Validity of Real-Time Ultra-wideband Global Navigation Satellite System Data Generated by a Wearable Microtechnology Unit

• Published in: Journal of strength and conditioning research 2020-07, Vol.34 (7), p.2071-2075
• Main Authors: Johnston, Rich D., Hewitt, Adam, Duthie, Grant
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acceleration; Adult; Athletic Performance - physiology; Cross-Over Studies; Football - physiology; Geographic Information Systems - instrumentation; Humans; Male; Microtechnology - instrumentation; Movement; Navigation systems; Reproducibility of Results; Rugby; Running - physiology; Velocity; Wearable computers; Wearable Electronic Devices - standards; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1064-8011; 1533-4287
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003059

ABSTRACTJohnston, RD, Hewitt, A, and Duthie, G. Validity of real-time ultra-wideband global navigation satellite system data generated by a wearable microtechnology unit. J Strength Cond Res 34(7)2071–2075, 2020—This study aimed to determine the validity of real-time ultra-wideband data generated by a wearable microtechnology unit during rugby league training sessions using a repeated-measures crossover study. Twenty-four semiprofessional rugby league players wore a commercially available microtechnology device (StatSports Apex, Newry, Northern Ireland) during 10 training sessions. Total distance; moderate-speed running (3.6–4.9 m·s); high-speed running (5.0–6.9 m·s); very high-speed running (≥7 m·s); maximum velocity (m·s); the number of high-intensity accelerations (≥2.78 m·s) and decelerations (≥−2.78 m·s); dynamic stress load (AU); and high metabolic load distance (m) were recorded in real time through an Apex beacon over a secured wireless network before being exported to a csv file at the end of the session. The data were then downloaded to a computer after event. To determine the validity of the real-time data, they were compared with the postevent downloaded data using coefficient of variation and Pearsonʼs correlation coefficient. There was almost perfect agreement between real-time and postevent downloaded data for all variables reported. The overall bias effect size scores were all trivial, ranging from 0.00 for total distance and high-speed running up to −0.12 for maximal velocity; Pearsonʼs correlations were either perfect or nearly perfect (r = 0.98–1.00). Irrespective of the movement speed, the data collected by these devices in real time show excellent levels of agreement with postevent downloaded data.