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Application of Motion Sensing Systems in Physical Activity and Sport

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Sensing and Imaging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2022) | Viewed by 20917

Special Issue Editors

Public Health and Epidemiology Research Group, San Javier Campus, University of Murcia, 30720 San Javier, Spain
Interests: positional analysis; local positioning system; ultra-wide band technology; indoor tracking; wearable sensors; sensor systems; sport tracking technology; human movement studies; sport sciences
Biovetmed & Sportsci Research Group, Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, 30720 San Javier, Spain
Interests: sports training; excise science; physical activity; tracking technology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Research Group in Optimization of Training and Sports Performance, Faculty of Education, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Interests: sports pedagogy: physical education, coach education; coaching science: sports, sports training, sports performance, performance analysis, notational analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of motion sensors enables the analysis of physiological, technical, and tactical behavior in physical activity and sport. The development and democratization of the use of sensors such as inertial motion units during the last decade have caused major changes in sport sciences as well as in health-related physical activity studies, which have undergone a great evolution as a consequence of motion analysis possibilities. At present, we can find a comprehensive use of sensors in physical-activity-related research: from sport medicine and rehabilitation to training and conditioning, health-related physical activity studies, physical education, and notational analysis. Moreover, motion sensors are common in our daily lives: current devices providing the analysis of our daily physical activity patterns have become very popular, enabling a new approach to daily exercise. From mobile phones to specific wearables (fitness trackers, sports watches, and smartwatches), the growing popularity of motion sensors provides the opportunity for self-monitoring physical activity behaviors for the whole population.

In this Special Issue, we aim to face the challenges of the use of motion sensors in physical activity:

- Studies on the basic development of motion sensors for physical activity and sport sciences;

- Applied use of motion sensors in physical activity and sport sciences;

- Studies on dealing with data access, data reduction and analysis;

- Intelligent flows for collecting data from motion sensors and providing real-time physical activity and sport analysis;

- The development and validation of quality standards in motion sensors in the physical activity and sport sciences;

- The concurrent use of sensors (inertial motion units, eye and gaze tracking, biosignals, haptic feedback, etc.) in different physical activity and sport settings.

This Special Issue is intended to become a comprehensive collection of useful state-of-the-art research studies. We will collect basic and applied research studies, tutorials, reviews, and position papers that address the use of motion sensors in physical activity and sport sciences. We will accept high-quality, original, unpublished papers that are not currently under review by any other journal or conference.

Prof. Ernesto De La Cruz-Sánchez
Prof. Dr. José Pino Ortega
Dr. Sebastián Feu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

