Sensors and Measurement Systems for Comprehensive On-Water Performance Analysis of Kayakers: A Review

In the field of sports, including kayaking, developing technical skills and optimizing performance are essential. Given the constraints on equipment design (paddles, footrests, seats, and boats), the use of portable on-water measurement systems is crucial for elite kayakers and coaches to study equipment usage and athletes movements in real-world conditions. Among the technologies employed, force sensors and inertial measurement units (IMUs) are commonly used for on the water dynamic and kinematic analysis, respectively. However, finding a portable system for kayaking that allows comprehensive evaluation while being suitable for on-water analysis has proven extremely challenging. Existing systems primarily focus on paddle data collection and analysis, with limited attention to data transmission and the energy efficiency of wireless sensor nodes. Moreover, the body of literature in this area remains relatively fragmented and limited, with contributions dispersed across disciplines including biomechanics, embedded systems, and sports science. This study reviews essential systems for real-time, comprehensive analysis of professional kayakers’ performance. It examines both commercial systems and academic research, focusing on dynamic and kinematic measurements, with an emphasis on inertial and force sensors, particularly strain gauges, which play a central role in this emerging trend in kayaking. These technologies enable detailed analysis, paving the way for future developments to enhance kayakers’ training programs significantly.