US20170087410A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20170087410A1
Application number: US14/870,214
Authority: US
Inventors: John Cone; Michael Gell
Original assignee: Athletes Research Institute
Current assignee: Athletes Research Institute
Priority date: 2015-09-30
Filing date: 2015-09-30
Publication date: 2017-03-30

Abstract

A system, method, and computer program product for athlete monitoring through a user interface is provided. The method includes receiving a first and second user input defining a current status of a user associated with a first and second readiness characteristic, respectively, prior to a training session or a match. From the first and second user input a readiness level for the user is determined. The method further includes receiving a third user input defining an exertion level of the user during a previous training session or a previous match, wherein the exertion level is associated with the perceived exertion level of the user during the training session or the previous match. Using the exertion level and duration of the session, a training load level of the previous training session or previous match is determined. The method further includes causing display of the readiness level for the user and the training load.

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Example embodiments of the present invention relate generally to computer technology and, more particularly, relate to methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for monitoring readiness and training loads for athletes.

BACKGROUND

Training and body preparedness have a direct effect on how an athlete performs and how susceptible they are to injury. Creating an appropriate and tailored training program based on athlete data can lead to better preparedness for the athlete and, ultimately, better success during a match or training session.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Understanding an athlete's training load and readiness for a training session or match can be beneficial for the athlete and coaches. For example, knowing the degree of training load an athlete underwent or is about to undergo can be useful for preventing injury and planning upcoming training sessions or strategy for matches. Additionally, knowing the readiness of the athlete, based on certain factors such as the amount and degree of sleep the athlete recently had, the athlete's mood, fatigue level, stress level, and soreness level, provides further insight that can aid in preventing injury and planning upcoming training sessions or strategy for matches. Moreover, knowing which muscles feel sore and the degree of soreness can also provide useful information and help to prevent overuse injuries.

Embodiments of the present invention provide various example methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for monitoring the training load, readiness level, and soreness of an athlete. In particular, in some embodiments, a user-friendly interface is provided that prompts an athlete to enter information related to different readiness characteristics prior to a training session or match. That information is used to create an overall readiness level for the athlete. Additionally, the athlete can be prompted to provide information concerning a recent training session, such as a training load (e.g., a degree of how hard the training session was). Further, the athlete can be prompted to provide information detailing specific muscles and the relative soreness level associated with the specific muscle. The resulting training load, readiness level, and soreness information can be presented in a user-friendly interface for use by the athlete or coaches. Such information can be combined with other related athlete's training load, readiness level, and/or soreness level, such as to provide information concerning an entire team. In this way, in various embodiments, the information is gathered in a passive (non-active) manner and is subjective to the athlete.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for athlete monitoring according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an athlete monitoring apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example display for enabling an athlete to begin entry of various information, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example readiness level calculation based on information provided by the athlete, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 4A-E illustrate example displays of prompts for an athlete to enter a current status for example readiness characteristics, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example display of a user interface presenting a profile for an athlete that details various information for the athlete including a readiness level and a training load, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example display of a user interface presenting a profile for a team of athletes that detail various information for the team and athletes that form the team, including a team readiness level and a team training load, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example display of the user interface shown inFIG. 6, wherein the readiness level of each athlete on the team is broken down for ease of use, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example display of the user interface shown inFIG. 6, wherein the history of the team readiness level is illustrated in a user-friendly graph, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 9-9A illustrate example displays of the user interface shown inFIG. 6, broken down into a specific subset of athletes on a team (e.g., the midfielders), according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example display of the user interface that enables an athlete to input information concerning their training status as it corresponds with their health and ability to train at full capacity, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 11 illustrate example displays that enable an athlete to input information concerning their perceived training load, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example display that enables an athlete to input information concerning their heart rate zones during a previous training session in combination with their perceived training load, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example display that enables an athlete to input information concerning their level of hydration, accordingly to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 14 illustrate example displays that enable an athlete to select specific muscles and input associated soreness level of the muscles, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 14A illustrates an example display of the user interface shown inFIG. 5, wherein specific muscles and their soreness are presented for the athlete and/or coach, athletic trainer, strength & conditioning coach, medical staff, etc. to view historical soreness, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example display that enables an athlete to send a note to another user, such as another athlete or their coach, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example display that enables an athlete to report an injury to another user, such as their coach, athletic trainer, strength & conditioning coach, or medical staff, according to some example embodiments described herein;

FIG. 17 illustrates an example display that enables an athlete to provide recovery information, according to some example embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of various features related to athlete monitoring, according to some example embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to singular or plural data capable of being transmitted, received, displayed and/or stored in accordance with various example embodiments. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium configured to participate in providing information to a processor, including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission media. Transmission media include, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. Signals include man-made transient variations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical properties transmitted through the transmission media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include a magnetic computer readable medium (e.g., a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium), an optical computer readable medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-Ray disc, or the like), a random access memory (RAM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a FLASH-EPROM, or any other non-transitory medium from which a computer can read.

Additionally, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ also includes an implementation comprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and/or firmware. As another example, the term ‘circuitry’ as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device, and/or other computing device.

Additionally, as used herein, although the figures and examples may refer to users such as athletes, players, coaches, athletic trainers, strength & conditioning coaches, nutritionists, athletic administrators, and medical staff, other types of users are contemplated (e.g., coordinators, executives, club directors, insurance coordinators, etc.). Indeed, example embodiments of the present invention may be used with any type of user.

FIG. 1 illustrates asystem101 for athlete monitoring according to some example embodiments. It will be appreciated that thesystem101 as well as the illustrations in other figures are each provided as an example of an embodiment(s) and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. In this regard, the scope of the disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those illustrated and described herein. As such, whileFIG. 1 illustrates one example of a configuration of a system for athlete monitoring, numerous other configurations may also be used to implement embodiments of the present invention.

