A pilot study on the e-kayak system: A wireless DAQ suited for performance analysis in flatwater sprint kayaks

Nowadays, in modern elite sport, the identification of the best training strategies which are useful in obtaining improvements during competitions requires an accurate measure of the physiologic and biomechanical parameters that affect performance. The goal of this pilot study was to investigate the capabilities of the e-Kayak system, a multichannel digital acquisition system specifically tailored for flatwater sprint kayaking application. e-Kayak allows the synchronous measure of all the parameters involved in kayak propulsion, both dynamic (including forces acting on the paddle and footrest) and kinematic (including stroke frequency, displacement, velocity, acceleration, roll, yaw, and pitch of the boat). After a detailed description of the system, we investigate its capability in supporting coaches to evaluate the performance of elite athletes\u2019 trough-specific measurements. This approach allows for a better understanding of the paddler\u2019s motion and the relevant effects on kayak behavior. The system allows the coach to carry out a wide study of kayak propulsion highlighting, and, at the same time, the occurrences of specific technical flaws in the paddling technique. In order to evaluate the correctness of the measurement results acquired in this pilot study, these results were compared with others which are available in the literature and which were obtained from subjects with similar characteristics

SMART EQUIPMENT DESIGN CHALLENGES FOR REAL TIME FEEDBACK SUPPORT IN SPORT

Smart equipment can support feedback in motor learning process. Smart equipment with integrated sensors can be used as a standalone system or complemented with body-attached wearable sensors. Our work focuses on real-time biofeedback system design, particularly on the application of a specific sensor selection. The main goal of our research is to prepare the technical conditions to prove efficiency and benefits of the real-time biofeedback when used in selected motion-learning processes. The most used wireless technologies that are used or are expected to be used in real-time biofeedback systems are listed. The tests performed on two prototypes, smart golf club and smart ski, show an appropriate sensor selection and feasibility of implementation of the real-time biofeedback concept in golf and skiing practice. We are confident that the concept can be expanded for use in other sports and rehabilitation. It has been learned that at this time none of the existing wireless technologies can satisfy all possible demands of different real-time biofeedback applications in sport

Wearable and BAN Sensors for Physical Rehabilitation and eHealth Architectures

The demographic shift of the population towards an increase in the number of elderly citizens, together with the sedentary lifestyle we are adopting, is reflected in the increasingly debilitated physical health of the population. The resulting physical impairments require rehabilitation therapies which may be assisted by the use of wearable sensors or body area network sensors (BANs). The use of novel technology for medical therapies can also contribute to reducing the costs in healthcare systems and decrease patient overflow in medical centers. Sensors are the primary enablers of any wearable medical device, with a central role in eHealth architectures. The accuracy of the acquired data depends on the sensors; hence, when considering wearable and BAN sensing integration, they must be proven to be accurate and reliable solutions. This book is a collection of works focusing on the current state-of-the-art of BANs and wearable sensing devices for physical rehabilitation of impaired or debilitated citizens. The manuscripts that compose this book report on the advances in the research related to different sensing technologies (optical or electronic) and body area network sensors (BANs), their design and implementation, advanced signal processing techniques, and the application of these technologies in areas such as physical rehabilitation, robotics, medical diagnostics, and therapy

Projecto e concepção de um dispositivo experimental para medição e caracterização dos esforços aplicados no finca-pés de um caiaque de pista: Investigação, desenho e desenvolvimento

