysis method presented can report the centimeter of accuracy in each coordinate that the tracking system measure. A standardized protocol to evaluate the location on indoor conditions in basketball will provide to the sport science professionals a useful tool to analyze the accuracy and reliability of all tracking system, being the results can compare both within and between-court.

RESUMO O desenvolvimento da tecnologia de rastreamento causou um crescimento exponencial das pesquisas sobre esse tópico. O uso de metodologias padronizadas é útil para contrastar dados de diferentes estudos. Por outro lado, é necessário um sistema de referência de baixo custo. Por este motivo, o principal objetivo da presente pesquisa é a descrição de um protocolo específico para avaliação da acurácia do rastreamento de localização em condições internas no basquete. Pode retomar em três etapas com procedimentos detalhados e fáceis na seção do método. O método de análise de precisão apresentado pode relatar o centímetro de precisão em cada coordenada medida pelo sistema de rastreamento. Um protocolo padronizado para avaliar a localização em condições internas no basquetebol fornecerá aos profissionais de ciências do esporte uma ferramenta útil para analisar a precisão e a confiabilidade de todo o sistema de rastreamento, sendo que os resultados podem ser comparados dentro e entre as quadras.

Clinical translation of biomedical sensors for sports medicine.

The digital health field has seen a surge in product development over the last decade, with product introductions ranging from wrist monitors, epidermal electronics, electronic pills and smart garments, much of these precipitated through the commercialisation and commoditisation of sensor technology. The emergence of wearable technology has recently garnered heightened interest by physicians and the general public. The convenient use of wireless technology to track and monitor physiological parameters, such as heart rate, distance, sleep and stress, has emerged to become relevant to patient care and human performance assessment. However, collecting data is not enough to inform clinical decision-making. It is essential to translate the acquired data into information relevant to clinicians. Our experiences tell us that team competencies must mirror the interdisciplinary technology itself. Thus, an interdisciplinary team blending expertise from engineering, medicine, and nursing is believed to be essential in translating wearable technology into the field. This review discusses the application of wearable sensors to monitor human performance assessment in domains necessitating accurate, reliable, and timely transmission of acquired bio-metric and bio-vital data. A key result disseminating from our investigations is the need to develop predictive models based off of the data acquired from wearable devices to necessitate the development of athlete-centred treatment plans to expedite the return-to-play time and to maximise performance.

A Medical Support in Offshore Racing - Workshop on Medical Support for Offshore Yacht Races, Telemedical Advice Service (TMAS), 1-2 December 2018, London, United Kingdom.

The safety and health of sailors offshore is of major concern. World Sailing (WS) and International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) are taking seriously the potential dangers to the safety and health at sea. By the nature of their sport, the sailors racing in offshore racing environment can be exposed to injuries and other health problems that can endanger their lives. Being aware of the potential dangers caused by the distance from onshore health facilities and lack of professional help on board, IMHA and WS decided to support the activities that are leading to the enhancement of safety and health protection on board. With common initiative, joint Workgroup on Medical Support in Offshore Racing has been formed and the series of workshop organised. The WS/IMHA Workgroup on Medical Support for Offshore Yacht Races previously reached consensus on the common competences and learning outcomes for medical training for offshore racing. In addition, the Workgroup has also set standards for required medical kit inventory for yachts par- ticipating in the various categories of offshore yacht races. Documents were both approved by WS Medical Commission and the IMHA Board. Fourth workshop on Medical Support for Offshore Yacht Races was held in London, United Kingdom, 1-2 December 2018 and workgroup reached consensus on the standards for availability of Telemedical Advice Services (TMAS) for the various categories of offshore yacht races held under the authority of WS. This position paper sets out how the TMAS should be integrated with the practical usage of medicines and medical equipment on board offshore racing yachts. In addition, this position paper also sets out how the level of medical training integrates with appropriate use of the TMAS. Overall, the three WS/IMHA position papers on the triad of medical inventories, medical training and TMAS, are aimed at providing the best possible medical care on offshore racing yachts, by fully integrating each part of the triad of medical support.

Gait-training devices in the treatment of lower extremity injuries in sports medicine: current status and future prospects.

