AI-Assisted Fatigue and Stamina Control for Performance Sports on IMU-Generated Multivariate Times Series Datasets

Abstract

Background: Optimal sports performance requires a balance between intensive training and adequate rest. IMUs provide objective, quantifiable data to analyze performance dynamics, despite the challenges in quantifying athlete training loads. The ability of AI to analyze complex datasets brings innovation to the monitoring and optimization of athlete training cycles. Traditional techniques rely on subjective assessments to prevent overtraining, which can lead to injury and underperformance. IMUs provide objective, quantitative data on athletes' physical status during action. Materials and methods: IMUs linked to 19 athletes recorded triaxial acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic orientation throughout repeated sessions. Standardized training included steady-pace runs and fatigue-inducing techniques. The raw time series data were used to train a supervised ML model based on frequency and time-domain characteristics. Results: The AI model demonstrated high predictive accuracy for fatigue, showing significant correlations between predicted fatigue levels and observed declines in performance. Stamina predictions enabled individualized training adjustments that were in sync with athletes' physiological thresholds. Conclusions: In sports performance analytics, the AI-assisted model using IMU multivariate time series data is effective. Training can be tailored and constantly altered because the model accurately predicts fatigue and stamina. AI models can effectively forecast the beginning of weariness before any physical symptoms appear. This allows for timely interventions to prevent overtraining and potential accidents. The model shows an exceptional ability to customize training programs according to the physiological reactions of each athlete and enhance the overall training effectiveness. In addition, the study demonstrated the model's efficacy in real-time monitoring performance, improving the decision-making abilities of both coaches and athletes.