Augmented Reality:
Applications, Challenges and Future Trends
Mehdi Mekni | University of Minnesota, Crookston Campus, Andr´ e Lemieux | TANYT, Quebec (QC), Canada
Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged as a transformative technology, enhancing how users interact with their environments by seamlessly integrating virtual information into real-world contexts. As Mekni and Lemieux (2021) articulate, "Augmented reality enhances a user’s perception of and interaction with the real world" (p. 207), thereby amplifying our capabilities and reshaping our experiences across various domains, including sports training.
Key Points:
Integration of Real and Virtual: AR technologies combine real-world environments with computer-generated content in real time, offering dynamic, context-aware interactions. This blend allows users to visualize data and metrics in previously unimaginable ways, facilitating improved performance tracking in athletics.
Mobile Technology and Flexibility: Mobile devices have made AR accessible in everyday settings. According to the authors, “Mobile augmented reality systems provide this service without constraining the individual’s whereabouts to a specially equipped area,” which is particularly beneficial for athletes who require mobility during training (Mekni and Lemieux, p. 206).
Educational Benefits: AR can enhance learning by visualizing complex concepts. The combination of virtual objects with real environments allows for interactive learning experiences, which can help athletes grasp the intricacies of their training regimens. Mekni and Lemieux highlight, “These educational benefits have made AR one of the key emerging technologies for education over the next five years” (Mekni and Lemieux, p. 209).
Challenges: Despite its potential, AR faces significant challenges, including technical limitations such as tracking accuracy and hardware constraints. Mekni and Lemieux note that “AR systems usually obtain a lot of information... [requiring] software to filter the information” (Mekni and Lemieux, p. 206), which is crucial for athletes who need precise and actionable insights during their training sessions.
Implications for sprinters:
The integration of AR in sprint training can revolutionize how athletes engage with their training programs. By providing real-time feedback and personalized visual cues, sprinters can refine their techniques, track their progress, and make informed adjustments on the fly. Moreover, as mobile AR technology evolves, it will increasingly empower athletes to utilize these tools in diverse environments, therefore enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of training methods.
In conclusion, the use of AR with sprint training not only enhances athletic performance but also paves the way for a more interactive and immersive training landscape, which can ultimately contribute to the evolution of how sprint training is approached in the modern age.
Mekni, M., & Lemieux, A. (2014). Augmented Reality: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends. https://www.cs.ucf.edu/courses/cap6121/spr2020/readings/Mekni2014.pdf