Automatic feedback of fencing specific movements through wearable sensor technology

• Main Author: Lee, Nitasha Yen Lin
• Other Authors: Heng Kok Hui, John Gerard
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Aeronautical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/77298
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Fencing is a high intensity sport which requires explosive movements such as the Lunge and the Flèche throughout a competition. Competitive fencing has been progressing significantly over the past decade. With this growing interest in fencing, there is a need for improved training methods and wearable sensor technology holds a promise for this application. The objective of this research project is to monitor fencing specific movements and training workloads. With the knowledge of training workloads, it would provide coaches and fencers with a better understanding on periodising a plan for maximising performance and to reduce the risk of injuries. This project was developed with the aid of a developer kit (MetaMotion R, California, United States) which consists of a built-in six-axis accelerometer and gyroscope. Accelerometers were chosen due to its high accuracy, ability to connect wirelessly with computer software and are small in size that can be worn on human body without any discomfort. A system was developed to provide feedbacks on area such as training intensity and technique execution of a fencer during training. An algorithm produced through analysing trends was able to detect the number of lunges executed in a bout. In addition, the intensity of the lunges were determined. Training workloads are obtained through the review of intensity and frequency of acceleration during training sessions. Thus, shedding light upon the physical requirements of the sport for performance enhancement and injury risk reduction