Sports scientist talks about the potential and limits of artificial intelligence in sport
Artificial intelligence (AI) dominates everyday life. Whether in professional life or for leisure tips and other questions, AI is omnipresent. It has also long since found its way into sport. This applies to top-class sport as well as recreational and popular sport. Andreas Kramer, sports scientist at Sportklinik Hellersen, can well understand this trend. "AI is a good source of inspiration. It can create detailed training plans, specifically adapt and plan sporting activities and also offer targeted regeneration analysis. AI is fundamentally changing the way people train today," explains Andreas Kramer. But he must also clearly point out the limits of AI and where there are risks.
In popular sports, smart applications are taking on the role of a digital coach. Based on performance values, current condition or even sleep and stress indicators, they create personalized training programs, analyse progress and provide motivating feedback. "This can provide valuable support, especially for athletes without direct access to professional coaching," the sports scientist continues.
The importance of AI is also growing in competitive sport - especially when it comes to evaluating large amounts of data. Systems record GPS, video and biosignals in order to optimize training processes, load distribution and tactical decisions. Wearables, including smartwatches, with integrated AI provide precise real-time analyses of parameters such as heart rate, changes in performance or recovery status. "On this basis, training stimuli can be controlled in a more targeted manner and overloads can be avoided at an early stage," explains Andreas Kramer.
Artificial intelligence cannot replace human expertise
"Nevertheless, artificial intelligence cannot replace human expertise. Experience, empathy, intuition and situational action remain key elements of successful training support," he adds. Another important aspect is the prior physical assessment of the athlete and, in particular, the consideration of pre-existing conditions. In such cases, clarification with an experienced training scientist or doctor is essential.
Furthermore, possible sources of error in the AI's data interpretation and excessive dependence on automated recommendations must also be taken into account. For example, an AI-based analysis can lead to incorrect training recommendations if the data is incorrect - especially if exhaustion or overexertion are not recognized as such. The manufacturers of wearables very often do not provide any information about how data is processed and recommendations are made. "It's a bit like driving on autopilot - would you fully rely on it when it comes to your health?" notes Andreas Kramer and summarizes: "AI can be a useful addition to sport. The future of training lies in the combination of digital precision and human expertise and sensitivity."
With their proven expertise, the sports scientists and physicians at Sportmedizin Hellersen provide comprehensive support to athletes of all performance categories. They provide support in ruling out illnesses or specifically taking them into account in training recommendations, tapping into performance reserves in a structured manner or ensuring a safe return to sport. The basis of every training plan is always the individual performance and health status. The individual is considered holistically - with their personal requirements, development expectations and stress limits. The aim is to develop an individually appropriate training concept for each person that avoids misjudgements, prevents excessive demands and enables sustainable, healthy performance development.
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