An inertial sensor based system for quantification of training and technique development for elite swimmers

Abstract

Technical research in swimming is a relatively young field when compared to many other Olympic sports. This can be attributed to the hydrodynamic and biomechanical complexities of the activity, combined with the inherent difficulties in measuring performance metrics precisely. As a result, few tools have been developed to acquire and analyse data to aid with design and implementation of elite training plans. This project attempts to advance this state by approaching the problem from an engineering perspective, and combine this with the goal of investigating the driving factors behind performance gain in elite level swimming techniques. In this report, the basic principles important to the study of elite swimming are reviewed, the current state of data acquisition and analysis in swimming is assessed, and areas requiring further research are identified. The design of a training analysis system is outlined, including an energy expenditure simulator, a procedure for detailed technique analysis using onedimensional velocity measurement, and a highly usable training load estimator based on threedimensional acceleration data recorded using an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The simulator and technique analysis software are presented as validity studies, while the IMU based training load estimator is developed to extract useful metrics for training progression and performance analysis, and validated through an elite athlete trial using comparative data provided by British Swimming. Potential for accuracy and range of such a system are defined, as well as limitations inherent to the technology available and the procedures utilised.

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ORCID for Stephen Turnock: orcid.org/0000-0001-6288-0400

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