Deceleration-speed profile for in-game monitoring, player profiling, and return to play

Locomotion in team sports is rarely linear: players repeatedly perform accelerations, sprints, changes of direction (COD), and decelerations to create or close space, adjust positioning, and respond to unpredictable game situations [1]. These actions involve rapid transitions in speed and movement direction, placing substantial neuromuscular and mechanical demands on the athlete. Changes of direction and braking phases are key determinants of performance and potential contributors to accumulated mechanical load and injury risk.[2] Deceleration in team sports is frequent, intense, and mechanica...