The use of GPS and inertial devices for player monitoring in team sports: A review of current and future applications

Abstract

Player-worn devices, combining global positioning system and inertial monitors, are being used increasingly by professional sports teams. Recent interest focusses on using the data generated to track training-load and whether this may lead to more effective training prescription with better management of injury risk. The aim of this review is to summarize the development and current use of this technology alongside proposed future applications. PubMed and Medline searches (2000-2017) identified all relevant studies involving use in team sports or comparative studies with other accepted methods. Our review determined that the latest devices are valid and reliably track activity levels. This technology is both accurate and more efficient than previous methods. Furthermore, recent research has shown that measurable changes in training-load (the acute-to-chronic load ratio) are related to injury risk. However, results remain very sport specific and generalization must be done with caution. Future uses may include injury-prevention strategies and return-to-play judgement.