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Automatic Classification of Sub-Techniques in Classical Cross-Country Skiing Using a Machine Learning Algorithm on Micro-Sensor Data

Abstract

The automatic classification of sub-techniques in classical cross-country skiing provides unique possibilities for analyzing the biomechanical aspects of outdoor skiing. This is currently possible due to the miniaturization and flexibility of wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) that allow researchers to bring the laboratory to the field. In this study, we aimed to optimize the accuracy of the automatic classification of classical cross-country skiing sub-techniques by using two IMUs attached to the skier’s arm and chest together with a machine learning algorithm. The novelty of our approach is the reliable detection of individual cycles using a gyroscope on the skier’s arm, while a neural network machine learning algorithm robustly classifies each cycle to a sub-technique using sensor data from an accelerometer on the chest. In this study, 24 datasets from 10 different participants were separated into the categories training-, validation- and test-data. Overall, we achieved a classification accuracy of 93.9% on the test-data. Furthermore, we illustrate how an accurate classification of sub-techniques can be combined with data from standard sports equipment including position, altitude, speed and heart rate measuring systems. Combining this information has the potential to provide novel insight into physiological and biomechanical aspects valuable to coaches, athletes and researchers
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Category

Academic article

Client

  • Research Council of Norway (RCN) / 245622

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Ole Marius Hoel Rindal
  • Trine Margrethe Seeberg
  • Johannes Tjønnås
  • Pål Haugnes
  • Øyvind Sandbakk

Affiliation

  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • SINTEF Digital / Smart Sensors and Microsystems
  • SINTEF Digital / Mathematics and Cybernetics

Year

2018

Published in

Sensors

ISSN

1424-8220

Publisher

MDPI

Volume

18

Issue

1

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