Are Professional Sports on Life Support?
May 28 2008 / by Jeff Hilford / In association with Future Blogger.net
Category: Entertainment Year: General Rating: 9 Hot
A few weeks ago I was watching a NY Rangers game (as I am wont
to do) and they had a system that allowed the trainers to monitor
one player’s heart during the game. This was particularly
interesting during his shift as the rate would elevate to the
170-180 bpm range. A hockey shift normally lasts about 45 seconds
and a one minute shift can leave a player struggling to return to
the bench for replacement.
The announcer said that the Ranger staff would eventually
be able to monitor all of the players hearts simultaneously (a
matter of cost and technology I imagine).
Technology is making increasing inroads into our beloved, multi-billion dollar professional sports industry. Biotech and testing for performance enhancement are already huge issues, while training techniques and equipment have incorporated many advances including computer simulations for improved motion, and high tech exercise machines and programs. Instant replay and other monitoring devices have found their way into the way most professional sports are officiated and, on the production side, graphical statistics overlays are all the rage. All you have to do is watch a rerun from 30 years ago to see how far we’ve come.
So where are we headed? (cont.)
