7 - The role of technology in physical activity and sport

Question 1

define research

Answer 1

a systematic process of investigation and study carried out with the aim of advancing knowledge

Question 2

define sports analytics

Answer 2

the analysis of sports data using analytical tools and methods for data to be subjected to analytical procedures in order to try to improve results

Question 3

what is Opta?

Answer 3

a company that has statisticians gathering and analysing sporting data collected in order to create the best predictions possible

Question 4

what is quantitative research?

Answer 4

formal, objective and systematic process used to gather quantitative data

Question 5

define quantitative data.

Answer 5

numerical data which can be measured precisely
- used by most fitness tests
- e.g VO2 max test on a treadmill

Question 6

what is qualitative data?

Answer 6

descriptive of the way people think/feel, sometimes less precise and can be less meaningful
- time consuming to collect and analyse
-subjective
- e.g coaches expressing an opinion on the gym routine

Question 7

what is objective data?

Answer 7

fact-based information which is measurable and usable
- e.g level achieved on the multi-stage fitness test (links to VO2 max score)
- highly meaningful when feeding back to performers

Question 8

what is subjective data?

Answer 8

data based on personal opinion which is less measurable and often less useable

Question 9

what is validity?

Answer 9

refers to the degree to which the data collected actually measures what it claims to measure

Question 10

what is reliability?

Answer 10

refers to the degree to which data collection is consistent and stable over time

Question 11

what affects reliability?

Answer 11

• human error
• inexperience of advanced equipment
• poorly maintained equipment

Question 12

what is video analysis used for?

Answer 12

• to analyse individual technique / team performances
• can analyse gait
• can analyse biomechanical aspects of performance

Question 13

what is video motion analysis?

Answer 13

technique used to get information about moving objects from video
- usually involves a high speed camera and a computer that allows frame-by-frame playback
- can take place straight after performance or in a more controlled laboratory environment

Question 14

what is video motion analysis used for?

Answer 14

• to correct technical performance (e.g angle of release of a shotput)

Question 15

what 2 distinct sports science disciplines is motion analysis used in?

Answer 15

1. Notational match analysis - recording aspects of individual or team performances
2. Biomechanics - used to analyse the sporting impact of body movements (called kinematics)

Question 16

what methods to collect data do both disciplines use?

Answer 16

measured observation (i.e quantitative analysis)
- can be during or after performance
- used to quantify performance

Question 17

what is Performance Analysis (PA)?

Answer 17

the provision of objective feedback to a performer who is trying to get a positive change in performance
- feedback can be gained by: number of successful passes, distance run in km, number of shots on target etc.

Question 18

what are the techniques used in PA?

Answer 18

• immediate visual feedback software is useful to provide images before and after training for comparison when providing for feedback
• can be used to look at the stats of an opponent in a competition (alongside using past experiences) to come up with tactics

Question 19

give an example of where PA is used.

Answer 19

in notational match analysis
- recording individual and team performance
- e.g basketball. ratio of shots taken to baskets scored

Question 20

what is indirect calorimetry?

Answer 20

the measurement of the amount of heat / energy generated in an oxidation reaction by determining the consumption of oxygen / the amount of carbon dioxide released
- these quantities are translated into a heat equivalent
- non-invasive accurate technique
- uses a metabolic cart

Question 21

what is a metabolic cart?

Answer 21

attaches headgear to a subject while they breathe a specific amount of oxygen over a period of time
- allows the body’s metabolism to be measured through the amount of heat produced
- all equipment is on a mobile push cart

Question 22

how does a metabolic cart determine the heat production?

Answer 22

1. intake of oxygen into the body
2. output of carbon dioxide
   - these results are measured as the resting energy expenditure (REE)

Question 23

what affects the REE?

Answer 23

• environmental conditions
• weight
• height to weight ratio
• age
• gender
• presence of drugs (e.g amphetamines)

Question 24

advantages of an indirect calorimeter:

Answer 24

• determines energy requirements and response to nutrition over time
• allows calculation of energy expenditure (therefore determines nutritional requirements)
• can help individuals who are classified as obese
• the calculation of REE helps medical staff to determine the amount of food needed

Question 25

sources of error that reduce the validity and reliability of indirect calorimetry:

Answer 25

• inaccuracies from air leaks
• recording errors
• difficult to use on children
• overfeeding / underfeeding based on results
• process measures consumption, not needs

Question 26

what is GPS software?

Answer 26

space-based system that provides location and time information that can be used on players during training /matches
- they track the speed, distance and direction of the performer