8 pages, 607 KiB  
Communication
Applying Different Strategies of Task Constraint Manipulation in Small-Sided and Conditioned Games: How Do They Impact Physical and Tactical Demands?
by João Cláudio Machado, Alberto Góes, Rodrigo Aquino, Bruno L. S. Bedo, Ronélia Viana, Mateus Rossato, Alcides Scaglia and Sérgio J. Ibáñez
Sensors 2022, 22(12), 4435; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22124435 - 11 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1581
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate how different strategies of task constraint manipulation impact physical and tactical demands in small-sided and conditioned games (SSCG). Ten recreational U-17 soccer players participated in this study (16.89 ± 0.11 years). We used different strategies of task manipulation [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate how different strategies of task constraint manipulation impact physical and tactical demands in small-sided and conditioned games (SSCG). Ten recreational U-17 soccer players participated in this study (16.89 ± 0.11 years). We used different strategies of task manipulation to design two 4 vs. 4 SSCG: Structural SSCG and Functional SSCG. In Structural SSCG, pitch format and goal sizes were manipulated, while in Functional SSCG, players were allowed to kick the ball twice and at least 5 passes to shoot at the opponent’s goal. Players participated in four Structural and Functional SSCG, of five minutes duration with a two-minute interval in between. Players’ physical performance and tactical behavior were assessed using the WIMU PROTM inertial device. Structural SSCG stimulated players to cover more distance in sprinting (p = 0.003) and high-speed running (p < 0.001). Regarding tactical behavior, Structural SSCG stimulated players to explore game space better (p < 0.001). Moreover, Functional SSCG stimulated players to be closer to the ball, decreasing the effective playing space (p = 0.008). We conclude that these strategies of task constraint manipulation impact physical and tactical demands of the game. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Motion Sensing Systems in Physical Activity and Sport)
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11 pages, 674 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of Electromyographic Biofeedback in Muscle Recovery after Meniscectomy in Soccer Players
by Verónica Morales-Sánchez, Coral Falcó, Antonio Hernández-Mendo and Rafael E. Reigal
Sensors 2022, 22(11), 4024; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22114024 - 26 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1827
Abstract
Electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) is a therapeutic technique that has been used successfully in the rehabilitation of injuries. Although it has been applied to athletes, its use in this field is not very widespread. The objective of this study is to analyze its effectiveness [...] Read more.
Electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) is a therapeutic technique that has been used successfully in the rehabilitation of injuries. Although it has been applied to athletes, its use in this field is not very widespread. The objective of this study is to analyze its effectiveness in the recovery of electromyographic activity of the quadriceps after meniscectomy, evaluated through isometric contraction of the vastus lateralis. The sample comprised ten professional footballers in the Spanish League (2nd Division A) who had previously suffered a meniscus injury in their knee and had undergone a meniscectomy. The intervention consisted of EMG-BF treatment lasting between 6 and 10 sessions. The electromyographic signal was recorded using a Thought Technology ProComp Infiniti 8-channel biofeedback unit with a sampling rate of 2048 samples/second. For each session, a within-subject ABA design of 6 or 10 trials per session was used, with three pre- and three post-measures, which determined the gain for each session. The results indicated (1) improvements in all cases, (2) EMG-BF was effective, (3) the working model was statistically significant with an explained variance of between 67% and 75%, and (4) the generalizability analysis showed that the results are reliable and generalizable. The results indicate that EMG-BF is effective in neuromuscular rehabilitation after this type of intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Motion Sensing Systems in Physical Activity and Sport)
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11 pages, 721 KiB  
Article
Effects of Central and Peripheral Fatigue on Impact Characteristics during Running
by Alberto Encarnación-Martínez, Antonio García-Gallart, Roberto Sanchis-Sanchis and Pedro Pérez-Soriano
Sensors 2022, 22(10), 3786; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22103786 - 16 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2762
Abstract
Fatigue and impact can represent an injury risk factor during running. The objective of this study was to compare the impact transmission along the locomotor system between the central and peripheral fatigued states during running. Tibial and head acceleration as well as shock [...] Read more.
