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

Types of wearables: GPS and heart-rate monitors

Wearable technologies — GPS/GNSS units, accelerometers, chest-strap and optical heart-rate monitors — what they measure, accuracy and appropriate use.

Beginner Evidence: Strong evidence 3 min read Reviewed 2026-10-31 Status: draft

Learning objectives

  • Describe types of wearables and what they measure
  • Compare validity of GPS and HR devices
  • Choose devices for different contexts
  • Consider privacy and athlete buy-in

Before this lesson

Why this matters

Wearables are now common from elite to recreational levels. Knowing their accuracy prevents misinterpretation.

Types

DeviceMeasuresNotes
GPS/GNSSDistance, speed, accelerationsLower accuracy for short, fast actions [scott2016]
Local positioningIndoor trackingArenas
Accelerometers/IMUsImpacts, load metricsDevice-specific algorithms
Chest-strap HRHeart rate, HRVAccurate in most conditions
Optical (wrist) HRHeart rateLess accurate at high intensity/movement

HR measures provide internal load information [buchheit2014].

Choosing

Consider validity, sampling rate, battery, software, cost and athlete comfort [cardinale2017].

Ethics

Consent, who sees data, storage, use in contracts or selection.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Case study

A college football team chooses 10 Hz GPS vests and chest straps over cheaper watches after reviewing validation studies. Data consistency improves across sessions.

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

Types of wearables: GPS and heart-rate monitors

sport science practitioners and manufacturers’ education channels (search)

You will understand: types of wearables: gps and heart-rate monitors

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. Scott et al. (2016) found GPS validity…

Answer B. Brief review.

2. A chest-strap HR monitor is typically…

Answer B. ECG-based.

3. GPS does not work well…

Answer B. Needs satellite signal; indoor systems use local positioning.

4. Accelerometers measure…

Answer B. Inertial data.

5. A key ethical issue with wearables is…

Answer B. Athlete data rights.

Short-answer & application questions

  1. Compare three wearables for a club.
  2. Set up a GPS session-report template.
  3. Write a data privacy statement for athletes.

Key takeaways

  • GPS units measure distance, speed and accelerations; accuracy falls for short, fast changes of direction.
  • Higher sampling rates improve validity for team-sport movements.
  • Chest-strap HR monitors are generally more accurate than wrist optical sensors during intense exercise.
  • Consumer devices vary widely; check independent validation.

Connected topics

sports technology

Interpreting speed, load, fatigue and HRV data

sports technology

Integrating wearable data into training

football

Managing training load and volume

References

  1. Scott MTU, Scott TJ, Kelly VG (2016). The validity and reliability of global positioning systems in team sport: a brief review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(5):1470–1490. Narrative review check pending
  2. Cardinale M, Varley MC (2017). Wearable training-monitoring technology: applications, challenges, and opportunities. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(Suppl 2):S255–S262. Narrative review check pending
  3. Buchheit M (2014). Monitoring training status with HR measures: do all roads lead to Rome?. Frontiers in Physiology, 5:73. Narrative review check pending

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