What kind of solutions can a professional athlete who wants to improve his performance use? Various modern technologies can help.
The first of the modern technologies was used at the World Athletics Championships taking place in Doha in 2019. Some of the participants were given electronic pills weighing about 2 grams, which went into the large intestine after being swallowed. These allowed both coaches and medical staff to monitor in real time how the athlete was performing under specific conditions. The pill was designed to investigate the link between the high temperature in Doha and the performance of athletes. In addition, it provided information on heart rate.
How exactly did this electronic pill work? It transmitted low-frequency radio waves, which were converted in such a way that they could be read on a computer or cell phone. The e-pill was excreted within 48 hours of taking it. As its creator emphasizes, thanks to it the athlete is able to avoid various problems during the competition. This is possible due to the current control by doctors, who can quickly stop the competition if necessary.
Another extremely intriguing solution is a tattoo-like sensor applied to the skin, which indicates the level of fatigue based on chemical analysis of sweat. It was developed by researchers at the University of California. How it works The sensor contains an enzyme that reacts with lactic acid, a substance secreted with sweat. During strenuous exercise, not enough oxygen reaches the muscles. To obtain the necessary energy, the cells anaerobically burn the primary nutrient glucose. This results in the production of lactic acid, the presence of which in the muscles causes pain, prompting the reduction or cessation of exertion. This makes it possible to replenish the oxygen supply. By reacting with an enzyme in the sensor, the lactic acid is oxidized and electrons are released, which are then converted into electricity. A small device connected to the sensor measures the current and converts it into a fatigue indicator.
A prototype of the device was tested on a group of 10 people during exercise on exercise bikes. At the same time, samples of their sweat were analyzed in the lab. The readings from the tested prototypes agreed with the results obtained in the laboratory. Thanks to the innovative sensor, athletes will be able to monitor their fatigue levels in real time without having to stop training. It will also allow to test the condition and efficiency of the body.
Unfortunately, the solutions described above are not widely available. However, there is no shortage of products on the market that are equally suitable for monitoring the activity of athletes. These include, among others, modern heart rate monitors that allow you to measure the level of efficiency and check heart rate. We can deal with accessories worn on the chest, as well as those worn on the finger or built in a sports watch. The heart rate monitors available on the shelves can have a number of additional functions, such as pedometer, calorie counter or distance measurement.
Another noteworthy solution are unusual clothes, which by means of special fibers transmit information to the smartphone about the current state of the athlete. You can also meet with footwear that uses nanotechnology or one that points the way with the help of vibrations.
Featured photo: Stefan Klein / ullstein bild via Getty Images