INTRODUCTION: This review seeks to provide synthesized information on gait-training techniques and devices applied, in four of the most prevalent chronic lower extremity injuries seen in sports medicine. AREAS COVERED: Comprehensive searches were performed in CINAHL and PubMed databases in April 2018 to identify gait-training articles in Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI), Exercise-Related Lower Leg Pain (ERLLP), Patellofemoral Pain (PFP), and Anterior Cruciate Ligament with Reconstruction (ACLR) populations. An investigator reviewed the articles and extracted data including study demographics, gait-training techniques, devices used, and primary gait-training outcomes. Fifty-eight articles were included in this review (9 CAI, 19 ERLLP, 17 PFP, 13 ACLR). Pooled analyses were performed for common outcomes within each injury category. Current evidence supports destabilization training and pressure medialization tactics for CAI (n = 9), footstrike/loading and cadence interventions for ERLLP (n = 11) and PFP (n = 7), and limb off-loading techniques for ACLR (n = 4). Commonly used devices included accelerometers (n = 6), custom gait-training footwear (n = 9), metronomes (n = 14), and pressure sensors (n = 5). EXPERT COMMENTARY: Although there are commonalities among gait-training interventions for chronic pathologies, more uniform approaches and clinical predictor rules would help identify the most appropriate interventions. Wearable sensors will continue to revolutionize gait-training and allow for ecologically valid gait-training interventions.

A Medical Support in Offshore Racing - Workshop on Medical Kit Inventory in Offshore Yacht Racing, 12-13 May 2017, Lorient, France.

No abstract.

Evaluation of Nintendo Wii Balance Board as a Tool for Measuring Postural Stability After Sport-Related Concussion.

CONTEXT: Recent changes to postconcussion guidelines indicate that postural-stability assessment may augment traditional neurocognitive testing when making return-to-participation decisions. The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) has been proposed as 1 measure of balance assessment. A new, freely available software program to accompany the Nintendo Wii Balance Board (WBB) system has recently been developed but has not been tested in concussed patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of using the WBB to assess postural stability across 3 time points (baseline and postconcussion days 3 and 7) and to assess concurrent and convergent validity of the WBB with other traditional measures (BESS and Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test [ImPACT] battery) of assessing concussion recovery. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Athletic training room and collegiate sports arena. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: We collected preseason baseline data from 403 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and III student-athletes participating in contact sports and studied 19 participants (age = 19.2 ± 1.2 years, height = 177.7 ± 8.0 cm, mass = 75.3 ± 16.6 kg, time from baseline to day 3 postconcussion = 27.1 ± 36.6 weeks) who sustained concussions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We assessed balance using single-legged and double-legged stances for both the BESS and WBB, focusing on the double-legged, eyes-closed stance for the WBB, and used ImPACT to assess neurocognition at 3 time points. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample. Mean differences and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to determine differences within and between metrics over the 3 time points. Individual-level changes over time were also assessed graphically. RESULTS: The WBB demonstrated mean changes between baseline and day 3 postconcussion and between days 3 and 7 postconcussion. It was correlated with the BESS and ImPACT for several measures and identified 2 cases of abnormal balance postconcussion that would not have been identified via the BESS. CONCLUSIONS: When accompanied by the appropriate analytic software, the WBB may be an alternative for assessing postural stability in concussed student-athletes and may provide additional information to that obtained via the BESS and ImPACT. However, verification among independent samples is required.

Head-Impact-Measurement Devices: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: With an estimated 3.8 million sport- and recreation-related concussions occurring annually, targeted prevention and diagnostic methods are needed. Biomechanical analysis of head impacts may provide quantitative information that can inform both prevention and diagnostic strategies. OBJECTIVE: To assess available head-impact devices and their clinical utility. DATA SOURCES: We performed a systematic search of the electronic database PubMed for peer-reviewed publications, using the following phrases: accelerometer and concussion, head impact telemetry, head impacts and concussion and sensor, head impacts and sensor, impact sensor and concussion, linear acceleration and concussion, rotational acceleration and concussion, and xpatch concussion. In addition to the literature review, a Google search for head impact monitor and concussion monitor yielded 15 more devices. STUDY SELECTION: Included studies were performed in vivo, used commercially available devices, and focused on sport-related concussion. DATA EXTRACTION: One author reviewed the title and abstract of each study for inclusion and exclusion criteria and then reviewed each full-text article to confirm inclusion criteria. Controversial articles were reviewed by all authors to reach consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS: In total, 61 peer-reviewed articles involving 4 head-impact devices were included. Participants in boxing, football, ice hockey, soccer, or snow sports ranged in age from 6 to 24 years; 18% (n = 11) of the studies included female athletes. The Head Impact Telemetry System was the most widely used device (n = 53). Fourteen additional commercially available devices were presented. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements collected by impact monitors provided real-time data to estimate player exposure but did not have the requisite sensitivity to concussion. Proper interpretation of previously reported head-impact kinematics across age, sport, and position may inform future research and enable staff clinicians working on the sidelines to monitor athletes. However, head-impact-monitoring systems have limited clinical utility due to error rates, designs, and low specificity in predicting concussive injury.

