Skitracker: Measuring Skiing Performance using a Body Area Network

Abstract: Cross-country skiing is a technically demanding sport that requires the use of several distinct techniques. Typical research in this area involves testing in laboratory conditions using bulky equipment. The goal of this project is to create a complete system that allows tests to be conducted on skiers in real conditions, using a network of wireless sensors to collect data. We begin by outlining what data coaches and skiers want to see, before describing in detail our system, which comprises a set of networked wireless sensors mounted on the skier, a smartphone used as a base station, and a web interface viewing and editing recorded  data. We then conduct testing of the system on Swedish national team skiers, and use the data collected to compare the relative performance of these skiers in outdoor conditions. Finally the system is evaluated and future developments are discussed.