Modernisation of a Performance Testing Machine for Olympic Wrestlers : A Case Study of the PowerBox Performance Testing Machine

Abstract: This master thesis focuses on the modernisation of the PowerBox, a performance testing machine intended for Olympic wrestlers to help them enhance their ability to prevent penalty points caused by being pushed out of the wrestling area. As the PowerBox has become outdated and underutilized, this study aims to revive the project by exploring how modern hardware and software technology can be integrated to provide real-time feedback and automate post-analysis processes. Recognising that the success of modernisation depends not only on the data delivered but also on the user experience, a user-centred development cycle was designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of elite athletes. Within this cycle, a prototype was developed and tested to assess the hardware's validity, software usability, and overall user experience. Additionally, an automated data analysis system was developed, and a proof-of-concept was demonstrated in this thesis. The prototype performed exceptionally well, exhibiting high validity of the hardware components, with force correlations exceeding 0.99 and velocity correlations exceeding 0.9. Usability was also rated positively, achieving a 100% success rate in user challenges and an 88.75 score on the system usability scale. Furthermore, users evaluated the overall user experience as excellent based on the user experience questionnaire. Notably, the PowerBox generated significant interest not only among wrestlers but also among other athletes, such as rugby players and handball players. This demonstrates the impact of modernising performance testing machines like the PowerBox.