Sports Performance of Student-Athletes and the Utilization of Smart Wearable Devices
Document Type
Paper presentation
School Name
Adamson University
School Code
N/A
Abstract / Executive Summary
Smart wearable devices (SWD) have become increasingly common in sports, yet limited evidence exists on how student-athletes perceive their effectiveness and usability in actual training and competition environments. This study aimed to assess the perceived effectiveness and ease of use of SWD among university student-athletes. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), The research employed a quantitative, descriptive-comparative-correlational design. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire administered to student-athletes from various team sports, primarily aged 18-23. The instrument measured perceived effectiveness during training and after competition, along with ease of use. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Spearman’s rank correlation tests. Findings revealed that student-atheletes generally perceived SWD as effective during training (M = 3.30) and after competition (M = 3.17), especially in monitoring pace and heart rate, supporting goal setting, and enhancing motivation. Ease of use was also rated positively (M = 3.25). No significant differences emerged in perceived effectiveness based on sex, age, sport, or device type; however, age significantly influenced ease of use, with older athletes reporting higher usability. No significant differences emerged in perceived effectiveness based on sex, age, sport, or device type; however, age significantly influenced ease of use, with older athletes reporting higher usability. Strong positive correlations between effectiveness and ease of use underscore usability as a key determinant of perceived value. The study concludes that user-friendly design enhances SWD acceptance and their potential performance benefits for student-athletes.
Keywords:
perceived usefulness; usability; technology adoption; performance monitoring; training load
Sports Performance of Student-Athletes and the Utilization of Smart Wearable Devices
Smart wearable devices (SWD) have become increasingly common in sports, yet limited evidence exists on how student-athletes perceive their effectiveness and usability in actual training and competition environments. This study aimed to assess the perceived effectiveness and ease of use of SWD among university student-athletes. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), The research employed a quantitative, descriptive-comparative-correlational design. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire administered to student-athletes from various team sports, primarily aged 18-23. The instrument measured perceived effectiveness during training and after competition, along with ease of use. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Spearman’s rank correlation tests. Findings revealed that student-atheletes generally perceived SWD as effective during training (M = 3.30) and after competition (M = 3.17), especially in monitoring pace and heart rate, supporting goal setting, and enhancing motivation. Ease of use was also rated positively (M = 3.25). No significant differences emerged in perceived effectiveness based on sex, age, sport, or device type; however, age significantly influenced ease of use, with older athletes reporting higher usability. No significant differences emerged in perceived effectiveness based on sex, age, sport, or device type; however, age significantly influenced ease of use, with older athletes reporting higher usability. Strong positive correlations between effectiveness and ease of use underscore usability as a key determinant of perceived value. The study concludes that user-friendly design enhances SWD acceptance and their potential performance benefits for student-athletes.
