Study on the Efficiency of Data Collection, Organization and Feedback Methods for Triathlon Races

Abstract

Considering the problems of data handling methods in the sports field, the use of smartphones, free tools, going online with the COVID-19 disaster, reducing the workload of data managers, creating graphs automatically, and building a system that can provide immediate feedback are considered to be useful. This study aims to improve data handling at sporting events by examining methods of enhancing data provision efficiency, such as collecting the athletes’ physical condition and weather data, for the athletes, coach, and trainer. The data were collected using Google Forms and Google Sheets, and the study considered the problems associated with the data handling process. A questionnaire-based survey regarding data handling was conducted among seven athletes, one coach, and one trainer from a local triathlon team. The questions included collecting information on whether the (1) participants had viewed the Google Sheets, (2) data were useful for the race, (3) Google Sheets were easy to view, and (4) participants had any requests. In addition, eight university students were targeted as simulations for data organization. The results indicated that the use of Google Forms and Google Sheets was more efficient than the traditional paper-based method. In conclusion, this method is useful in collecting, organizing, and providing data at sporting events. The results of this study may lead to improvements in the way data are used in sports. In the future, it may be necessary to fine-tune the system to meet the needs of individual users.