Background: Recent innovations in surface electromyographic (sEMG) technology have enabled the measurement of muscle activity using smart textiles. Objective: In this study, the StriveTM Sense3 performance monitoring system is evaluated against a research-grade system, NoraxonTM, in measuring activity during the back squat exercise. Method: Seventeen participants performed three total trials of the squat exercise with a progressive load for individual trials equal to 30%, 60%, and 80% of their estimated maximum 1RM (one-repetition maximum). sEMG measurements from the rectus femoris were captured for the left and right leg by both systems. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were computed for each trial to assess concurrent validity and interrater reliability of the StriveTM Sense3 device. Additionally, five coaches at the collegiate- and professional-level of Men’s Basketball speak from an autoethnographic frame to the findings from this study. Results: Results ranged from “Poor” to “Excellent” validity and “Poor to Moderate” to “Excellent” reliability, with a majority of trials achieving “Good” or better results across all loads [93% trials: r >= 0.7; 87% trials: lower ICC 95% CI bound >= 0.75 (absolute sEMG); 98% trials: lower ICC 95% CI bound >= 0.75 (normalized sEMG)]. Higher validity and reliability for medium and heavy loads were observed in comparison to the light load, and several outliers indicate the need for coaches to lubricate sensors and ensure proper fit to collect accurate data. Conclusion: Examining results alongside practitioner feedback indicate the StriveTM Sense3 system is capable of tracking sEMG activity in comparison to a research-grade system.

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Certain anthropometric, spatiotemporal and kinematic characteristics can contribute to 100-meter sprint performance. However, it is unclear how these are different by gender for medalists and non-medalists in elite level events such as the USA Olympic Trials. PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to analyze differences on specific anthropometric, spatiotemporal and kinematic data at 80-meters by gender for international level medalists and non-medalists. METHODS: 38 sprinters (19 males, 19 females) who made the 100-meter final or semifinal in the 2014-2019 United States National Championships were included in this study. Anthropometric data was collected using a tape measure. High speed video (300 Hz, Casio EXILM Pro EX-F1), taken at 80-meters into the 100-meter race, and kinematic software were used to collect sagittal plane kinematic variables. Group differences were assessed using a series of one-way ANOVAs. RESULTS: In males, leg length (0.93 ± 0.02m, 0.95 ± .01m; p < 0.05) and average contact time (0.085 ± 0.004s, 0.094 ± 0.007s; p < 0.01) were significantly shorter while velocity (11.50 ± 0.43m/s, 10.83 ± 0.33m/s; p < 0.01), average upper leg full extension angle (152.45 ± 7.63°, 145.63 ± 3.46°; p < 0.05), and average horizontal backward foot velocity at touchdown (8.49 ± 0.33m/s, 7.84 ± 0.47m/s; p < 0.01) were significantly larger in medalists versus non-medalists. In females, only leg length was significantly longer in medalists versus non-medalists (0.89 ± 0.03m, 0.86 ± 0.03m; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that among females, of the variables measured here, only anthropometric characteristics seem to influence medal position.. Conversely, form and technique heavily dependent upon kinematics separate males from making a medal position. These data suggest that males may need to focus on specific kinematic outcomes in order to increase the changes of successfully making the podium in a 100-meter race.