Quantifying Training Loads: Our Collaboration with USA Volleyball
USA Volleyball’s Sitting National Teams desired a method to quantify training and match loads using existing technologies. Catapult Accelerometer and Gyroscope sensors are an existing solution, but their loading algorithms were not full appropriate for sitting athletes.
The Problem
- Sitting athletes have similar performance requirements as standing athletes, however, movement sensor algorithms are created using standing athletes
- The coaches of the USA Women’s Sitting National Team (WSNT) and Men’s Sitting National Team (MSNT) desire monitor training and match loading to best prepare the athletes for competition
- It is unknown if the common variables provided by Catapult had relevancy to the actual loading of seated athletes
Objectives
- Introduce accelerometer & gyroscope data collection systems to the WSNT and MSNT players and coaches
- Collect data under practice and match conditions
- Evaluate the output of the motion sensor compared to the expected output based on the activity and motion being recorded
- Develop methodology necessary to use the sensor data to more fully quantify seated athlete motion
- Create a method and process for the coaching staffs to fully utilize loading data when analyzing matches and preparing for training periods.
Strategies
- DeWitt Method attended training sessions and matches and collected data, developing a more complete understanding of the typical player movements in the sport and needs of the coaches.
- Calibrated movement protocols were designed and implemented to asses expected data output with actual
- High frequency data streams were analyzed to understand and decompose signals from multiple sensors into new sitting-specific algorithms
Implementations & Deliverables
- API code and pipelines were created to extract, transfer, and load data into local data warehouses
- A loading detection model was created using machine learning and AI to detect player rotational movements
- Reporting dashboards developed for coaches and staff
Solutions
- Developed a methodology to more fully utilize accelerometer and gyroscope data for sitting athletes
- Created new algorithms and reporting metrics that are more fully descriptive of sitting volleyball loading
- Educated coaches and athletes on the use of training load data to increase training efficiency and reduce player injury
“John has been incredible to work with. His extensive knowledge of sensor technology, coupled with his exceptional programming skill, has enabled our project to move from concept to reality in a very short period of time. The analysis required to estimate training and competition load with our sitting athletes required some creative thinking, and John was exactly the partner I needed to move this work forward in a meaningful way.”
Dr. Peter Vint
Peter Vint, Chief of Sport, USA Volleyball
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