*Modern technology in sport and its impacts... Typeit

The development in technology in the 21st century has had a major impact on a number of sports and is one of the main contributors to its increasing commercialisation. Technology has impacted both ends of the performance pyramid, in terms of both elite performance and general participation. 

Improvements to elite performance and general participation:

•  - This can be in terms of sporting opportunities, facilities and equipment. The greater range of sports coverage, including minority, disabled and female sports, offers additional opportunities for elite performers and general participants. There is greater physical access to facilities, e.g. disabled athletes and participants are able to make use of designated car parking spaces in proximity to the entrance, automatic doors which enable access by the push of a button instead of the need to pull or push one's way in, and ramps and lifts that bypass stairs if the facilities are not on the ground floor. Adapted equipment such as sports wheelchairs enables disabled sports to be played effectively. 
•  - Developments such as  all-weather, floodlit pitches allow elite performance and general participation in many team sports throughout the year, overcoming adverse weather conditions. 
• - In elite sport, many tennis racquets are made with graphite to make them and allow tennis balls to be hit at a greater pace. The development of modern track bicycles made from fibre enables the elite cyclist to benefit from an increased speed due to weight reduction. Advances in gym equipment have made training for the general participant more . There is less need to purchase a bicycle to cycle or travel to a different country to ski, as both activities can now be simulated in most gyms.
•   of exercise - Heart rate monitors are used extensively in elite sport to provide feedback on training  and physiological response. Many elite team sports use global positioning systems (GPS) which track how much distance players cover at different speeds during training and matches. Free fitness and nutrition  such as MyFitnessPal are made available to the general participant, encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle and to/in a training programme.
•  - Harnesses and landing areas for gymnastic training routines help protect the elite gymnast and general participant, particularly through the learning stages of a difficult routine. Synthetic materials used in modern football have made the ball much lighter compared to the heavy leather-bound balls used in the past, reducing the risk of concussion and injuries when heading in both elite sport and general participation.

Limitations of technology on general participation: 

•  - Although technology has improved general participation in the various ways mentioned above, there is an increased running cost of maintaining this that isn't economically viable without an increase in price. For example, the more specialised the equipment and modern technology in a gym, the more likely the membership price will reflect it.
• Range of alternatives - Technology hasn't just evolved in sport, it is also a major part of daily lifestyle. Improvements in video technology have coincided with a/an  lifestyle, with many opting to take part in virtual activity than physical activity. Alternatives to physical activity and sport are key contributors to the rise in childhood obesity in the UK.