Thesystem101 may include anathlete monitoring apparatus102 that may be configured to provide athlete monitoring functionality to any number of user terminals (e.g.,athlete user terminal110 and/or coach user terminal120), which may, for example, be embodied as a laptop computer, tablet computer, mobile phone, desktop computer, workstation, or other like computing device. In some embodiments, a user terminal (e.g.,athlete user terminal110 and/or coach user terminal120) may be remote from theathlete monitoring apparatus102, in which case the user terminal (e.g.,athlete user terminal110 and/or coach user terminal120) may communicate with the athlete monitoringapparatus102 remotely, such as vianetwork100. Additionally or alternatively, the user terminal (e.g.,athlete user terminal110 and/or coach user terminal120) may be implemented on theathlete monitoring apparatus102 or may be directly connected to theathlete monitoring apparatus102.

Theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to communicate with user terminal (e.g.,athlete user terminal110 and/or coach user terminal120) via any of a variety of methods dependent upon the configuration of thesystem101. For example, in embodiments in which anathlete monitoring apparatus102 is disposed remotely from the user terminal (e.g.,athlete user terminal110 and/or coach user terminal120), communication via thenetwork100 may occur by a variety of connections. Thenetwork100 may be embodied in a local area network, the Internet, any other form of a network, or in any combination thereof, including proprietary private and semi-private networks and public networks. Thenetwork100 may comprise a wireline network, wireless network (e.g., a cellular network, wireless local area network, a wireless wide area network, some combination thereof, or the like), or a combination thereof, and in some example embodiments comprises at least a portion of the Internet.

In some example embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be embodied as or comprise one or more computing devices, such as, by way of non-limiting example, one or more servers configured to access thenetwork100. In some example embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be implemented as a distributed system or a cloud-based entity that may be implemented within thenetwork100. In this regard, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may comprise one or more servers, a server cluster, one or more network nodes, a cloud computing infrastructure, some combination thereof, or the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates anathlete monitoring apparatus102 in further detail, in accordance with some example embodiments. However, it should be noted that the components, devices, and elements illustrated in and described with respect toFIG. 2 may not be mandatory and, thus, on or more of the components, devices, or elements illustrated may be omitted in certain embodiments. Additionally, some embodiments may include further or different components, devices, or elements beyond those illustrated in and described with respect toFIG. 2.

Continuing withFIG. 2,processing circuitry210 may be provided that is configured to perform actions in accordance with one or more example embodiments disclosed herein. In this regard, theprocessing circuitry210 may be configured to perform and/or control performance of one or more functionalities of theathlete monitoring apparatus102 in accordance with various example embodiments. Theprocessing circuitry210 may be configured to perform data processing, application execution, and/or other processing and management services according to one or more example embodiments. In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 or a portion(s) or component(s) thereof, such as theprocessing circuitry210, may be embodied as or comprise a circuit chip. The circuit chip may be configured to perform one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

In some example embodiments, theprocessing circuitry210 may include aprocessor212 and, in some embodiments such as that illustrated inFIG. 2, may further includememory214. Theprocessing circuitry210 may be in communication with or otherwise control any number of components or controllers configured to perform various operations consistent with some embodiments of the present invention. For example, with reference toFIG. 2, theprocessing circuitry210 may be in communication with or otherwise control (e.g., via the processor212) auser interface216, areadiness level module220, atraining load module230, asoreness module240, anactive monitoring module250, and/or acommunication interface218. In some embodiments, theprocessing circuitry210 may be embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g., with hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software) to perform operations described herein. Along these lines, though the illustrated example embodiment ofFIG. 2 details a number of different controllers and/or components in communication with or otherwise controlled by theprocessing circuitry210, in some embodiments theprocessing circuitry210 may be configured to directly control any operation described herein.

Theprocessor212 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, theprocessor212 may be embodied as various processing means such as one or more of a microprocessor or other processing element, a coprocessor, a controller, or various other computing or processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or the like. Although illustrated as a single processor, it will be appreciated that theprocessor212 may comprise a plurality of processors. The plurality of processors may be in operative communication with each other and may be collectively configured to perform one or more functionalities of theathlete monitoring apparatus102 as described herein. The plurality of processors may be embodied on a single computing device or distributed across a plurality of computing devices collectively configured to function as theathlete monitoring apparatus102. In some example embodiments, theprocessor212 may be configured to execute instructions stored in thememory214 or otherwise accessible to theprocessor212. As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, theprocessor212 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry in the form of processing circuitry210) capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when theprocessor212 is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA, or the like, theprocessor212 may comprise hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when theprocessor212 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure theprocessor212 to perform one or more operations described herein.

In some example embodiments, thememory214 may include one or more non-transitory memory devices such as, for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. In this regard, thememory214 may comprise a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. It will be appreciated that while thememory214 is illustrated as a single memory, thememory214 may comprise a plurality of memories. The plurality of memories may be embodied on a single computing device or may be distributed across a plurality of computing devices collectively configured to function as theathlete monitoring apparatus102. Thememory214 may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions and/or the like for enabling theathlete monitoring apparatus102 to carry out various functions in accordance with one or more example embodiments. For example, thememory214 may be configured to buffer input data for processing by theprocessor212. Additionally or alternatively, thememory214 may be configured to store instructions for execution by theprocessor212. As yet another alternative, thememory214 may include one or more databases that may store a variety of files, contents, or data sets. Among the contents of thememory214, applications may be stored for execution by theprocessor212 to carry out the functionality associated with each respective application. In some cases, thememory214 may be in communication with one or more of theprocessor212,user interface216,communication interface218,readiness level module220,training load module230,soreness module240, andactive monitoring module250 for passing information among components of theathlete monitoring apparatus102.

