Sports Engineering

Abstract Videogrammetry can quantify head acceleration events in sport, but because standard datasets lack the large rotations, rapid motion, and frequent occlusion characteristic of sports collisions, the accuracy of modern deep learning pose estimators in this context remains unclear. This study addresses this gap by benchmarking three models for monocular head pose estimation during controlled…

Abstract The inclusion of Coastal Rowing Beach Sprints in the 2028 Olympic program is reshaping the sport by mainstreaming racing in challenging and unpredictable open-water environments, characterized by waves, sharp turns, and constantly changing conditions. Despite its rapid growth in popularity, further systematic research on how to enhance performance, excitement and enjoyment while maintain…

Abstract The playing surface in football plays a pivotal role in player performance, safety, and overall game quality. With evolving regulations and continuous technological advances in football surfaces (natural, hybrid, and artificial turf), understanding their performance characteristics is essential. This study evaluated the vertical compliance and rotational stiffness of football surfaces us…

This study compared the effects of artificial football surfaces incorporating different vegetal infills on players’ physical performance. It also examined how these systems differed from natural grass and from traditional third‑generation artificial turf using recycled rubber from end‑of‑life tyres. A quasi-experimental field design was conducted with 30 amateur male football players who complete…

Abstract This study aimed to propose and apply a validation method for a novel three-axis force sensor integrated into a cycling pedal, which offers several innovative features, notably compatibility with any bike or stationary cycle and fully wireless operation. A measurement rig was designed to compare the outputs of the pedal forces sensor with those of a reference sensor. A functional loading…

Abstract Aerodynamic optimization has gained increasing attention in competitive cycling. It is widely believed that aerodynamics plays a more critical role at higher riding speeds, as the power required to overcome aerodynamic drag is proportional to the cube of the riding speed, making it increasingly dominant at higher riding speeds. This study challenges the applicability of this paradigm for…

Abstract Sports turf surfaces, including natural turfgrass and synthetic turf, are complex systems with many parameters influencing their performance. This study aims to classify sports turf surfaces using data collected from a bespoke testing device, fLEX, which calculates seven separate metrics related to sports surface performance in both an acceleration format (designed to simulate an athlete…

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12283-025-00538-z.

Abstract Lubricant selection plays a crucial role in optimizing bicycle drivetrain efficiency by minimizing energy losses due to friction. The long-term characterization of lubricants over the full lubricant life in cycling remains underexplored. This study evaluates the performance of various lubricants, including immersion-style wax-based and drip-style wax emulsion lubricants under realistic c…

Computational and experimental investigations of flow over athletes are key elements of sports fluid dynamics to analyse performance and equipment design. However, the use of athlete-specific models often limits reproducibility, collaboration, and data sharing due to ethical and competitive constraints. This paper introduces and defines Generic Athlete Models as openly available, standardized geo…

Abstract In association football, players repetitively head the ball for competitive advantages, potentially inducing or exacerbating repetitive acute asymptomatic brain injury pertaining to an elevated risk of neurodegenerative disease development and mortality in later life. During these collisions, the mass of the ball is widely considered an important determinant to collision duress. Many ane…

Abstract Laser-based systems are commonly used to measure running speed in many sports. The resulting output can be used to assess performance, profile athletes and measure the effect of coaching interventions. This study aimed to compare the running speed output from a commercially available laser (Laser Speed, MuscleLAB) with a three-dimensional motion capture system (Vicon, Oxford Metrics Grou…

Abstract Qigong is a meditative exercise form that originates in traditional Chinese practice. Shibashi, one form of Qigong, consists of 18 exercises, the so-called 18 Forms of Harmony . To facilitate self-guided learning and practicing, feedback on the quality of the execution is essential. This research aims to evaluate the technological feasibility of capturing Qigong exercises and provide app…

Abstract This study evaluates the negative effects of grip wax application on the dynamic ski–snow coefficient of friction and subsequent performance during the double poling cycle in cross-country skiing. Utilising a linear ski tribometer, friction tests were performed on classic cross-country skiing skis prepared with no, thin, and thick grip wax under controlled laboratory conditions. The dyna…