Após o enquadramento da canoagem, como modalidade Olímpica, verificou-se um aumento significativo de estudos e pesquisas acerca da biomecânica da modalidade, o que contribuiu para uma diminuição dos tempos na competição. Contudo poucos foram os que se focaram nas forças desenvolvidas e aplicadas ao caiaque através do finca-pés, criado assim oportunidade de desenvolvimento de dispositivos para a medição das mesmas. Assim, o objectivo primordial é desenvolver um sistema experimental capaz de quantificar as forças geradas em cada um dos lados do finca-pés (esquerdo e direito). Este, deverá não só ser passível de se utilizar em caiaque ergómetro como também num caiaque de pista, permitido avaliar as forças aplicadas durante o ciclo de pagaiada, tanto em compressão como em tracção. A sua concepção baseou-se num modelo de finca-pés já existente, tornando-o compatível com os caiaques de competição mais comercializados, e permitindo que no futuro se possa utilizar na água, bastando para isso apenas possuir um caiaque e embarcar o sistema de medição. Este sistema experimental foi testado em caiaque ergómetro por 7 (sete) sujeitos com níveis distintos: seis homens (um atleta olímpico medalhado e cinco de nível nacional) e uma mulher (de nível de selecção Portuguesa) que, entre outros, realizaram um plano definido por 60s a uma frequência de 75 pagaiadas por minuto, seguido de uma intensa mudança de ritmo e força (Sprint). Após análise dos dados obtidos em cada um dos diferentes sujeitos, conseguimos identificar algumas das suas características, tais como: esforço assimétrico dos membros inferiores; utilização de forma heterogénea da fita do finca-pés; diferença de forças máximas aplicadas entre atletas (Ex.: para um atleta olímpico as forças medidas (Min; Max): Pé Esquerdo (- 444; 1087) N e Pé Direito (- 476; 1068) N); etc. Os resultados não só são bastante promissores como também são motivantes e congruentes com estudos anteriores, nomeadamente Begon et al. 2008 e Sturm 2010 e 2012. Finalmente, consegue-se afirmar, com segurança, que foram alcançados os objectivos propostos com a concepção deste dispositivo de medição de forças. Este permite caracterizar os esforços desenvolvidos no finca-pés por cada membro inferior, com ou sem a fita de suporte, possibilitando aos treinadores e atletas uma visão, para muitos desconhecida, das forças transmitidas e das suas assimetrias. No final, este conhecimento permitirá aos atletas melhorar o seu desempenho desportivo bem como facilitar a gestão desportiva, com base nos principais princípios mecânicos inerentes ao movimento dos atletas desde desporto Olímpico.After being classified as an Olympic Sport, the increase in the number of studies and research of the biomechanics in Canoeing has contributed to the continuous reduction of time in the competition. However, few have focused on the amount of force applied on kayak through the foot rest, creating therefore the opportunity to develop devices that could measure it. Thus, the primary goal is to develop an experimental system that is capable of quantifying the force generated on each side of the foot rest (left and right). The device should being capable of not only be used in an ergometer kayak, but also be compatible with a regular flat-water kayak, with the purpose of evaluating the amount of force applied during each stroke cycle, both in compression and tension. Its design was based on an already existing foot rest, making it compatible with the most sold competition kayaks, allowing his future usage afloat. Therefore, one should only need to own a kayak and install the measurement system. This experimental system was tested in an ergometer kayak by 7 (seven) different individuals: six males (one medalled Olympic athlete and five national level ones) and one female (top-national level) that, among others, performed during a 60-second period at a frequency of 75 strokes per minute, followed by an intense change on strength and speed (Sprint). After the analysis of the acquired data for all the different individuals, we were able to identify some of their characteristics such as: lower limbs asymmetric effort; heterogeneous use of the footstrap on the foot rest; difference between maximum force applied by different athletes (i.e. for the Olympic athlete the maximum measured force (Min, Max): left foot (- 444, 1087) N and right foot (- 476; 1068) N); among others. The results were not only very encouraging but also highly motivating and congruent with previous studies, namely Begon et al. 2008 and Sturm 2010 and 2012. In the final analysis, we are able to assure, with a high level of trust, that the primary goal of this work was effectively achieved with the creation of this forcemeasuring device. This will allow athletes and coaches to have an overall perspective, to many even uncrowned, of the asymmetrical efforts developed on the foot rest, with or without the footstrap, for each leg independently. In the end, this knowledge will allow athletes to improve performance, as well as facilitate sport management, based on the primary mechanical principals inherent to the movement of the athletes in this Olympic sport

Recent Advances in Motion Analysis

The advances in the technology and methodology for human movement capture and analysis over the last decade have been remarkable. Besides acknowledged approaches for kinematic, dynamic, and electromyographic (EMG) analysis carried out in the laboratory, more recently developed devices, such as wearables, inertial measurement units, ambient sensors, and cameras or depth sensors, have been adopted on a wide scale. Furthermore, computational intelligence (CI) methods, such as artificial neural networks, have recently emerged as promising tools for the development and application of intelligent systems in motion analysis. Thus, the synergy of classic instrumentation and novel smart devices and techniques has created unique capabilities in the continuous monitoring of motor behaviors in different fields, such as clinics, sports, and ergonomics. However, real-time sensing, signal processing, human activity recognition, and characterization and interpretation of motion metrics and behaviors from sensor data still representing a challenging problem not only in laboratories but also at home and in the community. This book addresses open research issues related to the improvement of classic approaches and the development of novel technologies and techniques in the domain of motion analysis in all the various fields of application

Ferramenta para o desenvolvimento de sistema de análise e monotorização para a modalidade da canoagem de velocidade