Fatigue and impact can represent an injury risk factor during running. The objective of this study was to compare the impact transmission along the locomotor system between the central and peripheral fatigued states during running. Tibial and head acceleration as well as shock attenuation in the time- and frequency-domain were analyzed during 2-min of treadmill running in the pre- and post-fatigue state in eighteen male popular runners (N = 18). The impact transmission was measured before and after a 30-min central fatigue protocol on the treadmill or a peripheral fatigue protocol in the quadricep and hamstring muscles using an isokinetic dynamometer. The time-domain acceleration variables were not modified either by peripheral or central fatigue (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, central fatigue increased the maximum (p = 0.006) and total (p = 0.007) signal power magnitude in the high-frequency range in the tibia, and the attenuation variable in the low- (p = 0.048) and high-frequency area (p = 0.000), while peripheral fatigue did not cause any modifications in the frequency-domain variables (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the attenuation in the low (p = 0.000)- and high-frequency area was higher with central fatigue than peripheral fatigue (p = 0.003). The results demonstrate that central fatigue increases the severity of impact during running as well as the attenuation of low and high components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Motion Sensing Systems in Physical Activity and Sport)
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11 pages, 490 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Objective Internal Load in Portuguese Skydivers in the First Jump of the Day
by Tiago Machado, João Serrano, Jose Pino-Ortega, Paulo Silveira, Antonio Antúnez and Sergio José Ibáñez
Sensors 2022, 22(9), 3298; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22093298 - 26 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1379
Abstract
The general objective of this study was to identify the variation in heart rate (HR) of Portuguese skydivers during 6 moments in their first jump of the day, bearing in mind the variable level of experience. Thirty-one Portuguese skydivers, 28 men and 3 [...] Read more.
The general objective of this study was to identify the variation in heart rate (HR) of Portuguese skydivers during 6 moments in their first jump of the day, bearing in mind the variable level of experience. Thirty-one Portuguese skydivers, 28 men and 3 women, aged between 19 and 62, participated in the study, 12 had A and B licenses (less experienced) and 19 had C and D licences (more experienced). The instrument used to record the heart rate of the skydivers at the different moments of their first jump of the day was the WIMU PRO. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyse HR at different moments in the jump and its relation with the variables level of experience. Bonferroni multiple comparisons were performed to study the importance of the differences observed in HR at the different moments. The effect size was evaluated with partial eta squared. The results showed that average HR in this group of skydivers was 130 bpm, in the different moments of the jump. HR increases from the value recorded at rest until the moment of jumping from the plane and opening the parachute, reaching the highest average at that moment, then decreasing until contact with the ground. Comparing the variable, we found that the less experienced had higher HR than the more experienced at all moments during the jump. Statistically significant differences were found at the different moments of the jump, regarding HR (Max: p < 0.001, ƞ2p = 0.820; Min: p < 0.001, ƞ2p = 0.821; AVG: p < 0.001, ƞ2p = 0.834) Level of experience with jumping moment interaction, we only verified differences related to HR Min (p = 0.007, ƞ2p = 0.056),. With regard to experience, the identified differences were not statistically significant. Skydiving triggers an acute adaptive cardiovascular response which is reflected in the increase in the HR, between the moment of boarding the plane and the moment at which the parachute opens, thereafter decreasing until contact with the ground. The most experienced parachutists recorded the highest HR at the moment of landing and the least experienced at the moment of free fall. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Motion Sensing Systems in Physical Activity and Sport)
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16 pages, 3989 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Intensities Using Inertial Motion Devices in Female Soccer: Do You Train like You Compete?
by Juan M. García-Ceberino, Ana Bravo, Ernesto de la Cruz-Sánchez and Sebastián Feu
Sensors 2022, 22(8), 2870; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22082870 - 08 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1529
Abstract
Intensity research in female soccer is limited. This study aimed to investigate whether female professional soccer players train with external and internal intensities similar to those recorded in real competition. The specific players’ position, the game situation and training task type were analyzed [...] Read more.
Intensity research in female soccer is limited. This study aimed to investigate whether female professional soccer players train with external and internal intensities similar to those recorded in real competition. The specific players’ position, the game situation and training task type were analyzed in a total of 18 female players (26.25 ± 3.89 years). The empirical, descriptive and associative study was structured into two parts. Part 1: characterizing the training sessions (n = 13) and official matches (n = 3) using the Integral Analysis System of Training Tasks. The association between sports planning variables was evaluated using adjusted standardized residuals from contingency tables, Chi-Square and Fisher tests, as well as the Phi and Cramer’s V coefficients. The main findings show that the coach and/or physical trainer predominantly planned training sessions using small-sided games, which integrate physical fitness and tactical-technical behaviors of the game and imply a medium-high subjective external intensity (20.63 ± 5.79 points). The subjective external intensity of the matches was very high (30.00 ± 0.00 