Assessment of the Postural Stability of Female and Male Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Postural stability is often affected by sport-related injuries and subsequently evaluated during postinjury examinations. Intrinsic factors, however, may also affect postural control. We sought to compare the postural control of female and male athletes as measured simultaneously by (1) the modified balance error scoring system (mBESS) and (2) a video-force plate system. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Sports injury prevention center. PARTICIPANTS: Pediatric, adolescent, and young adult athletes who performed mBESS during an injury prevention evaluation. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: We compared the postural control of female and male athletes. We also accounted for independent variables associated with postural stability, including age, body mass index, and history of ankle injury, concussion, and migraine headache. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total errors committed during the mBESS and measurements derived from integrated kinematic and kinetic data obtained by a video-force plate system. Differences between males and females were tested using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Participants (n = 409) ranged in age from 10 to 29 years (mean = 14.6 ± 2.8); 60% were female. No significant differences on mBESS were detected between females and males; however, female athletes demonstrated significantly better postural stability on the video-force plate analysis during double-leg (P = 0.03, d = 0.28), single-leg (P < 0.001, d = 0.62), and tandem stances (P < 0.001, d = 0.53) when compared with males. CONCLUSIONS: Uninjured female athletes demonstrate better postural stability on video-force plate analysis than their uninjured male counterparts. These findings provide an important information assistive to clinicians during interpretation of postinjury balance tests.

Plantar pressure measurements and running-related injury: A systematic review of methods and possible associations.

Pressure-sensitive measuring devices have been identified as appropriate tools for measuring an array of parameters during running. It is unclear which biomechanical characteristics relate to running-related injury (RRI) and which data-processing techniques are most promising to detect this relationship. This systematic review aims to identify pertinent methodologies and characteristics measured using plantar pressure devices, and to summarise their associations with RRI. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched up until March 2015. Retrospective and prospective, biomechanical studies on running using any kind of pressure-sensitive device with RRI as an outcome were included. All studies involving regular or recreational runners were considered. The study quality was assessed and the measured parameters were summarised. One low quality, two moderate quality and five high quality studies were included. Five different subdivisions of plantar area were identified, as well as five instants and four phases of measurement during foot-ground contact. Overall many parameters were collated and subdivided as plantar pressure and force, plantar pressure and force location, contact area, timing and stride parameters. Differences between the injured and control group were found for mediolateral and anteroposterior displacement of force, contact area, velocity of force displacement, relative force-time integral, mediolateral force ratio, time to peak force and inter-stride correlative patterns. However, no consistent results were found between studies and no biomechanical risk patterns were apparent. Additionally, conflicting findings were reported for peak force in three studies. Based on these observations, we provide suggestions for improved methodology measurement of pertinent parameters for future studies.

Using video analysis for concussion surveillance in Australian football.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to assess the relationship between various player and game factors and risk of concussion; and to assess the reliability of video analysis for mechanistic assessment of concussion in Australian football. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: All impacts and collisions resulting in concussion were identified during the 2011 Australian Football League season. An extensive list of factors for assessment was created based upon previous analysis of concussion in Australian Football League and expert opinions. The authors independently reviewed the video clips and correlation for each factor was examined. RESULTS: A total of 82 concussions were reported in 194 games (rate: 8.7 concussions per 1000 match hours; 95% confidence interval: 6.9-10.5). Player demographics and game variables such as venue, timing of the game (day, night or twilight), quarter, travel status (home or interstate) or score margin did not demonstrate a significant relationship with risk of concussion; although a higher percentage of concussions occurred in the first 5min of game time of the quarter (36.6%), when compared to the last 5min (20.7%). Variables with good inter-rater agreement included position on the ground, circumstances of the injury and cause of the impact. The remainder of the variables assessed had fair-poor inter-rater agreement. Common problems included insufficient or poor quality video and interpretation issues related to the definitions used. CONCLUSIONS: Clear definitions and good quality video from multiple camera angles are required to improve the utility of video analysis for concussion surveillance in Australian football.

