Measurement properties of wearable kinematic-based data collection systems to evaluate ball kicking in soccer: a systematic review with evidence gap map

Abstract

Kinematic assessment of ball kicking may require significant human effort (e.g., traditional vision-based tracking systems). Wearables offer a potential solution to reduce processing time. This systematic review collated measurement properties (validity, reliability, and/or accuracy) of wearable kinematic-based technology systems used to evaluate soccer kicking. Seven databases were searched for studies published on or before April 2024. The protocol was previously published and followed the PRISMA 2020 statement. The data items included any validity, reliability, and/or accuracy measurements extracted from the selected articles. Twelve articles (1011 participants) were included in the qualitative synthesis, showing generally (92%) moderate methodological quality. The authors claimed validity (e.g., concurrent) in seven of the eight studies found on the topic, reliability in two of three, and accuracy (event detection) in three of three studies. The synthesis method indicated moderate evidence for the concurrent validity of the MPU-9150/ICM-20649 InvenSense and PlayerMaker™ devices. However, limited to no evidence was identified across studies when considering wearable devices/systems, measurement properties, and specific outcome variables. To conclude, there is a knowledge base that may support the implementation of wearables to assess ball kicking in soccer practice, while future research should further evaluate the measurement properties to attempt to reach a strong evidence level.