points). Part 2: quantifying the external and internal intensity through the inertial motion devices and heart rate monitors. Differences in the intensities according to the type of session (training session and match), specific position of the players, game situation and type of the training task were assessed through different statistical tests. By specific position (Kruskal–Wallis H and one-factor ANOVA tests), defenders performed fewer accelerations/min and decelerations/min, while they recorded higher heart rates in training sessions and official matches. In contrast, the wingbacks performed higher accelerations/min and decelerations/min in training sessions and official matches. The wingers had the lowest heart rate in official matches. Regarding the game situation (Kruskal–Wallis H test) measured during training sessions, the unopposed tasks recorded higher accelerations/min and decelerations/min, while the small-sided games and full games recorded higher values in the rest of the intensities (both subjective and objective). With regard to the type of training task (Kruskal–Wallis H test), the simple application exercises recorded higher accelerations/min and decelerations/min. Distance in meters/min was greater in the complex application exercises. High-intensity activity/min and player load/min were higher in the simple specific game. In addition, modified sport and real game recorded higher subjective external intensity*min, sprints/min and heart rate. Furthermore, training sessions differed statistically (Mann–Whitney U test) from official matches in terms of subjective intensity and the objective external and internal intensity variables weighted by minutes. For all these reasons, female players do not train (training sessions) as they compete (official matches). The use of inertial motion devices has made it possible to quantify intensities during training sessions and real competition in soccer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Motion Sensing Systems in Physical Activity and Sport)
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13 pages, 4698 KiB  
Article
Ideal Combinations of Acceleration-Based Intensity Metrics and Sensor Positions to Monitor Exercise Intensity under Different Types of Sports
by Wei-Han Chen, Chun-Wei Chiang, Nicholas J. Fiolo, Philip X. Fuchs and Tzyy-Yuang Shiang
Sensors 2022, 22(7), 2583; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22072583 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1851
Abstract
This study quantified the strength of the relationship between the percentage of heart rate reserve (%HRR) and two acceleration-based intensity metrics (AIMs) at three sensor-positions during three sport types (running, basketball, and badminton) under three intensity conditions (locomotion speeds). Fourteen participants (age: 24.9 [...] Read more.
This study quantified the strength of the relationship between the percentage of heart rate reserve (%HRR) and two acceleration-based intensity metrics (AIMs) at three sensor-positions during three sport types (running, basketball, and badminton) under three intensity conditions (locomotion speeds). Fourteen participants (age: 24.9 ± 2.4 years) wore a chest strap HR monitor and placed three accelerometers at the left wrist (non-dominant), trunk, and right shank, respectively. The %HRR and two different AIMs (Player Load per minute [PL/min] and mean amplitude deviation [MAD]) during exercise were calculated. During running, both AIMs at the shank and PL at the wrist had strong correlations (r = 0.777–0.778) with %HRR; while other combinations were negligible to moderate (r = 0.065–0.451). For basketball, both AIMs at the shank had stronger correlations (r = 0.604–0.628) with %HRR than at wrist (r = 0.536–0.603) and trunk (r = 0.403–0.463) with %HRR. During badminton exercise, both AIMs at shank had stronger correlations (r = 0.782–0.793) with %HRR than those at wrist (r = 0.587–0.621) and MAD at trunk (r = 0.608) and trunk (r = 0.314). Wearing the sensor on the shank is an ideal position for both AIMs to monitor external intensity in running, basketball, and badminton, while the wrist and using PL-derived AIM seems to be the second ideal combination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Motion Sensing Systems in Physical Activity and Sport)
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21 pages, 3625 KiB  
Article
How to Investigate the Effect of Music on Breathing during Exercise: Methodology and Tools
by Lorenzo Innocenti, Andrea Nicolò, Carlo Massaroni, Carlo Minganti, Emiliano Schena and Massimo Sacchetti
Sensors 2022, 22(6), 2351; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22062351 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2966
Abstract
Music is an invaluable tool to improve affective valence during exercise, with the potential contribution of a mechanism called rhythmic entrainment. However, several methodological limitations impair our current understanding of the effect of music on relevant psychophysiological responses to exercise, including breathing variables. [...] Read more.
