Study level

  • PhD

Faculty/School

Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Design Lab

Supervisors

Professor Marianella Chamorro-Koc
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
Faculty of CI, Education & Social Justice
Professor Gene Moyle
Position
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Programs and Partnerships)
Division / Faculty
Academic Division

External supervisors

  • Mathilde Desselle, Herston Biofabrication Institute MNHHS

Overview

There is a need for additional studies to monitor on-field performance parameters in female elite athletes (Meignié 2021). We know that wearable sensors can be used to monitor the physiological and biochemical profile of athletes (Seshadri 2019), and a combination of several wearables is going to be more effective for accessing all relevant parameters (Düking 2016). However, there is limited research on the effects of menstrual cycle phases on elite athlete performance (Meignié 2021).

This proposed research aims to bridge the existing gap by investigating the role of designing sensor technology in body-worn devices, focusing on the specific needs of female elite athletes. By adopting a human-centered design (HCD) lens, this study will consider the physiological and psychological aspects of athletes, acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the menstrual cycle. Additionally, a research-through-design (RtD) approach will be employed, allowing for iterative design interventions and the development of innovative solutions that address the practical requirements of elite athletes.

By combining HCD and RtD methodologies, this research seeks to contribute to the advancement of sports science and the design of body-worn devices that can effectively monitor and optimize performance in female elite athletes. The findings from this study have the potential to inform training protocols, enhance performance strategies, and promote gender-inclusive practices in sports, ultimately benefiting both athletes and the broader sporting community.

Despite multiple studies demonstrate the potential utility of wearable sensors in monitoring athletes, there exists a dearth of research regarding the customization of training programs based on an individual's menstrual cycle. There is little information on how female athletes modify their training regimen in accordance with the specific phase of their cycle. Conversely, while a wealth of information exists on how each phase of the menstrual cycle can impact athletic performance, the practical application of such knowledge to individual situations and cycles often proves challenging and elusive.

Research activities

This research will investigate "How can wearables be used to monitor how an athlete’s menstrual cycle is affecting their performance?" As part of the research, we aim to uncover how might wearables enable athletes and coaches to tailor training according to an individual’s menstrual cycle. The objective of the research activities are to:

  • explore female athletes training and information needs in relation to their menstrual cycle
  • investigate the relevant wearable technologies relevant to key biometrics and indicators of female athletes’ performance , are non-invasive, and provide real-time information
  • codevelop solutions with stakeholder representatives (sports coaches and scientists, female athletes, technologists)
  • develop a guideline for product development of performance wearable devices for female athletes.

Outcomes

Outcomes of this project will be theoretical and applied knowledge. Theoretical outcomes will be contribution to (1) self-efficacy theory in the context of sports technologies for female athletes, and (2) a design framework to guide product development of performance wearable devices for female athletes. Applied research outcomes will be (3) proof-of-concept prototyping demonstrating the theoretical findings. It is expected that findings from this research will contribute to expand  industry knowledge in the area of wearables for sports performance.

Skills and experience

The ideal candidate should have an interest in user-centred design, wearable technologies, and sports performance. A degree in design is not a requirement, however it is important that the candidate is keen to learn design research approaches and methods.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

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Keywords

Contact

Contact Professor Marianella Chamorro-Koc via emal m.chamorro@qut.edu.au.