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BBC News Online: Health


Thursday, 4 April, 2002, 10:16 GMT 11:16 UK

Wireless vest monitors sports stars


Stuart Pearce after scoring a penalty
Could a vest spot potential penalty takers?
A lightweight top could help team doctors keep an eye on players' vital health statistics - while they are out on the pitch.

The SensVest can monitor heart rate, body temperature and acceleration, sending its results back to a remote computer.

In theory, it could one day allow coaches to know how their players' bodies are coping with the stresses of the game - and substitute them if necessary.


" What we are doing is taking the laboratory out onto the playing field "
Dr Chris Bayber, University of Birmingham

Dr Chris Bayber, from Birmingham University, UK, developed the device, which weighs the same as a personal stereo.

He told the BBC: "A lot of studies of athletes involved people being followed up in the laboratory.

"What we are doing is taking the laboratory out on to the playing field.

"The device measures aspects of performance from a wireless link, so we can see how a person is behaving."

He said that in theory several players could wear the vests and send signals back simultaneously to the pitchside computer.

Dr Bayber said: "The intention is not for it to be used in real matches, but certainly in training situations."

Penalty role

There is even the suggestion that, in the event of a penalty shootout, the vest might help a manager choose the least nervous players to take part.

However, former Welsh international Paul Bodin - who himself suffered the trauma of a penalty miss during an important game against Romania - said he felt it would be of limited use.

He told the BBC: "The only time you would use a heart monitor is pre-season when you are testing your fitness.

"If you are a regular penalty taker and you are confident, that is the main thing.

"To be honest, I don't think the vest will ever work."


Related to this story:
Scan 'could prevent stroke' (15 Jan 02 | Health) Smart bandage 'spots infection' (05 Nov 01 | Health) Voice-controlled ops on the way (14 Aug 01 | Health)


Internet links: Birmingham University | National Sports Medicine Institute |
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