Evaluation and Implementation of Inertial Technologies in the Analysis of Sports Performance and Physical Activity

Dear Colleagues, 

Background and history of this topic:

The use of inertial devices in the sports field has evolved considerably over recent decades, becoming key tools for the precise measurement of human movement. From early developments in accelerometers and gyroscopes to state-of-the-art inertial measurement units (IMUs), these devices have transitioned from being costly, laboratory-exclusive instruments to accessible tools for coaches, athletes, and sports professionals. Inertial devices enable real-time evaluation of movement biomechanics, technique efficiency, and the body’s response to training loads.

Historically, their application has been driven by the need to enhance sports performance, prevent injuries, and optimize recovery. Pioneering research in biomechanics, combined with advances in sensor technologies and miniaturization, has made it possible to integrate these devices into athletes’ daily routines—transforming how performance and technique are assessed across many sports.

Aim and scope of the Special Issue:

This Special Issue aims to explore the use of inertial devices in sports and physical activity, focusing on their application in movement analysis, training load monitoring, and injury prevention. It seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of how these advanced technologies are impacting the sports field and how their evolution has transformed the way professionals approach physical performance and athlete health.

The scope of this issue will cover a wide range of sports disciplines and types of physical activity—from endurance sports to strength-based and technical-skill sports. In addition, it will explore recent advancements in the integration of inertial devices with other emerging technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and mobile platforms, all aimed at enhancing performance and personalizing training strategies.

Cutting-edge research:

Research on inertial devices has reached an advanced stage, with studies moving beyond the simple measurement of frequency and acceleration toward in-depth analysis of movement patterns and fatigue prediction. Recent investigations focus on integrating these devices with real-time analysis platforms, enabling coaches and athletes to obtain immediate feedback on movement quality, technique, and the impact of each training session.

One of the most innovative areas is the combination of inertial devices with machine learning algorithms to provide predictive insights—such as injury forecasting or early detection of accumulated fatigue. Progress is also being made in the development of systems that monitor both external and internal load, allowing for accurate measurement of the physical effort and physiological stress athletes are exposed to during training and competition.

The types of papers we are soliciting:

We are soliciting original research articles, systematic reviews, validation studies, and applied works focused on the use of inertial devices in sports and physical activity. Specific topics of interest include the following:

1. Validation of inertial devices for measuring biomechanical and performance-related parameters.
2. Applications in specific sports such as football, basketball, cycling, and endurance disciplines.
3. Technological innovations in inertial sensors and their integration with other monitoring platforms.
4. Studies on training load and real-time monitoring using inertial devices.
5. Injury prevention through monitoring of movement patterns and fatigue with inertial sensors.
6. Case studies demonstrating the implementation of inertial devices in real-world training or competition settings.

We are also interested in articles addressing methodological challenges in the use of inertial devices, the accuracy of collected data, and the current limitations of the technology—along with proposals for improvement and future applications.

Prof. Dr. José Pino-Ortega
Dr. Diego Villarejo-García
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• inertial devices
• performance monitoring
• movement analysis
• training load
• injury prevention
• accelerometers and gyroscopes
• sports biomechanics
• wearable technology
• artificial intelligence in sports
• real-time analysis