Technology has played and is playing a very vital role in sports in numerous ways from improving training in the sense that it aids in the revolutionising of preparing and competing. The integration of state-of-the-art tools has not only improved human potential but has also contributed to the improvement and evolution of sport.
One of the major areas of the importance of technology on sports performance is the training aspect. Accelerators and GPS are being put in football nowadays to track the speed of the ball in order to measure each athlete's performance.
Furthermore, technology also helps in the way athletes recover from injuries and fatigue and the improvement of their overall well-being. Improved rehabilitation tools, such as cryotherapy chambers and compression therapy devices are being used to reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and speed up muscle recovery.
Moreover, technology has also improved the way pundits and sports analysts analyze sporting activities with the use of modern statistical tools that use algorithms to aid their analysis. It also helps the coaches and trainers to make data-driven decisions, thereby enabling them to assess their weaknesses and strengths.
Technology has also improved fans' engagement in the game. The introduction of sports applications on mobile phones makes it easy for fans to get up-to-date news and know what's happening to their favorite teams and athletes. It also gives room to know the fixtures ahead of the competition. For example, the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) was introduced to the English Premier League to improve fan inclusivity and engagement.
In addition, it also helps in relieving the officials and the organizing bodies of stress and human errors. In football, the introduction of VAR and Goal-line technology has made things easier for the referees to avoid human errors while checking for offsides, mistakes while giving cards to offenders and checking for goals. In sprinting, the introduction of moving cameras on tracks and timers helps the official to know the exact winner and the exact time.
However, with the diverse importance of technology on sports performance, we cannot overlook the negative effects it has on sports performance. It may serve as a form of distraction to the athletes. Athletes who are meant to be training will become preoccupied with getting themselves familiar with the devices to be updated on the device's usage.
It can also be negative when there is little or no knowledge expertise and experience. Without the presence of an expert, the analysis tools may be wrongly used, thereby drawing incorrect data and conclusions.
In conclusion, while technology offers the essential potential to enhance sports performance, it's essential to address the potential disadvantages and challenges that come with its implementation. By carefully balancing the use of technology with traditional training methods and maintaining a critical awareness of its limitations, athletes and teams can leverage the benefits while avoiding the risks associated with technological advancements in sports. This will go a long way in leveling the balance between the advantages and disadvantages of technology on sports performance.
