How AI and Wearable Tech Are Transforming Sports Injury Prevention and Athlete Performance

What is it about?

This article reviews the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with wearable technology and its impact on sports science, health care, and human performance. It examines how AI-enabled devices such as GPS trackers and heart rate monitors are used to prevent injuries and enhance athletic performance through real-time data analysis. The article discusses the utilization of machine learning techniques to identify injury risks and optimize training plans. Methodologically, the review synthesizes literature from sources like PubMed and Google Scholar, applying a grading system to evaluate the robustness of 68 studies. It highlights AI's role in transforming raw data into valuable insights, contributing to injury prevention and performance enhancement. The review also addresses challenges such as data quality and privacy concerns, and explores the potential of explainable AI and personalized medicine. Overall, it provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of AI-powered wearables in improving health and sports outcomes.

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Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This review examines the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable technology, highlighting its transformative impact on sports science, health care, and human performance. The article's significance lies in its synthesis of current literature, offering a comprehensive view of how AI-enabled wearables are utilized to prevent injuries and enhance athletic performance. The review underscores the potential of these technologies to revolutionize health monitoring and performance optimization, making it a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders interested in these advancements. Key Takeaways: 1. This review article summarizes the role of AI in wearable devices, emphasizing their application in injury prevention and performance enhancement. It highlights how AI processes real-time physiological and biomechanical data to provide actionable insights for both professional athletes and individuals recovering from injuries. 2. The article explores the challenges associated with implementing AI-powered wearables, such as concerns about data quality, privacy, and the complexity of interpreting predictive models. These challenges are critical considerations for further development and wider adoption of these technologies. 3. By compiling recent developments, the review discusses the integration of explainable AI with wearables and personalized medicine. This integration is pivotal for advancing individualized health monitoring and tailored interventions, thereby extending the potential benefits of AI and wearable technology to a broader audience.