Theuser interface216 may be in communication with theprocessing circuitry210 to receive an indication of a user input at theuser interface216 and/or to provide an audible, visual, mechanical, or other output to the user. As such, theuser interface216 may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a display, a touch screen display, a microphone, a speaker, and/or other input/output mechanisms. As such, theuser interface216 may, in some example embodiments, provide means for user control of athlete monitoring operations and/or the like. In some example embodiments in which theathlete monitoring apparatus102 is embodied as a server, cloud computing system, or the like, aspects of theuser interface216 may be limited or theuser interface216 may not be present. In some example embodiments, one or more aspects of theuser interface216 may be implemented on theathlete user terminal110 and/or thecoach user terminal120. Accordingly, regardless of implementation, theuser interface216 may provide input and output means to facilitate functions of theathlete monitoring apparatus102 in accordance with one or more example embodiments.

Thecommunication interface218 may include one or more interface mechanisms for enabling communication with other devices and/or networks. In some cases, thecommunication interface218 may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network and/or any other device or module in communication with theprocessing circuitry210. By way of example, thecommunication interface218 may be configured to enable theathlete monitoring apparatus102 to communicate with theathlete user terminal110 and/or thecoach user terminal120 via thenetwork100. Accordingly, thecommunication interface218 may, for example, include supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, or other methods.

In some example embodiments, the processor212 (or the processing circuitry210) may be embodied as, include, or otherwise control areadiness level module220, atraining load module230, asoreness module240, and/or anactive monitoring module250. As such, thereadiness level module220,training load module230,soreness module240, and/oractive monitoring module250 may be embodied as various means, such as circuitry, hardware, a computer program product comprising computer readable program instructions stored on a computer readable medium (for example, the memory214) and executed by a processing device (for example, the processor212), or some combination thereof. Thereadiness level module220,training load module230,soreness module240, and/oractive monitoring module250 may be implemented on separate apparatuses, the same apparatus, or any combination of apparatuses. Thereadiness level module220,training load module230,soreness module240, and/oractive monitoring module250 may be capable of communication with one or more of theprocessor212,memory214,user interface216, andcommunication interface218 to access, receive, and/or send data as may be needed to perform one or more of the functionalities described herein.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to receive user input to enable a user (e.g., an athlete) to enter data to perform passive, subjective monitoring of conditions regarding the athlete. Some examples of such conditions include the training load of a recent training session, the current readiness level of the athlete, and soreness level of specific muscles for the athlete. Understanding an athlete's training load, readiness for a training session or match, and soreness level of specific muscles can be beneficial for the athlete and coaches. The monitored information could enable tailoring of the use of the athlete in upcoming training sessions and matches, ultimately reducing injury and increasing performance, among other things.

FIG. 3 shows anexample user interface290 that may be implemented by theathlete monitoring apparatus102. Theuser interface290 enables a user (e.g., an athlete) to enter data for monitoring of conditions regarding the athlete. Theuser interface290 includes options for a user to select to begin entering data.

SelectingReadiness300 enables a user to provide data regarding their current status for various readiness characteristics, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Selecting Status:Full Training310 enables a user to toggle between various options for designating their training status in a trainingstatus user interface800 shown inFIG. 10. For example, a user, Mike Gell, can select betweenFull Training804, ModifiedTraining806, andRehabilitative808. In some embodiments, additional or alternative options for training status for a user are also available.

SelectingTraining Load320 enables a user to enter data regarding their perceived training load for prior training sessions or matches, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Selecting Hydration (USG)330 enables a user to enter their current hydration level, such as seen in thehydration user interface830 shown inFIG. 13.

SelectingSite Soreness340 enables a user to enter data specifying muscles and their associated soreness level, as will be described in greater detail herein.

SelectingSend Note350 enables a user to enter a note sending to another user, such as another athlete or a coach. An examplenote user interface860 is shown inFIG. 15.

Selecting Report Illness/Injury360 enables a user to report an illness or injury to another user, such as a coach, athletic trainer, strength & conditioning coach, doctor, or medical staff. An example report injury/illness user interface870 is shown inFIG. 16. The report injury/illness user interface870 enables a user to toggle between reporting an injury or an illness at872 and also enables a user to specify the issue with text at874.

SelectingRecovery Points370 enables a user to enter data regarding current tasks associated with recovery. An examplerecovery user interface880 is shown inFIG. 17. The examplerecovery user interface880 includes the following categories: Nutrition/Hydration882; Recover884; andRest886. Each category includes selectable activity associated with each category. The user can select any activity performed by the user and save it. In this regard, the user can track planned activities to confirm that their recovery is on track.

In some embodiments, theuser interface290 can be embodied as an application on a user's smartphone or other device (e.g., the athlete monitoring apparatus102). Additionally, in some embodiments, theuser interface290 may be tailored to the specific user. For example,user interface290 inFIG. 3 shows the user as Mike Gell, the date as 9/24, and the ability to sign out.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102, such as through thereadiness level module220, may be configured to receive input from the user associated with readiness characteristics and determine a readiness level for the user. A flowchart illustrating calculation of the readiness level of the user is shown inFIG. 4.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to receive one or more user inputs defining a current status of a user associated with one or more readiness characteristics prior to a training session or a match. With reference toFIG. 4, atoperation402, the user starts the readiness questionnaire, such as by selectingReadiness300 from the user interface290 (shown inFIG. 3).