The reliability and validity of video analysis for the assessment of the clinical signs of concussion in Australian football.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of identifying clinical signs of concussion using video analysis in Australian football. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: All impacts and collisions potentially resulting in a concussion were identified during 2012 and 2013 Australian Football League seasons. Consensus definitions were developed for clinical signs associated with concussion. For intra- and inter-rater reliability analysis, two experienced clinicians independently assessed 102 randomly selected videos on two occasions. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated based on the diagnosis provided by team medical staff. RESULTS: 212 incidents resulting in possible concussion were identified in 414 Australian Football League games. The intra-rater reliability of the video-based identification of signs associated with concussion was good to excellent. Inter-rater reliability was good to excellent for impact seizure, slow to get up, motor incoordination, ragdoll appearance (2 of 4 analyses), clutching at head and facial injury. Inter-rater reliability for loss of responsiveness and blank and vacant look was only fair and did not reach statistical significance. The feature with the highest sensitivity was slow to get up (87%), but this sign had a low specificity (19%). Other video signs had a high specificity but low sensitivity. Blank and vacant look (100%) and motor incoordination (81%) had the highest positive predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: Video analysis may be a useful adjunct to the side-line assessment of a possible concussion. Video analysis however should not replace the need for a thorough multimodal clinical assessment.

Una nueva era de la revista Archivos de Medicina del Deporte / A new era of the Archives of Sports Medicine journal

No disponible

Fútbol femenino categorías inferiores. Características antropométricas y fisiológicas. Evolución a lo largo de una temporada / Young women soccer players. Anthropometric and physiological characteristics. Evolution in a Sports season

Introducción: El fútbol femenino ha experimentado un importante aumento de practicantes en las últimas décadas. Se aportan datos antropométricos y de condición física de jugadoras de fútbol en formación valorando su evolución a lo largo de una temporada y comparándolos con los existentes en la literatura. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 21 jugadoras de edades comprendidas entre 12 y 15 años, que entrenaban 2 días/semana, 90 minutos/sesión, más el partido del fin de semana. No se diferenció por posiciones en el terreno deportivo. Todas ellas realizaron un examen médico-deportivo al inicio y al final del estudio, que incluyó: anamnesis, exploración física, tensión arterial, ECG de reposo, antropometría (peso, talla, 6 pliegues) y Test de Banco de Astrand. Se realizó estudio estadístico descriptivo y comparación de medias para datos apareados. Resultados: A lo largo del año se observa un aumento del peso: media de 48,83 (8,17) a 52,82 (7,69) Kg, de la talla: media de 158,5 (6,19) a 160,7 (5,33) cm , del % de grasa: media de 14,7 (3,84) % a 16,9 (3,98) % y un aumento del VO2 max: media de 42,95 (6,13) a 44,58 (9,37) ml/Kg/min. Los valores del % de grasa son algo inferiores a los descritos en jugadoras de categoría senior de equipos de elite (rango de 17,5-28,3%), mientras que el VO2 max se sitúa por debajo del rango de referencia para jugadoras europeas de elite (47-57 ml/kg/min). Discusión y conclusiones: Las diferencias halladas entre los dos controles son estadísticamente significativas en el peso (p<0.0001), talla (p<0.0001), % graso (p=0.002) y VO2 max en valores absolutos (p=0,009) y no en valores referidos al peso. En las edades objeto de estudio es difícil atribuir en qué proporción estas variaciones se deben al crecimiento y desarrollo y que parte al entrenamiento físico

Background: Female’s football has had a great improvement and in the number of players over the last decades. Our goal is to analyse both anthropometrical characteristics and physical capacity of young women football players, comparing our results with current literature and assess the evolution during a season. Methods: 21 women football players were examined. All between 12-15 years old and used to train twice a week during 90 minutes each session; playing a match at the weekend as well. Players positions were not discriminated. They all passed a sports physical exam at the beginning and at the end of the study. This check-up included a thorough medical history, a physical exam, blood pressure, rest-electrocardiogram, anthropometry (weight, height, 6 skin-fold thickness) and the Astrand step test. Descriptive statistical analysis and paired means comparison were performed. Results: We observed a weight gain, a growth in height and a rise in body fat percentage throughout the season. The average weight increased from 48.83 (8.17) to 52.82 (7.69) kg. Height augmentation was from 158.5 (6.19) to 160.7 (5.33) cm, and body fat percentage moved up from 14.7 (3.84) to 16.9 (3.98) %. Maximal oxygen uptake incremented from 42.95 (6.13) to 44.58 (9.37) ml/kg/min. The body fat percentage results are slightly lower than reference values in senior elite women football players (17.5-28.3%) while maximal oxygen uptake is lower than reference range for European women elite football players (47-57 ml/kg/min). Discussion and conclusions: The results concerning weight (p<0.0001), height (p<0.0001), body fat percentage (p=0.002) and absolute values of maximal oxygen uptake (p=0.009) are statistically significant. Given the age of the players, it is difficult to attribute which part of these results is due to growth itself and which one is due to training

