Monitoring Resistance Training in Real Time with Wearable Technology: Current Applications and Future Directions

Abstract

Resistance training is an exercise modality that involves using weights or resistance to strengthen and tone muscles. It has become popular in recent years, with numerous people including it in their fitness routines to ameliorate their strength, muscle mass, and overall health. Still, resistance training can be complex, requiring careful planning and execution to avoid injury and achieve satisfactory results. Wearable technology has emerged as a promising tool for resistance training, as it allows monitoring and adjusting training programs in real time. Several wearable devices are currently available, such as smart watches, fitness trackers, and other sensors that can yield detailed physiological and biomechanical information. In resistance training research, this information can be used to assess the effectiveness of training programs and identify areas for improvement. Wearable technology has the potential to revolutionize resistance training research, providing new insights and opportunities for developing optimized training programs. This review examines the types of wearables commonly used in resistance training research, their applications in monitoring and optimizing training programs, and the potential limitations and challenges associated with their use. Finally, it discusses future research directions, including the development of advanced wearable technologies and the integration of artificial intelligence in resistance training research.

Keywords: cardiac activity; exercise physiology; movement; muscle activity; performance; sport; telemonitoring; training.

Figure 1

Portable and healthcare devices worn on body parts, which can be used in resistance training research. Specific sensors are integrated into wearable systems (e.g., wrist and chest bands, and mart shoes and socks), whereas other sensors are directly positioned over the body using elastic bands or adhesive material. ECG: electrocardiography; PPG: photoplethysmography; NIRS: near-infrared spectroscopy; sEMG: surface electromyography; IMU: inertial measurement unit.

Figure 2

Schematic representation of a PPG detection system, along with a sample PPG signal with red circles indicating individual heartbeats.

Figure 3

Cardiac electrical conduction system morphology and timing of action potentials from different regions of the heart. On the bottom right side, the ECG signal as measured on the body surface is shown.

Figure 4

Acquisition of sMEG signal and decomposition into multiunit action potentials. Reprinted/adapted with permission from Ref. [37]. 2006, Journal of Neurophysiology.

Figure 5

Schematic representation of NIRS signal propagation from the source to the detector, along with the spectra of absorption for Hb (blue) and HbO₂ (red), respectively.

Figure 6

Schematic representation of an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The IMU is mounted on a platform consisting of sensors that provide different motion information: accelerometers, gyroscopes, and—optionally—magnetometers.