In some embodiments, when completing the readiness questionnaire, the user may input data regarding their current status for a readiness characteristic prior to a training session or match. A readiness characteristic may be any characteristic associated with the user that relates to (or affects) the readiness of the user for the upcoming training session or match. Such readiness characteristics may, in some cases, have an effect on how the user performs, how recovered a user is from a prior training session or match, how susceptible a user is to suffering injury, among other things. Some example readiness characteristics include the fatigue level of the user, the mood of the user, the stress level of the user, the soreness level of the user, the quality of sleep the user had the night before, and the number of hours of sleep the user had the night before, though other readiness characteristics may be used with embodiments of the present invention.

Atoperation404, the user selects their current status for fatigue level, such as through thereadiness user interface490 for thefatigue level491 shown inFIG. 4A. Examples of possible fatigue levels include: very fresh, fresh, fairly fresh, neutral, fairly tired, tired, and very tired, though other options may be used. Atoperation406, the user selects their current status for mood level, such as through thereadiness user interface490 for themood level492 shown inFIG. 4B. Examples of possible mood levels include: very pleasant, pleasant, fairly pleasant, neutral, fairly unpleasant, unpleasant, and very unpleasant. Atoperation408, the user selects their current status for stress level, such as through thereadiness user interface490 for thestress level493 shown inFIG. 4C. Examples of possible stress levels include: very calm, calm, fairly calm, neutral, fairly anxious, anxious, and very anxious. Atoperation410, the user selects their current status for soreness level, such as through thereadiness user interface490 for thesoreness level494 shown inFIG. 4D. Examples of possible soreness levels include: very good, good, fairly good, neutral, fairly tight/sore, tight/sore, and very tight/sore. Atoperation412, the user selects their current status for sleep quality level, such as through thereadiness user interface490 for thesleep quality level495 shown inFIG. 4E. Examples of possible sleep quality levels include: very restful, restful, fairly restful, neutral, fairly restless, restless, and very restless. Additionally, atoperation414, the user inputs the number of hours of sleep they received the night before. Finally, the user submits the data for consideration by theathlete monitoring apparatus102 atoperation420.

Additionally, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to determine a readiness level for the user prior to the training session or the match based at least on the one or more current status of the user associated with the one or more readiness characteristics. The readiness level may be determined from one or more of the readiness characteristics (e.g., two, three, four, five, etc.). For example, atoperation424, a value is assigned for each readiness characteristic based on the current status selected by the user (e.g., a neutral selection is inputted as 0, a positive selection is inputted as one of +1, +2, or +3 depending on the selection, and a negative selection is inputted as one of −1, −2, or −3 depending on the selection). In some embodiments, the inputted values associated with the readiness characteristics can be used to determine an overall readiness level for the user.

Additionally, in some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to apply weights to one or more of the readiness characteristics for determination of the overall readiness level of the user prior to a training session or a match. For example, a first weighted factor may be applied to a first readiness characteristics (e.g., fatigue level) and a second weighted factor may be applied to a second readiness characteristic (e.g., mood level). In such a case, the first weighted factor may be different than the second weighted factor. For example, the first weighted factor could be greater than the second weighted factor, such that the current status of the user for their fatigue level has a greater effect on the overall readiness level of the user than the current status of the user for their mood level.

With reference toFIG. 4, atoperation428, the inputted values (weighted or not) may be subtracted from an optimum readiness level (e.g.,100) per readiness characteristic. In some embodiments, the weights to each readiness characteristic may be pre-set into the optimum readiness level such that inputted values are applied to only the specific pre-set optimum readiness level value for that readiness characteristic. Then, the readiness level is calculated atoperation430 based on the subtracted values from the optimum readiness level.

In some embodiment, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to check the calculated readiness level for theoretical accuracy. For example, each readiness characteristic has a threshold value associated with certain inputted values that are negative to ensure the overall readiness score for a user will not be too high as the negative value for characteristic should signal to the coach, trainer, medical staff, etc. that there is a potential issue. For example, fatigue level may be assigned only 15 points of the overall readiness level. However, applying the inputted value of −3 to the threshold for fatigue would necessitate that the overall readiness score not be higher than 75 for example and therefore the impact of the inputted value of −3 for fatigue would be greater than the allotted value of 15 points in the standard calculation method.

Thus, atoperation440, the values for each category are checked to determine if there is a negative threshold. If there are no negative threshold values, then, atoperation450, the final readiness is generated based on the standard calculation method (e.g., operation430). However, if there are negative threshold values, then, atoperation442, a maximum value for the readiness score is determined based on the lowest threshold value for all of the readiness categories. Then, atoperation444, the adjusted weighted values for each category instead of the standard weighted values are subtracted from the maximum readiness score value to determine the threshold readiness score calculation method value. Atoperation446, the resulting readiness level from the threshold method is compared to the readiness level calculated using the standard calculation method. If the resulting readiness level from the threshold method is less than the readiness level calculated using the standard method, then the readiness level calculated using the threshold method is used. However, if the resulting readiness level from the threshold method is greater than or equal to the readiness level calculated using the standard method, then the readiness level from the standard method is used atoperation455.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to determine the readiness level of a user based on at least one of an historic readiness level for the user or an historic status of the user associated with one or more of the readiness characteristics. In this regard, in some embodiments, the determination of the readiness level may be tailored for each specific user's habits or tendencies. For example, some users may require less sleep than others. Additionally, a prior day's readiness level may be used to calculate the current readiness level (e.g., a threshold amount of change may be applied such that a drastic change in readiness level is difficult or, in some cases, not possible). Along these lines, using historic data, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 can dynamically learn and tailor the readiness level calculation to the specific user for greater accuracy.

The above described method for determining the readiness level provides one example method for determining the readiness level of a user for an upcoming training session or match. Embodiments of the present invention are not meant to be limited to the above described method, as other methods are contemplated (e.g., percentages, layered levels, etc.).

