Development of a wireless sensor network for use as an automated system for monitoring swimming starts

A wireless sensor network has been developed and used to monitor the important performance parameters pertaining to a swimmer's start. The variables identified as important include time to back foot leaving the block, time to hip entry into the water, time to first kick, time to first stroke, number and rate of the underwater kick and stroke count and rate. These parameters were specified by the users (coaches, biomechanists and swimmers) of the system. The measurements were validated against the vision analysis system currently used during in-water training with the national swimming team. From the results, it can be suggested that the wireless sensor network can be used as an automated system for monitoring performance parameters considered of importance to the user during the swimming start.