Fuzzy Logic in Sports: A Review and an Illustrative Case Study in the Field of Strength Training

Abstract

As a special form of probabilistic reasoning, the fuzzy logic concept allows the effective realization of approximate, vague, uncertain, dynamic, continuous and, at the same time, more realistic conditions, which are closer to the actual physical world and human thinking. This many-valued idea involves the definition of fuzzy sets and rules as well membership functions. These techniques allow the mapping of classes of objects not only -according to the binary logicto false (0) and true (1) but also to intermediate values in between. Based on this theorem, the particular purpose of this paper was to propose a fuzzy logic approach for the evaluation of strength training exercises. The motivation for the present study arose from previous research done in the area of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports, the effective number of multidisciplinary solutions integrating fuzzy logic methodologies and the lack of applications in the fields of sport and especially strength training. The conception takes into account gathered data from sensor-equipped machines as well as recommended suggestions and criteria regarding a proper execution. The final aim is to integrate the designed procedures into a computer-based coaching framework, returning automated feedback on the performed technique.

Computational intelligence in sports: Challenges and opportunities within a new research domain

“…On the other hand, the authors in [44] showed the potential of artificial intelligence techniques in sports using the example of weight training. The same authors also proposed the fuzzy logic approach for the evaluation of strength training exercises [45]. Skiba [53] presented a system and method for computing athletic performance.…”

Nonlinear fuzzy control of human heart rate during aerobic endurance training with respect to significant model variations

“…They also considered that there is a lack of application of fuzzy logic control systems in the fields of sport and training [4].…”

“…A controller with the ability to auto-adapt itself to the changes in the surrounding environment must have adjustable parameters and a mechanism for adjusting these parameters [4].…”

Prediction of Attendance Demand in European Football Games: Comparison of ANFIS, Fuzzy Logic, and ANN

“…Fuzzy logic has been increasingly used in different fields such as economics [ 13 ], image processing, power engineering, systems engineering, optimization, industrial automation, and robotics with a variety purposes [ 14 ]. Some of the studies in sports are as follows: Novatchkov and Baca [ 15 ] designed a fuzzy logic model for the assessment of strength training exercises in sports. Martínez et al [ 16 ] proposed a fuzzy logic approach for measuring perceived quality in terms of sport and fitness services.…”