Current and emerging technologies in endurance athletic training and race monitoring

The importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle is being driven by a number of factors including the increasing cost of healthcare, a longer lifespan, benefits of balance between work and leisure, and personal satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to examine the increasing role that technology has in training and monitoring performance in endurance athletic events by the athletic enthusiast. The focus will be on the sport of triathlon (swimming, bicycling, running), which is experiencing phenomenal growth globally by men and women of all ages and abilities. Technologies to be discussed includes: transponders, GPS, power measurement, kinematics, biomechanics, wearable sensors, virtual coaching, and testing. Data obtained from employment of a selection of these technologies in athletic training and data obtained during an athletic event will illustrate the value of the information obtained to the athletic enthusiast. Emerging technologies and forecasts for athletic training, injury intervention, and monitoring performance will be discussed.