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to cause display of the readiness level for the user, such as in a graphical user interface. Additionally, in some embodiments, the specific results for the current status of each readiness characteristic may also be displayed. Such information could be kept in memory and historic data could be displayed in the graphical user interface, allowing for a user-friendly interface that may include usable information, including graphs, trends, etc. Anexample user interface500 is shown inFIG. 5.

With reference toFIG. 5, each user (e.g., athlete) may have a dedicateduser page502 with a user profile that may include specific information regarding the user (e.g., name, position, team name, location, etc.). Theoverview504 of the user in theuser interface500 may include information created or used by theathlete monitoring apparatus102, such as for creating a graphical user interface useful for managing activities and readiness of the user. In this regard, thereadiness level512 of the user may be displayed in thereadiness breakdown510. Thereadiness level512 may be displayed as a number (e.g., 52) out of 100 (e.g., the optimum readiness level) as shown, or, in some cases, could be displayed as another identifier (e.g., percentage, relative term (e.g., low, medium, high), among other things.

Additionally, in some embodiments, thereadiness level512 may be displayed in a color (e.g., red) that may provide additional information regarding the relative readiness level. For example, a good (or high) readiness level may be displayed in green, a neutral (or medium) readiness level may be displayed in yellow, and a poor (or low) readiness level may be displayed in red. Though the above example displays the readiness level in a color, other identifier may be used (e.g., arrows, fill bar, etc.). For example, a fill bar is shown around the readiness level “52” that fills 52% of the circle.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the selected current status of the user for each readiness characteristic is also displayed (at514) to provide additional information. Further, additional information, such as percentage of completion of the readiness questionnaire and percentage decrease from a prior readiness level may also be presented (at516).

In some embodiments, afurther breakdown506 of information related to the readiness level of the user may be displayed in theuser interface500. For example, a graph showing historic readiness levels is presented at520 and graphs showing historic status of each readiness characteristic is presented at521. In some embodiments, each readiness characteristic may be further broken down at524 with more useful information, including a designation of if the status of the user is at critical levels (e.g., critical526 and mod-high527).

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to determine an instance in which at least one of the current status of the user associated with one or more readiness characteristics or the readiness level of the user is less than a critical threshold and, in response, cause an alert to be presented to the user (or another user, such as a coach of the user). Such an alert may provide information associated with the readiness characteristic and/or readiness level. In some embodiments, the alert may include a recommendation associated with readiness characteristic and/or readiness level, such as a proposed strategy or training load for the user in an upcoming training session or match and/or specific recovery methods or exercises.

The above described embodiments of the present invention of theathlete monitoring apparatus102 are configured to calculate the readiness level based on passive, subjective data that is entered by the user prior to a training session or match. Some additional information that may be useful with some embodiments of the present invention includes active monitoring information. Active monitoring information may be any type of data that is collected in real-time, such as during the training session or match. Such active monitoring information may be obtained in many different ways, including for example, using sensors associated with the user during the training session or match, such as a heart rate monitor, a GPS positioning sensor, a position sensor, an accelerometer, etc. In such a manner, the active monitoring information may be objective, as opposed to the subjective data entered by the user into theathlete monitoring apparatus102 through, for example, thereadiness level module220, thesoreness module240, and thetraining load module230. In some embodiments, the active monitoring information may be provided to theathlete monitoring apparatus102 through theactive monitoring module250.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102, such as through theactive monitoring module250, may be configured to receive active monitoring data. The active monitoring data may include at least one of GPS data associated with the user during a training session or a match or heart rate data associated with the user during a training session or a match.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 is configured to compare the active monitoring data associated with the user with the readiness level of the user. Then, in some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to provide an alert based on at least the comparison of the active monitoring data with the readiness level. For example, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to provide an alert in an instance in which the active monitoring data senses a condition of the user that may be critical, particularly based on readiness characteristics and/or readiness level of the user. As an example, a certain heart rate variation or heart rate level may be considered critical in an instance in which the user has a low readiness level.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 is configured to provide a user interface for an entire team. For example, with reference toFIG. 6, theuser interface600 can include anoverall team view602 and present anoverview604. In the overview, a readiness breakdown610 can be presented. The readiness breakdown610 can include an overallteam readiness score612, along with other valuable overall team numbers, such as different readiness characteristics614, percentage of completion of the readiness questionnaire, and percentage decrease from a prior readiness level may also be presented (at616).

A furtherdetailed overview606 can be also presented with sortable columns:players660, readiness662 (which includes pertinent readiness details and graphs),sleep664,hydration666,training load668, andsoreness670. Additionally, thedetailed overview606 can include easy identifiers, such as colors associated with various readiness scores for each player (see672).FIG. 7 shows a further breakdown based on readiness of the players on the team (see680). This view is also sortable and provides further detailed information including the following columns:player682,position684,readiness score686, percentage decrease or increase fromprior scores688, and detailed scores for eachreadiness characteristic689. Like the other views, this view may also provide an easy to spotcolor coding683 based on the readiness score (for example).

Similar to the individual readiness level, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to provide auser interface view700 that displays ahistorical graph710 of overallteam readiness score712 over time (e.g. days714). In some embodiments, other groups or subgroups could be used (players, position based, etc.) with the ability to compare players or groups to each other and the team. Likewise, other gathered information can be displayed (specific readiness characteristic scores, soreness levels, training loads, etc.).

FIGS. 9 and 9A show anadditional view720 that is focused on players for a specific position (e.g., midfielders)721. Similar to detailed herein, theview720 can include a position readiness breakdown722 (e.g., an average of each player's corresponding score for the players at that position), a training load724 (as will be described herein), and anoverview tab726.FIG. 9A shows the ability of a user to view more specific details regarding thereadiness728 of the players at the selected position.

