Criterion validity and accuracy of global
positioning satellite and data logging devices
for wheelchair tennis court movement

Sindall, PA; Lenton, JP; Whytock, K; Tolfrey, K; Oyster, ML; Cooper, RA; Goosey-Tolfrey, VL

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the criterion validity and accuracy of a 1 Hz non-differential global positioning system
(GPS) and data logger device (DL) for the measurement of wheelchair tennis court movement variables.
Methods: Initial validation of the DL device was performed. GPS and DL were fitted to the wheelchair and used to
record distance (m) and speed (m/second) during (a) tennis field (b) linear track, and (c) match-play test
scenarios. Fifteen participants were monitored at the Wheelchair British Tennis Open.
Results: Data logging validation showed underestimations for distance in right (DLR) and left (DLL) logging
devices at speeds >2.5 m/second. In tennis-field tests, GPS underestimated distance in five drills. DLL was
lower than both (a) criterion and (b) DLR in drills moving forward. Reversing drill direction showed that DLR
was lower than (a) criterion and (b) DLL. GPS values for distance and average speed for match play were
significantly lower than equivalent values obtained by DL (distance: 2816 (844) vs. 3952 (1109) m, P =
0.0001; average speed: 0.7 (0.2) vs. 1.0 (0.2) m/second, P = 0.0001). Higher peak speeds were observed in
DL (3.4 (0.4) vs. 3.1 (0.5) m/second, P = 0.004) during tennis match play.
Conclusions: Sampling frequencies of 1 Hz are too low to accurately measure distance and speed during
wheelchair tennis. GPS units with a higher sampling rate should be advocated in further studies.
Modifications to existing DL devices may be required to increase measurement precision. Further research
into the validity of movement devices during match play will further inform the demands and movement
patterns associated with wheelchair tennis.

Citation

for wheelchair tennis court movement. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 36(4), 383-393. https://doi.org/10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000068

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Jun 13, 2014
• Journal: Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
• Print ISSN: 1079-0268
• Publisher: Maney Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 383-393
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000068
• Keywords: Sports science, Aerobic fitness, Spinal cord injuries, Disability sport, Tennis, Global positioning system, Wheelchair, Data logging, Distance, Speed
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000068
• Related Public URLs: http://www.maneyonline.com/loi/scm