É um desafio determinar a pagaiada perfeita e perceber os dados adquiridos. O processo torna-se mais complexo se a informação for adquirida no ambiente natural da prática desportiva. A análise dos parâmetros da canoagem começou por ser feita em ambientes controlados no entanto, a monitorização de atletas na água, facilitada pelo progresso da microelectrónica, tem conduzido a estudos mais realistas e viáveis. O propósito deste trabalho é apresentar uma ferramenta para desenvolver um sistema de aquisição e avaliação do desempenho de um atleta de canoagem. Mantendo este propósito em mente e, de acordo com uma rede sensorial sem fios, foi pensada uma arquitectura que permite a aquisição de dados da pagaia, do barco e do finca-pés. Na rede definida para adquirir e transferir os dados dos sensores em tempo real é necessário um protocolo de baixo alcance, o BluetoothTM Low Energy (BLE). Por outro lado, a comunicação a longas distâncias serve para levar os pacotes de dados desde o barco até à margem do rio, onde se encontra o dispositivo central de análise, o receptor. Neste trabalho, é apresentada a arquitectura e o conceito dos módulos da ferramenta para o sistema de monitorização. São igualmente demonstrados os resultados adquiridos em provas de conceito assim como um estudo e análise do protocolo BLE. O trabalho é finalizado com a apresentação de uma aplicação C# que ilustra o conceito e a implementação do protocolo BLE

Data fusion of relative movement in fast, repetitive-action sports using body wireless area networks

Rowing is an intensive, all-body sport, where bad technique can lead to injury. Crew cohesion, particularly timing, is vital to the performance of the boat. The coaching process, and injury prevention, could be enhanced if data relating to the movement of the oarsmen could be collected, without hindrance to the oarsmen, during on-water training. Literature until recently has concentrated upon boat-centric measurement. Advances in wireless technology have made feasible the collection of data from multiple physically separate sites, including on-body. After analysis of candidate radio standards, a Zigbee wireless Body Sensor Network (BSN) was designed and developed to synchronously collect data from several sensors across the wireless BSN. By synchronising sensor nodes via scheduled synchronising messages from the central coordinating node, synchronisation within 0.79msec ±0.39ms was achieved. Minimisation of the on-time of the sensor node radios currently extends the battery life by a factor of 5. Acceleration and muscle activity data collected using the wireless BSN was compared to data synchronously collected using proven motion analysis techniques to validate the system. Synchronous muscle activity data was collected via the wireless BSN from several muscles during both land-based and on-water rowing and the results compared. The system was proven to facilitate the identification of bad rowing technique, as well as differences in muscle recruitment between land- and water-based rowing. Data collection from a rowing crew was also demonstrated, and their muscle activity and inter-crew timing analysed. With an additional sensor node upon the boat, it is possible to correlate acceleration and muscle activity from the oarsman with acceleration of the boat itself. A novel, power-optimised wireless sensor network has been designed and demonstrated to facilitate on-water rowing monitoring that can be extended beyond single oarsman measurements to analyse the interaction and cohesion of a crew and their impact upon boat performance

NASA Tech Briefs, July 2001

Topics include: special coverage sections on Data Acquisition, and sections on electronic components and systems, software, mechanics, machinery/automation, biomedical and a special section of Photonics Tech Briefs

Advancing the objective measurement of physical activity and sedentary behaviour context

