PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF WEARABLE DEVICES (FITNESS WATCHES, TRACKERS) IN MONITORING THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

In modern football, wearable devices play a key role in monitoring athletes’ physical condition, optimizing the training process, and reducing the risk of injuries. This article examines the prospects for the development of fitness watches, trackers, and other devices used to track the physiological parameters of professional football players. Their effectiveness in controlling workloads, assessing fatigue levels, and improving the recovery process after matches and training sessions is analyzed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable devices in monitoring players’ condition during training and matches. Key parameters were analyzed, including the number of sprints per match, time spent in the maximum heart rate zone, heart rate variability (HRV), frequency of directional changes, and blood lactate levels.The study was conducted with the participation of professional football players who used modern trackers and heart rate monitors during game loads. The results obtained demonstrate that wearable devices allow for a more accurate assessment of players’ physical condition in real time, contributing to the increased efficiency of the training process. It was found that systematic monitoring of physiological parameters enables not only the adjustment of training loads but also the prediction of potential physical overloads, thereby reducing the risk of injuries.Football players who used tracker data to adapt their training process showed better recovery indicators, increased endurance, and more stable physical performance. The prospects for further research in this field include expanding the analysis of physiological parameters, integrating artificial intelligence for individualized training programs, and developing new algorithms for fatigue prediction and injury prevention. The use of wearable devices in football is a crucial area of modern sports training development, ensuring an improved level of player preparation and overall athletic performance. Research on this topic is relevant for sports science and practice, as it contributes to the improvement of training methodologies and enhances the overall efficiency of professional football player preparation.