In a groundbreaking initiative, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has partnered with Diocesan Girls' School (DGS) to launch the "PolyU-DGS AI Swimtech Laboratory." This collaboration aims to revolutionize swimming training by integrating advanced sports technology with biomechanics, ultimately enhancing the performance of swimmers. Led by Dr. Billy So, a key figure at the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at PolyU, the project utilizes cutting-edge wearable sensors and underwater camera systems to analyze swimmers' movements and muscle activity. This data-driven approach assists coaches in crafting more effective training programs for athletes, with the DGS student swimming team already incorporating these methods into their routine.
The establishment of the AI Swimtech Lab is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding between PolyU RISports and DGS. Under this agreement, DGS provides the necessary swimming facilities, while PolyU researchers install equipment for data collection and conduct research trials with student swimmers. The collaboration is designed to enhance the performance of elite athletes and identify new talent, maximizing athletic potential at the school level and nurturing future swimming champions for the local community. Additionally, the initiative aims to promote STEM education and foster a culture of innovation and technology within the school environment.
Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President of Research and Innovation at PolyU, emphasized the importance of integrating technology into athletic training. He noted that Hong Kong's swimmers have been making significant strides on the international stage, and the use of technology in training can further unlock their potential and lead to remarkable achievements. Prof. Chao expressed PolyU's commitment to translating research outcomes into practical applications and highlighted the value of immersive learning experiences for students, which can spark interest in innovation and technology while enhancing their knowledge in mathematics, science, and engineering.
Mrs. Stella Lau, Headmistress of DGS, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that the school has a long history of promoting innovative technology education. She highlighted the benefits of the partnership with PolyU's RISports team, which allows student athletes to apply research in artificial intelligence and biomechanics to improve their swimming performance. This project not only empowers students to excel in sports but also enhances their practical application skills in sports science and problem-solving using AI, better preparing them for a technology-driven world.
Start Jump Motion Analysis
In competitive swimming, especially in short course events, every subtle movement can be crucial. Dr. Billy So's research focuses on developing systematic biomechanical training to improve swimmers' performance. Key findings include the importance of precise timing, speed, and angle in the start jump. The team uses surface electromyography systems on athletes' lower limbs to capture start jump motion, along with a reaction time start board and video analytics to provide immediate feedback on jump reaction, entry angles, and speed. This allows swimmers to adjust their posture promptly. Approximately 30 DGS swimming team members participated in a six-week training program, showing an average improvement of 0.127 seconds in start jump performance.
Propulsive Force Analysis
Swimming propulsion is generated through stroking and kicking, with core muscle stability playing a crucial role. The team uses an underwater surface electromyography system and a tethered swimming testing system to analyze the propulsive force during swimming. This data helps coaches refine athletes' techniques and develop targeted training programs. Around 30 student athletes from PolyU and local sports organizations participated in an eight-week core stability training program. The results showed a 10% increase in average swimming propulsive force and an improvement in 50-metre freestyle speed by 0.02 to 0.03 metres per second.
Muscle Activity Analysis
To capture muscle activity during swimming, the team employs waterproof wearable surface electromyography sensors and an underwater camera system. These tools monitor the muscle activity of swimmers' arms, shoulders, legs, and trunk during start jumps, strokes, and turns in freestyle swimming. The system will be tested at DGS with elite student swimmers. Looking ahead, the team plans to collaborate with PolyU's Department of Computing to integrate video motion analysis and wearable motion inertial sensors. This integration aims to develop a novel artificial intelligence model, further enhancing the system's accuracy and effectiveness.