Wearable technologies and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVS) in water sports: a study on their usability

In recent years, wearable technologies (WT) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become innovative tools for enhancing training and competition processes in the sports domain. These technologies enable the objective monitoring and evaluation of athlete performance through data-driven insights, contributing significantly to the advancement of sports and the preservation of athlete health. Particularly in sports that rely on physical performance, the demand for innovative methods to assess health and performance parameters has been increasing. This study examines the use of wearable technologies and UAVs in water sports disciplines, such as swimming, canoeing, rowing, sailing, and water polo, through interviews with 15 coaches operating in Şanlıurfa. Utilizing an interview form, the research evaluates the potential advantages and limitations of these technologies in performance monitoring, injury prevention, and ensuring safety during training sessions. The data were analyzed using qualitative research methods, including thematic and content analysis. The findings highlight the contributions of these technologies in monitoring performance parameters that are undetectable by the human eye and developing cost-effective data collection methods. Furthermore, wearable technologies and UAVs were found to play a significant role in monitoring athlete health and improving technical performance. The study's results provide water sports clubs with new strategies and application areas to enhance their operations and athlete performance.