Technology in High Performance Sport: Use and Abuse

About this Research Topic

Background

We live in a society where technology is deeply entrenched, and high-performance sports are no exception. However, there are still many unsolved questions regarding the use of technology in sports. Here, we ask the simple question: are we heading in the right direction? Many practitioners question whether these solutions provide real added value, give a tangible competitive advantage, or even whether technology supplants other critical decision-making based on objective and/or subjective markers at the cost of underestimating human experience.

This article collection proposes to (1) explore promising practices and initiatives using sports technology across the world and (2) discuss potential technological abuses, flaws, and misinterpretation. Manuscripts within this Research Topic may include proposals considering advances in technology that impact high performance sports performance analysis, exercise performance enhancement, design and validation of sports equipment and apparel, or the user’s experience (whatever positive or negative feedbacks). All kinds of technological solutions are welcome and, in particular, we wish to focus on articles that critically shine light on the dangers of technology misuse or provide interesting and honest concerns in applied sport settings.

This Research Topic aims to provide a realistic vision of the possibilities that technology offers in high performance settings and a critical appraisal of practices that, linked to interests, may lead to misunderstandings and erroneous appreciations. One of the main goals of this article collection is to provide a vision of the future that awaits sports and data scientists and high-performance sports practitioners who share a common aim regarding high performance sports development.

Potential topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Impact of technology on human physiology and biomechanics exploration
• Technological tools in strength and conditioning settings
• Sports technology in athlete healthcare (psychology, nutrition, thermoregulation, recovery, physiotherapy)
• Technological solutions improving injury prevention, rehabilitation and return to sport
• Computer science in sports and the use of advanced analysis tools in sports performance analysis
• High-technology equipment and sportswear in sports

Topic Editor, Dr Javier Peña, is a co-owner of ICON training SL, a small training company holding the rights of CrossFit Badalona. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Keywords: sports technology, sports equipment, performance, concussion, paralympic, technology misuse, athlete care

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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