Lactatel : Framtidens hjälpmedel för elitsimmare

Sammanfattning: The margins in elite swimming are minimal. One hundredth of a second can be the difference between success and failure. To get the margins on your side, science and technical innovations are playing an increasingly important role in elite sport. Lactate measurement is a tool that is used to measure the lactate threshold, also known as the lactic acid threshold. The lactic acid threshold is then used to plan your workouts and to become aware of your limits. The project group have done market research that has shown that lactate measurements are rarely done in elite swimming because it´s time consuming and expensive. Lactate measurement in swimming is done by taking a blood sample in the ear and by analyzing the blood with a lactate measuring device. The process requires expensive disposable materials and takes between 10-60 seconds each time. This makes it impossible for a swim coach to make measurements on more than two swimmers at a time. The purpose of the project has been to simplify this process. The goal of the project has been to collect measurement data for muscle activity and lactate through experimental studies and analyzes with EMG sensors. Data that can be used for future algorithm development. The goal has also been to develop prototypes for both the product and for an application, this will be a starting point for the development of the final product. The result, Lactatel, is a concept that measures the lactate level of a swimmer in real time in order to optimize training. The concept consists of two sensors that are placed on the back and measure muscle activity. It also consists of an application where the values are displayed. Lactatel is a cheaper alternative in the long run compared to current products and is easier to use for both swimmers and swim coaches. Lactatel does not require any handling of blood and displays lactate values in real time just like a heart rate monitor shows your pulse. The product is capable of measuring lactate on an unlimited number of swimmers simultaneously. Lactatel is a future tool for elite swimmers and will help them reach their full potential and get the margins on their side.