A Wireless Sensor System for the Training of Hammer Throwers

Hammer throw has a long-standing history in track and field, but unlike other events, hammer throw has not seen a new world record since 1986. One reason for this stagnation is the lack of scientifically based training. In this paper, we propose to establish scientifically described training targets and routes, which in turn require tools that can measure and quantify characteristics of effective hammer-throw. Towards this end, we have developed a real-time biomechanical feedback device -- a wireless sensor system -- to help the training of hammer throwers. The system includes two sensors -- an infrared proximity sensor for tracing the hip vertical movement and a load cell for recording the wire tension during a hammer throw. The system uses XBees for data transmission and an Arduino processor for the wireless system control. It is hypothesized that wire tension and vertical hip displacement measurements would be sufficient to supply key features when analyzing hammer throw.