The wearable technology that I reviewed was Catapult, based out of Australia. Catapult is a tracking system, roughly the size of a 3rd generation iPod, that is placed in a small pocket on the backside of a jersey just beneath the neck line. The tracking system was primarily developed with the athlete in mind. The tracking system has accelerometers, magnetometers and gyroscopes that are able to track gravitational load, distance and direction data using GPS. The Catapult system can isolate the data using filters to pinpoint an athlete’s exact direction for each acceleration or step. This data can be used to track athletic performance either during practice, training, or during sport-specific rehabilitation. In my setting of athletic training, Catapult would be an excellent way to determine if an athlete is ready for return to play. It would be able to show weight shifting biases and directional preferences.
And now the cons. With all of the data that the Catapult system is able to generate, the problem is having someone with the ability to interpret this data. A bunch of raw numbers and graphics look good, but if you can't interpret it then it's of no use. Another con is the cost. It's estimated that the cost of this Catapult system can run up to $100, 000. I don't know to many organizations that can afford a wearable technology with that price tag.
And now the cons. With all of the data that the Catapult system is able to generate, the problem is having someone with the ability to interpret this data. A bunch of raw numbers and graphics look good, but if you can't interpret it then it's of no use. Another con is the cost. It's estimated that the cost of this Catapult system can run up to $100, 000. I don't know to many organizations that can afford a wearable technology with that price tag.