Like in most spheres of business and health, IoT applications are now making waves in the world of sports. IoT technology has been making considerable inroads into various aspects of sports – be it stadium management, fan engagement, player health and safety, and enriching the game experience.
With huge sums invested in professional teams, player health and performance are vital to team performance. Keeping players safe and healthy is the top priority and the role of the team doctors, trainers, and coaches. IoT technology can be harnessed to best use by capturing vital player data that can be worked upon for enhanced performance.
IoT and Player development
With IoT technology, player development is more efficient and productive. Detailed analysis of past games can throw up valuable metrics on player performance and how it can be better harnessed for the game. This can also be studied and contrasted with opponent strengths and weaknesses. This would help in developing game strategies.
Coaching can also be enhanced with IoT-gathered data; about player fitness, player efficiency, and gathered analysis about recent performance. With AI and ML algorithms, detailed analysis of strategic games can throw light on winning tips. Coaches use the player metrics to evolve appropriate game strategies.
Mobile apps integrated with sensors can be used by athletes and players for effective training and IoT jobs simplify this entire process. These apps are synced with their fitness parameters and game strategy. This can help in the holistic management of diet, fitness, training, sleep, and mental health.
IoT and sports player health and safety
IoT wearables are making considerable headway in the area of sports and athletics. Some of the IoT-based devices include:
- Smart insoles
- Helmet sensors
- IoT wristbands
- Smart mouth guards
- Built-in sensors in footballs
- RFID tags on player pads and bats
With these sensor-based IoT devices, real-time data is captured about the athlete. With these sensor-aided IoT systems, it is possible to keep pace with the player’s running speed, running technique, acceleration, and distance maintenance during the game.
With impact sports, the danger of serious injuries and neurological defects looms large. Mouthguards fitted with sensors can offer protection against concussions and also share data on the impact. With increasing IoT careers, the data from player shoes can be tracked with real-time information like running speed, impact, and duration.
With smart helmets, medical staff can be immediately alerted in case of hits or concussions. Smart helmets can also transmit data about the impact and location of the injury. Sensor-based wristbands provide data on the motion and speed of the ball when tossed by the player. Analysis of such data can help in improving shooting motion.
Sports doctors, trainers, and physical therapists use this data to keep tabs on player health and safety. Such monitoring can go a long way in providing an overall picture of the health of the player. Historical health, fitness, and performance data of players help them maintain their bodies better.
They can set fitness goals and make decisions that can boost their playing careers. Any unspotted injuries or other health hazards can be spotted at once. Remedial action can be initiated at once. Danger zones can be identified from this analysis. Potential injuries can be avoided.
With an analysis of performance patterns, coaches can train effectively to capitalize on the advantages and maximize efficiency. With wearables, coaches gain a holistic view of the players and provide personalized training and physical therapy for weak muscle groups and stressed body areas.
Conclusion
With breakthrough innovations in IoT technology that have been deployed in the field of sports, significant changes are on the anvil. Sports fans will benefit from a personalized and enriching experience.
Players will stand to benefit from better monitoring and tracking of their health and fitness parameters. With data analytics of game videos and player performances, teams can be developed and built to harness each player’s skills.