As well as physiological and psychological factors, technology has a major impact on improving performance.

• Equipment: the materials being used to make equipment, like tennis rackets and bicycles, have improved. Similarly for clothing and footwear. In running, for instance, the material is now better at reducing heat and more lightweight, and in swimming it’s possible to buy hydrodynamic full-body swimming suits.
• Facilities: the facilities in which you train are also important. For example, weather can be very disruptive but now it’s possible to train on all-weather surfaces, the drainage has been improved and roofed stadiums help with bad conditions. Improving safety has also been high on the agenda, especially with sports like gymnastics. Having better landing area and harnesses allows gymnasts to push themselves further.
• ICT: by using video and statistical analysis, coaches can identify more clearly the areas that need improving. Fitness monitoring equipment can also be used and, by focusing on the main physiological areas, it’s possible to create a more effective fitness training programme.

Technological advances are constantly being worked on to help improve the way a game is played. For example, the Hawkeye is a high-speed multi-camera which is able to precisely track the trajectory of a ball. It was first used in 2006 at the US Open.

Today, many people use games consoles to take part in physical activities. With Nintendo Wii Fit and Kinect fitness games for the Xbox you can combine interactive tools, devices and gaming to take part in physical exercise.