Music is an invaluable tool to improve affective valence during exercise, with the potential contribution of a mechanism called rhythmic entrainment. However, several methodological limitations impair our current understanding of the effect of music on relevant psychophysiological responses to exercise, including breathing variables. This study presents conceptual, methodological, and operational insight favoring the investigation of the effect of music on breathing during exercise. Three tools were developed for the quantification of the presence, degree, and magnitude of music-locomotor, locomotor-breathing, and music-breathing entrainment. The occurrence of entrainment was assessed during 30 min of moderate cycling exercise performed either when listening to music or not, and was complemented by the recording of relevant psychophysiological and mechanical variables. Respiratory frequency and expiratory time were among the physiological variables that were affected to a greater extent by music during exercise, and a significant (p < 0.05) music-breathing entrainment was found in all 12 participants. These findings suggest the importance of evaluating the effect of music on breathing responses to exercise, with potential implications for exercise prescription and adherence, and for the development of wearable devices simultaneously measuring music, locomotor, and breathing signals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Motion Sensing Systems in Physical Activity and Sport)
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12 pages, 1128 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Multi-Location External Workload Profile in the Most Common Movements in Basketball
by Carlos D. Gómez-Carmona, Sebastián Feu, José Pino-Ortega and Sergio J. Ibáñez
Sensors 2021, 21(10), 3441; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21103441 - 15 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2491
Abstract
The present study analyzed the multi-location external workload profile in basketball players using a previously validated test battery and compared the demands among anatomical locations. A basketball team comprising 13 semi-professional male players was evaluated in five tests (abilities/skills/tests): (a) aerobic, linear movement, [...] Read more.
The present study analyzed the multi-location external workload profile in basketball players using a previously validated test battery and compared the demands among anatomical locations. A basketball team comprising 13 semi-professional male players was evaluated in five tests (abilities/skills/tests): (a) aerobic, linear movement, 30-15 IFT; (b) lactic anaerobic, acceleration and deceleration, 16.25 m RSA (c) alactic anaerobic, curvilinear movement, 6.75 m arc (d) elastic, jump, Abalakov test (e) physical-conditioning, small-sided game, 10’ 3 vs.3 10 × 15 m. PlayerLoadRT was evaluated at six anatomical locations simultaneously (interscapular line, lumbar region, knees and ankles) by six WIMU PROTM inertial devices attached to the player using an ad hoc integral suit. Statistical analysis was composed of an ANOVA of repeated measures and partial eta squared effect sizes. Significant differences among anatomical locations were found in all tests with higher values in the location nearer to ground contact (p < 0.01). However, differences between lower limb locations were only found in curvilinear movements, with a higher workload in the outside leg (p < 0.01). Additionally, high between-subject variability was found in team players, especially at lower limb locations. In conclusion, multi-location evaluation in sports movements will make it possible to establish an individual external workload profile and design specific strategies for training and injury prevention programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Motion Sensing Systems in Physical Activity and Sport)
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16 pages, 1837 KiB  
Article
Validity and Reliability of an Instrumented Treadmill with an Accelerometry System for Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Parameters and Impact Transmission
by Alberto Encarnación-Martínez, Pedro Pérez-Soriano, Roberto Sanchis-Sanchis, Antonio García-Gallart and Rafael Berenguer-Vidal
Sensors 2021, 21(5), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21051758 - 04 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2820
Abstract
Running retraining programs focused on concurrent feedback of acceleration impacts have been demonstrated to be a good strategy to reduce running-related injuries (RRI), as well as to improve running economy and reduce acceleration impacts and injury running incidence. Traditionally, impacts have been registered [...] Read more.
Running retraining programs focused on concurrent feedback of acceleration impacts have been demonstrated to be a good strategy to reduce running-related injuries (RRI), as well as to improve running economy and reduce acceleration impacts and injury running incidence. Traditionally, impacts have been registered by mean of accelerometers attached directly to the athletes, which is inaccessible to the entire population, because it requires laboratory conditions. This study investigated the validity and reliability of a new device integrated directly into the treadmill, compared to a traditional acceleration impact system. Thirty healthy athletes with no history of RRI were tested on two separate days over the instrumented treadmill (AccTrea) and simultaneously with an acceleration impact system attached to the participant (AccAthl). AccTrea was demonstrated to be a valid and reliable tool for measuring spatio-temporal parameters like step length (validity intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.94; reliability ICC = 0.92), step time (validity ICC = 0.95; reliability ICC = 0.96), and step frequency (validity ICC = 0.95; reliability ICC = 0.96) during running. Peak acceleration impact variables showed a high reliability for the left (reliability ICC = 0.88) and right leg (reliability ICC = 0.85), and peak impact asymmetry showed a modest validity (ICC = 0.55). These results indicated that the AccTrea system is a valid and reliable way to assess spatio-temporal variables, and a reliable tool for measuring acceleration impacts during running. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Motion Sensing Systems in Physical Activity and Sport)
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