Monitoring Performance in Women’s Soccer Players during Training through Wearable Sensors: Design Issues and Reliability Assessement

This study aimed to present the design, application and assessment of a wearable monitoring system focused on estimating the performance in women’s soccer players. Specific attention was given to design factors and to assess usability and reliability of a sensorized bra in monitoring overall performance in terms of heartrate and movement-related parameters, during the execution of training exercises. The system integrates textile-based ECG electrodes and 3D accelerometers within a specially designed sports bra. The analysis involved 9 young female soccer players and evaluated comfort, usability, and satisfaction of the system. Obtained results showed good mechanical comfort, with some concerns about overall breathability. The system demonstrated technical reliability in acquiring data for monitoring performance during training exercises. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of comfort, support, and technical reliability in this kind of wearable technologies.