Evolución de la prevención de lesiones en el control del entrenamiento / Evolution of injury prevention training monitoring

En la actualidad, nadie duda de la interrelación entre las cargas de entrenamiento y su influencia en las lesiones deportivas. Objeto de estudio: realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre el control del entrenamiento y la prevención de lesiones en los deportes colectivos que nos permitan avanzar en el conocimiento del mismo. Se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica electrónica en el año 2015 en las bases de datos Web of Science (WOS), Pubmed y Scopus. Las estrategias de búsqueda y palabras clave fueron "training load", "prevention injuries" y la combinación mediante el término AND/& con control, team sports. La "n" analizada ha sido "training load" (49), "prevention injuries & training load & control & team sports" (16), "prevention injuries & training load" (204). De la revisión se obtuvieron 5 bloques temáticos: control y monitorización del entrenamiento (13,6%), prevención de lesiones (39,2%), prevención del ligamento cruzado anterior (15,2%), incidencia lesional (18,4%) y otros (13,6%). El control de la carga debe recoger datos cuantitativos y cualitativos tanto del entrenamiento como fuera del mismo. Los trabajos de fuerza general y específica, con especial atención al trabajo excéntrico, control propioceptivo y la coordinación neuromuscular conforman los pilares en los que se sustenta un plan de prevención de lesiones. Debe tenerse en cuenta la revisión continua tanto de las reglas del juego como del material de protección ya que puede permitir disminuir la incidencia lesional. Se deben seguir realizando estudios biomecánicos y de vídeo que permitan seguir avanzando en el conocimiento de las causas y factores de las lesiones. Es necesario estudios epidemiológicos de la incidencia lesional en la población en general que nos den la magnitud del problema. Es necesario seguir trabajando en fomentar la prevención de lesiones desde la perspectiva global del deportista desde la infancia

Today, no one doubts the relationship between training loads and their influence on sports injuries. Object of study: literature review on training load and injury prevention in team sports that allow us to advance our knowledge of it. It has made an electronic literature review in 2015 on the basis of Web of Science (WOS), Pubmed and Scopus. The search strategies and key words were "training load", "prevention injuries" and the combination by the term AND/& with control team sports. The "n" has been discussed "training load" (49) "prevention injuries & training load & Control & team sports" (16) "prevention injuries & training load" (204). 5 thematic blocks were obtained: Control and monitoring of training (13.6%), prevention of injuries (39.2%), prevention of anterior cruciate ligament (15.2%), injury incidence (18.4%) and others (13.6%). The load control should collect quantitative and qualitative data from the training and the rest of the day. The general and specific strength tranining, with particular attention to eccentric work, proprioceptive, neuromuscular control and coordination form the pillars on which a plan for injury prevention is based. Continuous review of rules of the game and the protective material should be considered because it may allows to reduce the incidence of injury. It should continue with biomechanical studies and video to enable further progress in understanding the causes and factors of injuries. Epidemiological studies are needed about the incidence of injury in the general population to give us the magnitude of the problem. Further work is needed to promote the prevention of injury from the global perspective of the athlete from childhood

Wearable Performance Devices in Sports Medicine.

CONTEXT: Wearable performance devices and sensors are becoming more readily available to the general population and athletic teams. Advances in technology have allowed individual endurance athletes, sports teams, and physicians to monitor functional movements, workloads, and biometric markers to maximize performance and minimize injury. Movement sensors include pedometers, accelerometers/gyroscopes, and global positioning satellite (GPS) devices. Physiologic sensors include heart rate monitors, sleep monitors, temperature sensors, and integrated sensors. The purpose of this review is to familiarize health care professionals and team physicians with the various available types of wearable sensors, discuss their current utilization, and present future applications in sports medicine. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Data were obtained from peer-reviewed literature through a search of the PubMed database. Included studies searched development, outcomes, and validation of wearable performance devices such as GPS, accelerometers, and physiologic monitors in sports. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. RESULTS: Wearable sensors provide a method of monitoring real-time physiologic and movement parameters during training and competitive sports. These parameters can be used to detect position-specific patterns in movement, design more efficient sports-specific training programs for performance optimization, and screen for potential causes of injury. More recent advances in movement sensors have improved accuracy in detecting high-acceleration movements during competitive sports. CONCLUSION: Wearable devices are valuable instruments for the improvement of sports performance. Evidence for use of these devices in professional sports is still limited. Future developments are needed to establish training protocols using data from wearable devices.