The ConText Project
References: context-project.org & technology.newscientist
Serious athletes who wish to improve their game have to learn how to better coordinate their movements. Previously they had to endure cumbersome electrodes stuck to their skin. This made it tricky to move naturally. A team of EU scientists working on the ConText Project have come up with contactless sensors which can be incorporated into fabric. The prototype wearable vest has sensors which continually monitor the electrical activity of contracting muscle tissue. The sensors are just 12 mm wide. When a person’s muscles contract, the charge build-up is picked up by the sensors, amplified and then sent wirelessly to a computer and processed.
The resulting information will then show the athletes which muscles have been used when they move in a particular way. With this knowledge, the athletes can then adapt their movements and technique for maximum effect.
Sport scientists believe it will be useful for activities which require repetitive movements like golf and tennis. The invention could also help prevent injury by detecting overworked muscles. Further modifications such as the ability to monitor heart and breathing will also help athletes learn how many calories have been consumed during workouts.
The resulting information will then show the athletes which muscles have been used when they move in a particular way. With this knowledge, the athletes can then adapt their movements and technique for maximum effect.
Sport scientists believe it will be useful for activities which require repetitive movements like golf and tennis. The invention could also help prevent injury by detecting overworked muscles. Further modifications such as the ability to monitor heart and breathing will also help athletes learn how many calories have been consumed during workouts.
Trend Themes
1. Contactless Muscle Monitoring - The development of contactless sensors incorporated into fabric opens up opportunities for improved muscle monitoring technology without the use of cumbersome electrodes.
2. Data-driven Athletic Performance - The integration of wearable sensors and computer processing allows athletes to receive real-time information about muscle usage and adjust their movements for maximum effectiveness.
3. Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation - The ability of the sensors to detect overworked muscles can help athletes identify potential injury risks and take necessary precautions for prevention and rehabilitation.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Technology - The sports technology industry can leverage the contactless muscle monitoring trend to develop innovative products and solutions for enhancing athletic performance.
2. Fitness Apparel - The fitness apparel industry has the potential to incorporate contactless sensors into their garments, providing athletes with real-time data on muscle usage and technique.
3. Health and Wellness - The health and wellness industry can benefit from the injury prevention aspect of the contactless muscle monitoring technology, offering solutions for athletes to optimize their workouts and reduce the risk of injuries.
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