Advancements in technology have revolutionized the field of sports medicine. New devices are being developed that help athletes perform at their peak ability while also reducing the risk of injuries.
Wearable Monitoring Devices
One of the most prominent types of sports medicine devices are wearable monitoring devices. These small, lightweight devices can be worn during training and competition to track important biometrics.
Heart Rate and Activity Monitoring
Many athletes rely on fitness trackers and smartwatches to monitor their heart rate and activity levels during workouts. This data gives valuable insights into things like calories burned, workout intensity, and recovery time needed. Top brands producing these monitors include Fitbit, Apple, Garmin and Polar. Advanced monitors can also track sleep quality which is important for recovery.
Muscle and Movement Monitoring
More advanced monitors can track muscle activity and precise body movements. Electromyography (EMG) sensors embedded in clothing or wearable patches monitor individual muscle engagement during exercises. Meanwhile, motion sensors paired with video analysis precisely track range of motion, velocity and acceleration of movements to identify areas for improvement. Companies like Hykso, PlayerTek and Champion Sports offer these advanced monitoring solutions.
Injury Prevention Technologies
Another focus area in Sports Medicine Devices is developing technologies to help prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. Here are some notable examples:
Smart Mouthguards
Mouthguards fitted with sensors can detect the force and location of impacts sustained during contact sports like football, rugby, lacrosse and hockey. By collecting this data over time, trainers can analyze an athlete’s risk for concussions or other head injuries. Companies offering these “smart mouthguards” include Battle Sports Science and ACE Sensor.
Joint Braces and Taping
Advanced joint braces and taping techniques supported by technology are being used more commonly. Companies like McDavid and Mueller have developed braces reinforced with carbon fiber or other lightweight materials for added stability without restricting motion. Some feature real-time sensors as well. Kinesio offers high-tech taping solutions treated with silver fibers that enhance support, circulation and healing.
Custom Orthotics and Insoles
With 3D scanning and printing capabilities, sportsmedicine practitioners can now create fully customized orthotics, footbeds and insoles tailored to an individual athlete’s anatomy, biomechanics and activities. Overpronation or high-impact activities have been linked to injuries, so these customized supports aim to reduce problems in the lower extremities. Examples include Footbalance, FitOrtho and Carbon.
Surgical Techniques and Recovery Aids
While surgery should always be a last resort, minimally-invasive sports medicine procedures employing advanced techniques and technologies can get athletes back in play faster according to many surgeons. New arthroscopic techniques and medical devices are improving rehabilitation as well. Game Ready and Breg offer cooling/compression systems to speed healing after procedures like knee surgery.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