Objective data from national surveillance programmes show that, on average, individuals accumulate high amounts of sedentary time per day and only a small minority of adults achieve physical activity guidelines. One potential explanation for the failure of interventions to increase population levels of physical activity or decrease sedentary time is that research to date has been unable to identify the specific behavioural levers in specific contexts needed to change behaviour. Novel technology is emerging with the potential to elucidate these specific behavioural contexts and thus identify these specific behavioural levers. Therefore the aims of this four study thesis were to identify novel technologies capable of measuring the behavioural context, to evaluate and validate the most promising technology and to then pilot this technology to assess the behavioural context of older adults, shown by surveillance programmes to be the least physically active and most sedentary age group. Study one Purpose: To identify, via a systematic review, technologies which have been used or could be used to measure the location of physical activity or sedentary behaviour. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched using key terms built around behaviour, technology and location. To be eligible for inclusion papers were required to be published in English and describe a wearable or portable technology or device capable of measuring location. Searches were performed from the inception of the database up to 04/02/2015. Searches were also performed using three internet search engines. Specialised software was used to download search results and thus mitigate the potential pitfalls of changing search algorithms. Results: 188 research papers met the inclusion criteria. Global positioning systems were the most widely used location technology in the published research, followed by wearable cameras and Radio-frequency identification. Internet search engines identified 81 global positioning systems, 35 real-time locating systems and 21 wearable cameras. Conclusion: The addition of location information to existing measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour will provide important behavioural information. Study Two Purpose: This study investigated the Actigraph proximity feature across three experiments. The aim of Experiment One was to assess the basic characteristics of the Actigraph RSSI signal across a range of straight line distances. Experiment Two aimed to assess the level of receiver device signal detection in a single room under unobstructed conditions, when various obstructions are introduced and the impacts these obstructions have on the intra and inter unit variability of the RSSI signal. Finally, Experiment Three aimed to assess signal contamination across multiple rooms (i.e. one beacon being detected in multiple rooms). Methods: Across all experiments, the receiver(s) collected data at 10 second epochs, the highest resolution possible. In Experiment One two devices, one receiver and one beacon, were placed opposite each other at 10cm increments for one minute at each distance. The RSSI-distance relationship was then visually assessed for linearity. In Experiment Two, a test room was demarcated into 0.5 x 0.5 m grids with receivers simultaneously placed in each demarcated grid. This process was then repeated under wood, metal and human obstruction conditions. Descriptive tallies were used to assess the signal detection achieved for each receiver from each beacon in each grid. Mean RSSI signal was calculated for each condition alongside intra and inter-unit standard deviation, coefficient of variation and standard error of the measurement. In Experiment Three, a test apartment was used with three beacons placed across two rooms. The researcher then completed simulated conditions for 10 minutes each across the two rooms. The percentage of epochs where a signal was detected from each of the three beacons across each test condition was then calculated. Results: In Experiment One, the relationship between RSSI and distance was found to be non-linear. In Experiment Two, high signal detection was achieved in all conditions; however, there was a large degree of intra and inter-unit variability in RSSI. In Experiment Three, there was a large degree of multi-room signal contamination. Conclusion: The Actigraph proximity feature can provide a binary indicator of room level location. Study Three Purpose: To use novel technology in three small feasibility trials to ascertain where the greatest utility can be demonstrated. Methods: Feasibility Trial One assessed the concurrent validity of electrical energy monitoring and wearable cameras as measures of television viewing. Feasibility Trial Two utilised indoor location monitoring to assess where older adult care home residents accumulate their sedentary time. Lastly, Feasibility Trial Three investigated the use of proximity sensors to quantify exposure to a height adjustable desk Results: Feasibility Trial One found that on average the television is switched on for 202 minutes per day but is visible in just 90 minutes of wearable camera images with a further 52 minutes where the participant is in their living room but the television is not visible in the image. Feasibility Trial Two found that residents were highly sedentary (sitting for an average of 720 minutes per day) and spent the majority of their time in their own rooms with more time spent in communal areas in the morning than in the afternoon. Feasibility Trial Three found a discrepancy between self-reported work hours and objectively measured office dwell time. Conclusion: The feasibility trials outlined in this study show the utility of objectively measuring context to provide more detailed and refined data. Study Four Purpose: To objectively measure the context of sedentary behaviour in the most sedentary age group, older adults. Methods: 26 residents and 13 staff were recruited from two care homes. Each participant wore an Actigraph GT9X on their non-dominant wrist and a LumoBack posture sensor on their lower back for one week. The Actigraph recorded proximity every 10 seconds and acceleration at 100 Hz. LumoBack data were provided as summaries per 5 minutes. Beacon Actigraphs were placed around each care home in the resident s rooms, communal areas and corridors. Proximity and posture data were combined in 5 minute epochs with descriptive analysis of average time spent sitting in each area produced. Acceleration data were summarised into 10 second epochs and combined with proximity data to show the average count per epoch in each area of the care home. Mann-Whitney tests were performed to test for differences between care homes. Results: No significant differences were found between Care Home One and Care Home Two in the amount of time spent sitting in communal areas of the care home (301 minutes per day and 39 minutes per day respectively, U=23, p=0.057) or in the amount of time residents spent sitting in their own room (215 minutes per day and 337 minutes per day in Care Home One and Two respectively, U=32, p=0.238). In both care homes, accelerometer measured average movement increases with the number of residents in the communal area. Conclusion: The Actigraph proximity system was able to quantify the context of sedentary behaviour in older adults. This enabled the identification of levers for behaviour change which can be used to reduce sedentary time in this group. Overall conclusion: There are a large number of technologies available with the potential to measure the context of physical activity or sedentary time. The Actigraph proximity feature is one such technology. This technology is able to provide a binary measure of proximity via the detection or non-detection of Bluetooth signal: however, the variability of the signal prohibits distance estimation. The Actigraph proximity feature, in combination with a posture sensor, is able to elucidate the context of physical activity and sedentary time