Returning toFIG. 3, in some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to enable input regarding a user's status for an upcoming or prior training session ormatch310. After selection by a user, the user may be presented with aninterface800 for inputting their status for the training session—seeFIG. 10. In the depicted example, auser802 can select betweenfull training capacity804, modifiedtraining status806, andrehabilitative status810—though other athlete status could be inputted in various embodiments (e.g., injured, etc.). Such information is useful for understanding and tracking the players status and determining which players are available for training and to what degree.

As noted herein, in some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to determine a training load level for a user (such as through the training load module230) associated with a previous training session or previous match.FIG. 3 shows an example user interface that enables the user to select thetraining load320 option to begin inputting information to determine the training load.

FIG. 11 shows an exampletraining load interface810. Each user may input the category of training812 (e.g., different types of training sessions, such as those shown and described with respect toFIG. 10). The user may also provide atraining intensity814 that it associates with the training session or match that was just played.FIG. 11 depicts a slide bar option for selecting different training intensities (though other selecting options are contemplated). Example training intensities (i.e., exertion levels) include: Rest, Easy, Mild, Moderate, Hard, Very Hard, and Exhausting (though other levels are contemplated). A user may also input the duration of the prior training session or match. The coach also has the option to input target training loads for each upcoming training session. The option for the coach to input the training load information provides information that enables a coach to see the difference between the intended training intensity (as perceived by the coach) and the perceived training intensity by the player (inputted through the user interface ofFIG. 11). This information can be used in calculating the training load of a player and/or team.

FIG. 12 shows asimilar user interface820 that is used in tandem with the training load to allow the player to provide similar inputs with the addition of heart rate zone data (day of the training session or match821,training category822, perceivedtraining intensity level824,duration 826, and heart rate zones associated with the training828 (as manual inputs derived from heart rate hardware device)).

In this regard, theathlete monitoring apparatus102, such as through thetraining load module230, may be configured to determine a training load level of a previous training session or previous match for a user based at least on the exertion level (e.g., training intensity) and a length of time of the previous training session or the previous match. In some embodiments, as may be described herein, when determining the training load, data can be displayed to coaches based on the differences between the coaches perceived training intensity and the players perceived training intensity with respect to that training session or match to allow the coach to more accurately assess the intensity of their training sessions over time.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to display the training load in a user interface. For example,FIG. 5 provides an example display of atraining load overview530. Thisoverview530 can include atraining load score532 for the most previous training session or match. Additionally, historical training load scores534 can be displayed (e.g., for the second most recent training session or match). Additional information can also be displayed, such as duration, comparison to overall team training loads, comparison to coach perceived training load, etc.). Additionally, graphs can be used to show historical training loads (e.g., selection capabilities near506).FIG. 6 shows a team user interface that include training load information for theoverall team630. This includes the most recent training load632 and historical training loads634, along with other related information. Like a readiness score, the training load (or training intensity712) can be displayed in a sortable historical graph—shown inFIG. 8. Further, position breakdowns can be used—see e.g., thetraining load724 shown inFIGS. 9 and 9A.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to cause display of the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match by providing a graphical user interface with the readiness level of the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match displayed in an associated form so as to enable comparison of the readiness level of the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match. For example,FIG. 5 shows thereadiness score breakdown510 proximate thetraining load overview530 for easy comparison. Likewise, team (FIG. 6) and position views (FIGS. 9, 9A) can be displayed.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to compare the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match. Such comparison could be based on underlying comparison characteristics or algorithms that take into account the association between the prior training loads and the current readiness score. This comparison could be displayed for ease of use by the coach in determining what training session to implement or which players to use or rest. In some embodiments, a recommendation could be provided regarding the user based at least on the comparison of the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match. Such recommendations could include a suggested training load for an upcoming training session or an upcoming game, how to utilize a player (how long, what level of intensity, etc.), or specific recovery protocols (foam roller, ice bath, pool sessions, corrective exercises, sleep habits, etc.)

In some embodiments, an alert could be presented when a training load meets a certain critical threshold. Similarly, the alert could be based on the resulting comparison of the training load and readiness score. The alert could provide a recommendation associated with the at least one of the current status of the user associated with the first readiness characteristic, the current status of the user associated with the second readiness characteristic, or the training load for the previous training session or the previous match that was greater than the critical threshold.

In some embodiments, an overall readiness score could be determined. The overall readiness score could be based on at least the readiness level of the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match. Additional information could be used (e.g., the comparison of the readiness level to the training load, a soreness level (as described more herein), or other information). Weights could be assigned to the factors to help determine the overall readiness score.

The above examples could be applied to the team as a whole, position groups, or individual players, which could help tailor specific upcoming training sessions or match strategies for the coach.

Returning toFIG. 3, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to provide a hydration level of a user. In this regard a use can select thehydration option330 and then input the estimated hydration level using theuser interface830 shown inFIG. 13.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to determine a soreness level and/or track soreness levels for players, such as through thesoreness module240.FIG. 3 shows asoreness option340 for selection by a user.

FIG. 14 provides an illustration (e.g.,841,842,843) of an example process that a user can go through to identify soreness levels. For example, an image of a user'smuscle system844 in the form of the body can be presented to the user. The user can provide an input selecting a muscle. Additionally, the user can select a soreness level for the selected one or more muscles (see846). Example soreness levels include: a little soreness; sore, can move ok; limits movement; struggling to move; and painful to move. Additionally, colors may be associated with the different soreness levels. In the depicted embodiment, the color may be presented over or on the muscle (e.g., highlight the muscle) to indicate the association that the user makes. The user, using theflip option848 can flip the image of the body to select additional muscles located on the back of the user. By repeating this process, the user can build up a color coded image representing the soreness level of various muscles in their body.

