Feature: Body Sensors Extend the Performance of Athletes
In the last year or two, there have been quite a few advanced sensors aimed primarily at improving the performance of professional athletes.
One such technology was a pill which the sports hero swallowed at the beginning of the workout. During the workout, the pill could transmit the athlete’s core body temperature to the sideline trainers. This let them optimize the athlete’s performance and reduce his (or her) risk of injury by picking the best times to have them take a break.
More recently, a device came out which monitors various other parameters, and clips to the back of the ear.
Another such technology uses GPS monitoring to track the athlete’s movement during practice and actual games.
While these previous features only record diagnostic information, the following device (and others) actually enhances the athlete’s performance. It provides rapid cooling of your body by putting a very cold pad on your veins, chilling your circulating blood, and rapidly bringing your body temperature down. This could really extend a player’s endurance.
Given the recent controversy surrounding the use of video eqiupment for cheating in the NFL, it will be interesting to watch how each sport’s governing bodies control and regulate these technologies which give players an advantage over others.
