The impact of wearable technology
BY Siobhan Bottomley
Physiotherapist at Kings Park Medicine Centre
In recent years, wearable technology has revolutionized the way athletes approach training and performance monitoring.
For runners, in particular, these devices offer a wealth of data and insights that can guide their training routines and improve performance. However, have you ever stopped to consider that there may be downsides to using this technology? Have we lost touch with our ability to listen to our body by always looking at our watches?
Wearable technology refers to electronic devices worn on the body or clothing that are fitted with sensors to collect and transmit data relating to body functioning such as heart rate, stress, sleep, step count, timed exercise activities and more. Examples of these devices include smartwatches, smartphones, smartbelts, accelerometers, sensors, glucose trackers etc. The benefits of wearable technology on running performance are numerous, which is why you will see 90% of runners using some version of this technology.
The most significant advantage of wearable technology is access to real-time feedback on running performance through live updates of metrics such as heart rate, pace and distance. This allows runners to make adjustments during their training to optimize their performance and potentially reduce the risk of injuries. Additionally the ability to track performance over time provides valuable insight on progress and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach can help runners set more realistic goals and track their achievements more accurately. Some advanced wearable technologies even use algorithms to analyze data and provide personalized training recommendations. This can include suggestions for rest days, intensity adjustments, and optimal training volumes based on individual performance data.
Other benefits include goal-setting features, challenges and sharing which may enhance motivation and inspire runners to stay committed to their training programs.
There are so many pros to wearable technology that few even consider the possible cons. Some runners become increasingly reliant on their watches for feedback and guidance. This dependence can result in a disconnect from their innate ability to listen to their bodies' signals and adjust training accordingly. This over-reliance on technology can lead to a compulsive exercise behavior where runners feel compelled to meet metrics set by their devices, risking overtraining and potential injury. Instead of seeking personalized advice from professionals such as physiotherapists or coaches who can consider individual biomechanics and health factors, runners may prioritize the numbers on their screens, potentially ignoring warning signs of fatigue or strain.
The rise of fitness apps like Strava has also inadvertently fueled a culture of exercise addiction among runners, where the pursuit of virtual accolades and comparisons can overshadow the importance of physical well-being. Runners often find themselves pushing through injuries or disregarding recovery periods in order to maintain or improve their rankings and achievements on these platforms. The pressure to compete and compare can lead individuals to prioritize mileage and pace goals over their own body's signals, exacerbating existing injuries or causing new ones.
While it's clear that the successful integration of wearable technology provides valuable insights and has the potential to significantly improve performance and health, it's essential for runners to approach these devices as tools to complement their training, rather than rely solely on the data they provide. Balancing the advantages of technological assistance and intuitive self-awareness is crucial in making informed training decisions and maintaining long-term health and performance in running.
*For more information contact Siobhan Bottomley at:
Kings Park Sports Medicine Centre
892 Umgeni Road, Morningside Durban
031 303 3874
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