In some embodiments, theathlete monitoring apparatus102 may be configured to cause display of the historical soreness level for the user over time. For example,FIG. 14A shows asoreness overview852 with a table852 that identifies muscles and/or muscles groups and the associated soreness level for each corresponding with the date. This can be displayed on a player-by-player basis or in various groups (e.g., teams, position groups, etc.).

As is consistent with described embodiments herein, different soreness levels can be associated with critical thresholds (pre-set or set by the coach). Falling below the thresholds can result in alerts and/or recommendations. Such recommendation may include resting the player, focusing on certain rehabilitative techniques, corrective exercises, changing training load or playing status plans, etc.

Returning toFIG. 3, a user can also send anote350, report and illness/injury360, and/or enter recovery points370.FIG. 15 illustrates an examplenote taking interface860 that enables notes to be saved. These notes can be private or can be sent to appropriate users (e.g., coach, strength coach, position coach, etc.).FIG. 16 illustrates anexample reporting interface870. The user can report an injury or illness with the drop down menu (e.g.,872)—though other input means are contemplated. Additionally, the user can specify the issue associated with the injury or illness (at874). Finally,FIG. 17 illustrates anexample recovery interface880. In therecovery interface880, the user can enter information about recent nutrition/hydration events at882. For example, if the user ate breakfast, they would click the breakfast box accordingly. Other options include: lunch; dinner; snacks; training hydration; protein; and shakes. Additionally, a user can enter recovery information at884. Example of recovery events include: jogging, stretching, massage, biking, ice bath, shower, etc. Finally, the user can enter rest information at886. Example rest information includes nap and sleep over a certain hour mark (e.g., 7 hours). This information can be used to provide a recovery profile for a user and can aid in tracking a link between events and recovery time (e.g., over time). The recovery system can include points associated with completing each activity throughout the day that can be enabled, disabled, or customized. This will help the coaches tailor a future recovery program for the player.

FIG. 18 illustrates anexample flowchart900 detailing creation of an example user interface (such as described herein in various embodiments). Atoperation902, a user logs in.

Atoperation910, a user completes the readiness questionnaire (such as described herein). Then, atoperation912, the readiness score is calculated, such as using thereadiness level module220. Then, atoperation914 alerts based on the readiness scores may be provided to the user or coaches. In some embodiments, the alerts may be provided based on thresholds that are relative to day-to-day change allowance and standard deviation.

Atoperation920, the user decides whether a training is performed today. If not, then a user submits that it was an Off day at921. If training did occur, then the user submits training load information (such as described herein) atoperation922. Then, such as through thetraining load module230, the training load is calculated atoperation924.

At operation930 a user decides whether there is soreness in their muscles. If there is not, then the user skips the soreness entry or submits that there is no soreness atoperation931. Atoperation932, the user submits soreness site (e.g., the muscle) and the associated soreness level (such as described herein). Then, such as through thesoreness module240, a cumulative soreness level is calculated (e.g., for a muscle, muscle groups, the user overall, etc.). Then, atoperation936 alerts based on the soreness scores may be provided to the user or coaches. In some embodiments, the alerts may be provided based on thresholds that are relative to day-to-day change allowance and standard deviation.

Atoperation940, the user interface is populated, showing overview averages and tables according to embodiments described herein. The user interface may include readiness and training load breakdowns, alerts, charting, player drill downs views, etc. In this regard, the example embodiments of the present invention provide a useful user interface for athlete monitoring.

Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

That which is claimed:

1. A method comprising:

receiving a first user input defining a current status of a user associated with a first readiness characteristic prior to a training session or a match;

receiving a second user input defining a current status of the user associated with a second readiness characteristic prior to the training session or the match;

determining, by a processor, a readiness level for the user prior to the training session or the match based at least on the current status of the user associated with the first readiness characteristic and the current status of the user associated with the second readiness characteristic;

receiving a third user input defining an exertion level of the user during a previous training session or a previous match, wherein the exertion level is associated with the perceived exertion level of the user during the training session or the previous match;

determining a training load level of the previous training session or previous match for the user based at least on the exertion level and a length of time of the previous training session or the previous match; and

causing display of the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or previous match.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein causing display of the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match comprises providing a graphical user interface with the readiness level of the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match displayed in an associated form so as to enable comparison of the readiness level of the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match.

3. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

comparing the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match; and

causing display of the comparison of the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match.

4. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

providing a recommendation regarding the user based at least on the comparison of the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match.

5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the recommendation comprises a suggested training load for an upcoming training session or an upcoming match.

6. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

comparing the readiness level for the user and a proposed training load for an upcoming training session or an upcoming match; and

providing a recommendation regarding the user based at least on the comparison of the readiness level for the user and the proposed training load of the upcoming training session or the upcoming match.

7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining the readiness level of the user comprises applying a first weighted factor to the current status of the user associated with the first readiness characteristic and a second weighted factor to the current status of the user associated with the second readiness characteristic, wherein the first weighted factor is different than the second weighted factor.

8. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

determining an instance in which at least one of the current status of the user associated with the first readiness characteristic, the current status of the user associated with the second readiness characteristic, or the training load for the previous training session or the previous match is less than a critical threshold; and

causing an alert to be presented, wherein the alert provides information associated with the at least one of the current status of the user associated with the first readiness characteristic, the current status of the user associated with the second readiness characteristic, or the training load for the previous training session or the previous match that was less than the critical threshold.

9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the alert further provides a recommendation associated with the at least one of the current status of the user associated with the first readiness characteristic, the current status of the user associated with the second readiness characteristic, or the training load for the previous training session or the previous match that was less than the critical threshold.

10. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

determining an overall readiness score for the user based on at least the readiness level of the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match; and

causing display of the overall readiness score.

11. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

receiving a fourth user input defining at least one muscle;

receiving a fifth user input defining a soreness level for the at least one muscle; and

causing display of the soreness level for the muscle.

12. The method ofclaim 11 further comprising:

determining an overall readiness score for the user based on at least the readiness level of the user, the training load of the previous training session or the previous match, and the soreness level for the at least one muscle; and

causing display of the overall readiness score.

13. The method ofclaim 11 further comprising:

providing a graphical user interface with the readiness level of the user, the training load of the previous training session or the previous match, and the soreness level for the at least one muscle displayed so as to be associated with the user.

14. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the training load for the previous training session or the previous match defines a training load for the user, wherein the user comprises a first player on a team such that the readiness level of the user and the training loading for the user corresponds to the readiness level for the first player and the training load for the first player, wherein the team comprises a plurality of players including the first player, the method further comprising:

determining a team readiness level for the team based at least on the readiness level for the first player and a second readiness level for a second player;

determining a team training load for the team for the previous training session or the previous match based at least on the training load for the first player and a second training load for the second player; and

causing display of the team readiness level and the team training load.

15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the method further comprises:

providing a graphical user interface configured to display:

a listing of the plurality of players;

a corresponding readiness level and training load for each of the plurality of players;

the team readiness level for the team; and

the team training load for the team for the previous training session or the previous match, wherein the team readiness level and the team training load for the previous training session or the previous match are displayed in an associated form so as to enable comparison of the team readiness level and the team training load of the previous training session or the previous match.

16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the team readiness level and the team training load are sortable based at least on a position of each of the plurality of players for the team.

17. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising:

comparing the team training load to an intended training load; and

causing display of the comparison of the team training load to the intended training load.

18. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining the readiness level further comprises determining the readiness level based on at least one of an historic readiness level for the user or an historic status of the user associated with the first readiness characteristic.

19. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

receiving active monitoring data, wherein the active monitoring data includes at least one of GPS data associated with the user during a training session or a match or heart rate data associated with the user during a training session or a match;

comparing the active monitoring data with the readiness level; and

providing an alert based on at least the comparison of the active monitoring date with the readiness level.

20. Computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium having program code portions stored thereon, the program code portions being configured, when said program product is run on a computer or network device, to:

receive a first user input defining a current status of a user associated with a first readiness characteristic prior to a training session or a match;

receive a second user input defining a current status of the user associated with a second readiness characteristic prior to the training session or the match;

determine a readiness level for the user prior to the training session or the match based at least on the current status of the user associated with the first readiness characteristic and the current status of the user associated with the second readiness characteristic;

receive a third user input defining an exertion level of the user during a previous training session or a previous match, wherein the exertion level is associated with the perceived exertion level of the user during the training session or the previous match;

determine a training load level of the previous training session or previous match for the user based at least on the exertion level and a length of time of the previous training session or the previous match; and

cause display of the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or previous match.

21. The computer program product ofclaim 20, wherein the program code portions are further configured when said program product is run on a computer or network device to cause display of the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match by providing a graphical user interface with the readiness level of the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match displayed in an associated form so as to enable comparison of the readiness level of the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match.

22. The computer program product ofclaim 20, wherein the program code portions are further configured when said program product is run on a computer or network device to:

compare the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match; and

cause display of the comparison of the readiness level for the user and the training load of the previous training session or the previous match.

23. The computer program product ofclaim 20, wherein the program code portions are further configured when said program product is run on a computer or network device to:

compare the readiness level for the user and a proposed training load for an upcoming training session or an upcoming match; and

provide a recommendation regarding the user based at least on the comparison of the readiness level for the user and the proposed training load of the upcoming training session or the upcoming match.

24. The computer program product ofclaim 20, wherein the program code portions are further configured when said program product is run on a computer or network device to:

determine an instance in which at least one of the current status of the user associated with the first readiness characteristic, the current status of the user associated with the second readiness characteristic, or the training load for the previous training session or the previous match is less than a critical threshold; and

cause an alert to be presented, wherein the alert provides information associated with the at least one of the current status of the user associated with the first readiness characteristic, the current status of the user associated with the second readiness characteristic, or the training load for the previous training session or the previous match that was less than the critical threshold.

25. The computer program product ofclaim 20, wherein the program code portions are further configured when said program product is run on a computer or network device to:

receive a fourth user input defining at least one muscle;

receive a fifth user input defining a soreness level for the at least one muscle; and

cause display of the soreness level for the muscle.

26. The computer program product ofclaim 20, wherein the training load for the previous training session or the previous match defines a training load for the user, wherein the user comprises a first player on a team such that the readiness level of the user and the training loading for the user corresponds to the readiness level for the first player and the training load for the first player, wherein the team comprises a plurality of players including the first player, wherein the program code portions are further configured when said program product is run on a computer or network device to:

determine a team readiness level for the team based at least on the readiness level for the first player and a second readiness level for a second player;

determine a team training load for the team for the previous training session or the previous match based at least on the training load for the first player and a second training load for the second player; and

cause display of the team readiness level and the team training load.

27. The computer program product ofclaim 26, wherein the program code portions are further configured when said program product is run on a computer or network device to:

provide a graphical user interface configured to display:

a listing of the plurality of players;

the team readiness level for the team; and

28. The computer program product ofclaim 20, wherein the program code portions are further configured when said program product is run on a computer or network device to:

receive active monitoring data, wherein the active monitoring data includes at least one of GPS data associated with the user during a training session or a match or heart rate data associated with the user during a training session or a match;

compare the active monitoring data with the readiness level; and

provide an alert based on at least the comparison of the active monitoring date with the readiness level.