ABSTRACT

The study examines the impacts of wearable technology on the performance and injury prevention of student-athletes at the University of Benin. The research explores the extent to which wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, compression gear, and smart shoes contribute to optimizing athletic performance and reducing the risk of injuries. The study is guided by four research questions and objectives, with data collected from 100 respondents through a questionnaire-based survey.  The findings reveal that wearable technology significantly enhances physical performance by providing real-time feedback, monitoring activity levels, and preventing overexertion. Additionally, smart compression wearables aid in injury recovery. The study also establishes that the awareness and adoption of wearable technology among student-athletes are relatively high, with fitness trackers, smartwatches, and GPS running watches being the most commonly used devices. However, barriers such as cost, lack of knowledge, and discomfort limit broader adoption. The study concludes that wearable technology plays a crucial role in enhancing student-athletes’ performance and injury prevention, though challenges remain. It recommends that student-athletes prioritize wearable technology, instructors and coaches encourage its usage, the university community raise awareness through workshops, and student-athletes seek affordable yet reliable options to maximize its benefits.