Athlete and coach perceptions of technology needs for evaluating running performance

Athletes and their support team utilise technology to measure and evaluate technique and athletic performance. Existing techniques for motion and propulsion measurement and analysis include a combination of indirect methods (high-speed video) and direct methods (force plates and pressure systems). These methods are predominantly limited to controlled laboratory environments (in a small area relative to the competition environment), require expert advice and support, and can take significant time to evaluate the data. Consequently, the more advanced measurement techniques are considered to be restricted to specific coaching sessions, or periods in the year leading up to competition, when the time and expertise of further support staff are available. The more widely used, and simple, devices for monitoring 'performance' during running include stopwatches, GPS tracking and accelerometer-based systems to count strides. These provide useful information on running duration, distance and velocity but lack detailed information on many key aspects of running technique. In order to begin the process of development of more innovative technologies for routine use by athletes and coaches, a study was required to improve the understanding of athletes' and coaches' perception of their requirements from measurement technology. This study outlines a systematic approach to elicit and evaluate their perceptions, and presents the findings from interviews and a questionnaire. The qualitative data are presented as a hierarchical graphical plot (structured relationship model) showing six general dimensions (technique, footwear and surface, environment, performance, injury and cardiovascular) and shows the development of these general dimensions from the interviewee quotations. The questionnaire quantitative data enhances the study by further ranking characteristics that arise from the interviews. A contrast is shown between short and longer distance runner groups, as might be expected. The current technology available to elite runners is briefly reviewed in relation to the 22 characteristics identified as important to measure. The conclusions highlight the need for newer technologies to measure aspects of running style and performance in a portable and integrated manner, with suggestions as to size and weight likely to be acceptable to users for emerging devices. © 2010 International Sports Engineering Association

Human perceptions of artificial surfaces for field hockey

Measuring the performance of a sports surface is typically derived from a series of field and laboratory tests that assess the playing properties under simulated game conditions. However, from a player’s perspective their own comfort and confidence in the surface and its playing characteristics are equally if not more important. To date no comparative study to measure playing preference tests has been made. The aim of this research was to develop a suitable method for eliciting player perceptions of field hockey pitches and determine the key themes that players consider when assessing field hockey pitches. To elicit meaningful unbiased human perceptions of a playing surface, an individual subjective analysis was carried out, using interviews and inductive analysis of the recorded player statements. A qualitative analysis of elite hockey players (n = 22) was performed to obtain their perceptions immediately after a competitive match. The significant surface characteristics that emerged as part of an inductive analysis of their responses were grouped together and formed five general themes or dimensions: player performance, playing environment, pitch properties, ball interaction and player interaction. Each dimension was formed from a hierarchy of sub-themes. During the analysis, relationships between the dimensions were identified and a structured relationship model was produced to highlight each relationship. Players’ responses suggested that they perceived differences between pitches and that the majority of players considered a ‘hard’ pitch with a ‘low’ ball bounce facilitating a ‘fast’ game speed was desirable. However, further research is required to understand the relative importance of each theme and to develop appropriate measurement strategies to quantify the relevant engineering properties of pitch materials

Shoe signature monitoring for advanced running technique (P145)

An athlete and support team will utilise whatever tools are at their disposal to help ‘measure’ the athletic ability and develop it further. However, assessment of the athletic motion technique and propulsion mechanics is usually limited to a combination of indirect techniques (visual, high-speed video etc.) and may include some direct measurement of foot-surface contact forces or pressures in a controlled laboratory environment. The next logical step in research and development is to provide high quality information of the foot-surface interaction during the athlete’s motion in training by the development of advanced instrumentation attached in some way. This information could provide enormous benefits to individuals to both enhance their performance and also provide unique feedback on their (more controlled) rehabilitation from injury. This paper describes findings to date from a current EPSRC/UK Sport funded study to evaluate, in the first instance, what and how appropriate feedback could be given to elite athletes and their coaches of their running characteristics. The research undertaken thus far has elicited the detailed user requirements from a series of interviews and workshops with elite coaches and athletes and sets out a framework for delivering appropriate technology directly tailored to both measure and enhance performance. The qualitative data is presented as a hierarchical graphical plot showing the six general dimensions (technique, footwear and surface, environment, performance, injury and cardiovascular). These are discussed in detail in turn, with regard to the instrumentation technology required for delivery, and with an emphasis on ideal processed data visualisation techniques required for relatively simple absorption and actions by the athlete and coaching team