29 April 2024 | Francesca Latino, Francesco Tafuri
This review explores the use of wearable sensors in evaluating physiological performance in elite field hockey players. The study systematically analyzed 23 research articles published between 2010 and 2023, focusing on the validity and reliability of wearable devices in measuring physiological and movement parameters. The primary wearable technologies examined were GPS units, heart rate monitors, and inertial sensors. GPS units were the most commonly used, followed by heart rate monitors. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for these devices ranged from 0.77 to 0.99, indicating high reliability.
Wearable devices are primarily used to measure player activity profiles and physiological demands. They provide data on distance covered, speed, acceleration, and heart rate, which are crucial for performance monitoring, injury prevention, and training optimization. The study found that GPS data can be used to analyze player positions, movement patterns, and game strategies. Additionally, heart rate data help assess physiological loads and training intensity.
The review also highlights the use of inertial sensors for motion tracking and biomechanical analysis. These sensors can measure acceleration, deceleration, and movement patterns, providing insights into technical skills and tactical strategies. The integration of wearable devices with video analysis enhances the accuracy and depth of performance insights.
Despite the high reliability of these devices, challenges remain in comparing studies due to variations in sampling rates and performance bands. However, the overall findings indicate that wearable sensors are widely used in field hockey for performance analysis, injury prevention, and training optimization. The study emphasizes the importance of continued research to develop more advanced wearable technologies that can provide comprehensive insights into player performance, welfare, and safety.This review explores the use of wearable sensors in evaluating physiological performance in elite field hockey players. The study systematically analyzed 23 research articles published between 2010 and 2023, focusing on the validity and reliability of wearable devices in measuring physiological and movement parameters. The primary wearable technologies examined were GPS units, heart rate monitors, and inertial sensors. GPS units were the most commonly used, followed by heart rate monitors. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for these devices ranged from 0.77 to 0.99, indicating high reliability.
Wearable devices are primarily used to measure player activity profiles and physiological demands. They provide data on distance covered, speed, acceleration, and heart rate, which are crucial for performance monitoring, injury prevention, and training optimization. The study found that GPS data can be used to analyze player positions, movement patterns, and game strategies. Additionally, heart rate data help assess physiological loads and training intensity.
The review also highlights the use of inertial sensors for motion tracking and biomechanical analysis. These sensors can measure acceleration, deceleration, and movement patterns, providing insights into technical skills and tactical strategies. The integration of wearable devices with video analysis enhances the accuracy and depth of performance insights.
Despite the high reliability of these devices, challenges remain in comparing studies due to variations in sampling rates and performance bands. However, the overall findings indicate that wearable sensors are widely used in field hockey for performance analysis, injury prevention, and training optimization. The study emphasizes the importance of continued research to develop more advanced wearable technologies that can provide comprehensive insights into player performance, welfare, and safety.