Academic Journal
Evaluating team sport performance: a review of inertial sensor technologies and their applications.
| Title: | Evaluating team sport performance: a review of inertial sensor technologies and their applications. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Sang, Shouhui |
| Source: | Sensor Review; 2026, Vol. 46 Issue 2, p259-278, 20p |
| Subject Terms: | Team sports, Electronic data processing, Evaluation methodology, Motion detectors, Accelerometers, Standardization, Machine learning |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study aims to systematically review, synthesize and critically evaluate the expansive body of literature concerning the application of inertial sensor technology for performance evaluation in team sports. Also, this review aims to bridge the gap between sensor engineering, data processing methodologies and applied sports science. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive narrative review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted. The analysis focuses on the technological underpinnings of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), the validation of commercial systems, the critical data processing pipeline from raw signals to actionable metrics and evidence-based applications in key team sports. This review further explores the integration of machine learning and addresses the prevailing challenges and future trajectories of the field. Findings: Inertial sensors provide high-resolution data on athlete movement, enabling the quantification of external load beyond traditional time-motion analysis. However, their efficacy is critically dependent on robust data processing, including sensor fusion algorithms to mitigate errors like drift and accurately estimate orientation. While metrics like PlayerLoad are widely adopted, their interpretation is complex and lacks intersystem standardization. Applications in soccer, basketball and rugby demonstrate the technology's utility in quantifying physical demands, analyzing technique and monitoring high-impact events. Key challenges remain in data validity, standardization and ethical data governance. Originality/value: This paper provides a consolidated, multidisciplinary overview that connects the technical specifications of IMU hardware with the complexities of data processing and the practical realities of in-field application. It offers a critical framework for practitioners to evaluate and implement these technologies and for researchers to identify key areas for future investigation, particularly in the realms of advanced analytics and methodological standardization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Sensor Review is the property of Emerald Publishing Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Complementary Index |
| FullText | Links: – Type: other Text: Availability: 0 CustomLinks: – Url: https://www.emerald.com/insight/search?q=Evaluating team sport performance: a review of inertial sensor technologies and their applications.%20Sang, Shouhui Name: Emerald Insight (All Content) (s7799221) Category: fullText Text: View full text at Emerald MouseOverText: View full text at Emerald |
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| Items | – Name: Title Label: Title Group: Ti Data: Evaluating team sport performance: a review of inertial sensor technologies and their applications. – Name: Author Label: Authors Group: Au Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sang%2C+Shouhui%22">Sang, Shouhui</searchLink> – Name: TitleSource Label: Source Group: Src Data: Sensor Review; 2026, Vol. 46 Issue 2, p259-278, 20p – Name: Subject Label: Subject Terms Group: Su Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Team+sports%22">Team sports</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Electronic+data+processing%22">Electronic data processing</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Evaluation+methodology%22">Evaluation methodology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Motion+detectors%22">Motion detectors</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Accelerometers%22">Accelerometers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Standardization%22">Standardization</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Machine+learning%22">Machine learning</searchLink> – Name: Abstract Label: Abstract Group: Ab Data: Purpose: This study aims to systematically review, synthesize and critically evaluate the expansive body of literature concerning the application of inertial sensor technology for performance evaluation in team sports. Also, this review aims to bridge the gap between sensor engineering, data processing methodologies and applied sports science. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive narrative review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted. The analysis focuses on the technological underpinnings of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), the validation of commercial systems, the critical data processing pipeline from raw signals to actionable metrics and evidence-based applications in key team sports. This review further explores the integration of machine learning and addresses the prevailing challenges and future trajectories of the field. Findings: Inertial sensors provide high-resolution data on athlete movement, enabling the quantification of external load beyond traditional time-motion analysis. However, their efficacy is critically dependent on robust data processing, including sensor fusion algorithms to mitigate errors like drift and accurately estimate orientation. While metrics like PlayerLoad are widely adopted, their interpretation is complex and lacks intersystem standardization. Applications in soccer, basketball and rugby demonstrate the technology's utility in quantifying physical demands, analyzing technique and monitoring high-impact events. Key challenges remain in data validity, standardization and ethical data governance. Originality/value: This paper provides a consolidated, multidisciplinary overview that connects the technical specifications of IMU hardware with the complexities of data processing and the practical realities of in-field application. It offers a critical framework for practitioners to evaluate and implement these technologies and for researchers to identify key areas for future investigation, particularly in the realms of advanced analytics and methodological standardization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] – Name: Abstract Label: Group: Ab Data: <i>Copyright of Sensor Review is the property of Emerald Publishing Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) |
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| RecordInfo | BibRecord: BibEntity: Languages: – Code: eng Text: English PhysicalDescription: Pagination: PageCount: 20 StartPage: 259 Subjects: – SubjectFull: Team sports Type: general – SubjectFull: Electronic data processing Type: general – SubjectFull: Evaluation methodology Type: general – SubjectFull: Motion detectors Type: general – SubjectFull: Accelerometers Type: general – SubjectFull: Standardization Type: general – SubjectFull: Machine learning Type: general Titles: – TitleFull: Evaluating team sport performance: a review of inertial sensor technologies and their applications. Type: main BibRelationships: HasContributorRelationships: – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: Sang, Shouhui IsPartOfRelationships: – BibEntity: Dates: – D: 01 M: 03 Text: 2026 Type: published Y: 2026 Identifiers: – Type: issn-print Value: 02602288 Numbering: – Type: volume Value: 46 – Type: issue Value: 2 Titles: – TitleFull: Sensor Review Type: main |
| ResultId | 1 |