FSHP Academy
Sports Technology — all lessons

Module 1 – Introduction

Evolution and role of technology in sportImpact on training, recovery and competitionCase studies: technology in Olympic and elite sport

Module 2 – Biomechanics & Motion Capture

Biomechanics basics for technology usersMotion analysis tools: cameras, sensors and appsForce plates (e.g. VALD ForceDecks)Reaction-light systems (e.g. BlazePod)DynamometryRunning gait analysis (e.g. GaitON)Timing and jump systems (e.g. Hyperlab)

Module 3 – Wearables & Monitoring

Types of wearables: GPS and heart-rate monitorsInterpreting speed, load, fatigue and HRV dataIntegrating wearable data into training

Module 4 – Performance Testing & Analytics

Performance testing and analytics workflows

Motion analysis tools: cameras, sensors and apps

Video and sensor-based motion analysis — from phone slow-motion to marker-based and markerless systems and inertial sensors — with protocols for reliable filming.

Intermediate Evidence: Emerging evidence 3 min read Reviewed 2026-10-31 Status: draft

Learning objectives

  • Compare motion analysis technologies
  • Film reliable 2D video for analysis
  • Understand markerless and inertial systems
  • Judge validity and reliability

Before this lesson

Why this matters

Movement quality is easier to judge — and track — with video and sensors.

Options

ToolProsCons
Phone video (2D)Cheap, quickPerspective errors
Apps (jump, sprint, angles)Low cost, some validated [balsalobre2015]Vary in validity
IMUsField-basedAlgorithms vary
Markerless 3DNo markers, improving [colyer2018]Cost, validation ongoing
Marker-based 3DReference standardLab, time, cost

Filming protocol

  1. Camera on tripod at hip height
  2. Perpendicular to the plane (sagittal = side view; frontal = front view)
  3. Fixed distance; whole body in frame
  4. High frame rate (120–240 fps) for fast movements
  5. Good lighting; contrasting clothing

Reliability

Repeat measures and calculate typical error before trusting changes [hopkins2000].

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Case study

A physio films runners side-on with a tripod at 240 fps using a fixed protocol. Comparing videos 8 weeks apart, she can reliably see changes in overstride.

Further learning: video lessons

Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.

Technical needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Motion analysis tools: cameras, sensors and apps

sport science practitioners and manufacturers’ education channels (search)

You will understand: motion analysis tools: cameras, sensors and apps

Why: Practitioner content; verify the specific video and be aware of commercial bias.
Technical needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Validity and reliability explained

sport science practitioners and manufacturers’ education channels (search)

You will understand: judging measurement quality

Why: Practitioner content; verify the specific video and be aware of commercial bias.

Knowledge check

Knowledge check · 0/5

1. The laboratory reference standard for motion analysis is…

Answer B. Gold standard.

2. Colyer et al. (2018) reviewed…

Answer B. Computer vision.

3. For 2D video, the camera should be…

Answer B. Reduces distortion.

4. A validated jump app uses…

Answer B. Balsalobre-Fernández et al. (2015).

5. IMUs measure…

Answer B. Inertial sensors.

Short-answer & application questions

  1. Film a squat from front and side using a protocol.
  2. Compare three motion analysis options for a club.
  3. Check reliability by repeating a measurement.

Key takeaways

  • Marker-based 3D motion capture is the lab reference standard.
  • Markerless computer-vision systems are improving rapidly.
  • Phone 2D video is practical when filmed consistently (perpendicular, fixed distance, high frame rate).
  • Inertial sensors (IMUs) estimate movement outside the lab.

Connected topics

sports technology

Running gait analysis (e.g. GaitON)

sports technology

Timing and jump systems (e.g. Hyperlab)

fitness content creation

Module 4: Camera angles for fitness content

References

  1. Colyer SL, Evans M, Cosker DP, Salo AIT (2018). A review of the evolution of vision-based motion analysis and the integration of advanced computer vision methods towards developing a markerless system. Sports Medicine – Open, 4:24. Narrative review check pending
  2. Balsalobre-Fernández C, Glaister M, Lockey RA (2015). The validity and reliability of an iPhone app for measuring vertical jump performance. Journal of Sports Sciences, 33(15):1574–1579. Source check pending
  3. Hopkins WG (2000). Measures of reliability in sports medicine and science. Sports Medicine, 30(1):1–15. Narrative review check pending

Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.