A device for augmented feedback during the practice of relay changeovers in swimming

• Main Author: Ho, Chong Jian
• Other Authors: Heng Kok Hui, John Gerard
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Mechatronics
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/172894
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In competitive swimming, to achieve optimal performance, an athlete must effectively combine technical skills with their physical and mental capabilities. This can be achieved through various approaches which include consistent training in swimming techniques and strengthening the body. With the current state of technology, it is possible to enhance the training experience of swimmers by incorporating technology into their training routines. Much research has been conducted to investigate and optimise an athletes' swim technique and training methods using technology such as computation fluid dynamics (CFD) and underwater motion analysis. CFD simulates swimming strokes and examines the hydrodynamic effects of the aquatic environment, while underwater motion analysis uses a three-dimensional motion capture system to analyse a swimmer's underwater motions. These work together to target adjustments to a swimmer's form and technique to improve performance. [1]. The swim start is a crucial segment in any swimming race; how an athlete performs during a swim start can significantly impact their race timing. The swim start consists of the Starting Block Phase, Diving Phase, Underwater Phase, and Breakout Phase. To achieve an optimal swim start, swimmers should practice each phase and work on seamless linking between phases. The ability to measure forces exerted during swimming can provide valuable insights into a swimmer’s technique, enabling coaches to identify areas for improvement [2]. The objective of this project is to therefore develop a system that provides real-time force measurements and analysis during swim start training with the use of sensors and microcontroller units (MCUs) or microprocessors. This system has the potential to revolutionize swim training by providing a level of detail and insight that was previously unavailable to the human eye. By analysing the forces exerted by the swimmer when leaping off the starting block or tumbling on the wall, coaches and athletes can gain a deeper understanding of the swimmer’s swim start techniques and help make targeted improvements for them. A graphical user interface was developed to provide live data collection results and training summaries that display the change over time (COT), peak forces when leaping off the starting block, and the time taken to leap off the starting block. These data will be displayed in line and bar graph formats. With these data, scientists can also review and research new ways for athletes to improve their swimming performance.