Can the fluctuations of the motion be used to estimate performance of kayak paddlers?

TL;DR

This paper explores how fluctuations in inertial signals during kayaking can be used to estimate paddler performance, proposing new indicators and analyzing their effectiveness to advance coaching techniques.

Contribution

It introduces and compares new fluctuation-based indicators derived from inertial signals for performance estimation in kayaking.

Findings

New indicators show promise in performance assessment

Comparison of indicators highlights their relative advantages

Discussion of open problems encourages further multidisciplinary research

Abstract

Today many compact and efficient on-water data acquisition units help the modern coaching by measuring and analyzing various inertial signals during kayaking. One of the most challenging problems is how these signals can be used to estimate performance and to develop the technique. Recently we have introduced indicators based on the fluctuations of the inertial signals as promising additions to the existing parameters. In this work we report about our more detailed analysis, compare new indicators and discuss the possible advantages of the applied methods. Our primary aim is to draw the attention to several exciting and inspiring open problems and to initiate further research even in several related multidisciplinary fields. More detailed information can be found on a dedicated web page, http://www.noise.inf.u-szeged.hu/kayak.