1. Technology and Sport
Chapter 9
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2. Objectives Describe the role of technology and the refinement of sport
Explain how technology has led to changes in sports equipment
Discuss the pros and cons of technological advancements in sport
Recognize that not all technological advancement is for the better
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3. Defining Technology
Any tangible, conceptual, or procedure element of modern sport and exercise science aimed at progress.
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4. Areas of Technological Advancement
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5. Drag Resistance to movement is called drag
For peak performance, reduce drag as much as possible
Profile drag pertains to the shape of an object
Streamlining involves changing an object’s shape in order to reduce profile drag
Surface drag (friction) involves molecules of a fluid rubbing and catching the surface of an object
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6. Aerodynamics
The study of objects moving relative to a fluid, such as air
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7. Aerodynamic example: the javelin
Aerodynamics taken into account for three reasons
Minimization of drag to increase the distance of the flight
Produce lift to stay aloft longer and increase distance
Lift – an upward force generated by an object as it moves through a fluid
rules state javelin must land tip first
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8. Shape and Size
Long and narrow boats reduce water drag and increase potential speed
Higher speed of movement sports are affected by air (wind) resistance
a force that air exerts on objects moving through it
Reduce profile drag by streamlining (the helmet)
Decrease the frontal surface area of the athlete or equipment (crouched position)
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9. Body position
Crouched position adopted in sports such as cycling, speedskating, and downhill skiing
Altering body position has a significant effect since the body produces much of the profile drag
A more aerodynamic position affects joint angles at hips, resulting in lower power output from muscles
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10. Texture
Surface drag (friction) contributes to air and water resistance
A slightly rough surface has lower friction drag than a perfectly smooth surface (dimples on a golf ball)
Slightly rough surface traps a single layer of air or water known as a boundary layer
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11. Swimmers continue to pursue faster swimming speeds
Manufacturers continue to improve swimsuit technologies
Changes in material reduce surface drag
Ridges in suits run parallel to water flow in some areas and perpendicular in others to reduce profile drag by decreasing eddies
Manufacturers claim decrease of 15 percent
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12. Sports Equipment Materials
Progression from wood to steel to aluminum to carbon fiber
Resulted from the search for stronger, lighter, and stiffer materials
Materials in sports equipment can be classified according to strength
If maximal strength is exceeded a material may yield to a point where it breaks
Most breakages occur because of fatigue
Each time a material is bent it is loaded
Repeated stress during practice or competition can lead to failure after many loads
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13. Wood to Aluminum
Wood was the most common material for most equipment (tennis rackets, hockey sticks)
Readily available and easy to work with
Steel or aluminum equipment tends to be lighter and stronger
Resistant to environmental effects, require less maintenance and attention
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14. Carbon Fiber
Strands of carbon held together by a resin, which gives it some of its properties
Strength runs in certain directions, depending on the direction of the strands
Building up layers of carbon fiber running in different directions improves overall strength
Light and very stiff, however it is difficult to work with and prone to catastrophic failure
Wood and most metals bend and forecast failure, carbon fiber keeps its properties until it breaks
Hockey sticks are a prime example
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15. Mechanical devices
Driven by the need to improve human performance in sport
Using mechanical devices we are able to multiply our force- or speed-generating capabilities
Make movements more efficient
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16. Speedskating: The Clap Skate
Unrockered skates (no curve at the tip) glide better as they do not dig deeply into ice
If there is any plantar flexion in the ankle joint the tip of the blade will dig into the ice increasing friction
Dutch researchers proposed a skate hinged under the toe so the hell could lift up without the tail of the blade leaving the ice and the tip digging in
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17. Rowing: Sliding Rigger
With normal sliding seats the body’s center of mass moves back and forth in relation to the boat
With a sliding rigger the body stays stationary and the rigger moves
The advantage of little or no movement of the center of mass reduces the variation in boat speed, resulting in higher speeds
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18. Athletics: Running Shoes
Stresses caused by running in terms of foot pronation and high forces upon contact were made worse by many running shoes
Shock forces were higher when subjects wear soft running shoes
Devices to limit or prevent pronation were placed in the wrong areas and did nothing to alleviate injuries
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19. Measurement and Observation
Movement technologies are devices and procedures that are designed to assess the form and efficiency of an athlete’s body
Most common is videotape analysis
More sophisticated instruments provide detailed computerized information on an athlete’s biomechanics
Not necessarily visible within competition
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20. Measurement and Observation
Timing devices generally measured to the nearest 1/10 of a second
Devices allowed an Olympic swimming race which appeared tied at 1/100 of a second to be measured at 1/1,000 of a second to declare a winner
Database Technologies involve computer innovations
Data can be quickly analyzed
Allows for instant performance feedback
Electronics have influenced sport
The National Football League has made rule changes to make football more television-viewer friendly
Given rise to instant replay to allow game officials to double check on field decisions
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21. The Downside of Technology
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22. Access Not everyone has access to the latest advancements
A technological “arms race” may drive costs quickly
Questions whether high-level competitions are really fair
International competitions could become contests between global technological have and have-nots
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23. Unintended Risks
A decrease in catastrophic injuries, but an increase in chronic health problems
May play harder, run faster, and hit harder but effects may be debilitating
Rehabilitative technologies allow athletes to return to competition at the cost of extended pain and surgeries later.
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24. De-skilling
Technology is important but the real deciding factor in winning and losing is the athletes themselves
The Professional Golfers’ Association has established equipment absolute limits to keep competition level
Self-technologies include performance enhancing drugs, surgical procedures, prosthetic/bionic limbs, psychological interventions, and genetic engineering
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