A web-oriented expert system for planning hurdles race training programmes

Abstract

This paper presents a web-oriented expert system, named iHurdling, to predict results and generate training loads for 110 and 400 m hurdles races. The database contains 40 annual training programmes for the 110 m hurdles and 48 programmes for the 400 m hurdles. The predictive models include linear regressions in the form of ordinary least squares, ridge, LASSO, elastic net and nonlinear models in the form of a radial basis function neural network and fuzzy rule-based system. The leave-one-out cross-validation method is used to compare, and choose the best model. It shows that the proposed fuzzy-based model has the lowest validation error. The developed web application can support a coach in planning training programmes for hurdles races. It allows the athlete’s results to be predicted and can generate training loads for an athlete, selected from database. The application can be run on a computer or a mobile device. The system was implemented using the R programming language with the Shiny framework and additional packages. The limitations of the presented approach are related to the lack of consideration of an athlete’s physiological and psychological parameters, but the generated training programs might be used as a suggestion for the coach.