Advancing Inclusive Race Start Systems: Visual and Assistive Signal Technologies for Deaf Athletes in Running Sports

Deaf athletes in running sports often face disadvantages due to the reliance on auditory start cues, such as gunshots, which lack standardized visual or tactile alternatives. This review explores current technologies and practices aimed at enhancing accessibility and equity for deaf sprinters, with a focus on visual signal devices (VSDs) and multimodal assistive systems. Key innovations include Arduino-controlled RGB LED panels synchronized with SEIKO electronic guns, haptic feedback systems like HaptStarter, and wearable devices such as whistle-detecting vibrating wristbands. While these solutions improve timing accuracy and inclusivity, persistent challenges remain, including inconsistent implementation, visibility limitations, and institutional barriers. The review emphasizes the importance of athlete-centered co-design, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing inclusive race-start systems.