Topic:
The influence of Technology in Sports Performance
Executive Summary:
This paper seeks to explore how technology has influenced
performance in the sporting scene. I will be focusing on sports gear
(sportswear and equipment- looks and functionality), training tools/methods
(simulation of in-game scenario etc) and diet (nutrition, doping and
performance enhancing drugs). Furthermore this paper will delve into the future
possibilities of technology in this sporting world.
Why I chose this topic:
Increasingly, sports are becoming an important part of
our lives. Billions of people tune in to the Olympic Games and many other sporting
events around the globe. The revenue that goes around is also very much a
substantial amount. This will mean high stakes in the sporting arena and
athletes will want to outdo one another using all means available including use
of technology. This increasing influence of technology for athletes to get an
edge has impacted the sporting arena both positively and negatively.
Background:
How can technology help to improve sports performance?
3 main areas: Sports Gear, Training Tools/Methods, and
Diet.
Historical perspective:
Throughout history, athletes have often sought to
outperform one another. Often they have trained as hard as they could and can
only turn to technology to help them. In the past, technology was limited. For
sports gears, what they had was just functional and could only do the bare
minimum. For instance, waterproof sportswear for swimmers enables them to
preserve their modesty. For training methods, they can only keep
practicing and doing the same thing as what they will do on competition day to
get better. When the athletes get injured or fatigued, they do not have many options but to rest. For Diet, they do not know specifically what to eat to improve their performance.
Current Situation:
Currently technology has improved sports performance in 3
broad areas:
1. Sports
Gear
- Eg.
High technology swimwear
2. Training
Tools/Methods
- 3D
real life simulation of in game scenario
- How
to shorten rehabilitation time
3. Diet
- How
sports nutrition evolved
- Doping
and performance enhancing drugs Eg. Blood oxygenation enhancement,
Thereafter I will address the implications of the
advancements above. Positive/Negative implications? Ethical/Moral issues? Eg.
Armstrong doping incident
Future Consideration:
1. Sports
Gear
- Sportswear
that will heat up and cool down so as to regulate athlete’s body temperature
2. Training
methods
- The
future of rehabilitation: http://www.sporttechie.com/2013/08/19/biomimicry-nasa-cooling-technology-are-the-future-of-sports-rehabilitation/
3. Doping
- Gene
doping
And impacts of such advancements
Conclusion:
Bibliography:
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