Can Augmented Real-time Haptic Feedback Assist Young Professional Swimmers in Improving Swimming Technique?

This paper explores the use of real-time augmented haptic biofeedback to improve the swimming technique of young professional swimmers. The study employs a specially designed wearable device with haptic actuators and an integrated orientation sensor. The device measures and stores the maximum body rotation angles during each swim stroke and gives the swimmers real-time feedback on their performance so that they can react, if needed, by changing their swimming technique. Two young professional swimmers (male: 19years old, female: 18years old) took part in a series of tests, including one medium tempo baseline swimming, two medium tempo and one fast tempo swimming sessions with feedback, a symmetry test with feedback using a snorkel and several sprint runs with feedback in 25-m and 50-m pools. Haptic feedback triggered by predefined thresholds based on baseline measurements led to a measurable reduction in maximum body rotation angles. The results suggest that real-time haptic feedback could be an effective means of positively influencing swimming technique. This initial study should serve as a basis for further studies to refine the study design, device design and application of different feedback modalities, as well as to explore the applicability of the technology in different swimming scenarios.